Royal National Park

The Royal National Park is also within easy reach of Sydney, taking one hour by car. Established in 1879, it is the world’s second oldest national park, after Yellowstone in the United States. Activities are plentiful here, with everything from birdwatching to bushwalking and barbecues.

One of the most famous attractions of the Royal National Park is the Figure Eight Rock Pools. As the name suggests, these pools are shaped in a figure eight when seen from above – carved into the granite rock through time by erosion. The pools are accessible on foot and offer bucket-list-worthy photo opportunities for those who wish to take a dip. It’s advised to visit the pools only during low tide – make sure to check for the local authorities’ wave condition updates, which warn visitors when it’s too hazardous to visit.