Sydney, Naturally: 5 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Australia’s Largest City

As the country’s oldest and largest city, Sydney is defined as much by its natural beauty as by its urban landscape. “The city, the ocean, and the bush all meet, and Sydney has something for everyone,” says Lauren Storaker, an expert guide with Blue Mountains Adventure Company. North of the New South Wales capital, efforts are underway to establish a new Great Koala National Park to protect the beloved symbol of Australia. In the meantime, here are our picks for restorative outdoor adventures when visiting Sydney.  

Uluru Outback Expedition 

On this full-day excursion, you’ll visit the sacred monolith of Uluru in Australia’s Red Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site of deep cultural significance for the Anangu people. “Our Uluru Escape gives our guests an authentic and unfiltered look at Australia’s great outdoors and of the nation’s most iconic natural wonders,” shares Kartik Kapoor, general manager of the vibrant Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (which affords stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge). “It offers a unique immersion into the world’s oldest continuous living culture with storytelling from knowledgeable Indigenous Australian guides.”   

Sydney by Sea

Glide along the world’s deepest and largest natural harbour on a private yacht for views of landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Delight in a seafood roast lunch (with fresh-caught fish from the new Sydney Fish Market) prepared by a Four Seasons chef. From May to November, the harbour is a prime location for humpback-whale spotting.   

Guided 4WD Adventure

Set out on an adrenaline-pumping, guided four-wheel-drive tour (with outfitters such as Spirit Safaris or 4WD Tag-Along & Passenger Tours) that rolls through river streams and the forest tracks in the Blue Mountains. 

Blue Mountains Bushwalk Day Trip

Just two hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park offers cliff lookouts, the Three Sisters rock formation, rainforest walks, and plenty of waterfalls. 

Spit Bridge to Manly Coastal Hike

 This 10-kilometre trek culminates in Manly, the beachside suburb. Rachael Schildkraut of Taronga Conservation Society Australia recommends the hike for its sweeping views of “the full city skyline.” Keep an eye out for the bandicoots that live along this trail.  

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Luxury views from the harbour’s edge

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