When The Old Manly Boatshed owner Goff Burgess sat down to write his farewell message on Facebook, he probably didn't expect it to strike such a deep chord with music lovers across Australia.
His post, titled 'The End of an Era', announced the closure of what many consider a cornerstone of Sydney's live music scene after an incredible 38-year run.
But this isn't just another venue closure. It's a symbol of something much larger happening across the country—Australia has lost more than 1300 live music venues and stages since the COVID-19 pandemic due to rising costs and economic pressures.
The Boatshed's closure represents the loss of what industry insiders have called 'Australia's longest running live music and comedy venue'.
Located on Manly's famous Corso, just steps from the ferry terminal and beach, The Old Manly Boatshed became far more than just a place to grab a beer and hear some music. For countless Australians, it was a rite of passage, a place where memories were made and musical careers were born.
In this article
A Legacy Written in Song and Laughter
Founded in 1987 by Goff Burgess and Grant McMinn, with help from longtime friends from Manly Surf and Rugby clubs, The Boatshed started with humble ambitions. The idea, Burgess revealed, began on a rugby tour in Hawaii, but nobody expected it would become the institution it did.
What began as a simple concept quickly grew into something special. By 1989, the venue had expanded to comprise three levels, with tunnels connecting the floors built by some of the Manly rugby boys who were also working on constructing Oceanworld.
The venue's impact on Australia's music scene cannot be overstated. Former Warner Music managing director and local resident Chris Moss says that back in the day, The Boaty was one of a few live venues which were mandatory for breaking new artists.
'It will leave a big cultural hole in Manly'
Where Australian Music Legends Were Made
The list of artists who graced The Boatshed's stage reads like a who's who of Australian music. Famous acts included Richard Clapton, The Badloves, Ian Moss, Midnight Oil, Jimmy Barnes and Diesel—names that defined generations of Australian rock and pop music.
But it wasn't just about the big names. The venue was known for its $5 steaks, comedy nights, and random onstage appearances from legends like Jimmy Barnes, creating an atmosphere where anything could happen on any given night.
The Boatshed By Numbers
38 years of continuous operation (1987-2025)
3 levels by 1989
Featured Australia's biggest rock and comedy acts
Known for $5 steaks and affordable entertainment
Located on The Corso between Manly Wharf and beach
Nestled between Manly Wharf and the beach on The Corso strip, the venue became a beloved music destination that attracted both locals and tourists from around the world. One patron wrote on social media: 'I have been chatting with people on the other side of the planet and when I tell them I'm from the Manly area they state with glee 'I've been to the Boatshed'' .
Stories That Become Legends
What made The Boatshed truly special wasn't just the music—it was the memories created there. 'Every single person I know has a 'Boatshed Story' and they are usually the best stories anyone has. Most include a combo of adventure, danger and romance', one patron shared.
The venue became a place where life's milestones were celebrated. According to community responses to the closure announcement, one woman celebrated her 18th birthday there and returned decades later for her 50th birthday party—a testament to the venue's enduring appeal across generations.
'The Boatshed has never been pretentious,' Goff says. 'I think people like the atmosphere.' The walls scream 'Manly' as boldly as those on stage might scream into the PA. Murals, memorabilia, surfboards, posters, half a surfboat and more surround the space, while an empty stage hosts the ghosts of thousands of shows. 'It's like a museum down here,' he reflects.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The Old Manly Boatshed's expansion was made possible by local rugby players who were simultaneously working on building the nearby Oceanworld attraction. They used their tunnel-building expertise to connect the venue's multiple levels.
Part of a Heartbreaking National Trend
The Boatshed's closure is unfortunately part of a much larger crisis facing Australia's live music industry.
Research estimates that in the four years since COVID-19 arrived, Australia has lost more than 1300 live music venues and stages due to steep increases in public liability costs, rising rent and energy prices, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis that has severely impacted venues' bottom line and altered audience spending habits.
This trend has devastated communities across the country, with particular impact on small live music venues in country towns, which receive less media attention than metropolitan venue closures.
The Corso's Rich Musical Heritage
To understand the significance of The Boatshed's closure, you need to appreciate the historic importance of its location. The Corso was laid out in 1854-55 by Henry Gilbert Smith, originally built as a boardwalk for early tourists crossing Manly's sand spit between the harbour pier and the beach.
By the 1920s, The Corso was the main shopping precinct of the Northern Beaches, and it has remained the cultural heart of the area ever since. The Rialto Theatre opened on 23 July 1923, operating until its closure on 28 January 1961, showing that The Corso has long been home to entertainment venues that defined their eras.
Interestingly, there's hope on the horizon for the area's entertainment scene. NSW has recently backed a plan to transform the Manly Corso into a Special Entertainment Precinct, which could provide new opportunities for live music venues to thrive with extended trading hours and more flexible noise regulations.
Example Scenario
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Think about your own memories of live music venues from decades past. Perhaps it was a local pub where you first heard your favourite band, or a small club where you celebrated a special occasion. [/p]
The Boatshed represented that for thousands of people across multiple generations—a place where music, community, and memories intersected in the most authentic way possible.
What Comes Next?
While The Boatshed prepares for its final curtain call, there are intriguing developments about its future. Local sources indicate that the lease will be taken over by Saga Group, a collective operating several venues in Manly including Donny's Bar, Henry G's, In Situ and The Hold.
Saga Group has built an impressive portfolio of hospitality venues across Manly, each with its own distinct character. Their establishments include the New York-style Donny's Bar and Henry G's, named after Henry Gilbert Smith who built up Manly as a tourist destination after arriving in Sydney in 1827.
However, when contacted, Saga Group stated they hadn't 'signed any leases' and that their involvement in any future project 'remains to be seen', leaving the venue's future somewhat uncertain.
Community Says Farewell
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of emotion from the local community and music lovers across Australia. Locals have called the venue 'an icon', 'an institution', and 'a home away from home'.
Social media responses revealed the deep connection people felt to the venue:
- 'Very sad news, Manly is about to lose an icon'
- 'Such a massive loss to Manly's live entertainment'
- 'So many fun nights spent at the Boaty'
- 'All locals used to go there late at night'
In the interim, The Boatshed is going out with a bang, featuring Boatshed All-Stars on September 14, with double bands plus guests every weekend until closing [24].
Remembering The Boatshed's Legacy
- Australia's longest-running live music and comedy venue closes after 38 years
- Part of a national crisis with 1300+ venues lost since COVID
- Launched careers of countless Australian artists and comedians
- Created irreplaceable memories for multiple generations
- Symbolises the importance of grassroots venues in Australian culture
- Final shows continue until mid-September closure
The Beat Goes On
'It will leave a big cultural hole in Manly,' says former Warner Music MD Chris Moss [25], summing up what many in the community feel about losing this iconic venue.
Yet as The Old Manly Boatshed prepares to close its doors for the final time, its legacy lives on in the thousands of artists who got their start there, the countless memories created in its dimly lit basement, and the reminder of just how important grassroots music venues are to our cultural fabric.
In Goff Burgess's own words: 'We will go out the way we always have with good music, great times and plenty of laughter, and carry the Boaty's spirit into the next chapter of Manly's story.'
What This Means For You
For those wanting to pay their respects to this piece of Australian music history, The Boatshed continues its final run until mid-September. Whether you're a longtime patron or someone who's always meant to visit, now is the time to experience what made this venue so special to so many people.
Have you got your own memories of The Old Manly Boatshed, or perhaps other iconic Australian music venues that shaped your younger years? Share your stories and help keep these important cultural memories alive.
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-15023211/Beloved-Sydney-venue-shock-closure-Manly.html
Regional live music venues burnt out by industry struggles—News and events—University of South Australia
Cited text: It’s estimated that in the four years since the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, Australia has lost more than 1300 live music venues and stages due to a ste...
Excerpt: Australia has lost more than 1300 live music venues and stages since the COVID-19 pandemic due to rising costs and economic pressures
https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-cent...usic-venues--burnt-out-by-industry-struggles/
The Old Manly Boatshed 'Forced To Close Its Doors'
Cited text: The Old Manly Boatshed had humble beginnings as a restaurant, bar, and live music venue and has grown into the country’s “longest-running live music a...
Excerpt: 'Australia's longest running live music and comedy venue'
https://themusic.com.au/industry/th...orced-to-close-its-doors/cxLJZ2ZpaGs/23-08-25
Sydney Music Venue to Close its Doors
Cited text: In 1987, Burgess and Grant McMinn opened The Old Manly Boatshed, with the help of longtime friends from Manly Surf and Rugby clubs.
Excerpt: Founded in 1987 by Goff Burgess and Grant McMinn, with help from longtime friends from Manly Surf and Rugby clubs
https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/iconic-sydney-music-venue-shuts-down
A sit down with Old Manly Boatshed owner on the eve of its demise—Manly Observer
Cited text: The idea for a themed ‘thing’ began on a rugby tour in Hawaii.
Excerpt: began on a rugby tour in Hawaii
https://manlyobserver.com.au/a-sit-down-with-old-manly-boatshed-owner-on-the-eve-of-its-demise/
A sit down with Old Manly Boatshed owner on the eve of its demise—Manly Observer
Cited text: They never expected it to go the way it did and by 1989 the Boaty comprised three levels.
Excerpt: By 1989, the venue had expanded to comprise three levels
https://manlyobserver.com.au/a-sit-down-with-old-manly-boatshed-owner-on-the-eve-of-its-demise/
A sit down with Old Manly Boatshed owner on the eve of its demise—Manly Observer
Cited text: “At the time a couple of the Manly rugby boys were building Oceanworld, so they knew how to build tunnels.
Excerpt: tunnels connecting the floors built by some of the Manly rugby boys who were also working on constructing Oceanworld
https://manlyobserver.com.au/a-sit-down-with-old-manly-boatshed-owner-on-the-eve-of-its-demise/
A sit down with Old Manly Boatshed owner on the eve of its demise—Manly Observer
Cited text: Former Warner Music MD and local resident Chris Moss says back in the day the Boaty was one of a few live venues which were mandatory for breaking new...
Excerpt: Former Warner Music managing director and local resident Chris Moss says that back in the day, The Boaty was one of a few live venues which were mandatory for breaking new artists
https://manlyobserver.com.au/a-sit-down-with-old-manly-boatshed-owner-on-the-eve-of-its-demise/
The Old Manly Boatshed
Cited text: $5 steaks, comedy night, and random onstage appearances from Jimmy Barnes gives the venue
Excerpt: The venue was known for its $5 steaks, comedy nights, and random onstage appearances from legends like Jimmy Barnes
https://hellomanly.com.au/listing/the-old-manly-boatshed/
Sydney Music Venue to Close its Doors
Cited text: Nestled between Manly Wharf and the beach, The Old Manly Boatshed is a beloved music venue and has hosted live music, comedy, and live band karaoke ov...
Excerpt: Nestled between Manly Wharf and the beach on The Corso strip, the venue became a beloved music destination
https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/iconic-sydney-music-venue-shuts-down
Sydney Music Venue to Close its Doors
Cited text: I have been chatting with people on the other side of the planet and when i tell them I’m from the Manly area they state with glee “I’ve been to the B...
Excerpt: One patron wrote on social media: 'I have been chatting with people on the other side of the planet and when I tell them I'm from the Manly area they state with glee 'I've been to the Boatshed''
https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/iconic-sydney-music-venue-shuts-down
Sydney Music Venue to Close its Doors
Cited text: “Every single person i know has a ‘Boatshed Story’ and they are usually the best stories anyone has.Most include a combo of adventure, danger and roma...
Excerpt: 'Every single person I know has a 'Boatshed Story' and they are usually the best stories anyone has.
https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/iconic-sydney-music-venue-shuts-down
A sit down with Old Manly Boatshed owner on the eve of its demise—Manly Observer
Cited text: Indeed, the walls scream ‘Manly’ as boldly as those on stage might scream into the PA. “The Boatshed has never been pretentious,” Goff says. “I think ...
Excerpt: 'The Boatshed has never been pretentious,' Goff says. 'I think people like the atmosphere.' The walls scream 'Manly' as boldly as those on stage might scream into the PA
https://manlyobserver.com.au/a-sit-down-with-old-manly-boatshed-owner-on-the-eve-of-its-demise/
A sit down with Old Manly Boatshed owner on the eve of its demise—Manly Observer
Cited text: Photo: Jack Kelly · Murals, memorabilia, surfboards, posters, half a surfboat and more surround, while an empty stage hosts the ghosts of thousands of...
Excerpt: Murals, memorabilia, surfboards, posters, half a surfboat and more surround the space, while an empty stage hosts the ghosts of thousands of shows.
https://manlyobserver.com.au/a-sit-down-with-old-manly-boatshed-owner-on-the-eve-of-its-demise/
Regional live music venues burnt out by industry struggles—News and events—University of South Australia
Cited text: While there has been high-profile media attention recently about the closure of several metropolitan venues, less attention is paid to small live musi...
Excerpt: particular impact on small live music venues in country towns, which receive less media attention than metropolitan venue closures
https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-cent...usic-venues--burnt-out-by-industry-struggles/
Manly Corso—Manly & Northern Beaches Australia
Cited text: Laid out in 1854-55 by Henry Gilbert Smith, originally built as a boardwalk for early tourists across Manly’s sand spit between the harbour pier and t...
Excerpt: The Corso was laid out in 1854-55 by Henry Gilbert Smith, originally built as a boardwalk for early tourists crossing Manly's sand spit between the harbour pier and the beach
https://www.manlyaustralia.com.au/info/thingstodo/manly-corso/
The Corso, Manly—Wikipedia
Cited text: The Corso was built in 1855 as a boardwalk, the street allowed tourists to cross the sand spit between the harbour pier and ocean beach.
Excerpt: The Corso was laid out in 1854-55 by Henry Gilbert Smith, originally built as a boardwalk for early tourists crossing Manly's sand spit between the harbour pier and the beach
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Corso,_Manly
The Corso, Manly—Wikipedia
Cited text: By the 1920s the Corso was the main shopping precinct of the Northern Beaches.
Excerpt: By the 1920s, The Corso was the main shopping precinct of the Northern Beaches
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Corso,_Manly
The Corso, Manly—Wikipedia
Cited text: The Rialto Theatre opened on 23 July 1923 and was renamed to Odeon on 3 March 1951 operated until its closure on 28 January 1961.
Excerpt: The Rialto Theatre opened on 23 July 1923, operating until its closure on 28 January 1961
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Corso,_Manly
Manly Corso to Be Revamped as Special Entertainment Precinct—Manly Beach News
Cited text: A key part of Manly is set for revival, with NSW backing a plan to transform the Manly Corso into a Special Entertainment Precinct.
Excerpt: NSW has recently backed a plan to transform the Manly Corso into a Special Entertainment Precinct
https://manlybeachnews.com.au/manly-corso-to-be-revamped-as-special-entertainment-precinct/
A sit down with Old Manly Boatshed owner on the eve of its demise—Manly Observer
Cited text: Manly Observer understands from multiple reliable sources that the lease will be taken over by Saga Group, a local collective operating several venues...
Excerpt: Local sources indicate that the lease will be taken over by Saga Group, a collective operating several venues in Manly including Donny's Bar, Henry G's, In Situ and The Hold
https://manlyobserver.com.au/a-sit-down-with-old-manly-boatshed-owner-on-the-eve-of-its-demise/
Henry G’s | Manly Wine Bar With Fine Drops And Salty Snacks
Cited text: The bar’s owners, Saga Group, have already established a bit of a presence around these parts, operating nearby In Situ, Donny’s Bar and The Hold. The...
Excerpt: Their establishments include the New York-style Donny's Bar and Henry G's, named after Henry Gilbert Smith who built up Manly as a tourist destination after arriving in Sydney in 1827
https://www.timeout.com/sydney/bars/henry-gs
A sit down with Old Manly Boatshed owner on the eve of its demise—Manly Observer
Cited text: Saga Group told us at time of publishing that they hadn’t “signed any leases” and whether they have “involvement in the project and in what capacity, ...
Excerpt: when contacted, Saga Group stated they hadn't 'signed any leases' and that their involvement in any future project 'remains to be seen'
https://manlyobserver.com.au/a-sit-down-with-old-manly-boatshed-owner-on-the-eve-of-its-demise/
Sydney Music Venue to Close its Doors
Cited text: Locals shared Burgess’ heartbreak, with some calling the venue “an icon”, “an institution”, and “a home away from home”.
Excerpt: Locals have called the venue 'an icon', 'an institution', and 'a home away from home'
https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/iconic-sydney-music-venue-shuts-down
A sit down with Old Manly Boatshed owner on the eve of its demise—Manly Observer
Cited text: In the interim, Boatshed will be going out with a bang! Boatshed All-Stars September 14. Double bands plus guests every weekend until closing!
Excerpt: In the interim, The Boatshed is going out with a bang, featuring Boatshed All-Stars on September 14, with double bands plus guests every weekend until closing
https://manlyobserver.com.au/a-sit-down-with-old-manly-boatshed-owner-on-the-eve-of-its-demise/
A sit down with Old Manly Boatshed owner on the eve of its demise—Manly Observer
Cited text: “It will leave a big cultural hole in Manly,” he says.
Excerpt: 'It will leave a big cultural hole in Manly,' says former Warner Music MD Chris Moss
https://manlyobserver.com.au/a-sit-down-with-old-manly-boatshed-owner-on-the-eve-of-its-demise/
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