L is for Lazy Sundays

I am so relaxed… Even Monday back at work can’t burst my weekend buzz this week and I have a Sunday drive to thank for it… Yesterday I went on a lazy drive through the NSW Southern Highlands to Berrima a quaint, historical town about 80 minutes south of Sydney; from there we took the tourist drive back through to Mittagong and headed east towards Shellharbour on the coast via Macquarie Pass National Park. From Shellharbour you can take the spectacular coastal drive from Wollongong through Royal National Park (making sure to stop the Otford Pantry for Sydney’s very best apple pie just as you enter to park from the south) and on home to Sydney. I was not even away for a night but the amazing countryside and fresh air - so easily accessible from Sydney - has left me feeling positively refreshed.

Some other day trip suggestions are the Blue Mountains, Leura and surrounds are certain to provide a relaxing destination. Heading north, the Hunter Valley via Putty Road is a fun drive with some yummy treats for lunch readily available in Pokolbin. If you are after a sea-side break, Kiama to the south or Terrigal to the north both offer beautiful beaches out of the hustle and bustle… and lastly if you are after a lazy brunch, head south the Berry, where the Berry Sourdough Bakery & Café offers the most incredible brunch and scrumptious  breads to take back home..

Hope you enjoy your next lazy Sunday and of course don’t forget to drive safely folks.

B is for Beaches

If you have been following my posts you would know that I am a huge fan of Sydney's beaches, particularly the those in the Eastern Suburbs such as Bronte, Bondi, Tamarama and Coogee. But really Sydney has so many beaches to choose from with each offering something different. 

Bondi is definitely the place to be seen. Super crowded in summer but perfect on a warm spring day, with markets, surfing lessons, cafes, a huge selection of restaurants and easy public transport and parking. Bondi is my home away from home and by far my favourite beach in Sydney.

Although, if it is a quiet escape you are after, head to Northern Sydney. Along the northern coastline you can choose from Manly, Dee Why, Curl Curl, Whale Beach and the beautiful Palm Beach (the location of Australia's Home and Away series). 

South Sydney also offers a few beaches that are well worth a visit with the famous Cronulla Beach and the secluded Wattamolla at Royal National Park.

So as soon as the weather (finally) warms up get acquainted with some of Australia's most beautiful beaches right here in Sydney.

Escape in the Cty

Although amazing for the most part, sometimes living in a city like Sydney I feel the urge to escape the madness. To find a quiet place where I can be outdoors but just forget where I am for a little while.

There are a few gems still left where you can clear your head, read outdoors in peace or escape the hustle and bustle. My favourite city escapes in the city are by far Royal National Park, Vaucluse House, Parsley Bay and Nielsen Park.

Unlike the Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains, Royal National Park is still within Sydney. The are some beautiful bush walks, secret beaches and waterfalls to be discovered. You can walk through the rain forest, sandstone or bush and the air is so fresh you can completely forget you are so close to home.

For closer to home still there are a couple of spots in the eastern suburbs that are so peaceful it is amazing they have stayed this way. Not so good for drivers as parking is very limited but Parsley Bay is so secluded there is almost it can be a little eerie! But perfect for those who want to hide with a book and forget the city for awhile.

Vaucluse House and the beautiful gardens that surround are incredibly peaceful and allow you to take in some history at the same time. There are tearooms if you feel like a quite afternoon catching up with friends or there are often smaller scale events such as jazz in the gardens which make for such a nice evening so keep an eye on the Historic Houses Trust website to plan your visit.

Finally if you need to escape with the family in tow, why not visit Nielsen Park. This little harbour beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing family picnic and those who are prepared to make a short walk will rewarded with spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour. There is also a little cafe here but it would pay to check out the Nielsen Park website before your visit to see opening times, etc.

On Your Bike

Cycling is a great way to keep fit and be kind to the environment. Luckily Sydney’s cycle network is growing and our city is providing more options for greener commuting then ever. But cycling for necessity is not all that Sydney has to offer. Manly Dam, Royal National Park and the Blue Mountains offer terrific mountain bike tracks for all levels, whether you want to take the kids out for some fresh air or are an adrenaline junkie seeking your next thrill. The Royal National Park’s website provides details on which tracks are suitable for cycling, but to get more help choosing the right track for you check out the TrailFlix website.

If you don’t own your own bicycle, or are just looking for a slower pace, jump onto the City of Sydney cycleways website to find your nearest cycle paths. Bike hire is available at Centennial Park Cycles who offer competitive hourly rates and are located in the heart of Centennial Park, a mecca for Sydney cyclists of all levels.

Finally, if you are after a bicycle tour, pay a visit to Bonza Bike Tours in The Rocks or Manly Bike Tours. Both Bonza Bikes and Manly Bike Tours offer a range of tours at reasonable prices.