Coastal walks, surfing beaches and sailing on the harbour – book a Sydney hotel to follow the call of the wild in outdoor Sydney.Swimmers are spoilt for choice in Sydney, with ocean, harbour and public pools to make a splash in. The pool with the best location is the heated Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, a favourite with Sydneysiders. Right on the harbour by the botanic gardens, it has a café, massage suites and shaded learners’ pool.
1C Mrs Maquaries Road, The Domain
Put on your sunhat and slap on some sunscreen to follow the coastal walkway winding along the ocean cliffs from Bondi to Coogee. The two-hour ramble passes pounding surfing beaches at Tamarama and Bronte, Aboriginal rock art sites and the final resting place of famous Australians at Waverley cemetery. Stop off for a coffee en route and end the walk with a swim in the sheltered sea baths at Coogee.
Tee off at Moore Park near Paddington, just minutes from central Sydney hotels. The 18-hole public course caters for beginners to experts, and the rolling greens and club-house restaurant are backed by views of the Sydney skyline.
Hire a bike at Centennial Park to join active Sydneysiders on two wheels. Grand Drive, a four-kilometre cycle lane, weaves through the park and there’s also a cycleway for learners. On Sundays, all roads in the park are closed for relaxed car-free cycling.
Sydney’s underwater world is a magical place, so strap on some flippers and goggles for a close-up view at Shelly Beach in Manly. You’ll spot fish, weedy seadragons and octopus, and if you’re really lucky perhaps a little penguin might swim your way.
Learn to surf at Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi, or hire a surfboard if you’re an old hand at riding the waves. Surf between the flagged area patrolled by lifeguards, or go for a paddle in Bondi’s calm seawater pools.
If you have a head for heights, rise to the challenge and climb the curving arch of Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s an hour’s climb to the top up a series of steps, ladders and catwalks, but the panoramic views of Sydney from the top more than match the effort.
Experience Sydney Harbour hands-on from the deck of a race-quality yacht. Learn to sail from the home of the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, or just go out on the harbour for the day without getting your feet wet.
Rollerblading is a fun way to get from the café to the beach on Manly’s seaside promenade. Skate hire includes protective gear and helmets, and a lesson or two will get you rolling with the locals if you’re a novice.
Sydney crowds go wild when Queensland and New South Wales play State of Origin matches at the Olympic Park stadium, and the NRL Grand Final is a yearly fixture. Watch local passions run red-hot when the South Sydney Rabbitohs play at their Olympic Park home ground, perhaps cheered on by the team’s co-owner, actor Russell Crowe.
