Tanna Nankivell

Getting your nature fix in Sydney isn’t hard. With beautiful national parks to the north, south and west, and the ocean to the east, you never have to travel too far to reach the energising bounty of the natural world. But sometimes, for a full re-set, you need a couple of days in the open air. Craving a camping trip but not sure where to go? We’re here to help. From a stunning beachside spot on the Central Coast to a surprisingly affordable site on a heritage-listed island in the harbour, our team of local writers have tried and tested the best camping sites in and around Sydney to help you find the one that’s right for you. Each one has been assessed for facilities, location and distance from Sydney, with Time Out Sydney’s Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs giving the list the final tick of approval. Whether you're hoping to wake up to the sound of crashing ocean waves, deep within a forest, or not too far from a solid coffee shop, these picture-perfect camping spots have got you (quite literally) pegged. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  Ready for an upgrade? These are the best glamping sites in Sydney And these are the best cabins and tiny homes close to the city.

Calling all thrill-seekers and nature lovers: this one is for you. Release your inner Tarzan and leap between obstacles that test your balance, strength and any fears you might harbour about heights. Sydney has some awesome high ropes courses, and each challenge comes with a side of gobsmacking views in the great outdoors. So enjoy the sites from the city's canopies, wipe those sweaty palms and prepare to swing your way around Sydney's best high ropes.  Love a challenge? Get your adrenaline racing with some rock climbing, or spend some more time in the air at a trampoline park. Then chill out – you've earned it – at one of Sydney's best spas.  RECOMMENDED: The best walks around Sydney.

You’ll feel like Tarzan in no time as you leap from one challenge to the next amongst the Sydney blue gums with views of where the Nepean and Grose River meet. Trees Adventure Grose River Park offers a fun experience for all levels of ability at multiple heights – even adrenaline junkies will be tested when they brave the most demanding course 25 metres in the air.  At the start of your heart-pumping, sweaty palms experience, you’ll be trained by one of the guides so you can safely climb and swing between the trees at your own pace. A test run on the small course ensures you know how to safely clip yourself onto the rope and progress to the next level. It’s a good idea to hire a pair of gloves as they have some grip on them which will assist you during the session. If you want to capture your fun on film, bring or hire a GoPro on-site. With a helmet, a harness and a double carabiner system which means you’re always connected to the rope, it’s time to test your abilities and have some fun. Don’t worry if you slip up or need some encouragement for your bungee leap, the guides are there to help.  The two-and-a-half-hour session seems to fly by with over 110 challenges, 20 flying foxes and ten long courses to choose from. One of the highlights in each course is the flying fox. It’s pretty exciting as you’re the one who attaches the trolley to the rope, puts the carabiners on the top, sits back and zips across at a stomach-churning speed. But the freak-out favourite challenge is t

Distance from Sydney: 350km/4h 15m drive  Price per night: $24 per adult, $6 per child plus $8 park entry fee per day Can you imagine kangaroos hopping around at dusk, set against the backdrop of the ocean? At Diamond Head Campground, you’ll get to see this most days and sometimes these cuties even laze amongst the tents all day long. With 75 campsites to choose from, there are plenty of options for where to park your caravan or pitch your tent for the night. If you don’t mind a stroll, there’s a walk-in area (no cars allowed) with nine-secluded camp-sites, hidden amongst the bushes, with the beach just a few steps away. It’s an easy 100m from the carpark so it’s definitely worth carrying the tent so you can enjoy your own little paradise. Hire a fire basket and get some firewood from the onsite office at the entry to the campground to top off your night under the stars, just don’t forget to bring marshmallows. If you need easy access to creature comforts, this campground has everything – toilets, showers, picnic tables and barbecues. Take a morning swim in the ocean and keep your eyes out for dolphins as you explore the impressive Split Rock. There are many beautiful walking tracks around the area which take you through the bush and around the headland. Mermaid Lookout is a great place to start if you’re not sure whether you want to do the whole 4.8km Diamond Head loop track. The steep incline to reach the top of the headland is worth the cardio burst, as you’ll have panoram

This South Sydney indoor climbing gym is the perfect place to get comfy in that safety harness for the first time or practice your skills until you’re scaling walls like Spiderman. With over 130 different climbing routes that are changed weekly, even the everyday climbers will find something new and exciting. There are some routes, over 15 meters long, where you clip yourself into the hooks as you go. This is an exhilarating experience and it can be challenging to master, so Climb Fit Kirrawee offer an introduction to lead climbing courses.  Join the beginner clinic program where you will learn the basics of rock climbing from your dedicated coach. On a Wednesday night, they have something just for the ladies where like-minded adventure-seeking women can conquer the walls together in a fun and social environment. Everyone is welcome to come along for the Friday night social climbing.  If you want a bit more of a thrill and to challenge yourself, there is also a bouldering area. With 60 different boulders, you can improve your strength by climbing to the top with a harness or rope. Although the boulders are shorter than the normal climbing walls, you’ll definitely still feel it in your arms afterwards. There is also a well-equipped gym open daily where you can do your own work-out or attend one of their many classes.  To skip any cues at Climb Fit Kirrawee fill out the waiver form online and you’ll be climbing in no time.