Nature and Parks
Fall in love with the natural wonders of Sydney, from the beautiful coastline and sparkling blue Sydney Harbour to majestic whales on their annual migration and spectacular wilderness in some of the world’s oldest national parks. Gorgeous gardens and parks in the city are perfect for picnics, too.
You’ll be delighted with the variety of wonderful walks, including one of the best city walks in the world to iconic attractions such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden. Another popular walk throughout the year is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
On the edges of Sydney, and right in the heart, are magnificent national parks. You’ll find abundant wildlife, bushwalking trails to breathtaking lookouts, tranquil waterways for kayaking and fishing, as well as precious Aboriginal rock art, including ancient engravings of a sky spirit and a whale.
The Royal National Park is Australia’s oldest national park, established in 1879. You can relax on secluded beaches, discover littoral rainforest, enjoy camping, and hire small row boats from the Audley Boatshed to explore the pretty Kangaroo Creek. Other national parks in Sydney include:
- Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park, Australia’s second-oldest national park
- Sydney Harbour National Park for exhilarating walking foreshore trails
- Kamay Botany Bay National Park for whale watching at Cape Solander
- Thirlmere Lakes National Park, a World Heritage area in Western Sydney
- Lane Cove National Park for bushwalking, cycling, rowing and camping
- Dharug National Park for a for a World Heritage walk in the Hawkesbury
You can even go camping on a Sydney Harbour island. Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage convict site, with a campground and tents. There are guided camping tours, too. Join Life’s an Adventure, Sydney Coast Walks or EcoTreasures for a Sydney camping adventure in a national park.
One of the great natural wonders is the annual migration of thousands of humpback and other whales along the NSW coast, between May and November. Whale watching is popular on Sydney coastal walks and on special boat tours departing from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Manly.