Top 10 spots for summer fun
Published on 18 November 2020
Avoid crowded beaches this summer and try one of these other fun local activities instead.
Visit one of our local markets
Pop down to the Double Bay Organic Markets (Thursdays, 9am-2pm, Guilfoyle Park) or the Paddington Markets (395 Oxford St, Saturdays, 10am-4pm). Stop by for your weekly grocery shop or a spot of Christmas shopping.
Have a picnic in McKell Park, Darling Point
Grab a picnic rug, your friends and family and enjoy plenty of shade, space for games (and social distancing) and a stunning harbour view in McKell Park.
McKell Park
Conquer part (or all) of the Bondi to Manly Walk
This 80km walk takes you past Sydney’s most iconic locations. Learn more at: bonditomanly.com
Along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk - part of the Bondi to Manly route
Paddle out from Rose Bay
Hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board from Rose Bay and explore the bays and beaches all the way around to South Head. Pack a lunch, sunscreen, wear a life vest and a hat and enjoy Sydney from the water.
Take a dip at the Watsons Bay Baths
Located on Marine Parade adjacent to the library, the Watsons Bay Baths is a fully accessible tidal swimming enclosure featuring two floating sunbathing pontoons, a boardwalk and seating with great views of Sydney Harbour. After a splash, enjoy a picnic at Robertson Park or fish and chips at one of the nearby cafes and restaurants.
Discover our public art
Take a walk – or cycle – around our local area to enjoy a wide variety of compelling public artworks, which you’ll find scattered along the harbour foreshore, in our parks and tucked away in quiet laneways.
You’ll discover murals, painted traffic signal boxes and large and small sculptures along our DIY Art and Culture Walking Tour. Make sure not to miss a photo op with the Egg Swing and Sea’s Nest!
Spend an afternoon at Parsley Bay
Tucked away off Horler Avenue in Vaucluse, Parsley Bay is the perfect place to spend a summer’s afternoon. Go for a walk through the bushland, along the harbour foreshore and over the suspension bridge (one of the last remaining ones in Sydney).
Kids will have a blast with the netted swimming enclosure, new all-abilities playground and the large grassed area is perfect for picnics and games. Look for a water dragon sunning itself on the rocks during your visit!
Go for a walk in Cooper Park, Bellevue Hill
Quietly tucked away in Bellevue Hill, Cooper Park is a rainforest oasis in the heart of the city. With plenty of shade and lush greenery, it’s a great choice on a hot summer’s day.
There’s plenty to keep everyone in the family entertained including tennis courts, sports playing fields, bush walking tracks, off leash dog areas, picnic tables and a playground.
Wander down William St, Paddington
Take a detour off Oxford St and wander down this eclectic side street lined with Victorian terrace houses that are home to a wide range of unique boutiques, stores, and eateries.
Shoot some hoops at the multi-purpose courts at Christison Park
The two courts at Christison Park cater to both netball and basketball and feature low-level sports lighting, enabling play at night.
There’s also an outdoor gym nearby if you want to rev up your heart rate!
