This is one of a few boatsheds that enable you to have a boating trip in nature, while you're still…read morein the city! Lane Cove has some gorgeous mansions each with their own boatshed and lush front gardens you can peak at from your hired vessel. Take care though-the river has its sharks and stingers :)

A very safe place to try out Kayaking is at Lane Cove National Park as the river is very calm and…read morestill. It is a hidden gem in the inner west. The water is generally easy to row in and there are only a few people kayaking. The Boatshed is a blessing to the park. It offers Kayaks, Canoes and Paddle boats to explore the water. You can hire in half hour blocks or for the whole day. The kayaks are in very good condition and the compulsory life vests come in a range of sizes. I came back earlier than my scheduled time and was offered a Bike ride for the remaining 15 mins. That gesture offered by the owner has made this a 5 star review. I realised my love for mountain biking again and the road to ride on is not too bad.. Quite a fun day. Oh, the boat shed also sells ice-creams and crisps and non-alcoholic beverages. Not to much variety, but enough to keep you refreshed if you forgot to pack your picnic basket.

Beautiful beach, nature at its best, nice mix of friendly people. A true gem, easily served by…read moreUber. No amenities so pack what you need.

This is a stunning little beach, hidden away in Middle Head. There are parking meters up the top,…read moreand then you walk down a rocky hill, down to this secluded little harbour beach. The water is clear and clean, and the aspect looks out onto the heads - it *almost* feels like you're in the bush, almost. Be careful of sharp oyster shells on the rocks. Don't expect big waves - it's a harbour beach. I really ought to mention, though - this is a nudist beach, so don't wander down here unless you're ok with taking off your togs. There are beach regulars who see themselves as custodians of the place, and mightn't be so keen on photos, large groups of drinkers, or people wearing cozzies. Hats are completely kosher, of course. Treat it with respect, and Cobblers can be great - it's definitely one of Sydney's most idiosyncratic and authentic little beaches. Oh, and you really, really do not want to forget your sunscreen.

Do you love getting nude?…read more Do you lament the restricting nature of contemporary underwear and long to let your skin breathe under God's blue sky, as nature intended afore Eve bit from the poisoned apple and condemned us to a life of self-awareness, shame and rhine-stoned Gucci t-shirts? Well, have I got the place for you: Obelisk Beach, one of Sydney's very few havens for the pants-free lady and gentleman. You'd barely know this place existed but for a sign on Middle Head Road down towards Chowder Bay. Pull the car over, skip down a short bush path and there she blows, a tiny, beautiful stretch of sand where you can shed those duds, spread those legs and wave at the Manly ferries as they chug by with their load of gawking tourists with their telephoto lenses. There's even a little hollowed out area in the shrubbery that serves as a changing room. No camping, fires or pets are allowed, but wangs and hoo-hoos aren't just okay - they're welcomed! Wee!

Raining, windy, cool! Total bliss after the last few days cremating! The water was beautiful!…read moreParking no problems today, 2 others there and $4 for 24 hours because the machine is damaged! Now off for coffee. Craig keeps saying he can't believe you have to pay for parking. Obviously he hasn't been here since he left high school....

Fabulous park with a massive off leash area for dogs. Tons of people out with their dogs walking…read moreenjoying the sunshine and hanging out at the kiosk. This place used to be a dumping ground in the old days and has been transformed into a gorgeous park. Sydney Park includes a series of visually prominent hills which provide panoramic views of the city skyline and Sydney Airport. There is a massive skate park, kids play areas and some of the heritage of this area has also been preserved nicely. Loved going here with our dog.

Located just south of Newtown is one of Sydney's best reclaimed green spaces. Sydney Park…read more Identifiable from the historical heritage listed brickworks chimneys from the days when the area used to be the brickworks for Sydney, it's a vast green area that is perfect for any recreational activity. Lovely open green areas perfect for walking the dog, and a large kids playground equipped with a large sandpit, climbing frames, swings and slides, it's got everything a kid needs to explore, play and wear themselves out. There's a challanging skate park, and a learn to ride bike area for the kids. There's also a sports oval where I believe a local Sydney grade cricket team plays during the summer months. Lush green grass is plentiful, and perfect for a picnic. Climb up the steep hills and you will find yourself with views stretching to the City and lower North Shore in the north, to the Aiport and Brighton le Sands region in the South, and on clear sunny days, free of smog and polloution you can glimpse the sprawling Blue Mountains and Great Dividing Range. Whether you're jogging or cycling through for a bit of quick fitness, or spending the day relaxing, it's a fantastic park with plenty of amenities. One downside is the toilets aren't the cleanest, and probably need more attention especially during weekend periods. There's a small cafe just outside the childrens play area which serves a good range of coffees and light meals. I'm sure in time that'll get a review on it's own. But with two young kids, it's going to be a regular destination for myself. And with walking distance to King St, Newtown, I'm sure there's plenty of opportunities for a cheeky beer or two in one of the many pubs and bars located along the strip. Or, if you're my wife, plenty of (window) shopping.

I booked as part of a group and paid in advance online, I arrived (admittedly I was late - I got…read morelost on the way) and despite having proof of purchase in email format, my name was not "on the list" . The gentleman serving said "well 21 people paid and 21 people have checked out gear" so basically someone else had turned up and taken my paid for place. Luckily 1 other person in the group retired early and I was able to take over her SUP. No instructions offered, the whole process seemed really unorganised and a bit of a mess. Bundeena is so beautiful! And the SUP was fun once I finally got on the water but perhaps there is another company to hire from that wont lose your booking?

I fully enjoyed the kayak hire to go explore Royal National Park. Bundeena is a small town in the…read moremiddle of the park. Just get up in town, get a coffee from a cafe, then head to the water where you can hire kayaks and stand up paddle boards. I prefer the kayaks as you can explore more of the park from the kayak rather than a stand up board. The price is very reasonable, its a great way to spend a nice sunny weekend.

This was the location used for the starting area for the Sydney Marathon. It was large enough to…read morehandle approximately 40,000 race participants spread across the half marathon, 10k, marathon, and 3.5 km family run. The park looked to be well maintained with a nice view of the underside of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. One thing about the park was that it was slopped towards the harbour, so some of the portapotties weren't quite stable.

What a great use for the underside of a bridge. It helps that it's right on the water and has great…read morebreezes. It features: great views, well maintained lawn, not as many seagulls as on the south shore...which is kind of weird, right? There are a few benches and you can get some shade by hiding under the bridge. There's a playground and public toilets (did not use). It does slope so be prepared to chase a ball if it goes astray...which is a good way to tire those kiddos out should that be needed. Great spot to fly a kite, have a picnic, enjoy outside and read a book.

This isn't the quietest of parks - there's two fairly busy road but that doesn't mean you won't…read morefind some peace and quiet in here. The centre is a nice place to sit amongst the tall pine trees facing the waterfall. There's a cafe which is pleasant enough and some open stands by the football field if all the shade under the trees is taken. The best bit about this park is the kids play equipment.... If you could call it that. It's more outdoor design come burning man art sculpture focused than child fun park but then the kids playing around the popping water and sticks piece were having a lot of fun on the really hot day I was there. It's a funny mix of life colliding together in this park - the white butterfly landing on my screen followed by a group of school kids, skinny beaked marsh bird, the artsy creative type, the business suit and then the homeless man asking for bus money. Just the general happening of an inner city park I suppose.

Redfern gets a bit of a bad rap. In a suburb that's up-and-coming with some amazing cafes and bars…read moreand a pretty sweet park, I think people should be a little easier. I recently attended a Saturday afternoon birthday BBQ here and found it to be quite a lovely place indeed. The park has your classic amenities- large grassy field, fountain, restroom block, jungle gym- but also has a bit of style as well. My favorite example of this is the tall flower garden sculpture that has water geysers coming out of the ground at random. Nice touch, Redfern. Positioned on the corner of Chalmers St. and Redfern St., there are a lot of awesome little spots cropping up nearby. We stopped at the bottle shop in the Woolpack, which is right there, to pick up some libations for the afternoon. Walking back I took note of the cafes nearby. Next time, I might try lunch at the American diner-style join Eathouse, and then stretch out the full belly in the park for a while. More Redfern Park perks? You're a stone's throw from Surry Hills, and thus all the uber crowded hangouts over there, but you probably won't see your boss and your ex best friend, and your landlord's gay lover and everyone else you kinda know here. It's hip but not "too" hip, and because of that... I'm sold.

Sigh. I heart Wahroonga Park…read more It's the perfect place for picnics, for climbing trees, or for scribbling in your notebook and soaking up the sunshine. Strolling through just this afternoon I was delighted by the sweet aroma from the rose gardens and the dappled light streaming through the latticed walkway. There were families strewn about with balloons, eskies and blankets - there was even a teen strumming on a guitar. Yes, it's that idyllic. And with the stylish rotunda and stunningly manicured gardens, you can understand why couples would get married here. For parents, Wahroonga Park has the added bonus of a fenced playground (though it could do with another bench or two for weary souls!), which is a mere stone's throw from a caffeine fix at Coonanbarra Cafe across the road. I think that might just make this park worth its weight in gold!

Wahroonga Park is one of the most picturesque parks I've ever seen, but it's one kids will…read moreappreciate as much as adults. The park has a fenced off playground with a sandpit, seesaw, slide, train and other equipment, as well as a set of swings just outside. Open grassy space provides plenty of places for families to have a picnic and play games, though the trees dotted everywhere do limit larger sports. The park is right next to Wahroonga Station. On the other side of the train line is a set of shops including bakeries, newsagents and more. However, you don't have to walk that far to get something to eat, as opposite the park there is a small cafe which sells milkshakes and biscuits for the kids.