14 Photos That Capture the Wild Beauty of Sydney

The last few months have highlighted just how accessible nature is to Sydneysiders – let Chris take you for a walk.

 

Every city has its hideaways and escapes, but Sydney is remarkable for just how easy it is to get back to nature without even leaving the city. This has become even more apparent to me over the last few months as we’ve all been forced to live local.

The wild places around Sydney have a subtle beauty, perfect for the relaxing exploration that we need right now.

Sydney’s iconic harbour has to start somewhere. Parts of the rugged headwaters have resisted development, leaving quiet pockets of bushland.

Streams cascade through coachwood glens and on the ridges something is always flowering, adding a hint of colour to the bush.

If you’re lucky you might spot an echidna rummaging for ants, or a lyrebird practicing its imitations.

The middle reaches of the harbour always seem to be framed by the twisted trunks of Sydney’s iconic red gums. Early in the morning the water is like glass and mist clouds its surface. Occasionally, a fish jumps.

Stories of bull sharks float around, but the closest I’ve ever encountered are baby stingrays.

High cliffs defend Sydney’s eastern flank. From their tops you can watch falcons chase pigeons and, if the time of year is right, a whale might swim past.

Gaps in the cliffs are home to some of the world’s most famous beaches, but to escape the cliques of posers and influencers they attract all you need to do is dip your head under the water.

Follow @chrisfirthphotography on Instagram for more shots like these.