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.

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.

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.

Located about 5km from Hornsby or 25km from Sydney, this has got to be one of the best National…read moreParks on offer. There is not much that you can not do here no matter your interest. If you are after camping, picnic areas, hiking, bike riding, BBQ areas, canoeing, fishing, swimming, or even boating/sailing, then this is the place for you to head to when you get a spare day. I say day as to make the trip here worthwhile, that is about how much time it will require. Besides that, as entry to the park is not free, if you are after your money's worth, you should try and stick around a bit. While the obvious fee is the $11/car ticket machines you see everywhere, the website goes into a little bit more detail. While I have not yet had to pay anything more than the $11 before, the details of potential other charges from the website include: Daily entry fees: if you're arriving by bus or car and walking or cycling to The Basin you'll need to pay daily entry fees of $4 adults, $2 children (pre-booked groups) or $4.40 adults, $2.20 children (groups without a booking); there is no daily entry fee for teachers/educational supervisors (1 adult per 10 children). Also, while I added an approximate opening and closing time for the gates to Yelp, different gates have different opening and closing times depending on the time of year. Thus... Gates to Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay are closed from 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and 5.30pm to 6am at other times of the year. Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and 6pm to 6am at other times of the year. In this park, vehicle entry fees are $11 per vehicle per day. Be sure to check this park out if you have the chance as it really is stunning. Best of all, the Bobbin Inn actually has half decent coffee and breaky on offer (review http://frid.co/smNIYr ) so you might want to start your day there... :-)

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.

My favorite activity for my first week in Sydney. I can see from this trail how people can become…read moreenamored with the city. Easy access From Bondi Junction, a 20 minute bus ride depending on where you want to start. I walked 90% of the trail because i wanted shorter Bus route. FYI, the bus is within the building of Bondi Junction above the train station not street side. Reminds me of some of the cliffs along the beaches of California. Some tips. Bring swimming trunk, lotion, sun protection, and water bottle. There are refill stations along the way and bathrooms. Not much shade even on this cloudy day. Multiple beaches along the route where you can take a dip. Restaurants are also accessible, but I prefer a picnic lunch so you can enjoy the views with the plenty benches and the beaches. Some have some shady seating options. I went on a weekday so I'm guessing on weekends more crowds. The beaches often have showers and restrooms.

An amazing, 4 mile walk! Truly breathtaking in all the ways possible. From the beautiful,…read morepicturesque spots, to the graveyard and most perfect blue water I've ever seen, this walk was worth every minute, every mile and every step. One of the most memorable, special moments of my time in Sydney. Pictures don't do it justice, but the memories will last a lifetime. Stop along the way at clovelly beach, dolphin look out, and take in natures finest when you finally make it to the Bondi icebergs!

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.

First time visitor to this awesome place where we decided to catchup over a bbq with friends…read more Access is by boat, ferry or water taxi. Unsure if you can drive here as I didn't see any cars. What struck me immediately is the local swamp wallabies that coexist with the visitors and rangers. Sightings on the day included kookaburras, various birds and reptiles. It is the only place in the Ku-ring-gai Chase where you can camp. Being part of a national park, ongoing conservation and preservation is by way of entrance fees ($3 per head), which is separate to camping fees. Restrictions applies to this beautiful place i.e. fires. The campsite is well maintained and very clean. Plenty of hiking opportunities for those who are keen as it is surrounded by hills and mountains There is a body of water that is safe for some water sports. Bbq facilities is also available which we took advantage of. Beechwood Cottage is a historical property which is available to hire for functions and events. This place is great if you want to get away for the weekends with or without the kids. It overlooks Pittwater and is just a beautiful place to hang and chill.

This is a great beach and camping area, with mountains all around. Access is by boat or trails…read more No vehicles allowed. It's not a pristine sand beach, more like sand based mud, but has nice calm clear water on the back harbour side. The place has lots of space to picnic and relax. Everything is clean. And the kids get to run after the wallaby(ies) when they hop by. We went in by boat, which is a great way to arrive. There are lots of tent campers, most of which seemed to arrive and bring their gear in by boat. Several ferries service the area.

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.