Places to Relax in Sydney
It is a little known fact that Sydney Harbour is also a National Park. Its 240 kilometres of stunning foreshores are ideal for a leisurely walk or a bike ride. Stop to admire the Royal Botanic Gardens, grab a coffee, or just laze on a beach surrounded by parkland.
For the perfect way to see Sydney, take to its glittering turquoise waters. Hop on a scenic ferry ride or harbour cruise, kayak from Rose Bay or visit one of the harbour's fascinating islands.
Sydney boasts a unique collection of waterfront swimming pools. These saltwater pools offer a safer, more relaxing alternative to tumbling in the Pacific, and are ideal for families.
Swim in an ocean inlet encircled by cliffs, or plunge in a pool washed by ocean waves. Do laps beside the harbour or float along enjoying the views.
Bronte Baths, Parsley Bay, Freshwater Beach Baths or the historic Wylies Baths are just a few great options.
Life in Sydney revoloves around the city's coastline. With golden sands, scenic walks and tranquil parklands, Sydney's beaches are the perfect places to relax.
Visit famous Manly and Bondi, or mingle with celebrities at glamorous Tamarama and Palm Beach. Catch the ultimate surf at Cronulla, Bronte, Freshwater, North Narrabeen or Curl Curl.
For something a little different, drive south to Jibbon Beach, where you can see Aboriginal rock carvings, scuba dive and spot rare seahorses.
For a complete escape, seek out one of Sydney's secret beaches, some unknown even to locals. Shelly Beach and Gordons Bay are great for snorkelling and basking on the rocks. Enjoy the views from Milk Beach or go diving or swimming off Camp Cove. Paddle out to Shore beach to picnic and maybe spot penguins. Visit Lady Martins Beach, if you can find it! You might just have it all to yourself.
Catch a ferry to one of Sydney Harbour's six distinctive little islands. Explore each island's rich history and enjoy a picnic or barbecue under the trees. You can even camp overnight alongside stunning city and harbour views.
Wander around Shark Island, named after the shape of the island, rather than its inhabitants! Explore the rocky shoreline, hand-built grottoes and sandy beaches. Sail to Cockatoo Islands and tour its historic houses, shipyards and convict prisons. See regular exhibitions and art installations, sip a coffee and watch the sun rise over Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydney is blessed with a wealth of green spaces ideal for walks, picnics, sports or just quiet contemplation. The Royal Botanic Gardens are well worth a few hours to see the harbour views, themed gardens and extraordinary collection of plants.
Hyde Park offers a leafy haven in the heart of the city. Take a stroll or sip a tea in the stunning Chinese Garden of Friendship, or spend a fun family afternoon in Bicentennial Park.
Sydney offers a vast array of scenic coastal walks. Try one of 16 walks along the harbour, including the easy Rose Bay to Vaucluse Heritage Walk.
Follow the famous Bondi to Bronte track for clifftop views and maybe glimpses of dolphins and whales. For breathtaking sea views, take the Federation Cliff Walk from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay. Pass dramatic sandstone cliffs, parklands, wildlife and Australia's first lighthouse and reward yourself at the end with a beer and stunning scenery.
If you're up for an adventure, Sydney's Great Coastal Walk is the ultimate journey by foot. This seven day trek leads from Barrenjoey on the Northern Beaches to the Royal National Park, south of Sydney. Split the journey and encounter Sydney's most outstanding natural highlights.
