The Green Point Reserve is yet another of the numerous reserves or the protected ‘green-belt’ areas that are so typical to the scenic delights in and around Sydney. But don’t let the name fool you as it does not exactly match with the locale, and we certainly don’t want you to feel that you are headed out to some shady green hillock. In fact, it is a far cry from that, and definitely does not merit a miss.

The Green Point Reserve, also locally known as the Laing’s Point, is essentially a ‘city view’ site that is truly breath-taking. No doubts it is an open area with very negligible shaded area, and therefore requires that one goes adequately protected depending on the time and the season of the visit. When we say protected, we do mean from the sun or the wind. It is open 24×7 and no fee is charged for the visit or for availing any existing facility. This is one of those sight areas where time literally flies just soaking in the surrounding scenic view, though a visit time of 2-3 hours is more than sufficient. Amazingly, though almost the entire Green Point Reserve is in all practicality devoid of shaded areas, it is a huge hit with the vast age group right from toddlers to the elderly. One can witness tourist groups, families, solo visitors and couples, all soaking in the sun and enjoying themselves thoroughly. It may be noted that a Sydney local is very much at home under the blazing sun.

Green Point Reserve, as mentioned and unlike the name, is essentially a lovely beach site, small and secluded, that offers an extraordinary view of the entire Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. It is located on the Pacific Street at the Watson’s Bay. For information, the Green Point Reserve is in fact a part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and is almost adjacent to the Camp Cove and the Gap Park.

Getting to the scenic Green Point reserve is also full of options. We would recommend a walk, but we also know that the paucity of time becomes a deterrent. Public conveyance in Sydney is at it’s best for practically any location of sight-seeing interest, and with a variable transport mode. One can opt for taking the bus or a train. If you want to experience a difference, try a ride in a ferry or even a boat, right up to the Watson’s Bay Ferry Wharf. By far the most common mode is a car drive minus any hassles, as the place has plenty of parking spaces.

While scouting around the Green Point Reserve, do walk down the entire stretch of the South Head area for a view that is any photographers delight. And that reminds us, your constant companion in all these excursions has to be a camera. From here, the view of the wide and beautiful beaches is absolutely scenic, and the small park in the area doubles up for the ideal picnic spot. And if you have the inclination to really soak in or click some fantastic views, then hang around till the sun set. The view and the color hue will make you gasp, and that is a promise.

Glenworth Valley is Australia’s largest outdoor adventure centre which offers myriad outdoor activities. The valley is very close to Sydney, just a short drive from the beaches of Central Coast, New South Wales.

Glenworth Valley is a very beautiful 300 acre property which offers numerous activities for the adventurous and active person like kayaking, laser skirmish, abseiling and quad bike riding and of course for the most well known activity at this valley, horse riding.

It is the largest horse riding centre in the country, with over 200 horses. They have mapped out many trails for exploring. It is not very dangerous as they have trained guides and experienced staff. At the very beginning, their staff will match you with a horse that is suited for your level of riding proficiency. There are horses that are suited for beginners with no riding experience and there are many others that are more suited to experienced riders. Some basic instructions are then given and then you can go off into the wilderness exploring the trails.

There are many trails, some that can be explored in a few hours and others that last for days. You could of course opt for a riding experience that lasts for several days, go for an overnight ride and watch the sun rise from the saddle. You could enjoy cattle muster rides, campfire dinners and other unforgettable out-door experiences.

The joy of exploring the Australian bush, riding over the lush green valleys, experience the beauty of the flora and fauna of Australia is unmatched. Some of the trails take you deep inside the rainforest, where you can stop at natural rock pools for a swim in fresh cool water. You have a choice of taking a guide along or going alone.

Guided trail rides include 2 hour rides, 3 hour rides and 6 hour rides. Free range horse riding is only recommended for people who have been riding before. The yard manager decides whether you are skilled enough to avail of this package. Overnight rides include two hours of riding, followed by camping overnight and two hours ride the next morning. These are available every day.

You could combine the experience of riding along with kayaking by taking a package that includes two hours of riding and about three hours of kayaking.

It is advisable to research the options available including the rider restrictions before purchasing the riding trip (tickets are available online) and visiting the camp.

As a general rule horse riders must weigh upto 120 kgs, not more. Children below the age of three can not ride at the camp. Wear comfortable clothes, the camp guides recommend loose fitting trousers with flat shoes. General protective measures for outdoor activities like using a sunscreen, an insect repellant and head gear like a brimmed hat are recommended too.

Rides are conducted daily in all weather conditions. Groups upto 10 people are formed under one guide. Parents or guardians of participants under 18 years of age need to sign a permission form.

Dee Why is a suburban area north of Sydney which is famous for its unpoilt beaches and scenic beauty. A lot of speculation exists about the name of this beautiful place, but no one knows why it is so strangely named. The earliest record of this name is a penciled note in surveyor James Meehan’s field book where he marked the place with the alphabets DY. There is another school of thought that feels that DY is a name that came from the local aboriginal language. In common parlance the place began to be referred to as DY which slowly evolved into two words Dee Why by 1950.

The beautiful Dee Why Beach is a long stretch of little over a kilometer overlooking the Tasmanian Sea. It is a favorite destination for surfers, body boarders and explorers. If you have had your fill of the beach, you can explore the area further. Cast your eyes northwards and you will see the majestic dunes that separate the beach from the Dee Why Lagoon. Towards the south is the lovely Dee Why Reserve, which is a popular picnic spot around ancient pines. The reserve is worth a visit. It has well beautifully located picnic areas, well maintained paths, platforms, a promenade area and even a war memorial that has been restored recently.

In keeping with the sporty and out-door ethos of Sydneysiders, there are two playgrounds near by. It is the headquarters of Australia’s Oldest Surfboard Riders Club, Dee Why Surfing Fraternity. It even has the Long Reef Golf Course which is very beautiful.

Nature lovers will really enjoy The Dee Why Lagoon which is a well recognized wild life refuge spread over about 77 hectares. It is a bush land that is swampy and home to local bird life and also migratory birds. Bird watchers can spend many hours watching these lovely and colorful feathered creatures, many of them rare and exquisite. Not so long ago there were many black swans to feast your eyes on. Though they are not so plentiful now, there still are many to admire.

All this scenic beauty is situated conveniently. You can easily board a bus that goes to the northern beaches; all of them stop at Dee Why Main. Since it is very close to Pittwater road, you could drive down for a wonderful day at the beach. It can be crowded on weekends as many people love spending their weekends sunbathing or surfing. On week days the beach is not so crowded and you can easily find a secluded spot and enjoy a relaxing day.

Dee Why is home to Warringah Mall, Australia’s largest indoor and outdoor shopping centre. It also has many cheap eateries serving seafood. You could find a meal that suits any budget, from the very economical to the exclusive gourmet style food.

If you are in Sydney, you should visit the beautiful Dee Why beach and lagoon which is very close to Sydney and experience the scenic splendor.