Sydney Outdoor Adventures

By David Rutter

Discover a different Sydney. Sydney Outdoor Adventures is the guide to exploring all the outdoor adventures that Sydney has to offer. In this guidebook you will find great beaches to swim and surf, islands to explore, camping grounds, mountain biking trails, snorkelling and diving sites, hiking tracks, and parks to enjoy. Complete with transport details, gear hire and lesson providers, this guide will get you off the beaten track and into a different side of Sydney.

The Outdoor Type Guides are travel guide books for outdoor types. Think of them as companions to your traditional travel guides. Traditional travel guide books provide the basic on where to stay, where to eat, and suggestions on what to see. Our guides give the reader what we think are the best outdoor places and activities in superb destinations. Sydney, our hometown, is the first in the series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Rutter
• Release date: Feb 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9780646913544

Book preview

Sydney Outdoor Adventures

David Rutter

Copyright The Outdoor Type Pty Ltd 2014

Published by The Outdoor Type Pty. Ltd. at Smashwords

A publication of The Outdoor Type Pty Ltd.

Email: [e-mail]

www.theoutdoortype.com.au

Copyright © 2014 by The Outdoor Type Pty. Ltd.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL

Cartography: Andrew Harvey

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

First Edition, 2014

ISBN 978-0-646-91354-4

Some of the activities referred to in this book are dangerous. Any participation in such activities, or travel to any locations described in the content, is at your own risk, and you are solely responsible for making your own assessment of the safety and suitability of the activity or location.

You should also make your own enquiries as to whether any relevant third party provider holds suitable public liability insurance, or whether you should obtain your own insurance.

The Outdoor Type Pty. Ltd. is not responsible for and makes no warranties in relation to: (a) the accuracy of the content, (b) the safety and suitability for your purposes of any activity, location, goods or services referred to in the book; and (c) the standard of service of any third party.

The Outdoor Type Pty. Ltd. is not liable to you or any other person in any circumstances for loss or damage of any kind, whether direct or indirect, consequential or incidental, arising from or relating to: (a) the accuracy of the Content; (b) any goods or services offered by a third party provider; (c) access to, or the inability to access, any personal injury suffered as a result of your participation in an activity or travel to a location referred to in the book, or as a result of your use of goods or services provided by third parties.

Table Of Contents

Sydney

Transport Information

Words Of Warning

Islands

Beaches and Surfing

Snorkelling and Diving

Parks and Reserves

Hiking

Mountain Biking

Kayaking

Camping

Whale Watching

Zoos, Wildlife Parks and Aquariums

Indoor Climbing

Other Activities

Sydney

It is easy to forget just how big Sydney is once you are away from the city centre and out on the harbour, on one of its beaches, or in one of the many national parks that surround the city. Even in this large city, finding a quiet corner is still possible.

Sydney covers a large area, and within that area there is a veritable treasure trove of outdoor sights and activities just waiting to be tried. Sydney is truly a great city of outdoor types to spend time in.

Getting around can be a little tricky sometimes, so we have included transport information, and attempted to find activities that are relatively close to public transport. There are many areas not covered by the rail network, but there is a pretty good bus network, and if you’re going be doing something near the harbour, then the ferry is a good way to get there.

The sprawling city can roughly be divided into five sections – the city centre, the northern suburbs, the inner west and outer west, the south and the eastern suburbs. Each of the areas has its own character, and offers something for the outdoor type.

City Centre

Even in the middle of the city there are a few places to go to, and activities to do. Hyde Park, the Botanical Gardens and the Domain offer large green spaces for enjoying a laid-back afternoon, an easy jog, or even a bit of fartlek.

Eastern Suburbs

East of the city lies some of Sydney’s iconic beaches, and the massive Centennial Park. If you’re more inclined to spend your time in or on the water, then the Eastern Suburbs offer a lot – swimming, surfing, diving, snorkelling and sailing.

South and the Shire

As in the north, the southern suburbs have some great beaches, rivers to canoe, and national parks to explore. Australia’s first national park – The Royal National Park, marks the southern border of greater Sydney, and includes a wide variety of landscapes and activities, all accessible by the train stations that border the park.

North Shore and Northern Beaches

Crossing the Harbour Bridge and into the northern suburbs can feel like you’re entering a whole new city – the suburbs are leafier, national parks and other parks seem to be everywhere, and the beaches are less crowded. The area stretching from the harbour north shore to the Hawkesbury River is massive, and there are times when you could be forgiven if you forget that you’re in a large city.

Transport Information

The transportation in Sydney is a mixture of trains, buses and taxis, as well as ferries and water-taxis.

Boat

Ferry

For a city like Sydney, the ferry is the most scenic way to travel. Harbour ferries service many locations, and the RiverCat travels to and from Parramatta. All services either start or conclude their journey at Circular Quay. Many ferries also have connecting bus services. For some destinations, such as Shark Island, private operators are the only options, and for Manly, private operators provide another option.

Water Taxi

Water taxis travel along dedicated shuttle routes; however you can book a taxi to take you to other locations on the harbour.

Yellow Water Taxis: 

[phone] 

http://www.yellowwatertaxis.com.au/

H2O Maxi Taxis: 

[phone] 

http://www.h2owatertaxis.com.au/

Water Taxis Combined: 

[phone] 

http://watertaxis.com.au/

Aussie Water Taxis: 

[phone] 

http://www.aussiewatertaxis.com/

Car

Rental

There are many car hire companies serving Sydney, and many of them have offices at the airport and in the city.

Avis: 

13 63 33 

http://www.avis.com.au

Budget:

13 27 27 

http://www.budget.com.au

Europcar: 

1300