Best Outdoor Activities in City of Parramatta Council

"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."

"Exotic fish, weedy sea dragons and even a mystical sunken motorcycle reside beneath the turquoise waters of Sydney’s Shelly Beach. This secluded marine reserve is a favourite of snorkelers, scuba divers and day-trippers looking for a tranquil picnic destination due to its calm water and surrounding natural bushland."

"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."

"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."

"Bondi to Bronte walk – a must do when you visit Australia Catch the ferry to Manly – a cheap way to experience beautiful Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the city is to catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and back. In Manly, walk down the palm tree-lined Corso towards 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 the 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."

"Dog-friendly Rouse Hill Regional Park is great for a picnic or barbecue. There is a lot to do; head to the playground, go bike riding, or take a stroll down to Second Ponds Creek."

"In 1950 when the Rose Seidler House was completed, it was ‘the most talked about house in Sydney.’ Today, this architectural treasure in the North Sydney suburb of Wahroonga is one of the cites most underrated attractions. Composed by the young Harry Seidler for his parents, the house upturned conventional suburban home design. Harry Seidler was an Austrian-born Australian architect who was the first architect to fully express the principles of the Bauhaus and modernism’s methodology in Australia."

"Once called “the finest [house] in the colony”, this sumptuous villa has a classical feel. Constructed in Greek Revival style, it was allowed to decay during the middle of the 20th Century before the villa and accompanying grotto was painstakingly restored. The property was home to Alexander Macleay and his family, and at the time they lived here, its gardens ran to the water’s edge."

"Built during 1835-1839, Elizabeth Bay House in Sydney was designed by the architect John Verge for Australia's Colonial Secretary of the time. Today, this once private house acts as a stunning example of colonial architecture. The special attraction of this house lies in the fact that it offers magnificent views of Sydney Harbour."

"Built between 1835 and 1839, the Elizabeth Bay House is a heritage-listed Colonial Regency style house that functions as a museum and grotto today. Now situated within a dense suburban neighbourhood, at the time of its construction it was surrounded by a 22-hectare (54-acre) garden."

"Jillian’s Cakery is the place to go for kitschy, home-style cakes that scream nostalgia. Located on Elizabeth Street, the shop has a vintage American feel, and you can tell that Jillian – a corporate professional turned baker – is doing exactly what she loves. There are a range of treats on offer, and its cosy vibe makes it the best spot to settle in for a rainy afternoon – making her store one of the best cake shops in Sydney."