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Sydney Surrounds

As Sydney covers an area of approximately 70 km by 55 km, it has been split into two separate information pages. This page generally covers that part of the greater Sydney area beyond a 25-30km radius from the city centre.

The areas surrounding Sydney are host to some of Australia's earliest history and some wonderful natural attractions. To the north are the lovely waterways of Pittwater and Broken Bay where the Hawkesbury River reaches the ocean.

The areas to the west and north-west are home to some of the small towns and settlements dating from the days of earliest settlement.

To the south west is a corridor of several small towns and the road networks that traverse the available coastal belt between the Great Dividing Range and the ocean. 

The southern coastline features rugged coastal cliffs dropping to the ocean below and excellent National Parks.

Sydney, and especially the surrounding suburban areas, continue to grow rapidly. Some of the outer suburbs are now considered satellite cities in their own right and the choice of hotels and apartments is second to none in both the central and surrounding areas.

Places of Interest

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park - the most popular of the near city national parks and situated north of the city. 15,000 hectares located  on the southern shores of Broken bay, a maze of bushy cliffs and small coves,  where the Hawkesbury River reaches the ocean.

Walking tracks, horse riding trails and picnic spots. Aboriginal rock engravings and spectacular views of Broken Bay from West Head. 

 Hawkesbury River - to the north of Sydney and a favourite spot for water sports and home of the several bridge-to-bridge races involving power boats, skiiing and canoe racing.  The widest parts of the river are flanked by national parks with very little in the way of settlements.

For something a little different, visitors to the Hawkesbury River region can join the riverboat postman on the mail boat to deliver mail and supplies to isolated residents along the river. Departs week days from the ferry wharf at Brooklyn and is a 3 hour trip.

The fit and adventurous may want to check out a section of the Great North Walk, a 250 km walking track between Sydney and Newcastle. The Hawkesbury region provides attractive countryside, numerous access points and connections to transport.

Windsor - located 55 km to the north-wast of Sydney and one of the oldest towns in Australia. A favoured destination for lovers of history and early Australian architecture. The town was established by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in the early 1800's on rich farm land in the upper Hawkesbury Valley. The adjoining town of Richmond is also well known for the colonial buildings that still exist in the town.

Camden - located to the south west of Sydney and promoted as the birthplace of the nation's wealth. This is where John Macarthur started the sheep breeding experiments that led to the foundations of Australia's wool industry.

Royal National Park - the coastline south of Sydney featuring rugged coastal cliffs. The first proclaimed National Park in Australia. Visitors can hire boats at Audley and row the Hacking River. The park has some popular beaches and excellent walks.

Sydney Holidays
Sydney Travel & Tourism