Despite its density, Sydney is incredibly green, surrounded by national parks and dotted with expansive urban gardens.
**Urban Parks:** * **Royal Botanic Garden:** A lush, 30-hectare oasis situated right on the harbor, adjacent to the Opera House. * **Hyde Park:** Australia's oldest park, featuring tree-lined avenues, the Archibald Fountain, and the ANZAC Memorial. * **Centennial Parklands:** A massive 189-hectare Victorian-era park favored for cycling, horseback riding, and picnicking.
**National Parks & Nature Reserves:** * **Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park:** Located in the north, known for its deep river valleys, eucalyptus forests, and significant Aboriginal rock art sites. * **Royal National Park:** Located in the south, it is the second-oldest national park in the world, featuring dramatic coastal cliffs and secluded beaches. * **Sydney Harbor National Park:** Protects the foreshore, harbor islands, and historic fortifications, offering excellent harbor swimming and bushwalking.