What a cute little garden. Keyword " small ." you literally feel like you're in someone's garden…read more It is submerged so you enter into a different world. Lots of free roaming turkeys. Actually prefer the views from above in Clark Park, so it's easy to do both. If you're just walking straight through it's only probably five minutes but I took my time so 10 to 15. Nice view across the Harbour into downtown.

No pictures cuz photos don't capture the beauty nor location of this garden. This not too secret…read moregarden (lots of people when we visited) can be a bit difficult to find so use mapping apps. Basically a terraced jungle setting in the middle of a metropolis, lots of paths and steps so be prepared for a bit of a workout in the summer. Located near Luna Park, though access between the garden and Luna Park is only through an underpass at the north end of the garden. Lots of shade, tables and benches to sit, and truly nice views of the Harbor Bridge. Free to boot so it's really a must-visit.

We parked on Stone Parade near Davidson Park for what would be a 3km return on an evenly-surfaced…read moretrack through beautiful NSW bushland. A perfect spring morning, saw us, tramping through the Eucalypts and hopping over creeks on our way to 'The Cascades' - large rock platforms over which 2 creeks meet. Armed with a long stick, our son had a great time exploring the rock pools and the creeks whilst we picnicked and looked on. Happy with our play, it was on the return journey that we encountered a 3 metre Python. It oozed slowly across the path as I breathed into a paper bag and reminded myself why I'd left England where the most menacing natural encounter might be with a wasp. Despite the abundance of 'nature' (SSNNNNNNNNAKKKKKKKKKEEEE). It's a great walk with kids that is somewhat challenging on the uphill back, such that I felt justified shovelling in great handfuls of chocolaty trail snack on the way.

During our visit to Manly, since we thought it was a bit too chilly to hang out on the beach, we…read moretook a nice walk along the Manly Scenic Walkway from the corner of Manly Beach by the Manly Life Saving Club to Shelley Beach, and back again. It is a relatively safe, mostly fenced in path by the water. Basically, you would have to be taking some large risks to fall in, though there are places you may venture forth onto relatively flat rocks or around a neat outdoor swimming pool. With a leisurely pace and pauses for photos or just to sit back and relax, the round trip took us an hour and 15 minutes. I particularly enjoyed the metal sculptures set in the rocky ledges along the walkway leading towards Shelley Beach, known as the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco Sculpture Walk. Also outstanding, at Shelley Beach, there were quite a few wild turkeys wandering about.

The Manly to Shelly Beach Walk is located in an area known as the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve…read more The boundaries are from the south end of Manly Beach to the north end of Shelly Beach. This area is full of rocky shores which you see numerous people walking around in. The waters of the reserve is home to more than 160 species of fish along with kelp and seagrass. While the actual walkway on Marine Parade is a nice place for walker and joggers/runners to get some physical activity while being amidst some natural beauty. Along the walk you see a lot of waterfront houses. Saw a number of houses perched on top of rock formations and walls. It must be nice living in these homes as they are seaside, but in walking distance to the city portion of Manly. At the end of walk you arrive at Shelly Beach which is a pleasant beach that is more secluded than the larger Manly Beach. It is also covered in trees so it has an island paradise vibe to it. If you are looking for a relaxed beach, Shelly Beach is a good spot. While Manly Beach is the main attraction in the area, this beach walk is nice too as you can get an opposite side view of Manly Beach. The rocky shores and rock wall formations in the area also are reasons to take this walk.

Awesome lookout and short bushwalk. This lookout is probably one of the best in the Blue Mountains…read morebut rarely visited by tourists. No buses here, very few people and some spectacular views. The lowest lookout platform isn't for everyone. If you're afraid of heights I suggest avoid the final lookout down the metal stairs. I've been coming here all my life and nothing has changed with the scenery. They have replaced the fence with a newer fence and made it even safer. Great place for some photos! It is down a dirt road with a few areas washed out a little. Cars can make it easily just watch out for the random pothole.

When the government (lower case g, sorry Tony but you have to earn the capital) decommissioned all…read morethe naval land on the north shore it unlocked giant swathes of pristine harbour-side happy places to go explore. Georges Head is one of the best - there are old gun emplacements to tool about in, gum trees, kookaburras laughing their little heads off, and the views, oh lawdy the views, enough to strike a man blind. This is one of those places where you can legitimately use your iPhone's oft-forgotten panorama function that you never normally get to play with. BONUS: impress visiting foreigners with your knowledge of secret Sydney.

One of my favourite spots in Sydney. If you are looking for a great city walk you can climb up the…read morestairs by the Balmoral rugby / cricket grounds next to the beach and walk all the way through forest to George's Head and Chinamans beach. It is probably the best spot in town to catch the Sydney to Hobart race as the lawns here line up with the starting line ;-)) You get spectacular views of the city and there is a bit of history to this place with the barracks and gunnery. Many Sydney artists work in this area and once or twice a year there is art exhibitions and sales. There are also a handful of restaurants in this area like The Gunners Barracks, Ripples and Burnt Orange to name a few and a couple of kiosks and so on. I have walked along this area plenty and absolutely love it. A less known part of Sydney and well worth a visit.

Extending from Collaroy beach pool south to Long Reef life saving club, the aquatic reserve is a…read moredesignated protected habitat for sea life, which thrives on the rocky platform that borders the Long Reef headland. Exploring the platform at low tide is a simple and interesting diversion for kids. Park near the golf club, either in the paid foreshore carpark or in the neighbouring streets, and make your way on foot along the beach to reach the rocks. Signage explains the wildlife and plantlife you are likely to see. A path climbs up from the outer point to to top of the headland, where you get a different perspective on the geography of the site, and one of the best views in Sydney stretching from the city skyline all the way north to Barrenjoey Head. The Park is a haven for fish, and whilst it is illegal - and highly penalised - to interfere with shorelife, individuals can fish for fin-fish off shore with lines or spears. An historic fisherman's hut is maintained on the northern side of the headland, dedicated to recreational fisherman. Convenient sinks with running water are provided for the successful to gut and clean their haul, with an enthusiastic bunch of pelicans and seagulls on-hand to enjoy the spoils.

I discovered this hidden harbor beach while hiking along the Spit to Manly bushwalk path. The…read morebeach is about 15-20 minutes from the Spit Bridge. Like most other harbor beaches, this one is very family oriented. When I was there, a wedding reception and birthday party were both taking place, albeit at separate ends of the beach. The stretch of sand is a bit narrow, so if there are kids, you'll definitely be hearing them. Thankfully, they tend to stay on the reserve behind the beach. But worry not, Clontarf is not composed entirely of raucous children. It's mostly locals, so you will see young couples and singles looking to stray away from beaches with a 'scene.' Both the water and the sand are very clean. For me, the craziest memory I have at Clontarf was when I saw a mini tugboat pull up to the shore that sold coffee, ice cream, and other refreshments. I'd never seen anything like this before! Great concept if you ask me, since I like to stay put at the beach once I arrive. Here, the coffee comes to you! Clontarf Beach really is the perfect place to go for some serenity along the Northern side of harbor.

Half way on our walk from the Spit to Manly is this awesome little beach - half for dogs, half for…read moreonly people with shallow water, stacks of sand and no trash. Whether it's early morning or in the evening, we've never been alone here. Instead, we find friendly dog walkers with equally friendly dogs, raring to socialize. The dog beach is at the end of a cul-de-sac with minimal traffic - most cars are driving ridiculously slowly so you needn't worry (too much) about your dogs running on the path/road. If you walk a little further along the beach, you'll find Clontaff Reserve. On a sunny day, this place is packed with families BBQing and kids climbing on anything they can find.

Blackbutt Reserve is a nature preserve that is free to the public. During my visit I was very…read moreimpressed at how well maintained the grounds are kept, how well the animals are cared for and how accessible the parking was. You can almost see as many animals at a park like this as you would in a typical zoo. We saw wallabies, koalas, peacocks, various birds and reptiles as well as wombats. I would highly recommend a visit to anyone local or from afar. You cannot go wrong here.

This is a great spot to bring your family for a barbecue. Free BBQ's…read more Plenty of things to do for the kids and gives the parents time to relax. If you have foreign guests they'll be able to see Aussie animals and well as touch them. There's native Australian birds too. A few hiking trails around to wear out those with extra energy and a well equipped playground for the kids. My little nephew loves it. Worth the visit. Good clean facilities.

10k of paved & manufactured trails, craggy rock, packed dirt, beach sand, wading and a gomillion…read morestairs. Spit bridge to Manly has a bit of everything. More strenuous and less scenic than Coogee to Bondi IMO, it has plenty to offer. Pack lots of water and prepare for brutal humidity in the Summer. The first 6k are quite scenic, while the last 4k are a bit ho-hum. It's a good workout, but I'd place Coogee to Bondi a cut above.

One of the best harbour walks in sydney that meanders it's way through national parks, many beaches…read moreand gorgeous water views. One of my favourite walks in sydney and have done it many times over the years. Ending in manly for lunch. Bit of uphill and downhill here and you need to be semi fit to walk this route. I try to avoid it on weekends as it's very popular.