Adventurer's guide to visiting the Sydney Region

There's more to Sydney than the opera house and bridge. Way more.

This area is packed with micro-adventures.

I've crafted this post to help you navigate the region and dodge the tourist traps. I gradually add to it as I discover worthwhile adventures and day trips.

This post will help:

1. Tourists on a budget keen to explore the area without bleeding their wallet.
2. Sydney locals who think the city is getting stale.

Most of the options on this list are free. Tailored more towards those that value adventure and fresh air. It also assumes you have access to a car (except for the Blue Mountains section where some adventures can be done by train)

Let's get into it.

The "Welcome to Sydney" WalkLink to section

We're going to start at the start. This walk should be your first adventure in Sydney.

It is a 2hr walk that'll get you warmed up for the Sydney adventures to come. It's a mellow stroll which allows you to tick off many of Sydney's most famous tourist attractions.

The walk starts off in the newly built Barangaroo reserve, wraps around to Sydney's jewels (opera house & harbour bridge), continues into the botanical gardens and ends near the city so you can finish close to public transport.

Suggested Walking RouteLink to section

1. Start at either Darling Harbour or Barangaroo train station.
2. Follow the path adjacent the water all the way around through to Barangaroo Reserve (where the public toilets are).
3. Keep going to explore the jetties at Walsh Bay. These spots are usually very quiet and give an awesome view of the Harbour Bridge. It also gives a idea of industrial/port life when Sydney was first established.
4. Head to Dawe's Point Reserve past Circular Quay, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
5. Continue along Farm Cove Walkway crossing in and out of the Sydney Botanical Gardens as you please.
6. Check out Government House and head back to the city when you're done.

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Best 'Hike In' Views around SydneyLink to section

North Head ViewLink to section

My favourite view of Sydney is at North Head. It's a bit of a naughty one though, access to the spot is a bit of a grey area... not exactly allowed, but also not - not allowed?

Be sure to go on a quiet weekday and avoid rangers. You're going to need to go through some bush areas with broken glass nearby, so wear proper shoes.

Getting there is pretty easy:

• Park up here. or walk there from the Manly Wharf
• Walk back up the road you drove down until you see a sandstone wall.
• Follow it down the hill keeping it on your right side (you on the left) until you just past half way.
• You'll see a break in the wall where you can climb over it. Be careful there is broken glass on the top of the wall in most other sections.
• Continue following it down until you see the wall ends.
• You can hang around at the bottom of the wall which is decent, but I recommend you go all the way to the end.
• Hike along the half marked trail as it wraps around the hill. You'll follow some layered grey sandstone with little gaps that allow you to scramble down the little valley. Basically head down and to the right of the wall you just followed (when facing the sea).
• Once you've crossed the valley, you want to follow the tracks to this location which is high up.
• You know you're in the right spot if you get to an 8m tall metal pole near the cliffs edge.
• This will be your best view of the distant city and harbour.

Sunsets are awesome out this area. Bring a headlight so you don't get lost on your way back.

Hermitage Foreshore ReserveLink to section

This is a nice escape from the city with beautiful views of the harbour at the various little beaches along the way. The walk starts here and generally head to Shark Beach, but you can choose your own adventure…

It gets busy in the mid-mornings. Try to arrive there early. It's better to be there for the first light anyway... so you can see the sunrise hitting the harbour. Traffic will also be way easier to navigate at that time.

The walkway opens at 5am and closes at 10pm. There are public bathrooms and a cafe at the end of the walk on Shark beach.

The Extended 'Spit to Manly' WalkLink to section

Famous walk, very well covered online... but this route is a slightly longer version (11.5km, 3.5hrs).

It's an incredibly scenic coastal walk, passing through many small secluded beaches in Middle Harbour. The track takes you through National Park tracks with coastal shrubs and unique bird life. Plenty of spots to cool off, get water, buy food and bathroom along the way too.

You can do it both ways, but I usually start at The Spit and end at Manly Wharf.

The Maroubra to Magic Point HikeLink to section

A short bushland escape south of Maroubra. This is one of my favourites!

The hike is teeming with wildlife. The views of exposed sandstone rock cliffs are nice. Especially with the warm light of early mornings.

Round trip is roughly 8km, so about 2 hours total. Makes a great trail run too!

• Start at the South Maroubra car park
• Follow the dirt road until you get to the start of the trail head.
• Walk along the well maintained path following the coast all the way around to Malabar Beach
• Then U-turn and come back.

Wendy's Secret GardenLink to section

I adore this spot. It's not much of a walk, but the location and views are gold star worthy. The views of the harbour bridge and Sydney skyline are very nice.

These gardens are a well-manicured oasis adjacent Lavender bay. Meticulously hand crafted by Wendy - yes, an actual person. You can learn more about Wendy and her gardens here.

It makes a great stop off point while doing a tour of the Sydney harbour using the public ferries. If you're with little ones, it's a lovely place to explore and have a picnic.

If you're getting there with the ferry, you have two options:

1. Milson's Point Wharf is the nicer walk to Wendy's secret garden. It takes about 15mins to walk from the wharf and takes you past the famous (and woefully overrated) Luna Park.
2. McMahons Point is also doable, depending on where you're catching the ferry from, it might be your only option. It is also about a 15min to get there, but you have to follow the main road. No coastal footpath...

At the end of your approach walk you'll get to a small park with nearby public bathrooms and a tunnel that goes through a large brick overpass. It leads to a large staircase. I suggest you go all the way to the top. These gardens are best visited "top down" so you see a couple of the views on your way.

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Best Beaches & Swimming Spots Around SydneyLink to section

I tend to avoid the busy beach areas of Sydney, but they're objectively gorgeous and worth visiting if you've never been.

This is the least thorough part of the blog post because there are ample resources online that regurgitate the same information. Treat it like a summary of personal recommendations. I'll just give you my opinion on the best spots and tack on a tiny bit of extra info.

• ⭐️ Do it if you're nearby
• ⭐️⭐️ Make the detour
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plan your trip around seeing it!

Parsley Bay (⭐️⭐️⭐️)Link to section

The cove of Parsley Bay nestled in-between a two hills that open up to a cute park & beach. It offers and escape from the city without a lengthy commute.

There are no breaking waves here, so it's popular for young families. There are also bathrooms, small shops and a playground.

I recommend accessing Parsley Bay via the coastal walk or car. Public transport has been annoying every time I've tried it.

Once you're there, there are a couple activities:

• Parsley bay offers some nice snorkeling spots when you swim past the overhanging bridge. Watch out for sharp oysters on the rocks.
• Jumping off the bridge is not allowed (and is dangerous at low tide). That said, some people (cough cough) still launch off the middle of the bridge at high tide. It is shallow... so if you're going to break the rules, do it safely. Check the depth and tuck your body as soon as you hit the water.

Lady Bay beachLink to section

There isn't much to this one, other than jaw-dropping view of the harbour and city in the distance.

This is the pin to Lady Bay Beach. It's a small beach, so don't go expecting a Bondi 2.0. It's also kind of a hassle to get to if you're not already in that part of Sydney.

That said, because it's out of the way you can often get pretty lucky - even in summer - and might get the spot to yourself!

The water is also some of the cleanest in Sydney harbour as there is a constant flushing of water between tides. The South Pacific Ocean is looking out for you. Low impurities mean water visibility is primo. So pack some snorkeling gear.

The sandy portion of the beach is greatly reduced at high tide. It's worth timing your visit with low tide (as the tide is coming in to get fresh water).

Bare Island Bridge (⭐️⭐️)Link to section

There is plenty of parking available at entry to Bare Island.

The fort on this little island is linked up to La Perouse via an old wooden bridge. It makes for a beautiful sunset spot and has some very decent snorkeling. 👌

It's similar to the other spots above, but with a bit more history.

A few dive schools practice in the area, but most of the interesting fauna can be seen snorkeling.

Like your whiskey, this adventure will be "on the rocks". No sandy beaches nearby, so bring shoes if you're rock hopping (and have soft euro-feet).

Again, calm conditions are your friend. The waves can break on the rock pools and you'll get dragged through the oysters. No bueno.

I'd recommend visiting at high tide or while the tide is heading out.

Sydney's Beach PoolsLink to section

Beach pools are a unique feature of Sydney's coastline, take a dip without worrying about waves or strong currents. The coast is peppered with these beauties. You kinda have to tick some of them off your list...

These beach pools are at the top of my list:

• Bronte Baths (⭐️⭐️⭐️) is located at Bronte Beach, this pool is perfect for a relaxing swim with stunning views of the ocean. It's a great spot for families with children, as the pool is shallow and there are plenty of nearby amenities.

• Wylie's Baths (⭐️⭐️) is one of the most popular beach pools of Sydney. The pool is located at the southern end of Coogee Beach and offers stunning views of the coastline. It often gets hellishly busy though. Probably not worth visiting on those hot summer weekends…

• Icebergs Pool - famous Bondi Pools (⭐️) is the iconic pool located at the Southern end of Bondi Beach. Look, it's gorgeous, but not exactly a well kept secret. If you think an AU$9.00/day entry is worth the stunning views of iconic Bondi go for it! You won't be disappointed. Personally, I did it once and never again. Plenty of free swimming options without the fee.

Maroubra Beach AreaLink to section

Maroubra is my favourite beachy suburb in Sydney. It's the first beach south of the city with a bit more room to roam.

Which is why I'd make the most of your trip down to see a few spots. Beyond the hike from Maroubra to Magic point I already suggested, you can check out the following spots:

1. Maroubra's main beach
2. Magic Point snorkel spot
3. Mahoon Pool
4. Rob Walker Rock Pool

Maroubra Main Beach (⭐️⭐️)Link to section

The main beach is niiiiice.

It's big, got white sand and will never get as busy as Bondi Beach. The south end of Maroubra beach has an artificial rock pool which will protect you from the swell. Great if you have little ones who can't yet tackle the surf. There are usually less people in that area as well.

Closest bathrooms are available at either of the two surf life saving clubs.

Magic Point Snorkel Spot (⭐️⭐️⭐️)Link to section

There is a nice spot to snorkel at the south point of Maroubra Beach. Conditions can be a bit choppy at times, so it's only worth going when the ocean is calm.

• Park here
• Walk down the dirt road to the water's edge. You'll go past the entry to Magic Point hike/trail.

When visibility is good, you'll see a bunch of aquatic life down there. There's a chance you'll see some grey nurse sharks too! They breed in that area and are harmless. An interesting research article about how the diving in the area affects the sharks, for those interested.

If you're snorkeling or freediving, make sure to bring a buddy. Also, no spearfishing allowed in the area.

Watch out for the purple sea urchins, they're plentiful and will poke through your foot like a skewer in a kebab. Side note... the sea urchins are edible. It's pretty cool to catch a few and have them for lunch! If you're keen to give it a go, you can find more info on how to process sea urchins for a snack...

Like everything in this country you will need a license. Recreational fishing permits options vary... You can get a 3 day permit for A$7, or one month for $14. You can bag a maximum of 10 sea urchins per license holder per day. Rules are here.

Mahoon Pool (⭐️⭐️)Link to section

Mahoon Pool is similar to the rock pools listed above, but usually a little more quiet. This is a concrete pool built into the coast. Not the most iconic beach pool in Sydney, but I like it because you're away from the city.

The sandstone rockscapes that surround you dissipate the crashing waves. You can hear and feel the power of the surf on rough days. Somehow it's very peaceful.

Rock PoolLink to section

The walk in to "Rob Walker Rock Pool" is very short. You can walk from Maroubra (~10mins) or park at the end on Waterside Avenue. You can follow the path down and hop along the (sometimes slippery) rocks to get to this "secret" rock pool.

It's unlikely tourist venture this far north of Maroubra without good cause, so it's mostly locals walking their dogs. You'll be on your own most weekdays.

The rock pool is positioned on the sandstone plateau below the adjacent cliffs. Under normal weather conditions you'll be protected from the full force of waves, whilst still being close enough to think they could cause damage. You do get occasional sea spray, but it's quite infrequent and refreshing.

The water is knee deep, and crystal clear. It gets flushed out between tides.

The view is spectacular. It gets hit by the first light and stays in the sun for most of the day. The nearby cliffs start shading it around 4pm in winter and 5:30pm in summer.

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Best Parks and Green Areas in Sydney CityLink to section

Sydney ParkLink to section

Sydney Park is a sprawling green space built on what used to be an old brickworks turned landfill. It's incredible what they've turned it into!

It now has open wetlands, birdlife, and city views. There’s a skate park, running and cycling paths, off-leash dog areas, and a great kids’ bike track.

This isn't really Sydney's best kept secret. Plenty of other talk about it.

But for good reason!

It's a worthwhile detour if you're in the area with a couple of hours to kill. It’s a perfect spot to see the sun set over the city at this spot

Centennial ParkLink to section

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the city, Centennial Park is definitely worth a visit.

Centennial Park is a not so little nature pocket in the center of the city. It's usually busiest in the mornings, where you'll see Sydney's early birds cycling, jogging or... horse riding?

The park is beautifully maintained with different "zones". Including pond areas and beautiful wild gardens which attract a wide variety of birds. Many of which you won't see anywhere else in the city. The park serves as a little wildlife oasis.

Among the feathered inhabitants you can also see a colony of Flying Foxes at this location. IMO it's a "must see", especially with kids. They're loud and slightly stinky, but they're good fun to watch. Head there at sunset to see them at their most active, when they take off to go insect hunting for the night.

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Adrenaline Activities Outside of Sydney CityLink to section

Now that we've seen the tame outings around the city, we'll move further out.

These activities are a little more involved, but because of this they're less known and more varied.

Sydney is the Aussie mecca of hikes and adrenaline sports. There is an insane amount of cool sh*t to do in the area.

This part of the blog has less cookie-cutter suggestions, because it highlights the type of outings. I've broken it down into activity types. Pick your poison.

Surfing spotsLink to section

There are HEAPS of surf spots around Sydney. Most are well documented by people who know what they're doing on a board… I can barely tell the nose from the tail.

As a rookie my favourite surf beaches are:

1. Avalon Beach (50mins from city centre)
2. Wanda Beach (near Cronulla – 40mins from city)
3. Maroubra Beach – (20mins from city)

Scenic Swimming Holes outside of SydneyLink to section

There are a lot of swimming sports in the region, too many to include without making this post overwhelming... I have described key waterholes in under own heading when warranted. Otherwise, worthwhile spots for you to search are listed below. Most already have good information online:

• Winifred Falls (1hr south of Sydney, on the way to Cronulla)
• Jervis Bay. The whole area is very pretty.
• Honeymoon Bay
• Paradise Pool
• Werrong Beach and Garie Beach (South Sydney)

Mermaids PoolsLink to section

Mermaid pools is located on the Bargo River. Classic spot for people who live in the area, but it's a fair drive out from Sydney City... about 1h 20mins. Worth it if you're doing nearby day trips or as a detour on your way to the Blueys.

1. Carpark is here
2. Head under the Rockford Road bridge to meet the start of the trail. It's pretty well marked out. Water will stay on your left hand side all the way down stream to the spot.
3. It's a 1.5km walk (20-30mins) to get to the actual pools are around here. Have a good explore, there are a few cool spots to explore along the water's edge!

Blue Mountains Activities & AdrenalineLink to section

The "Blueys" have a special place in my heart. I've spent countless hours hanging out on and over the cliffs around there. You have to go there. Even for a day trip.

When I first arrived in Sydney, I was relieved to find out there are regular trains from the city to Blueys. Bit of a godsend for a uni student budget. If you travel on Sundays your max fare is $10 (for the whole 2hr+ trip) - pretty reasonable.

Not having a car will limit the areas you can access, but there are still plenty of adventures to be had! Activities that can be accessed using Sydney trains are marked with a "🚂" icon.

I suggest you carve out at least 4-6 days in your itinerary to see this place, more if you're keen on multi-day adventures. Ideally you'll be set up to camp during your stay, that way you can make the most of you day without stressing about making back to the train on time.

This link has the official camp grounds in the area. It's a 'first in best-dressed' arrangement for campsites, very hard to find a free spot after lunchtime on weekends...

These are my go-to spots:

1. Mount York Camping Site
2. Blackheath Glen Reserve
3. Old Ford Reserve

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Also, you'll note the lack of the "Three Sisters" on this Blue Mountains list. For good reason.

It's overrated. Literally three rocks with a gift shop and an endless flow of tourist buses.

Not worth the fuel, nor the paid parking.

Skip it.

Now, With that off my chest... here are the activities.

Rock ClimbingLink to section

The Blue Mountains is Australia's climbing capital. The sandstone cliffs offer everything from beginner-friendly sport routes to hair-raising traditional climbs. You literally couldn't get all the climbs done in a lifetime. In an effort to get you a quick fix, these are my favourite spots.

• Shippley (Upper and Lower): Heaps of options (trad and sport) with varied grades. The views are also mint, so in the off chance you get to catch a breather on the wall you'll appreciate the location. Access and approach is easy, so it gets busy! Go on weekdays only.
• Mount Piddington: Another one with many varied options, conveniently located.
• Sublime Point: Large area with multiple walls which offer plenty of options with lots of sport climbs. I like "Cool Wall", because the wall is shaded and cool - even in summer.

CanyoningLink to section

You're probably not going to have the wetsuits, ropes and specialist gear for Canyoning. So I'd suggest this is one of those times it's worth splashing some cash and booking a tour.

There are plenty of tours in the area which operate most of the year. Yes, even in winter. 🥶 All of them will advertise a difficulty level for the guided canyon descent. They are usually conservative with the rating... If you have experience "on the ropes" it's worth bumping up a couple skill levels.

Advanced means intermediate. Intermediate means beginner. Beginner means easy.

If you have equipment - Tom has been building a canyoning guide book for the Blueys. Go check it out for pointers.

Blue Mountains Hikes ShortlistLink to section

• Cliff Top Track and Grand Canyon
• Multi-day Blue gum forest trail

Bluey's Backpacker Epic 🚂Link to section

This is a custom route created for those that don't have a car - a train in/train out hike through the Grose Valley of the Blue Mountains. It's a three-day adventure that'll take you through diverse ecosystems, from dry lands to waterways, with stunning views of the Blue Mountains and Grose Valley. You'll need camping gear and to be prepared for the Blue Mountains' capricious weather, but this is a hike you won't soon forget.

There are plenty of offshoots and other extensions you can do along this hike, but this is a pretty solid three-day hike for most people.

Full route map can be seen here.

• Day 1: Start at Mount Victoria train station and head down towards Victoria Falls walking track and down to Burra Korain Flat Campground. This is the shortest section of the hike and is a good warm-up for the adventures to come.
• Day 2: Walk all the way to Acacia Flat campground going through an area known as Blue Gum Forest along the Grose River. There are plenty of spots to fill up water and have swimming spots.
• Day 3: Go from Acacia Flat campground back to civilisation! I recommend you end up at Katoomba Station where you'll have access to shops to restock supplies and grab a warm meal. From there you'll be able to get the train back down to Sydney or explore the beautiful town of Katoomba.

Check the NSW National Parks website for campsite bookings (I HATE that that's a thing...), updates and track closures:

• Burra Korrain
• Acacia Flat campground

Hanging Rock 🚂Link to section

Iconic hike in the Blueys. Very well known and popular on the weekends. Pretty easy 2hr return trip to the gorgeous lookout area near Blackheath.

Getting there:

• Public transport: Make your way to Blackheath station and walk about 25mins to the carpark where the actual hike starts
• Driving: Limited parking is available near the locked gate on Ridgewell Road

Navigation along the 8km path is easy as it is a very well trodden route.

Mount Banks LoopLink to section

Mount Banks One Trail Loop: This is a 4h loop which sticks to the tablelands and ridges of the Blue Mountains. You'll get to summit Mount Banks, but the majority of the hike is flat. All in all a cruisey hike. Start early (6am-ish) to catch the dancing mist in the valleys before it burns off.

The ecosystem is the reason I've sent you here.

You're hiking through Australia's "heathland" ecosystem - completely different from the rainforest 50m below the cliffs' edge. The conditions on these tablelands are hardcore:

Scorching, freezing, torrential, gusty, parched.

The wildlife that survives here are survival specialists: waxy leaves that reflect heat and retain moisture, low sprawling forms that hug the ground to avoid wind, etc.

Even though most would say it's a fairly boring hike, I find these "Sky Islands" pretty interesting. It gives a holistic picture of the Blueys.

If you take the time to notice what is around - your mind can stay occupied for most of the 4hr trip!

Other worthwhile hikesLink to section

Hikes with plenty of information online...

• Pierce’s Pass and all the swimming holes it has to offer!
• This is a good guide for Dalpura Canyon
• Newnes Plateau Gloworm Tunnel Adventures
• "Grand Canyon" track near Blackheath
• Six Foot Track (3 day hike from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves)
• Jenolan Caves!

Bluey Mountains Swimming spotsLink to section

Damns CliffsLink to section

Also known as Clarence Dam. This is a freshwater swimming hole on the outskirts of the Blueys. It's a man-made dam on Dargans Creek which has (very) refreshing water and plenty of spots to climb and jump into the water. There's often a rope swing set up on the nearby trees too!

Getting to Damns Cliffs from Sydney is a bit of a mission. You'll probably want to tie it into a couple of other expeditions in the Blueys. It's a great spot to have a free bath after camping in the bush for a few days. Here is how you get there:

• Follow the highway to the start of the dirt track.
• Follow the dirt road to the opening in the trees (aka Damn's Cliff "carpark"). Fair warning, condition of the track varies, low set cars will have a hard time. Maybe don't bring your rental Prius?
• Park and walk down to the main area.
• Enjoy!

North Sydney HikesLink to section

A lot of visitors make the mistake of skipping the areas north of Sydney to focus exclusively on the city and the Blue Mountains. This guide highlights some worthwhile hikes to help you start your search and explore this beautiful region.

Berowra Valley National ParkLink to section

This beautiful national park in Northern Sydney serves as home to many trails that meander along the water's edge. The hiking in this area can be challenging, with lots of rocky terrain, uphills and stairs. Generally the trails are well-marked and relatively easy to follow.

Some of the highlights of this region are smaller sections of the "Great North Walk". Which is a famous hike from Sydney to Newcastle. The full hike is a mammoth undertaking, but you can also enjoy smaller sections which are easily accessible by public transport. My favourite (train accessible) section is from Mount Kuringai Station to Berowra Station.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, with frequent spottings of native animals including kookaburras, cockatoos, wallabies, echidnas and lyrebirds throughout the area. If you choose to continue all the way to Brooklyn, a well-deserved drink at the pub awaits at the end of the track before you catch the train back to Sydney.

Kuringai Chase National Park - Bobbin HeadLink to section

Accessible by bus from Turramurra station, Bobbin Head offers the impressive Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head loop track. This 11km circuit winds down towards Bobbin Head Marina and back up again via fire trail, passing through a diverse variety of bushland including tropical rainforest, riverbeds, eucalyptus and mangrove forests.

The Marina area provides additional activities with kayak hire available, plus a café for refreshments. Like many areas in the region, it's another excellent spot for bird watching and spotting native wildlife.

Two Creeks TrackLink to section

Starting from Lindfield station, this 7.5km return walk wanders through eucalyptus and mangrove forests, following along Gordon Creek into Middle Harbour. The trail offers beautiful views of the creek throughout the journey, making it a peaceful and scenic hiking option.

ConclusionLink to section

That's it! This list is by no means exhaustive - there's plenty more to discover around Sydney. From secret swimming holes to epic mountain adventures, this region has something for every type of adventurer.

I hope this helps with planning your Sydney adventures. Shoot me a message if you have questions - social links are at the bottom of this page.

Happy exploring!