Where to get your nature-fix in Sydney

Living in a city has its benefits – culture, great food haunts, artistic endeavours, fashion-forward shopping and just that general, buzzing cosmopolitan lifestyle; but sometimes you need to stop and smell the roses. Within our fast-paced lives, it’s important to get back to nature and take out some time for reprieve and rejuvenation, which, believe it or not, is possible within a city too – especially one such as Sydney. Here are our top picks for where to head for a nature fix that doesn’t require long hours in the car.

Bondi to Bronte coastal walk
This is the most famous, most walked track in Sydney – and for good reasons. Not only is it easy to get to, and passes between two of Australia’s best-known beaches, Bondi and Bronte, it boasts sweeping coastal vistas all year round. There are many incredible vantage points and photo opportunities along the way – keep your eyes peeled for the sandstone lookout at Hunter Park.

Royal Botanic Gardens
A 30-hectare oasis in the heart of the city that won’t let any nature-lover down. Wrapped around Farm Cove at the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Gardens are housed within one of Sydney’s most spectacular positions (a personal favourite of mine). Established in 1816, it is the nation’s oldest scientific institution and is home to loads of native and international flora and fauna.

Hyde Park
Here’s one for the history buffs – Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park. With more than 16 hectares of wide open space smack-bang in the middle of Sydney, there is no shortage of lush grass if you want to claim a small piece of land for an impromptu picnic, or simply have a seat and take in the scenic surrounds.

Centennial Park
This expansive park doesn’t simply offer verdure grounds for contemplation and rejuvenation, it also offers horse riding – animal lovers rejoice! Horse riding in Centennial Park is one of Sydney’s hidden gems and is one of the few parks in the world to offer this inner-city activity. The park itself is located 4 kilometres south-east of the CBD in the eastern suburbs.

words by sophie rennard