Whereas my local courts in Rushcutters Bay are set beautifully next to the harbour, Cooper Park…read moreTennis courts have the equally picturesque setting of being in the middle of a forest. Bondi Junction may be a short stroll, but tall trees on sloping hills give you a feeling of secluded-ness, that make playing here and extremely pleasant experience! The high trees also offer a protection from the sun - when it's not at it's midday point - as well as the wind, so you can't go blaming a shanked backhand on a strong breeze. There's also a café and pro shop, along with changing rooms, and if you feel you're in need of a little tuition, coaching sessions can be booked. For parents out there, children's courses are held during the holiday period. It's advised that you book in advance, just to make sure you can get a court, especially on the weekends, with prices ranging from $25/hour before 5pm Monday to Friday, and $30/hour after 5pm and all weekend.

Should you be looking for a spot of tennis in the city then try Millers Point Tennis courts which…read moreare avaliable for hire to the public. This synthetic tennis court is cut into a sandstone cliff and can be hired by either visiting the Concierge Desk at The Observatory hotel across the road or by calling them on 9256 2222. The court is hired for a mininum of 1 hour at $25 per hour. It is popular with the big corporates around the area so make sure you book ahead should you wish to have a game during lunch times. This little sport gem is accessible and a great way to sweat up some endorphins before, during or after work.

Newly renovated public tennis courts in Coogee. They are great even though there is a bit too much…read moresand on the artificial grass carpet surface.

We took a walk down to this pretty park from our nearby apartment. It's got a bit of everything -…read morewalking/running paths, great water views, tennis courts, play equipment for the kids and more! We walked along the bay for a bit, and stopped at the marina for a drink. There are signs warning you that sharks have been spotted in the bay, so not a place for a refreshing dip. But if you have a boat, it sure seems like a nice place to dock it. For a place so close to the CBD, it was quiet and felt like smiles away from the noise of the city.

Rushcutters Bay Park has a few hidden gems (ok maybe not that hidden) that are great if you are…read moreactive or not. The monkey bars at the south end are actually a great area to do a workout. Watch out for peak hour - right after work - sometimes there are groups of people being coached in that area so you might need to wait for specific stations. There are tennis courts at the south west side of the park - book them online but if you try for early evening there are some people that have standard bookings each week. Later at night is good since they have a great lighting system. Even better is during the day with fewer people around. There is a cafe here that is decent for a coffee but there are so many other coffee shops nearby that you may want to walk a bit. At the Cruising Yacht Club there is a restaurant as well. Fantastic outdoor deck seating and fish and chips are ok. Of course nice cold beer is available as well. You can get reservations and some weekends are very busy. Never tried the indoor seating (why would you when you are by the harbour?). The whole park is dog friendly so be prepared for some visitors if you are having a picnic. Some dogs running 'free-range' but never had a problem. Just make some new friends.

I have such great early childhood memories of this park, it's a huge freely open lusciously green…read morepark, with heaps of dogs strolling off the lead, babies being chased by their mums, and kids playing sports. Located off New South Head Road off the Lyne Park Tennis courts, with a few stella cafe's and restaurants to boot, the location is perfect. You'll see many boats entering the water from the wharf, and some quiet fishermen delicately lowering their lines into the water, unfortunately they mostly catch seaweed and anchors.

Lyne park (pronounced Lion park) is a wonderful place to chill on a warm summer days…read more Situated across from the Rose Bay ferry, Lynne park is really easy to find. It has everything you need in a park - a stunning harbour view,pathways by the ocean, a place to kick around a ball or to grab a cold drink... Dogs are welcome and kids will be entertained by the fun and amusement of the protected playground - that said, whenever I've beenm I've noticed kids have enjoyed chasing around seagulls more than climbing the jungle gym.... A family friendly place to grab the kids, friends, dogs and a picnic.... The only thing is that this isn't a place to swim....so leave your swimsuit behind on this trip....

As a student at one of the nearby schools, I regularly played tennis at the Kim Warwick Tennis…read moreAcademy. The tennis club is located right opposite Hornsby Westfield, with the train station and bus stops nearby. I would train weekly at the academy and compete with other students at the club. There are plenty of tennis courts and snacks and drinks are available. With a small shop, customers can purchase balls, tennis rackets and other items. There is a changing room which is available for use and is convenient if you are going straight to work after your lesson. The owner Kim, is a six time grand slam champion, so you know the trainers are good! All the coaches we had were calm, professional and good players. Private lessons are available, but I cannot comment on pricing due to the fees paid by our school. Summer programs are also available. Their website has a list of pricing, which varies depending on the experience of the coach. For half an hour with Kim, it will cost you $45. Other coaches are $35 an hour. Coach profiles are also listed on their website.

Conveniently located across the street from the YHA Sydney Harbour…read more $17 AUD day pass. Enough weights for a decent whole-body weightlifting regimen. Pleasant staff. Clean.

Perfect for city workers, backpackers or tourists located near the Rocks. The facility accommodates…read moreteam sports (such as basketball, netball, tennis, volleyball, badminton, etc), weight training, group training (yoga, spin classes, cardio and Pilates) and sole cardio training. The facility is quite inexpensive, friendly and packed with enough unpretentious trainers.