Explore Sydney & Surrounds
Art galleries, eateries, waterfalls and an abundance of magnificent hiking trails surround the charming village of Wentworth Falls. With plenty of mountain retreat accommodation it’s easy to justify a weekend away here, yet also very accessible for a day trip from Sydney. Continue reading “Wentworth Falls Village”
Carved into the side of a spectacular cliff face, the Wentworth Falls National Pass trail offers expansive views over the Jamison Valley, and also boasts a number of beautiful waterfalls. This iconic walking track was originally constructed in 1906-1907 using shovels, crowbars and dynamite. In 2002 it underwent major restoration works. Heritage stonemasons were employed to repair the steps that had been eroded over the years, while helicopters were deployed to place large sandstone blocks along the trail.
Cremorne Point is well known for its superb harbourside walk and city vistas, yet many visitors and locals are totally unaware of the hidden beauty that lays just off the main pathway. Beneath the eastern path is the Lex and Ruby Graham Garden, a cool oasis with a network of trails lined with tree ferns, clivias, agapanthus and other exotic plants. Then off the western path, concealed by overhanging trees has to be one of the best view swimming pools in Sydney, the Maccallum Seawater Pool.
From Circular Quay it’s just a 10-15 minute ferry ride, a fabulous way to start your exploration of Cremorne Point! Continue reading “Cremorne Point Hidden Garden”
Who would have guessed an old Tram Depot could be such an exciting food destination, well Tramsheds Harold Park is just that! Under the one roof you will find a wide choice of restaurants and cafés serving delicious foods from around the world. There’s even a cosy dining area in one of the old trams.
If you also like to include a walk with your outing, head down to the waterfront and take the foreshore walk to Blackwattle Bay… it offers some fabulous views to the Anzac Bridge and city.
Sirius Cove is a quiet hideaway in Mosman, surrounded by lush coastal vegetation, a small well protected beach and a number of quaint boatsheds. Adjacent to the beach is a park area that attracts plenty of locals… and their dogs too! It’s one of those parks where dogs can roam free, and they do. On the eastern side of the cove is a beautiful track that follows the foreshore to Taronga Zoo and beyond. The track has recently undergone repair work, so it’s quite an easy walk with some fantastic views along the way.
University of Sydney is Australia’s oldest university campus. With its striking neo-gothic sandstone structures and the impressive award-winning Law School Building, there is much to see and enjoy here… particularly if you love architecture. In addition, the University is in close proximity to the vibrant Glebe village where you will find plenty of eateries and bars, as well as boutique shops and art galleries.
Scattered along the mangrove shores of the Parramatta River are the shipwrecks of Homebush Bay. Rusted and crumbling, these are the remnants of the former ship-breaking yard. The SS Ayrfield would have to be the most well known and photographed wreck with its rusty hulk and huge cargo of mangrove trees, often reflected beautifully in the still and glassy waters of the bay. In fact, it was one of those images that inspired our outing. Although we didn’t have the ‘glassy waters’ to capture the perfect reflection, it was still wonderful to see the Ayrfield on a brilliant sunny day!
The area immediately adjacent to the river has been redeveloped as Bicentennial Park, where paths, boardwalks and cycling tracks wind their way through the park and the Badu Mangroves. Surrounded by the mangrove forest, and somewhat hidden from most visitors to the park is a thriving Waterbird Refuge, an added bonus when visiting the shipwrecks. Continue reading “Shipwrecks Homebush Bay”
Not only is the West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park an ideal place to experience magnificent water views, but it is also the start of a beautiful walk to the secluded Resolute beach. The bush track descends from the lookout to the beach, winding its way through tall gums, ferns and striking grass trees, past moss and lichen covered boulders and down stairs that have been carved into the natural rocks.
Also, if you have time, the Waterfront Café at Church Point ferry wharf is an idyllic location for brunch or lunch… just 30 minutes drive away. Continue reading “West Head to Resolute Beach”
Connecting the historic towns and villages of the Southern Highlands is a network of quiet country roads. Rolling hills, tree lined farms and boutique wineries make the Highlands an idyllic place to explore by car, bike… or on foot! Also, with an impressive selection of fine dining restaurants and quality accommodation it’s easy to appreciate why many Sydneysiders find the Highlands a perfect destination for a weekend or day trip getaway, only 90 minutes drive south west of Sydney. Continue reading “Southern Highlands Country Life”
90 minute drive south west of Sydney takes you to the heart of the picturesque Southern Highlands, home to a number of superb contemporary art and craft galleries, quirky antique shops and excellent eateries. There is also a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. It’s certainly easy to justify a weekend escape or day trip here!
Whether you plan a romantic weekend away, or a day trip with friends, you will be sure to enjoy this beautiful part of NSW.
If you’re looking for one of the most spectacular Sydney Harbour views, you need to visit Georges Heights Lookout at Headlands Park Mosman. Perched high above the harbour the lookout offers unparalleled views to Manly, Vaucluse and the Sydney CBD. There are also a number of inspiring bushwalks and cafés in the area, as well as an Artist Precinct.
Georges Heights was formerly used by the military as a lookout area to see approaching enemy ships. Many of the historical military structures are still in place, such as concealed gun pits, underground tunnels and barracks. All well worth exploring. Continue reading “Georges Heights Sydney Harbour”
Down by the harbourside the open air bars and eateries are abuzz with the sounds of youthful excitement and celebration. The holiday crowds soak up the atmosphere, while the buskers entertain anyone and everyone. This is an exciting and stunning place to be, where Sydney is at its most vibrant… and where all the main tourist attractions are found!
If you venture beyond the waterfront you will find yourself surrounded by soaring glass towers and heritage sandstone buildings, and where impressive street sculpture and exotic palms bring a touch of art and greenery to the city streets. This is also where many of Sydney’s well known contemporary art and craft galleries are located.
The Rocks area and Circular Quay through to Martin Place is a holiday destination in itself, even if you’re not on holidays you will certainly feel like you are!
The Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden is one of the main attractions for visiting beautiful Lavender Bay. By the waters edge lies a hidden sanctuary. What was once a neglected and overgrown bushy wasteland has been transformed into an enchanting garden of winding paths, lush foliage and intimate picnic nooks. At the top of the garden is a picture perfect park with tall palms and inspiring views to the Harbour Bridge, CBD, Opera House and Luna Park.
While in the area it’s also worth taking a walk along the Lavender Bay waterfront to Luna Park and Kirribilli, or alternatively head in the opposite direction to the quaint village suburb of McMahons Point. Continue reading “Secret Garden Lavender Bay”
Who doesn’t love to dine surrounded by nature! Whether it’s inside or out, a leafy outlook is always an inspiring place to eat… or drink 🙂 The Sydney area has many fine cafés and restaurants set in tropical gardens, parks and leafy neighborhoods. These are a few of our favourite places to enjoy the outdoors. Continue reading “Outdoor Eateries”
Dominating the Lilyfield skyline is the historic venetian clock tower of the Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) complex. An impressive site, surrounded by a cluster of beautiful old sandstone buildings and massive wrought iron gates. There are also extensive lawns, large shady trees and tall palms dotting the estate, making it a perfect place for a picnic.
Alternatively, why not take a short stroll along the popular Bay Run. Head north toward Rozelle and Balmain where you will find a zillion cafes for a bite to eat… or plenty of boutique shops to explore! Continue reading “Lilyfield’s Venetian Clock Tower”
One of life’s most enjoyable experiences is sharing delicious food in beautiful surrounds. Sydney’s Lower North Shore with it’s leafy harbourside suburbs offers an abundance of inspiring places to eat and drink… below are some of our favourites!
Nestled between the harbourside suburbs of McMahons Pt and Wollstonecraft sits the beautifully transformed Waverton Peninsula. What was once an ugly industrial area has been redeveloped into a large parkland of walking tracks and lookouts. To add to the character, some of the industrial remnants have been left in tact, such as the old Coal Loader tunnels and crumbling wharves. While the bushwalks and harbour views are reason enough to visit the area, the quarterly Artisan Market at the Coal Loader provides an additional incentive! Continue reading “Waverton Harbourside Transformed”
On our last trip to the Blue Mountains we were delighted to visit the historic Leuralla Toy and Train Museum. Housed in a two storey mansion is one of the largest collections of 20th century toys and model trains in the Southern Hemisphere! Surrounding the home are 12 acres of mountain gardens… filled with old train station memorabilia from Sydney and surrounds. Then just across the road is an impressive stone amphitheatre, with spectacular views over the Jamison Valley. Continue reading “Leuralla Toys Trains & Amphitheatre”
Leura is often referred to as The Jewel in the Mountains Crown. With a garden village atmosphere and an abundance of boutique accommodation, speciality shops, galleries and eateries, it is easy to understand why it attracts such attention. Beyond the busy mall you will find mountain vistas, inspiring bushwalks and historic gardens and homes. The Leura Everglades House and Gardens owned by the National Trust, features a superb European styled-terraced garden, with expansive views over the Jamison Valley to Mt Solitary. Continue reading “Everglades Garden & Leura Village”
This outing covers a visit to the historic huts at Crater Cove, as well as a coastal walk along a section of the much loved Spit Bridge to Manly walk. What many hikers don’t realize is there’s much more to this area than the stunning views and secluded beaches. Clinging precariously to the rock ledges of Crater Cove lies a small scattering of historic fisherman’s huts, constructed from locally found materials; beach rocks, driftwood, old timber, corrugated iron and vintage bottles. Their rustic appeal attracts a few adventurous hikers, those who persist in finding the hidden path! Continue reading “Crater Cove Huts & Walk to Manly”
Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover a hidden oasis, the walled Chinese Garden of Friendship. Just behind the wall lies a garden bursting with beauty. Ornate pavilions, exotic plants, ponds, waterfalls and rocky outcrops. Paths twist and wind their way over little bridges and streams, while carefully composed scenes unfold as you stroll your way through the garden. Continue reading “Chinese Garden Hidden Oasis”
There is much history and beauty concealed within the perfectly positioned eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. Heritage estates, secluded beaches, coastal walks and beachside cafés are scattered along its shores. Hidden in a small sandy cove is the impressive Parsley Bay century old cable suspension footbridge, while close by is the historic Vaucluse House and Tearooms… surrounded by towering palms and ever so lush gardens. Then you have Nielsen Park with its lovely beach side café restaurant and the historic Greycliffe House. Continue reading “Vaucluse Estates & Secluded Bays”
Tucked neatly in behind Balmain and surrounded by water on three sides, Birchgrove makes for an inspiring outing. The waterfront reserves and attractive homes with their large shady trees and well tended gardens are just some of its many charms. From Ballast Point and Mort Bay parks there are some superb views to the city and harbour bridge, a perspective that not too many visitors to Sydney would recognize. Continue reading “Birchgrove’s Waterfront Parks”
A suburb that was once a quiet harbour front village has been fabulously transformed over the years into a bustling suburb of cafes, bars, boutique shops and galleries. If you venture into the backstreets you will find thoughtfully renovated cottages and leafy harbourside walks. A suburb vastly different from the shipyards and factories of the past! Continue reading “Balmain Vibe Upbeat Eclectic”
Castlecrag’s architect designed homes sit perfectly in their natural bush settings, surrounded by old stone walls, gum trees and lush foliage, while bushy cul-de-sacs hide the access to a maze of meandering pathways.
The suburb was originally planned by husband and wife team Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Their vision was to prevent unsympathetic development in the area, as well as protect the native flora and fauna.
This impressive Incinerator building was designed in the 1930s by the famous architects Walter Burley Griffin and Eric Nicholls. The building terminated incineration in 1967 and lay dormant until the early 1980s when it was converted into a restaurant, and later into a small office building. After extensive renovations it reopened in 2011 as an Art Space Gallery and Café. In its current state I find it difficult to imagine that it ever had an industrial past!
Close to the Incinerator is the Flat Rock Gully reserve with a network of bush tracks. Our favourite is the Wilksch Walk which leads through lush forest to a small creek, then onto Tunks Park and the harbour. From Tunks Park one can enjoy clear views to the historic stone bridge of Northbridge. Continue reading “The Incinerator & Wilksch Walk”
An amazing transformation has taken place in the Ultimo area over the last 20 years. From derelict warehouses and industrial sites to a vibrant community of character cafes, restored terraces, art galleries and ‘out there’ Frank Gehry architecture! Also, close by in Chippendale is the well known White Rabbit Gallery, housing the largest and most significant collection of contemporary Chinese art. Continue reading “Ultimo Architecture & Art”
McMahons Pt village has much to offer with it’s lively café scene, harbour views and leafy suburb walks. While it has a great selection of cafés, restaurants and bars, it is also a beautiful place to explore on foot. In addition, the charming Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden at Lavender Bay is only minutes away. Wherever you wander in this area you will be delighted, it is truly one of Sydney’s hidden gems! Continue reading “McMahons Pt Village Café Life”
The stunningly themed Botanic Gardens are a true oasis, the perfect place to unwind and experience the beauty and perfection in nature. Also, if you’re looking for an inspiring place to eat in the city, try the delightful Botanic Gardens Restaurant, located at the heart of the gardens, surrounded by a large lotus pond and tropical vegetation. Continue reading “Explore Sydney Botanic Gardens”
