Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in New South Wales

"The Royal Botanic Gardens certainly are a brilliant attraction in their own right, as well as being in a spectacular location perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour. Over 200 years old, the gardens have an amazing collection of flora from Australia and across the globe. Wander through Australian natives, a selection of succulents from across the world, or explore the rainforest area."

"There are plenty of places to get some ‘grams in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Follow the waterfront path around the bay and you’ll walk by a beautiful pond, various flower gardens, as well as a large grassy lawn that has the city skyline behind it. The photo above, which features a long row of stone arches decorated with greenery, is located just in front of the Botanic Garden Cafe."

"Royal Botanic Gardens Just past the Opera House, you will enter into these beautiful gardens. It’s full of stunning displays and hosts different events each week. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and watch the world go by or choose one of the paths and see some of the beautiful displays."

"Known locally as a great spot for novice surfers to learn the ropes, Manly Beach is a beautiful, palm-lined sanctuary that is great for recreation, family activities and relaxation. One of the features that makes Manly Beach unique is its netted ocean pool, which offers safe sheltered swimming for visitors. Additionally, Manly Beach features beautiful hotels, a boardwalk, a variety of delicious restaurants that serve fresh seafood, a selection of wonderful ethnic restaurants and several unique shopping boutiques."

"Catch the ferry to Manly – a cheap way to experience beautiful Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the city is to catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and back. In Manly, walk down the palm tree-lined Corso towards the beach for an ice-cream, walk around to picturesque Shelly Beach, or grab a cold beer at Manly Wharf Hotel. Time your return ferry trip back to the Quay to coincide with the sunset behind the harbour bridge."

"Manly Beach is Sydney’s North Shore equivalent of Bondi Beach. This 1.5 kilometre long stretch of sand sees tens of thousands of people sunbaking on a hot summer day. Manly Beach is renown for its good surf at the far north and south ends, usually quite suitable for beginners too."

"Set at the southern end of Darling Harbour, the scenic and serene Chinese Garden of Friendship is a treat to stroll around. An oasis of calm in the city, its lovingly landscaped water features, rock gardens and pavilions shine a light on Chinese heritage and culture with the gardens having been designed in Guangzhou; Sydney’s sister city. Symbolizing the bond between the two countries, the gorgeous garden was first opened in 1988 to celebrate Australia’s bicentennial."

"Built according to Taoist principles, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is usually an oasis of tranquillity – although one increasingly dwarfed by assertive modern buildings. Designed by architects from Guangzhou (Sydney’s sister city) for Australia’s bicentenary in 1988, the garden interweaves pavilions, waterfalls, lakes, paths and lush plant life. There's also a tea house."

"A calming place to let kids wander past waterfalls and exotic plants, through pavilions and up hidden pathways. Count the koi carp swimming in the lakes, try Chinese tea in the teahouse and dress up in traditional Chinese costumes* at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. * For an additional fee"

"Positioned in Sydney Harbour, 1km from the mouth of Rose Bay, Shark Island – Boowambillee (booh-uhm-'bil-ee) is a picnic spot with a difference. Explore the island's foreshore, go swimming or relax in front of amazing Sydney Harbour views."

"Here you'll find a fully fenced toddler area with a swing, slide and plenty to climb, as well as two long flying foxes with a boarding platform, a giant slide, a large circular climbing frame, a sandpit, an onsite cafe, and just about everything else. A play in the playground surrounded by bushland will be topped off perfectly with a paddle in the foreshore of Kogarah Bay. Read our Carss Bush Park & Playground Review."

"It is hidden among yachts, in the marina just near the Spit Bridge in Middle Harbor. Executive chef Alessandro Pavoni is from the northern-Italian region of Brescia and oversees a menu of nuanced dishes that range from glazed pork jowl to creamy risottos and some of the prettiest entrees in town. Australian seafood shines here, so come for Moreton Bay bugs, Queensland red scarlet prawns and Sydney rock oysters did creatively."

"For those looking for a laidback beach that offers something for all variety of beachgoers, there is Dee Why Beach. There, you can relax away from the crowds or, alternatively, join in on annual festivities and events. The expansive stretch of sand makes it possible to escape the hustle and bustle of other beachgoers and take a dip in the ocean swimming pool or catch a wave in the surf."

"No matter if you’re based on the north end of Sydney or just looking to go somewhere new, Dee Why is an incredible beach. It’s ideal for families and those in search of a relaxed atmosphere, because of its long stretch of sand that’s bordered by tranquil waters. And since the beach is so large, there is almost always a secluded spot to throw down a towel away from everyone else."

"In Short: Maison Coffee champions the cafe scene in Sydney’s south west suburbs. You will not be disappointed with all aspects of the experience. From high quality coffee to dishes such as the fish tacos it was well worth the excursion."

"Cabrito is my go-to coffee shop whenever I’m heading to Circular Quay to catch a ferry, though sadly it caters more to those who work in the city on weekdays and thus isn’t open on weekends. It’s the best cafe in the area to grab a cup of some of the best coffee in CBD Sydney. 10-14 Bulletin Pl, Sydney // Weekdays 7am-4:30pm, Weekends closed"

"Their menu is based in the South of France, think olive oil, seafood and fresh vegetables. The menu is full of tasty and filling french classics like seared scallops with mushroom duxelle and gruyere cheese, oysters served with Champagne vinegar or try steak frites with Café de Paris butter. This french bistro caters to everyone they even have a $49 vegan set menu."

"Since 2010, the team behind this world-class restaurant has been serving delectable dishes paired with excellent wine. They aspire to provide an unforgettable dining experience for everyone who goes to this restaurant. Moreover, their passion for simple and classic things shines in the quality of their service."

"Bistro Papillon is the love child of Ludo and Xavier who met in the UK, they frequented a French bistro in Bath called Papillion. They loved the place so much they recreated it here in Sydney. Bistro Papillon sources its ingredients from France as well as the markets and butchers of Sydney."

"This is also another top-notch spot in the city if you are looking for an excellent venue hire. In fact, they can accommodate up to 200 people in their first-class restaurant. Moreover, you will be astounded by their extensive menu."

"Kabuki Shoroku Japanese Restaurant is a go-to sushi place in Sydney. This is a nice spot in the city if you are looking for a more tranquil and peaceful place where you can enjoy sushi. They also have a great selection of sashimi and grilled fish excellently prepared for you."