Best Outdoor Activities in Sydney

"Just a few minutes from the better-known Manly Beach, Shelly Beach is a unique location on the east coast of Australia, since it actually faces west. With a large reef also sheltering the beach from the heavy ocean swells, Shelly Beach is a small and secluded haven – perfect for a quiet picnic on the sands or a gentle swim in the ocean. These calm coastal conditionsmake ShellyBeach an ideal spot for scuba divers and snorkelers to explore an..."

"Exotic fish, weedy sea dragons and even a mystical sunken motorcycle reside beneath the turquoise waters of Sydney’s Shelly Beach. This secluded marine reserve is a favourite of snorkelers, scuba divers and day-trippers looking for a tranquil picnic destination due to its calm water and surrounding natural bushland."

"In Manly, walk down the palm tree-lined Corso, hit the promenade on 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 sunset behind the harbour bridge."

"Little Manly Beach in Sydney Harbour is an ideal hangout for families with kids of all ages. The water is calm, clean, and there are plenty of grass areas to roam around. When the little ones are done splashing and swimming, they can head over to the playground areas for even more active excitement."

"Dog-friendly Rouse Hill Regional Park is great for a picnic or barbecue. There is a lot to do; head to the playground, go bike riding, or take a stroll down to Second Ponds Creek."

"For the best baked ricotta cheesecake this side of the equator, go to Pasticceria Papa - easily the one of the best cakes in Sydney. Visit one of their three locations spanning the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs of Sydney - the locals can’t get enough. All stores feature a huge display cabinet piled high with Italian cakes, desserts, and sweets, and friendly, fast service."

"Soak up balmy breezes and river views at family-friendly café Fork and Spoon on Bowden Street in Meadowbank. This eatery is all clean lines with polished concrete floors, tiled counter and blond wood ..."

"One of the newest venues to open at The Cannery, Frenchies Bistro & Brewery is a small upscale French bistro come microbrewery. Showcasing the best of French cuisine, the bistro-style menu complements their range of craft beers. For the full experience, book a seat at the Thursday night bottomless beer feast with a shared menu and paired beers."

"If you are after a private brewery tour before you hit up the bar, Batch Brewing Co in Marrickville has got you covered. Open 7 days, with tours on weekends, you can get your brew of choice takeaway or take a seat in The Tasting Room. Plan your visit by checking out their upcoming events and food truck schedule."

"Mona Vale’s Modus Operandi is an all-in-one venue, think brewery, restaurant, bar and live music venue. Their core range beers, from pale ales to porters, are brewed on site and are available to sample alongside their delicious pub-style menu. With daily food specials and live music on the weekend, Modus Operandi is a popular hangout."

"The park contains St Mary’s cathedral plus numerous monuments and statues, and the central pathway through the park is an impressive fig-lined road. Hit the beaches – Sydney is famous for its beaches, which are great free things to do in Sydney. From the Northern Beaches to the Eastern Suburbs you have many great beaches to explore. Our favourites: Bronte and Coogee in the eastern suburbs – and you must visit famous Bondi Beach at least once."

"Another slice of history in the centre of Sydney, this cathedral is a stunning place to take a wander and see some impressive gothic revival architecture."

"Designed by Harry Seidler for his parents and built between 1948 to 1950, Rose Seidler House provides panoramic views of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and is one of the finest examples of mid 20th-century modern domestic architecture in Australia. A visit to the Rose Seidler House provides visitors with an opportunity to view the furniture and fittings form one of the most complete and intact post World War II design collections in public ownership. Opening Times: Open Sundays only | 10.00 am – 4.00 pmTicket Prices: Family $38.00Address: 71 Clissold Rd, Wahroonga NSW Website: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/rose-seidler-house"

"In 1950 when the Rose Seidler House was completed, it was ‘the most talked about house in Sydney.’ Today, this architectural treasure in the North Sydney suburb of Wahroonga is one of the cites most underrated attractions. Composed by the young Harry Seidler for his parents, the house upturned conventional suburban home design. Harry Seidler was an Austrian-born Australian architect who was the first architect to fully express the principles of the Bauhaus and modernism’s methodology in Australia."