Outdoor hotspots for making the most of your summer in Sydney

This six-kilometre walking track hugs the coastline and dips in and out of Sydney's most popular beaches. It spans Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte Beaches, as well as the secluded nook that is Gordons Bay, a good place to swim and snorkel. That coastline is spectacular from every direction, and when you get to Coogee you'll find parkland ideal for a picnic or barbecue. Get your mates together and connect with nature.

The two-hour scenic tour of the harbour is perfect for beginners and a great way to see Sydney’s tourist sights. First timers are in great hands as ex-competitive kayaker and tour guide Sophie Morgan makes sure everyone knows how to paddle properly before hitting the water. If you’re feeling brave, opt for a single kayak – a double kayak might seem like the easy option for beginners but you’ll pick up the skills quicker going solo. Tours launch from underneath Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Pool before heading leisurely towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Oz Paddle are the only kayaking company operating in this part of the harbour, and despite being so close to some of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations you’ll have the waters around Farm Cove almost entirely to yourself. If you’re lucky you might even spot the famous Sydney Opera House seal while you’re paddling.

If you’ve always fancied yourself a bit of a Lara Croft type, you can put your ability to climb, swing and jump through the jungle to the test at Trees Adventure, Nowra Park. This aerial obstacle course will see you ziplining through the forest, scaling rock faces and dangling over a camel enclosure. This isn’t a kids-only affair. Indeed, two of the four courses are not recommended for children. The fact that all this action takes place parallel to the shimmering Shoalhaven river, surrounded by green banks, rocky escarpments and general beauty, certainly doesn’t hurt. 

A chance to scale the world-famous "Coathanger" is one that every Sydneysider should take at least once. You'll get to see Sydney Harbour in all its majesty, and the climb isn’t as arduous or scary as you’d think: much of it is just like ascending a (not-at-all-steep) staircase, and there are plenty of stops on the way so the guide can offer fascinating insights into the bridge’s construction. We recommend the express climb, which is a little shorter and takes you up the inside arc so that you are surrounded by hand-riveted steel. Get a bunch of friends together and make a day of it: it's something you won't forget in a hurry. 

A bit of sunshine makes everything better in Sydney, so get exploring.