Outdoor sights in Sydney
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Sydney Harbour
Sydney's stunning harbour has melded and shaped the local psyche since the first days of settlement, and today it's both a major working port and the city's sparkling playground. Its waters, beaches, islands and shorefront parks offer all the swimming, sailing, picnicking, walking and real-estate fantasies you could wish for.
The best way to view the harbour is by private yacht (yeah, right). Lacking this, just take a harbour cruise or catch any one of the many ferries that ply its waters. You can also fly above it via a scenic flight. The Manly ferry offers vistas of the harbour east of the bridge, while the Parramatta RiverCats cover the west. You can also visit some of…
reviewed
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B
Marramarra National Park
The 118-sq-km Marramarra National Park, south of the Hawkesbury, has vehicle access south of Wisemans Ferry. There’s free bush camping on the river at Gentlemans Halt and Marramarra Creek.
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C
Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney Harbour National Park protects large swaths of bushland around the harbour shoreline, plus several harbour islands. In among the greenery you’ll find walking tracks, scenic lookouts, Aboriginal carvings, beaches and a handful of historic sites. The park incorporates South Head and Nielsen Park south of the harbour, but most of it is on the North Shore – including Bradleys Head, Middle Head, Dobroyd Head and North Head. Free brochures, including self-guided tours, are available from the park office in Cadman’s Cottage in The Rocks, which itself is part of the park.
reviewed
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D
Lane Cove National Park
This 601-hectare park, 11km northwest of the city centre, is a great place to stretch out on some middle-sized bushwalks. It’s home to dozens of critters, including some endangered owls and toads. If you visit in spring, the water dragons will be getting horny and the native orchids and lilies will be flowering. There’s a boat shed on Lane Cove River that rents out row boats and kayaks, but swimming isn’t a good idea. You can also cycle and camp, and some sections are wheelchair accessible.
reviewed
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E
Argyle Place
A quiet, English-style village green in a district of early colonial homes, Argyle Place offers the sacred appeal of the Garrison Church and the more secular delights of the Lord Nelson Brewery hotel. Both the Lord Nelson and the Hero of Waterloo hotel, a block north, lay claim to being Sydney's oldest pub.
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