With wide open spaces; playing fields; a new toilet block; a winding path along a creek; ducks and…read moreducklings; rare plants, bush and swamps; and views across the bay towards Tarban Creek Bridge as a backdrop to bobbing yachts, Riverglade Reserve in Gladesville/Hunters Hill is a green oasis in the heart of Sydney suburbia. Riverglade Reserve has about 30 hectares of remnant bushland which is the bushland where the original (pre-1788) bushland still survives (a pretty special thing in modern times in a city the size of Sydney)! It's also very significant and important as it is home to microscopic life and is a natural "seed store" for rare native plants and provides a flourishing ecosystem for the marine environment of Sydney Harbour (which is becoming increasingly rare as harbour-side land is developed). There is a path where you can walk, run, ride or push a pram or wheelchair along the creek and then over a refurbished bridge that takes you into Hunters Hill suburbia or maybe kick a football on one of the playing fields, feed some ducks or just read a book overlooking the harbour. Known and respected by locals, Riverside Reserve's secrets are now out - enjoy and respect this marvellous piece of space which is a rare gift in our marvellous city.

Berry Island Reserve is one of those neat little city sanctuaries that only a city like Sydney with…read moreits beautiful harbor would have. I take my daughter there - rain or shine - and carry her around the Gadyan Track in a Baby Bjorn. It feels like you are going for a bush walk in the country - you certainly don't feel like you're a 10 minute drive and with in sight of the harbor bridge. Make sure you wear good shoes as the track is rocky in areas and muddy when it rains. But don't let that stop you as it is sure to nourish the most smokey of city slicker souls. The kookaburras are in abundance and whenever I've been there during the week I've passed only one or two people on the track so it's not (yet) over run by people. There is a large open grassy area for dogs to run around (yes dog lovers they're allowed on a leash in the bushland areas) and a good slide and swing set for the kids to play on. To get there you follow Shirley Road in Wollstonecraft or walk 5 to 10 minutes from Wollstonecraft railway station. It's a steep walk down to get to the reserve so even the fittest people be prepared to sweat on the way home.

Bicentennial Park is a heritage site, opened in 1980's to celebrate Australia's bicentenary in…read more1988. Things to do - Walk, run or Cycle along the pathway - Feed the ducks and fishes - Hire a Bike - Enjoy a picnic on the grass - Barbecue or just grill corn - Ponder at the Sundial structure - Exercise on the bars and rails - View the surroundings from the Treillage Tower - Bird watch with or without binoculars - Seek solitude at the Hedge - Visit the wetlands - Sip coffee at Lillies Cafe If you want to get away from the city without leaving the inner suburbs head to bicentennial parklands. Avoid the weekends, if you're looking for peace and quiet time.

Great spot for picnic, barbecue, bike ride, or gently walking around. There is a kids play area,…read morelots of bike tracks (and a bike hire facility). Lots of different areas of vegetation to explore. There's a few ponds, the river and also an area with fountains. Parking can be quite difficult on the weekends though

Just look at that view! It's the kind that makes you pinch yourself that you're a Sydneysider - and…read moreit's definitely a view that you want to smugly show your overseas visitors. Preferably on New Years Eve. Oh yes I've spent many a NYE on these shores. Every year it seems to be a bit more restricted (more cops, more checks), but the result is that it's a great place for families to come and watch the 9pm fireworks - you'll just have to make sure you send a vanguard EARLY! But actually I prefer Blues Point every other day of the year, when I can wander down with a book and a coffee (see my Allpress rave from The Point Deli) and soak up some sun and that view for an hour or two. Bliss!

This is a view of Sydney Harbour if I ever did see one. The first thing I thought of when I drove…read moredown to this spot was what an amazing place to view the New Years Eve fireworks from. My second though was that it's a pity the grassed area is so small as I imagine every man and his dog would be trying inch their way in to the perfect viewing position. And it's got to be THE perfect viewpoint. The bridge looks complete, your virtually in the centre of it and only far enough away for it to be too close. I probably would attempt it on fireworks night but I would take any out-of-towners there for the complete view. There's also a designer playground... meaning no colourful plastic equipment here - silver shaped climbing frames... on second thoughts it might be workout gear for big people.

This is a well kept park that is suitable for all members of the community. If you are interested…read morein learning to sail the Concord and Ryde Sailing Club have lessons during the school holidays. The cement path through the park links a variety of parks from Rydalmere to Putney and beyond. Cyclist use this path extensively and often there are the early morning walkers getting that bit of exercise before work. The park has bench seats and is very close the Kissing Point Wharf. There is a ferry from this wharf every hour and it is less than an hour into the city. If you are catching a ferry go early especially on the weekends. Sometimes the ferry will continue past the wharf if it is full to capacity. The beautiful feature of the park is the very large bronze fish that are on poles. The fish change direction moved by the wind.

You wouldn't know Blackman was even there unless you had a reason to go there. Much like Tasmania,…read morefrom what I hear. Down in the dark depths of suburbia - Lane Cove, to be precise - there's a hidden wonderland of playing fields, a vast purgatory of grass known to cricketers, footballers, locals, and the dog-walking community. Possibly a few Ultimate Freebee-ers, too, it's hard to say. They're an elusive bunch, and prefer to stay far away from prying eyes. It can get swampy underfoot after the rain. it's right on the rivers edge so not a lot of amazing drainage, but with that said the river itself is nice, and whenever you're here you feel far away from the city, people, or the aforementioned prying eyes. It's nice. An idyll, almost.

Stunning place - great facilities, peaceful, and wonderful vistas in every direction.read more