General Information About Around Sydney
There are superb national parks just to the north and south of Sydney and other interesting places within easy reach. In the early days of European settlement small towns were established around the major centre.
Around Sydney Attractions
Botany Bay
Botany Bay was Captain Cook's first landing point in Australia and was named fro the many botanical specimens found here. There are various monuments to mark Captains Cook's landing .
Around Sydney Royal National Park
This park is situated 36 km south of the city and considered to be the second oldest national park in the world. It has a large network os walking tracks with beautiful sceneries . Good surfing and swimming beaches are also found here. The '94 bushfire almost destroyed this park.
Around Sydney Paramatta
Paramatta was the second European settlement in Australia. It is 24 km from the city centre and ferries go to Paramatta from Circular Quay. Places of interest in Paramatta are Old Government House, Elizabeth Farm, Hambledon Cottage, Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Penrith
With the population of about 60,000, Penrith is almost an outer suburb of Sydney. It is a gateway to Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Midway between Penrith and Paramatta, there is a large amusement park complex with wildlife park called Australia's Wonderland.
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park - Around Sydney
This national park lies between Sydney and magnificent Hawkesbury River. With over 100 km of shoreline, lots of forest and wildlife, walking tracks and Aboriginal rock art, this is a fine antional park to find on a city's doorstep. You can enjoy the superb views across deep inlets like Cowan water and Pittwater from the high points in the park.
Accomodation
Camping is allowed in most places, but you have to book in advance. There are lots of hostels, motels and luxury hotels near city area but once you go to secluded area (like bush) , it would be hard to find that many choices.
The following are a couple of relatively inexpensive places to stay:
Business Name Location Phone Number
Pittwater Youth Hostel Pittwater 9999 2196
Garie Beach Youth Hostel National Park 261 1111
Around Sydney Transportation
It would be better to drive to most of these places by renting a car. Ferries will take you to Paramatta from Circular Quay.
