Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

By: Nelson Xie

Ku-ring-gai takes its name from its original inhabitants, the Guringai people, who were all but wiped out just after colonisation through violence at the hands of British settlers and introduced disease. It’s well worth reading Kate Grenville’s Booker-nominated The Secret River for an engrossing but harrowing telling of this story.

A pretty place to spend a day bushwalking, cycling or fishing, this national park is a great place to head when you want to get out of the city for a few hours.

Remnants of Aboriginal life are visible today thanks to the preservation of more than 800 sites, including rock paintings, middens and cave art. To learn more, enter the park through the Mt Colah entrance and visit the Kalkari Discovery Centre , which has displays and videos on Australian fauna and Aboriginal culture. There is a self-guided walk on which you can see swamp wallabies, bush turkeys, native ducks and goannas.

Addition information 

Address: Bobbin Head Rd, New South Wales

Phone: (02) 9472 8949

Reviews

"Great relaxing place that allows you to bring your own gas BBQ."

"Great recreation area with large children's playground (secure)."

"The Basin #Pittwater #Sydney a wonderful place for family fun in Sydney."

ami"

Figure 8 Pools

By: Claudia MacPhail
 
If you’re looking for an adventure this summer, then the spectacular figure 8 pools are a secret hotspot you must see for yourself. 

Located in the Royal national park, near Burning Palms Beach, 37km south of Sydney, these amazing ocean pools are definitely worth the visit.

After a 3.5km walk along the coast, you will reach the rock ledge where you’ll find perfectly figure 8 shaped pools that are deep enough to swim in. It is important to note that it is only safe to visit at low tide as high tide can result in very dangerous conditions so it is recommended to check surf forecasts prior to visiting.

Additional information:

Take extreme caution, the rock platform can be slippery.

Come prepared! The hike there is steep so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear proper hiking shoes.

Enjoy the scenic views and all that this naturally breathtaking attraction has to offer!

Milk Beach Vaucluse

By: Maryam Mandehgari

With white sand and aqua water, this perfect little flat water cover for relaxing and swimming looks over pretty much the whole of Sydney, including the breathtaking harbour.  This small beach is a true miracle and secret that it has been so kept under wraps. Often described as one of Sydney's secret beaches, Milk Beach is a picturesque location situated in one of Sydney's Eastern suburbs, Vaucluse. 




On weekends you will find families picnicking (there is a small undercover awning for this purpose), walkers taking in the beach whilst completing the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. It is the perfect venue to sit back, relax, sunbathe and watch the seaplanes take off and land in nearby Rose Bay. Access to Milk Beach is somewhat limited, however, it can be accessed via Public Transport, boat or limited off-street parking is available. 

Additional Information:

Address: Vaucluse Road, Vaucluse, NSW 2030

Reviews & Ratings:

-'Great view of the city, can even see the harbour bridge from the beach, very relaxing and peaceful beach. the beach itself is small with lots of rocks, great to go for a picnics.' -5/5

-'Such a beautiful place to view the cityscape and get away from the hustle and bustle. Beach is small and not very busy. Some nice little walks nearby too.' -5/5

-'The popular beaches like Bondi have quite rough seas however Milk Beach offers very calm water, affordable fish and chips and a fantastic view across the bay to the harbour.' -4/5