Sydney is a city that lends itself perfectly to outdoor pursuits. Sydneysiders enjoy surfing, sailing, kayaking and diving on the clear waters and gorgeous beaches of the harbour and coastline. But it’s not just about coastal activities. Travel an hour or two in any direction and you’ll see how diverse Sydney really is. The mountains, rivers, parks and bushlands offer opportunities for biking, hiking, and horse riding. Great campsites and trails open another world to intrepid explorers. Set up your tent, start up a fire, and get ready for a true wilderness experience. The Blue Mountains National Park (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au) is spectacular, and encompasses a lush range full of spectacular walks and trails. Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, around 50km north of Sydney (same website), is where the Hawkesbury River meets the ocean and is almost as stunning.

Sydney’s waterways are a haven for boat-lovers and sailing here is popular year-round. If you’re a beginner, there are a number of sailing schools offering basic ‘Competent Crew’ courses. Aquablue (www.aquabluecharters.com.au) offers an impressive selection of vessels operating out of Sydney Harbour. EastSail (www.eastsail.com.au) is Australia’s largest sailing school, offering all kinds of Royal Yachting Association courses. And, Northside Sailing School (www.northsidesailing.com.au) offers courses for all ages, with a special focus on students new to sailing.

There can’t be many Australian activities more iconic than surfing. It’s as Aussie as Vegemite sandwiches, and if you’d like to try this hugely popular sport for yourself, there are a number of surf schools operating from beaches around Sydney’s northern and eastern coastlines. They’ll generally offer tuition individually or in small groups, teaching you the basics like how to paddle out and get up onto your board before sending you off into the waves to sink or surf. Let’s Go Surfing (02 9365 1800, no website) is Bondi’s only licensed surf school. Manly Surf School (www.manlysurfschool.com) is Sydney’s largest, and Waves Surf School (www.wavessurfschool.com.au) does tours to remote locations, giving you access to some of the best, uncrowded waves around.

And of course, most spectator sports are played here to the very highest professional level. Rugby league (www.nrl.com) is hugely popular, with the grand final due to take place on 30 September. Rugby union (www.rugby.com.au), cricket (www.cricket.com.au), horse racing (www.australian-racing.net.au), tennis (www.tennis.com.au) and Aussie rules (www.afl.com.au) are all very popular. So, if you don’t fancy breaking a sweat yourself, you can always watch others in action.

For full details on where to stay and what to see, get the Sydney Mini Explorer; it’s the perfect holiday companion. If you’re so excited by the place that you want to move there, the Sydney Explorer will tell you how.

Back to Sights And Sounds