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You don't have to travel far from the city either to be in Royal National Park or at the foothills of the Blue Mountains where you can bushwalk, hike and camp in rainforests, wetlands and woodlands.
Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney Harbour National Park is a national park comprising parts of Sydney Harbour, its foreshores and various little islands. From The Rocks a ferry will transport you to Fort Denison where you can take a tour and enjoy lunch with one of Sydney's finest views. Just west of the Harbour Bridge, Goat Island is home to some of Sydney's best-preserved convict-built structures. Three other Harbour islands, Rodd, Clark and Shark Island, all have boat access too.
Rodd Island - Set in the waters of Iron Cove this is a lovely place for a picnic with a difference. The purpose built summer houses shelter up to 25 people and there are picnic tables, water and toilet facilities on site. Make a day of it!
Clark Island - A short boat ride from the Harbour lies Clark Island named after Lieutenant Ralph Clark who arrived there in 1788. Here groups of up to 30 can picnic, play and enjoy the stunning views back over to Sydney.
Fort Denison - Known as 'pinchgut' due to convicts imprisoned there having to live on bread and water. Se the Martello Tower which was completed in 1857. This beautiful sandstone structure still operates as a Harbour Navigation facility but also as a museum and caf.
Shark Island - Its name is more to do with the island's shape rather than the surrounding wildlife! Again, you'll find lots of picnic tables and grass, a lovely rocky foreshore, hand built grotto and beautiful sandy beaches. This island can be hired for events and would make a unique and special place for a celebration.
Manly to Spit Bridge Scenic Walkway
This walk offers access to truly stunning scenery and bush land. The track itself meanders around the harbour from Spit Bridge via Dobroyd Head all the way to Manly. There are 6 entry and exit points meaning you can do as much or as little of the 10km route as you wish. However, given the breath-taking surrounding and tranquillity, you will probably wish that it was even longer!
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is Australia's oldest park and contains the ANZAC Memorial building and visitor centre and amongst other monuments and statues. There are beautiful fountains, landscaped and themed gardens and over 580 mature, exotic and native trees. Many cultural events take place in the park such as the Sydney Festival, Australia Day, ANZAC day and a number of food and wine fairs. This is a lovely park to walk, stroll, run, cycle, picnic and relax in.
Manly Bike Tours and Bike Hire
A fantastic pace to see the world, why not rent a bike in Manly, whether it's a mountain, tandem, cruiser or kids bike and explore one of Sydney's most beautiful coastal towns. There is much to see with coves, beaches, marine reserves and National Park. You can even off-road to Manly Dam which is one of the best spots for mountain biking. This makes a great family day out. Book your flights to Sydney now and experience the wonders of the great Aussie outdoors
Sydney Skydiving
This would definitely be classed as 'getting outdoors'! If you fancy a rush of adrenalin, take to the skies and experience the true feeling of skydiving. This tandem skydive will give you a crazy minute of free fall before your instructor takes control of the parachute and you both glide to safety. There are a few locations on the East coast where you can give it a try like Sydney, Cairns and Hervey Bay. Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain
The Botanic Gardens offer over 30 hectares of stunning gardens in one of the most spectacular locations in Sydney. It is also one of the oldest institutions in Sydney and is home to an outstanding collection of plants both local and international. There are fascinating and insightful Aboriginal tours of the gardens that run weekly. This is a place of truly outstanding natural beauty where people come for peace, relaxation and education. The surrounding parkland of Domain is perfect for lovers of sports, entertainment and recreation.
Centennial Park
This inner city playground is a vast 220 hectares of park land with something for everyone! Palm fringed avenues, duck ponds, groves, lawns and plenty of space for all sorts of activities from running to horse-riding, picnicking to rollerblading. You can even hire bikes in the park to whiz around it faster! Moore Park is its neighbour to the south and has an 18-hole golf course for those who fancy a round.
Sydney Olympic Park
This incredible 640 hectare site has all the space one could want for your cycling, jogging, rollerblading, picnicking and dog walking needs but it also offers something a little more special. There is a monster BMX track with 300m of dirt jumps and bends while adjacent is Monster Mountain X, a world-class mountain cross facility with 250m of downhill dirt jumps and turns. Take part or just watch, either way you will see some spectacular sights. Aside from biking, the park is home to an Olympic Archery centre and Aquatic park where you can swim in the 'real deal' Olympic pool as well as have fun on giant waterslides or relax in the spa, saunas and steam rooms. There is bike hire available and also an 18-hole mini golf course for the whole family.
Blue Mountains Tours
Taking a tour from Sydney to the Blue Mountains is an experience you will never forget. There are tours that tell you stories of the mysteries and myths of the mountains or trolley tours that you can hop on and hop off; tours that incorporate wine regions or take the train or Explorer bus. The Blue Mountains in the New South Wales region are part of a Wold Heritage Site and breath-taking to be surrounded by. Once there, you can choose to walk, hike, camp, try rock sports, fish, horse ride, enjoy 4x4 adventures and much much more. Whatever you decide to do, you will be doing it in a location of stunning natural beauty. Take a deep breath of fresh mountain air!
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