Best Outdoor Activities in New South Wales

"Just a few minutes from the better-known Manly Beach, Shelly Beach is a unique location on the east coast of Australia, since it actually faces west. With a large reef also sheltering the beach from the heavy ocean swells, Shelly Beach is a small and secluded haven – perfect for a quiet picnic on the sands or a gentle swim in the ocean. These calm coastal conditionsmake ShellyBeach an ideal spot for scuba divers and snorkelers to explore an..."

"Head to the southern end of Manly Beach then look east across the water. That short stretch of sand about 500 metres away is Shelley Beach, far more secluded, less crowded, and has calmer water than the popular Manly Beach just next door. Shelley Beach is better suited to sunbaking, swimming and paddleboarding than surfing."

"In Manly, walk down the palm tree-lined Corso, hit the promenade on the beach for an ice-cream, walk around to picturesque Shelly Beach, or grab a cold beer at Manly Wharf Hotel. Time your return ferry trip back to the Quay to coincide with sunset behind the harbour bridge."

"Little Manly Beach in Sydney Harbour is an ideal hangout for families with kids of all ages. The water is calm, clean, and there are plenty of grass areas to roam around. When the little ones are done splashing and swimming, they can head over to the playground areas for even more active excitement."

"Located just a short distance from the popular Bondi Beach, but refreshingly far from the crowds, Tamarama Beach is a secluded spot that encompasses 80m of breathtaking shoreline. With strong currents and a left-hand reef break, this panoramic beach is a favourite of surfers and locals. Nicknamed ‘Glamarama’ back in the 1980’s, this beach became known for attracting beautiful, glamorous visitors to its narrow, luxurious stretch of sand."

"Tamarama Beach is a prime spot for getting away from the mega-crowds of Bondi while still staying close to all the city’s action—something that’s well-advised in today’s world. Here, you can throw a towel down on the light tan sand, go for a swim and surf the popular left-hand reef break. It has a truly local feel to it, attracting Sydney’s residents instead of solely backpackers and tourists like many of the city’s other beaches."

"The scent of this Eastern Suburbs bakery will have you reeling from the moment you step inside and it’s unlikely you’ll be leaving with only one donut in tow. With rotating flavours on offer, the peoples favourite vanilla cream and jam donuts sell like literal hotcakes and be sure to score a banoffee donut – with banana caramel custard, salted caramel, banana chips and caramel, you’ll never feel the need for a banoffee pie again. 238 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction"

"Food created with thought, made with love and shared with pleasure – that’s what you’ll find at The Cook and Baker on Oxford Street in Bondi Junction. Step inside, feast your eyes and delight your sen..."

"Sydney’s answer to Melbourne’s iconic Lune croissants, Textbook Patisserie from pastry chef John Ralley is one for the ages. With fresh bread, cakes and danishes – this is the perfect spot to pick up a sweet treat for afternoon tea. 274 Botany Road, Alexandria"

"Get your sweet treats and caffeine fix by ordering takeaway from Textbook Patisserie. 📍 Textbook Boulangerie Patisserie, 274 Botany Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015"

"What makes it special: You’ll experience what it means to have a Medieval Old English feast with this interactive entertainment crew!. Known as Australia’s most popular theatre restaurant, Dirty Dick’s travels to deliver a festival of interactive entertainment themed with costumes, food, and music just like Old English banquets. With long tables piled with smooth wine, colourful fruits, and hearty food, you’re sure to have a full stomach."

"The newest kid on the block, Gram Cafe & Pancakes opened its first Australian store in February of last year, after its sky-high soufflé pancakes earned a cult following across Asia and the US. To make sure each pancake is as light and fluffy as its Osaka counterparts (where the OG store is located), the Sydney chefs have been trained by the big boss from Japan. They’re whipping up a batter heavy with egg whites, steaming it under metal domes and then cooking it until its golden on the outside and white and fluffy on the inside."

"You can pick from several different flavours right from chocolate, pear, nutella hazelnut, strawberry, mandarin and matcha at this crowd favourite spot. 📍GRAM Café & Pancakes, Level 3, Chatswood Station, 67/436 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067"

"Historic Rodd Island, in Iron Cove, offers scenic harbour views, picnicking, fishing, and venue hire for weddings and functions in Sydney Harbour National Park."

"Positioned in Sydney Harbour, 1km from the mouth of Rose Bay, Shark Island – Boowambillee (booh-uhm-'bil-ee) is a picnic spot with a difference. Explore the island's foreshore, go swimming or relax in front of amazing Sydney Harbour views."