115 Highly Awesome Ways to Splash Around In Sydney
It's not hard to take a dip in this town.
115 Highly Awesome Ways to Splash Around In Sydney
It's not hard to take a dip in this town.
As a nation girt by sea, as our anthem tells us, Australia boasts plenty of water. We're surrounded by it thanks to our scenic shorelines, picturesque harbours and cosy coastal inlets. And courtesy of the gobsmackingly gorgeous pools, curvy rivers and splash-tacular waterfalls found inland as well.
Indeed, it's particularly easy to take a dip if you're in Sydney, whether you're roaming around close to home or roving further afield when the weather's warm. Sea spray, refreshing swimming holes and even crystal-clear public pools are usually only a stone's throw away. Here's where you'll find them — and cool down.
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In the words of The Little Mermaid, “Darling it’s better, down where it’s wetter.” For a city that’s oft-accused of being surface-heavy, Sydney has a lot going on beneath. More than 500 species roam the harbour and surrounds — from flamboyant weedy sea dragons to endangered green turtles to (thankfully) blunt-headed Port Jackson sharks. So, when the hectic pace of life on top gets you down, don your flippers and head underwater, where time slows to a delightfully dreamy tempo. Here are ten of the city’s most lively, colourful and intricate snorkelling spots, from the crystalline waters of Little Bay to the rocky outcrops of Manly’s Cabbage Tree Bay and the surreal seagrass beds of The Basin, Pittwater.
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You’ve seen Sydney and its surrounds from rooftop bars, strategically positioned restaurants and mountaintops. But jump in a kayak, where you can watch at human-powered pace, from sea level, and you’ll discover a whole new perspective. While you’re at it, stumble across secluded beaches, hidden coves and magical forests. Here are ten of Sydney’s best locations for sea kayaking — from tranquil, National Park-flanked rivers to secretive sections of the harbour. Make good use of daylight savings with a quick one-hour post-work paddle, set aside an entire day for exploration or pack your tent for a multi-day expedition. Every spot on this list has kayak hire nearby and most are accessible by public transport.
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Balmy, breezy and beckoning, the warmer months are well and truly here, bringing with them blue skies and long days. While Sydney’s beaches are some of the best in the country, we sometimes forget we also have a collection of outdoor pools unlike anywhere else in the world. We want you to take full advantage of just how incredible this city can be when it’s hot and beautiful, so check out our ten favourite outdoor pools to cool down in.
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Of all the watery cities in the world, Sydney has one of the longest coastlines. By the time you count up all the beaches, the entire harbourfront and the scattering of islands, you’ve a serious stack of kilometres behind you. So far, we’ve brought you secluded beaches, outdoor pools and waterfalls. Now we’re adding a dash of adventure to the mix, with ten of the most unusual swimming experiences to be had in and around our city. A quick dip above a waterfall, with sweeping national park views? Check. An adrenaline-pumping frenzy in a wild, exposed ocean pool? Check. A deep plunge into a limestone gorge, bordered by steep marble cliffs? Check. Whether you want rapids, waves, rock scrambles, views, art, secrecy or nudity with your swim, we’ve got them.
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One of the biggest mistakes that novice surfers make is thinking they can learn anywhere. Soft-top board in hand, they plunge idealistically into thrashing waves and rips, and, after two hours of near-drowning, return – bedraggled, without a single catch to brag about and vowing to never venture out again. But if you start in the right place, it’s a different experience altogether. What newbies need are small waves breaking over sand, as opposed to rocks or reef. You won’t find them at just any old beach — so if you’re looking to learn this summer, get yourself (and your board) a few of these beginner-friendly locations. You’re bound to have some fun.
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Escape the chaos of the big beaches and explore these secret little hideaways. Whether you’re after a dip post-hike or something a little more relaxed, you’re sure to find it along the New South Wales coast.
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It’s easy to forget that Sydney is also surrounded by loads of staggeringly beautiful waterfalls — many of them hidden within national parks and wilderness areas. While some are built for swimming under, others are made just for marvelling at (and furiously Instagramming). Here are ten of the most road trip-inspiring falls you’ll find near Sydney.
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If there’s one thing Sydney has a lot of, it’s water. Whether it’s the gobsmackingly beautiful harbour, the many rivers snaking their way to the sea from the west or the scores of pristine white sand beaches that stretch along the city’s giant coastline, this whole place is full of H2-oh-wow moments. They’re basically at every turn. But sometimes heading to Bondi Beach for the umpteenth time just won’t cut it. So here are a few ideas to help you get wet, steal some sea spray and cool down creatively.
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Just when we thought we’d done all the swimming there is to do in Sydney, we make new discoveries. After paddling under waterfalls, throwing ourselves into extraordinary swimming holes and plunging into ocean pools by the moonlight, we’re now exploring rivers. Make like Huckleberry Finn and get yourself to one of these meandering beauties before summer slips away.
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Don’t let summer disappear without initiating your own personal Brooke Shields-Christopher Atkins moment. Even though Sydney is well-known for its sand and surf — from beachy, bleachy Bondi to the Harbour’s numerous secret, secluded coves — its waterfalls don’t often receive the same attention. Here are five Blue Lagoon-esque locations that you really should get to before winter sets in.
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New South Wales’s first human-made ocean pool was the work of convicts. In 1819, Newcastle’s Commandant Morisset decided he wanted his own private swimming spot. So, he ordered a bunch of resident prisoners to start digging and, after several months of hard labour, the Bogey Hole was created. These days, there are more than 100 rockpools in the state, many of which had much happier beginnings. And Sydney is home to several of the most dramatic and most fun. Here are ten places where you can swim between the coast and the mighty Pacific, without the risk of rips (or sharks).
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There are some days in summer where the thought of being sandwiched between a family of whinging kids on one side and teenage girls gossiping loudly about last night’s gathering on the other is enough to put you off going to the beach all together. An excellent alternative is to visit one of Sydney’s incredible harbour beaches. Usually far more serene and less populated, with excellent views and (sometimes) more parking, these coves are Sydney’s hidden havens in summer.
