As restrictions around the country begin to ease (and then suddenly change), many of us have chosen to put off our travel plans, opting instead to go later when the vaccine is available for everyone.
However, this doesn’t mean we have to spend our holiday here this year doing nothing. Sydney and the surrounds offer plenty of opportunities for people who want to take short breaks – and yes, all of these fabulous places are here, right on our doorstep.
Plus, Tourism Australia is urging Australians to spend some of the $60 billion they’ve saved this year by not making huge purchases, such as tickets and accommodation for overseas travel. This way, we’re able to support local businesses that are badly in need of stimulus.
So, without further ado, allow us to introduce places you might be missing, even when they’re right in our own backyard.
Holidays at home
There are so many options available for everyone who’s spending their holiday at home in Sydney. Pick any of the following examples and you’re off to a great start.
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
Get away from the noise of the city and go on any of the scheduled day trips from Sydney to Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour. Here, you’ll discover the perfect escape to an exciting array of activities that’ll take you to the island’s storied past.
Serving as a penal colony for three decades, Cockatoo Island was officially granted World Heritage Site status in 2010. Here, you can go on different guided tours with intriguing names, such as the Ghost Tour, Dark Past Tour and more.
Replete with landscaped gardens, waterfront cafés and panoramic city and water views, Cockatoo Island is also a great place for a weekend getaway. Accommodation options include heritage holiday houses, apartments with gorgeous views and waterside camping facilities for a unique glamping experience.
Wisemans Ferry
Sometimes referred to as New South Wales’s best-kept secret, Wisemans Ferry is an ideal destination for everyone, especially families with kids. If you’re looking to spend a day or an entire weekend amidst peaceful, natural surroundings, Wisemans Ferry is just an hour’s drive northwest of Sydney.
This picture-perfect part of the country offers holidaymakers beautiful views of the river and plenty of opportunities to enjoy water activities. Here, you can just let the kids loose at the park and visit historical villages, cemeteries and antique stores. You can hike or go bushwalking and even pick fruit straight off of the trees in any of the local farms.
Oatley Park
Another excellent holiday option is heading for Oatley Park. This 45-hectare bushland reserve is located along the Georges River and is bounded by Jew Fish Bay and Lime Kiln Bay.
It features a large adventure playground for kids, bushwalking tracks, picnic grounds and heritage remnants to explore. Here, you can indulge in birdwatching, recreational sports, or simply go cycling, hiking or swimming in the netted-off section of the river during high tide.
You can also drive to Sandy Bay where you’ll find Oatley Park Baths and Jew Fish Bay Baths so you can swim in pools made by enclosing part of the shoreline.
Nepean Belle paddle wheeler
Not exactly a holiday destination but more of an experience, a Nepean Belle cruise takes you on a relaxing, idyllic cruise along the Nepean River. You can choose from a variety of cruise packages, such as the Scenic Adventure Cruise and Historical Discovery Cruise, that also include sumptuous meals.
Excited yet? Book your Sydney experience today!
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