Parsley Bay Reserve

One of the largest harbour pools in Sydney is Parsley Bay, hidden behind winding streets in Vaucluse, east of the city. It's here, hidden away from the multi-millionaires' houses by dense foliage, you'll find a large grassed reserve that fronts onto a calm shallow beach ideal for paddling. Rally the troops for a relaxed picnic or barbie certain in the knowledge that when it warms up you can cool down in the harbour swimming enclosure. The bay is crossed by an impressive wooden footbridge built in the 1930s. The old kiosk is on hand for food and drinks, and a short bushland walking circuit takes in a waterfall at the head of the gully. In summer, Eastern Water Dragons can be seen sunning themselves along the watercourse; the Eastern Water Dragons have the right idea.