Fabulous park with a massive off leash area for dogs. Tons of people out with their dogs walking…read moreenjoying the sunshine and hanging out at the kiosk. This place used to be a dumping ground in the old days and has been transformed into a gorgeous park. Sydney Park includes a series of visually prominent hills which provide panoramic views of the city skyline and Sydney Airport. There is a massive skate park, kids play areas and some of the heritage of this area has also been preserved nicely. Loved going here with our dog.

Located just south of Newtown is one of Sydney's best reclaimed green spaces. Sydney Park…read more Identifiable from the historical heritage listed brickworks chimneys from the days when the area used to be the brickworks for Sydney, it's a vast green area that is perfect for any recreational activity. Lovely open green areas perfect for walking the dog, and a large kids playground equipped with a large sandpit, climbing frames, swings and slides, it's got everything a kid needs to explore, play and wear themselves out. There's a challanging skate park, and a learn to ride bike area for the kids. There's also a sports oval where I believe a local Sydney grade cricket team plays during the summer months. Lush green grass is plentiful, and perfect for a picnic. Climb up the steep hills and you will find yourself with views stretching to the City and lower North Shore in the north, to the Aiport and Brighton le Sands region in the South, and on clear sunny days, free of smog and polloution you can glimpse the sprawling Blue Mountains and Great Dividing Range. Whether you're jogging or cycling through for a bit of quick fitness, or spending the day relaxing, it's a fantastic park with plenty of amenities. One downside is the toilets aren't the cleanest, and probably need more attention especially during weekend periods. There's a small cafe just outside the childrens play area which serves a good range of coffees and light meals. I'm sure in time that'll get a review on it's own. But with two young kids, it's going to be a regular destination for myself. And with walking distance to King St, Newtown, I'm sure there's plenty of opportunities for a cheeky beer or two in one of the many pubs and bars located along the strip. Or, if you're my wife, plenty of (window) shopping.

Definitely the biggest playground I've ever been to! It has it all... swings, giant climbing…read morestructure and very high rope bridge, flying fox, tunnels and slides, rope climbing web, etc. We spent more than 2 hours here and had a group of kids ranging from age 1 to 12. We definitely will be back whenever we're in the area!!

Drawn in by the potential of the Armory Wharf Cafe (review http://frid.co/nikCOQ) I found my self…read moredriving a bit out of my way to give it a go. Not knowing a great deal about this park, when I arrived I was amazed to see the play area with the shiny slippery slides, climbing areas and massive swings. This is an awesome park. While some parts of it still seem under development, and there is a real lack of shade areas, this has to be one of the best play areas I have seen in Sydney. If your kids can not have fun here they are simply not trying hard enough. While it appeared there was a tonne of parking available, on the weekend you are going to find it challenging. As for what to bring when you come, if you have a bike, bring it as there is a huge bike track to check out. If you don't have one, you can rent one ( http://frid.co/qSpPMO ). Of course if you want to chill out and relax, perhaps with a coffee, then head to either the Armory Wharf Cafe or the Armory Wharf Canteen ( http://frid.co/nKLbIw - which is only open on weekends and public holidays). Alternatively you could grab one of the benches near the free BBQ hot plates and cook up a couple of snags. If you are looking for the perfect place to have a kids birthday party, this might be it! You just might not want to do it on the weekend...

HUGE park, great for Tropfest, but I wish I had known it was in the middle of the park! Might have…read morebeen more prepared for that walk in 45C/104F. As you can see from pictures, it needs more trees for shade, I'm not sure what people do on hot days here.

When I was planning my trip to Sydney last year I discovered that there was this really cool…read morelooking gate at the entrance to this park, however I also noticed that this park was quite large. As it turns out large is a bit of an understatement - it is absolutely huge. So huge that it contains a relic of Australia's convict past - Old Government House. There are some huge flat grasses areas, large enough to have a round-robin professional football festival (though I am exaggerating a bit, but it is still pretty big). The Parramatta River also runs through the middle of the park, though it isn't really all that wide, but don't try to jump over it - you might end up getting wet. When I went for a wander around here I barely even scratched the surface, but it certainly is a decent place was a walk, jog, picnic, or even a game of One Day International Cricket.

Quality/Quantity - What a cool place to hang out!…read moreGlad we came on a Monday, but still crazy busy. Fairly Bower Rock Pool - Cool! Check out the pictures, as usual the pictures do NOT do the pool and area justice. Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Manly Scenic Walkways - Do remember that "freak" waves can come any time and hit you while walking the pathway. Small cafe; I did not visit. Good for scuba diving and snorkeling - A maximum depth of 12 meters. We saw many classes out there teaching and training locals and tourists. Atmosphere - Lizard and bird (turkey) friendly, see pictures. Art, statues, educational information, etc. along the walking paths. Pedestrian friendly, no/restricted bikes allowed on many paths. In the main town, there is plenty of shopping, eating, and people watching. Pay parking lots. Service - Quick easy ferry from and to Manly. Much easier than driving. Express ferries are also available for a little more $$. "Smart beach" - See picture for definition. There are public toilets and showers, but there was a long line the entire time we were there. So they need more... Price - Beach - Free. Everything else is tourist prices, LOL. Owner Comment - Thanks for such a great visit!

A little bit of a walk from Manly beach. Just follow the sea wall. It's a lot calmer for swimming,…read moresnorkeling, just getting your toes wet. The area between the two beaches is a protested reef. So be mindful. The sand did have bit of shells and ocean debris. There was also some beer caps floating around, so just be wary where you walk. If you're looking for a nice shaded spot, bring your own or relax by the side where the trees are. The do have public showers, toilets, rinse off area and a filtered water station. Plus a nice beachside cafe for your dinning pleasures. Took a lot of great photos, but do respect the signs and the law. And clean up after yourselves.

This is a little oasis, especially on a weekday. The netball courts are a good place for little…read moreones to ride bikes. There is a fenced off playground and an off leash dog area. Plenty of seating and picnic areas for lunch too.

Want to have a whale of a time?…read more I particularly love going to North head for spotting whales! From May to Nov, North head offers an amazing opportunity to watch a Blow, a fin, an occasional body splash. The migration route is close to the coast so these whales can often be seen from the north headlands. From late August to November, the whales head southwards. Females with their newborns, and males after the mating season. Mothers tend to spend more time on surface and swim slower so that the calf can keep up. The calves tend to come out of the water more often. Remember to bring your binoculars! The North and South Heads of Sydney mark the entrance to Sydney harbour. The bay is called the Mouth of Sydney and this is where all ships enter and leave Sydney. The lookout points towards the city and you can catch views of the Harbour Bridge, city, Rose bay all the way unto Vaculuse. North Head National Parks is a ten minute drive from Manly. It's a pristine headland and a great vantage point to watch the Sydney to Hobart race on Boxing day. They have walking tracks and barracks. If you stand close to the edge, you can feel the water spray from below. This is particularly welcome during summer months.

Are you looking for the ultimate view of Sydney. Look no further. On a blue sky day, driving…read morethrough the stone gate, along the bushy road, and then coming across the two lookouts... well... it is stunning. For me though, while there are more sporting options of biking and hiking... the quick tourist drive in and maybe a picnic would suffice. Besides... I quick drive away from here you'll find Shelly Beach ( http://frid.co/mYE5LL ), which for my money offers a much more relaxing location (though the parking cost is a bit of a killer).

Your sanctuary to temporarily escape from the city hustle and bustle, if you wish. Who would have…read morethought that such a simple park as this would blend in so nicely into Surry Hills Crown Street territory. Perfect. Popular with families who have little ones, they get to enjoy the Surry Hills vibe too. Perfect locale, right across the road from the library with free WiFi, and must I say from awesome and popular Gelato Messina too. Grab yourself a scoop (or two) of quality ice cream in a cup, and enjoy in a park, as opposed to on the street scape. A fairly good picnic destination for families and couples too.

I don't know how anyone can stand to eat lunch at their desk. People talk about how breaks make you…read more40% more productive, the staggering stats on our nation's rates of vitamin D deficiency despite being one of the sunniest countries in the world, and really who wants to work when there are breaks to be had! And particularly not when you have places like Shannon Reserve nearby. Shannon Reserve is prime lunch eating property with plenty of seating, sun (please select from dappled or full), a plethora of takeaway vendors nearby and no ibises! The Veggie Patch Van is usually parked a few metres away on Tuesdays too. One of my favourite features however is that it's probably the second best place in Sydney after the airport for people watching. Inner city hipsters, mothers' groups, office workers on their lunch breaks, immaculately dressed children, Sydney's homeless, musicians jamming on their guitars, people doing yoga, dogs big and small with their owners big and small... Shannon reserve gets them all! If the sun never set, this would be where I would park myself all day long with a scoop of Gelato Messina from across the road, a pair of sunnies and a smile on my face.

My favorite activity for my first week in Sydney. I can see from this trail how people can become…read moreenamored with the city. Easy access From Bondi Junction, a 20 minute bus ride depending on where you want to start. I walked 90% of the trail because i wanted shorter Bus route. FYI, the bus is within the building of Bondi Junction above the train station not street side. Reminds me of some of the cliffs along the beaches of California. Some tips. Bring swimming trunk, lotion, sun protection, and water bottle. There are refill stations along the way and bathrooms. Not much shade even on this cloudy day. Multiple beaches along the route where you can take a dip. Restaurants are also accessible, but I prefer a picnic lunch so you can enjoy the views with the plenty benches and the beaches. Some have some shady seating options. I went on a weekday so I'm guessing on weekends more crowds. The beaches often have showers and restrooms.

An amazing, 4 mile walk! Truly breathtaking in all the ways possible. From the beautiful,…read morepicturesque spots, to the graveyard and most perfect blue water I've ever seen, this walk was worth every minute, every mile and every step. One of the most memorable, special moments of my time in Sydney. Pictures don't do it justice, but the memories will last a lifetime. Stop along the way at clovelly beach, dolphin look out, and take in natures finest when you finally make it to the Bondi icebergs!