Escape to Nature in Sydney
The Sydney city center boasts futuristic skyscrapers, critically acclaimed restaurants, a thriving nightlife and fashionable shops at every corner. However, if you crave seeing nature’s beauty as much as I do, gorgeous mountains and beaches are all easily accessible by public transportation. Sydney makes me believe that one can certainly have it all – cosmopolitan living with nature right at your doorstep!
Take a stroll in the Royal Botanic Gardens
In the heart of the pulsating city, you can easily escape to a garden oasis that’s walking distance to major tourist sites. Established in 1816, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens is the oldest botanic garden and scientific institution in Australia. There are four main sections in the 74-acre area with smaller gardens in each section, as well as museums, cafes and restaurants.
The most popular and distinct area is the curved path with a historic sandstone seawall separating the garden from the harbour. That’s where there are gorgeous waterfront views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House. You can also follow the pathway to walk to the Opera House to catch a show or tour the area.
The best view, however, is from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone chair carved by convicts in 1811 for the then-governor’s wife Elizabeth. She used to sit on the rock to enjoy the views of ships coming into the harbor.
Take a ferry to Manly Beach
Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Many Beach and spend the afternoon hanging out at the beach or walking along the coastline to the tiny and protected Shelly Beach, with marine sculptures and a tidal pool. If you’re lucky, you may spot little penguins that hang out under the wharf and come out in the evening.
Be sure to catch the ferry back when the sun is setting and secure a spot in the front or the right side of the ferry’s deck. The sunset behind the Harbor Bridge is simply phenomenal.
Walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach
I love how easy it is to get to beaches in Sydney! You can take several buses from the city, namely 380 or 333 which comes every 10 minutes. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to get to Bondi and you definitely won’t miss your stop. The bus stop is right across from the beach itself!
When you get to the beach turn right and walk along the pathway to get to all the different beaches on the way to Coogee. Even in winter, the weather is incredibly mild (around 60℉ plus) and you’ll see people surfing, swimming and even sunbathing. Go on weekdays to avoid the crowds!
It’s about a two mile walk from Bondi to Coogee. If you get tired along the way, you can you can take a bus from any of the beaches to Coogee or back to Bondi, and from those two beaches, there are buses back to the city.
Travel Tip
Get an Opal card when you arrive in Sydney! They’re used on buses, light rail, trains and ferries and will make your life so much easier not scrounging for change or lining up for tickets. Opal cards (minimum $10) are sold in convenience stores like 7-Eleven in the city center. You can top up your card at these stores or at top-up machines in train stations.