Best Outdoor Activities in The Phoenix

"Just a few minutes from the better-known Manly Beach, Shelly Beach is a unique location on the east coast of Australia, since it actually faces west. With a large reef also sheltering the beach from the heavy ocean swells, Shelly Beach is a small and secluded haven – perfect for a quiet picnic on the sands or a gentle swim in the ocean. These calm coastal conditionsmake ShellyBeach an ideal spot for scuba divers and snorkelers to explore an..."

"Shelly Beach is secluded, quaint and one of the go-to getaway Sydney beaches for beachcombers craving some relaxation without any hassle. This is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive in Sydney, thanks to its clear, flat water and easy shore-to-sea accessibility. Divers often spot the site’s sunken motorcycle, weedy sea dragons, cuttlefish and even dusky whaler sharks."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Dig into Cuban-style tapas, coffee and cocktails at this Parramatta location. 📍 Coco Cubano, 302 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150"

"A post shared by Kate Aberline (@kateaberline) on May 10, 2015 at 2:36am PDT. One for the pasta lovers, this little Italian haven has heavenly helpings of Boscaiola, Bolognese, Marinara, Napoletana and Sicilliana to name but a few of the regular favourites. While Allawah's Little Italy can serve you a slice of pizza that you won't forget in a hurry, its selection of fresh pasta and risotto are the stars of the show."

"If you are searching for a French restaurant that serves up traditional favourites with their own special twist, this is the perfect spot for you. Here, you will find a charmingly designed venue that’s perfect for sit-down dinners and cocktail parties. Whether you want to enjoy an intimate dinner date or a big corporate dinner, the team at Claire’s Kitchen brings you the right ambience for your dining experience."

"Wrapped around Farm Cove just south of the Sydney Opera House, the gardens, which were established in 1816, occupy one of Sydney’s most spectacular waterfront positions. A relaxing day exploring the gardens is one of the best things to do in Sydney with kids. The Royal Botanic Gardens runs plenty of family and kids’ programs all year ’round (check their calendar for upcoming events) but we have the most fun practicing cartwheels on the shady lawns, watching eels in the pond and climbing rocks and trees."

"When it comes to Australian gardens, the Royal Botanic Garden and Domain is one you will want to visit with kids. There’s always something special on the show with a range of tours and activities developed frequently for kids (check their calendar for upcoming events). One of our favourite spots to visit with the area is Lady Macquarie’s Chair which boasts a spectacular view whilst being rich in history."

"Welcome to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, an oasis of 30 hectares in the heart of the city. Wrapped around Sydney…"

"From the eastern side of the Opera House, you have easy access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, in my opinion, one of the most impressive gardens in the world, certainly from a location standpoint. You can’t beat the serenity and harbour views and this is a great place to spend an hour or two in Sydney. Take a walk around the gardens to admire the many different types of plants and city views. You can also take a free self-guided walking tour."

"More than 80 acres of sweeping green lawns, groves of indigenous and exotic trees, duck ponds, greenhouses, and some 45,124 types of…"

"For something different, Sappho Books, Cafe & Bar is not only one of Sydney’s best bookstores, but it also transforms into one of Sydney’s best tapas bar at night. With an extensive menu and an incredibly unique setting, Sappho is without a doubt worth a shot for all your tapas cravings. The cocktail menu is of note at Sappho, with some interesting named mixes including Oliver Twist, Clockwork Orange and Tequila Mockingbird ($19)."

"Sappho Books is where my coffee obsession began, way back in 2006. I was elated to find it looking, smelling, and tasting exactly the same in 2015. Part used bookstore and part coffee shop, you can browse the shelves before tucking into a cappuccino at a table in the graffiti-adorned courtyard."