Sydney Explorer - Green and Blue Spaces

When visiting Sydney, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge top the list of things to see, but if you have a little time, Sydney offers so much more.

When you live in the busy inner city, you make time to explore the wide open spaces of the city, and better yet, the stunning waterways. What's the point of living in a harbour city if you don't head out on the sparkling water?

One of my favourite things to do, and something kids of all ages will love, is to head into a National Park for a boating adventure. We like to visit Ku-ring gai Chase National Park at Cottage Point and grab a tinny to spend the day with a picnic lunch on a secluded beach (or you could head to Berowra Waters and get a BBQ boat, which is more like a floating pontoon with sides and even a toilet. We took our stroller on that one so the youngest could sleep). It's easy and you don't need a boat licence. Putter around the inlets and then park at a beach for a picnic or a swim.

If you are daunted by boat hire, why not head out to the rural suburb of Galston? There you can travel the world at Fagan Park. The Garden of Many Nations is a sprawling series of gardens, featuring the style of a country or continent. Africa, Japan and Holland are my favourites, of the distinct gardens, and the kids will love exploring them all, as they offer little meandering pathways and water features with bridges.

The parklands are a huge 55 hectares, with two playgrounds, and a bush regrowth area, so you can explore on bike or foot, and spend the whole day without getting bored. There's even an Eco Garden for some hands on learning, and on certain days, the heritage homestead is open, so check the website for details. There are plenty of barbeques, so pack some snags and make a day of it!

If you can't spare a full day then just grab the bikes and hit the beautiful Centennial Park. There's plenty of duck ponds and green fields to feel a world away from the city streets. If you can't be bothered with a picnic, there's the café conveniently next to the playground. Centennial Parklands offer a range of events throughout the year, from sculpture exhibitions to kids adventures after dark, so check what's on and see the park in a different light.

No visit to Sydney is complete without a harbour sunset, so no matter where you live, plan a visit that ends late in the day, and see the true beauty of this marvellous city!

Linking with #SkyWatch & #GaleriaHimmelsblich

Further reading:
Sydney - My Home Town
Boat Hire at Cottage Point Kiosk
Cottage Point Kiosk & Boat Hire
West Head and Resolute Beach
Fagan Park
Fagan Park Eco Garden




Practicalities:
Ku-ring gai Chase National Park http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/Kuringgai-Chase-National-Park
Cottage Point Kiosk & Boat Hire http://www.cottagepointkiosk.com.au/
Fagan Park http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/my-lifestyle/sports-and-recreation/parks-and-playgrounds/galston/fagan-park
Centennial Park http://www.centennialparklands.com.au/
BBQ Boat Hire http://www.bbqboat.info/bbq-boat/

Linking with #GardenAffair (for the Fagan Park shots)