The $250 million Barangaroo Reserve has been open to the public now for close to two years, since August 2015. Previous to that, Sydney’s oldest industrial site had been closed off to the public for more than 100 years. Now, the six-hectare site which was inspired by the 1836 coastline, is a thriving location for sports, recreation and leisure.
The reserve is part of the $6 billion Barangaroo precinct and includes huge grassed areas, walkways and cycleways, a natural amphitheatre, two new harbour coves and tidal rock pools. Below the park itself is a 300 space carpark and an impressive cultural space, the largest Sydney has ever seen. Known as ‘The Cutaway’, the centre is a huge space, 120 metres long, 45 metres tall, with one side open to the sky and lined with a huge sandstone wall. The space will be utilised to exhibit art installations, and other events year-round.
On top of these things, some great sports and leisure activities have appeared in Barangaroo and its surrounds. Here’s a look at the top sports and leisure activities that will keep you entertained and fit through the winter.
Bend + Mend
To begin with, before you go out into the park and start getting active, check us out here at Bend + Mend. At Bend + Mend we pride ourselves in being the leaders in Physio and Pilates and have a clinic right in Barangaroo! This makes it the perfect place to head to if you require any rehabilitation, are injured or need help with sports recovery. Bend + Mend also have a range of great Pilates sessions.
Bonza Bike Tours
Bonza Bike Tours is one of the best ways to see Sydney. Whether you’re a tourist visiting for the first time, showing off the city to friends, or a group of friends or family, Bonza Bike tours will be a great day out. There’s a range of tours led by enthusiastic guides which take you around Sydney, showing off all the classic sights. Tours are appropriate for all levels of bike riders, so don’t be afraid if you haven’t gone for a pedal in a few years!
Of course, you can rent a bike and explore on your own, and what better way to explore the new Barangaroo reserve than ride around its cycleways?
Escape Hunt
This one’s slightly outside of Barangaroo but it looks so fun we couldn’t leave it off the list! Escape Hunt is an adventurous “escape game” that locks participants in a room for 60 minutes. Players in a team must use their wit and problem solving skills to solve the mystery and escape the room, true Sherlock Holmes style. Escape Hunt is great for work parties, team building and celebrations with family and friends.
The Wheelchair Sports NSW Expo at Barangaroo
The Wheelchair Sports NSW Expo was held at Barangaroo in the huge cultural space after the site opened last year. Set to be held again in 2017, the expo aims to provide sporting opportunities to people with a physical disability through sporting events and programmes.
The expo is open to the general public, where anyone can try sport and recreation opportunities, raising awareness for the world of disability sports.
Millers Point Tennis Courts
Tennis is a great way to get the endorphins pumping and the sweat dripping. Millers Point Tennis courts are in a great location in Sydney’s city and are open to the public for hire every day from 9 am to 5 pm (except Sundays).
Courts can be hired for a minimum of 1 hour for $25. It can get busy, especially during lunch hours with office workers looking to keep fit, so if you’re looking for a midday game, book ahead.
Flat Rock Gully
Flat Rock Gully covers around 10 hectares and can be explored by traveling along it’s many hidden bush tracks. The tracks, which include bush walks, bike tracks and running paths, will take you past pieces of natural and cultural history like aboriginal art and a sandstone amphitheatre. This bush wonderland is a great way to get out of the bustling city while never actually leaving it!
