The past two years have certainly been interesting, and Sydneysiders have become used to holidaying close to home. But with summer here and many of our usual local holiday destinations booked out, a holiday near home can provide just as much of a break as an interstate trip or long journey to a NSW coastal resort town.
We might live in one of the best areas in Sydney, but we know that the best thing about holidays is the change in location. With that in mind, we’ve collated some of our favourite waterside locations in Sydney for your summer holiday.
Cockatoo Island
You might be able to see Cockatoo Island, but have you stayed there? With its houses, apartments and waterside campgrounds, you can have your style of holiday without going too far from home.
There are two heritage Federation houses available on Cockatoo Island that were once home to Cockatoo Island’s medical officer and engineering manager. Located on the upper island, surrounded by lush gardens and views across to Hunters Hill, these houses can host up to 12 guests each.
Cockatoo Island is also home to three fully restored Harbour View Apartments, all with a large entertaining balcony that looks over the harbour. One apartment caters for two people, while the other two cater for five. Set back off the water but still with water glimpses, the Garden Riverview Apartment has a tranquil enclosed garden, making it perfect for a quiet getaway. These apartments were once home to Cockatoo Island’s coxswain and dockyard launch driver and are now available for the general public to enjoy.
The Fire Station Studio is a fully restored studio apartment with views across Parramatta River. Just a short walk to Societé Overboard restaurant and the Visitor Centre, the Fire Station Studio is perfectly located for exploring the island.
Finally, the waterfront campground. Not exactly something you expect in the middle of Sydney, the campgrounds offer unbeatable views of Sydney Harbour. You can BYO tent, or take up a Deluxe Waterfront Package, and all you need to bring is your favourite summer read and sleeping bag.
Northern Beaches
The Northern Beaches offer plenty of holiday spots, from hotels to campgrounds.
It may seem like a little way from the city but if camping near the beach is your thing, the NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park in Narrabeen is a must. Located in North Narrabeen on the Narrabeen Lagoon and right near North Narrabeen Beach, Turimetta Beach (a bit of a locals’ secret) and the North Narrabeen Rockpools, this park offers you days of lazing in the water. A bit farther afield, you can discover Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park or do the famous Dee Why to Curl Curl Coastal Walk.
If unique accommodation is a little more your style, Q Station Manly offers a pretty good selection. For the history buffs, for over 150 years, Quarantine Station was the first introduction to Australia. Ships that were suspected of having people onboard who were infected with contagious diseases were quarantined here before arriving in Sydney.
Today Q Station offers a range of accommodation, dining and tourism options. You can choose from rooms with panoramic views of the harbour, views of the National Park grounds or the historic buildings of Q Station. We’re loving the Retreat Suite in the former Isolation Precinct with its sunset views over Sydney Harbour.
Inner Sydney
You may not live far from the city, but how often do you get in there to just relax?
Located on Woolloomooloo Wharf, Ovolo Woolloomooloo will see you surrounded by water and some of the best dining spots in Sydney, including China Doll. Otto Ristorante, and the Manta Restaurant. Add in walking distance to the Art Gallery of NSW, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquaries Chair and you see this funky hotel is ideal for exploration. We recommend popping into Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool for a pool swim with unbeatable views.
How does a five-star stay sound? Pier One Sydney Harbour offers you some amazing views over Walsh Bay, with some rooms having great views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. An easy walk to the Sydney Theatre Company, Roslyn Packer Theatre, Barangaroo Reserve and the Museum of Contemporary Art, this stay will give you the ultimate Sydney experience.
So if a summer getaway is in your plans, why not stay close to home and see what Sydney has to offer.
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