Sydney outdoors

Let’s take this outside, Sydney

The best parts of Sydney are found outside — if you know where to look.

Sydney Outdoors was created from this simple idea. The best parts of this city are out there: beaches, bush walks, parks, gardens, lookouts. Sydney Outdoors is about those everyday outdoor moments that make you feel good — a walk before work, a swim on the weekend, a ferry ride that ends with hot chips by the water. And for the bigger adventures too. Like a weekend spent walking between Sydney’s two most iconic beaches. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the first time, Sydney Outdoors is here to help you experience the city at its best.

  • View of Sydney Harbour from the Hermitage Foreshore Walk in east Sydney
  • The harbourside walking track near Bradleys Head
  • A view on the walk from Sydney Cove to North Ryde
  • Patonga to Wondabyne on the Great North Walk
  • Lane Cove River in Lane Cove National Park

    • Where to next?

    Sydney’s best bits are outside

    Sydney Outdoors shares simple, local ideas for getting outside — walks, swims, gardens, weekend markets, and the kind of views that remind you why you love this city.

    The goal’s pretty straightforward: make it easier to spend more time outdoors. No car? No problem. No plan? You’ve got one now.

    Sydney Outdoors is your friendly nudge to get out there and see where the day takes you.

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    Feel free to email hello@sydneyoutdoors.com

    Sydney has some of the best walks. If you’re after a coastal walk, it’s hard to pass up the Bondi to Coogee walk. For a walk on Sydney Harbour, the Hermitage Foreshore Walk packs in the views and is just 2km, but if you’re after something a little longer, head north of the bridge for the Spit to Manly walk, clocking in at 10km.

    For the classic Sydney beach experience, take a dip between the flags at Bondi Beach or Manly Beach. For a quieter experience, swim at one of Sydney’s harbour beaches like Balmoral or Shark Beach at Nielsen Park.

    Sydney’s best sunset spots include Dudley Page Reserve, Mrs Macquaries Point, and Bradleys Head. Want more ideas about where to watch sunset in Sydney?

    For a quieter outdoor experience in Sydney, try Berry Island Reserve, Wendy’s Secret Garden, Paddington Reservoir Gardens, or a ferry ride to Cremorne Point.

    Sydney is easy to get around, even if you don’t have a car. Most of Sydney’s best walks, parks, and beaches link up with trains, ferries, buses, light rail, or metro so you can get wherever you want to go without worrying about traffic or parking.

    You can’t beat the Royal Botanic Garden or Cremorne Point Reserve for views, but spots like Centennial Park and Ballast Point Park are also perfect for a laid-back lunch.

    There’s so many great places for views of Sydney Harbour. Mrs Macquaries Point, Bradleys Head, Cremorne Point, and Mary Booth Reserve at Kirribilli all deliver that postcard view the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and city skyline in sight.

    Start with a morning at the markets. While you’re there, pick up some food for picnic lunch at a nearby park. Pick a walk and spend the afternoon getting your steps in. Later, choose a sunset spot and enjoy the view. Be sure to check out what’s on in Sydney this month in case there’s a fun festival or event you can experience.

    The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a must (don’t miss The Fernery), with easy access from central Sydney and unbeatable views of the harbour. Another great garden close to Sydney CBD is Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay. If you’ve got a bit more time up your sleeve, don’t skip The Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan (it’s the largest botanic garden in the whole country).

    Hop on a train to the Blue Mountains. It’ll take you about 2 hours from Central Station to the main towns in the Blue Mountains. Get off at Wentworth Falls or Leura for walks leading to waterfalls, go to Katoomba for the iconic Three Sisters and Scenic World, or head to Blackheath for the Grand Canyon track, which is sure to be one of the best one the best short walks you’ll ever experience.

    Oprah Winfrey visited Sydney in early December 2025 and on a recommendation from Hugh Jackman, walked the coastal walk at Bondi Beach. Also during her time in Sydney, Oprah also walked from Wattamolla to Eagle Rock in Royal National Park and took a harbourside wander in Cremorne Reserve.