Randwick is notable for its beaches and the beautiful Fred Hollows Reserve, which is a hidden gem of Australian nature. With picnic areas and observation platforms, it is the perfect place to relax. One is absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat in Randwick, which brags of over 50 outstanding cafés and restaurants to accommodate all tastes and budgets.
1. Wylie's Baths
Visit this beautiful place when staying at or around Coogee Beach. Among one of the three natural salt water swimming pools, Wylie’s Baths is an enormous natural shallow pool protected from the sea waves by a manmade wall. The depth varies from about 2 feet to 6 feet (0.6 m to 1.8 m), and has a natural rock base. The tide, refreshes the pool daily so there is no chance of entering a stale pool alongside refreshing views of the bay from the poolside.
The Wylie’s Bath is accessed via a steep but safe wooden steps down. Once inside, you are greeted with hot showers, toilets, lots of shaded seating areas on the balcony, hot and cold drinks, snacks such as toasted sandwiches and cakes, and the facilities are good value for money. The pool however is suitable for able bodied people with a fee for entry of around 8 AUD (6 USD).
There has been a long tradition of swimming at this pool, with a safe, club atmosphere and many people come for serious swimming practice. As the place is huge, it doesn’t feel there are plenty of places to sunbathe, and the water is usually slightly warmer than the sea.
Wylie's Baths
Website: Wylie’s Baths
2. Fred Hollows Reserve
A petite retreat of nature in the suburb of Randwick, just off Alison Road and linking through to Clovelly Road, it is well worth strolling through this secluded gully. Find yourself in a green sanctuary full of tall trees, trailing vines, chirping birds and insects, and lovely serenity.
It is about a 15-minute walk along the boardwalk, and you can opt to do a return trip or finish on Clovelly Road. Some areas have steep stairs so you wouldn’t want to take a stroller along with you. The well-maintained walkway through the valley has been lovingly restored over the years.
This tribute to a delightful human being just couldn’t be better. Fred Hollows was a humanitarian and the work he did was incredible. The reserve is full of wildlife and native plants. Fred Hollows Reserve has several spots for sitting and reflection and to forget the troubles of this world and find tranquility.
Fred Hollows Reserve
Website: Fred Hollows Reserve
3. La Perouse Museum
La Perouse, a very interesting museum built in approximately 1882, is located not far away from the Sydney CBD. It has an amazing collection of Aboriginal, British, French, and Australian history. Also, it has an exhibition of unique marine life in Botany Bay.
One can spend about an hour looking through this two-storey museum. There are ample interesting artifacts to see such as information about the French navigator Lapérouse, Aboriginal stories, and some information on the marine life in the waters around La Perouse can be seen.
The staff members are hospitable, friendly, and will guide you if necessary. This is also where you buy your tickets for the Bare Island Fort tour. The museum is open on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm.
La Perouse Museum
Website: La Perouse Museum
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4. Congwong Beach
Congwong Beach is a tiny jewel set in lush greenery. Visit this beach with friends and family and enjoy the tranquil, beautiful, and relaxing atmosphere of the beach. With ample seclusion, the beach boasts great views of Bare Island. It’s a beautiful spot near the Coogee Beach and away from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s largest and busiest city. Congwong Beach is an amazing spot just to chill for a bit and enjoy a cool getaway from the maddening crowds.
Be aware of jellyfish, particularly when visiting the beach with children.
5. Dunningham Reserve
Even though there is a relentless stream of walkers on the coastal walk on sunny days, there are some shaded spots and areas to relax and relish the view. The Dunningham Reserve gazes south over the Bali Memorial, Wedding Cake Island, and Coogee Beach.
The Dunningham Reserve gets seriously packed on special occasions and you can witness fireworks as well. The reserve offers plenty of decent views over the cliff edges out to sea overlooking the beautiful Coogee Bay from the north end. It is well worth a stroll up the hill at Dunningham Reserve to marvel at the views.
This is a great place for a picnic or to just to hang out. The reserve does have some picnic shelters closer to the beach where one can sit under cover with plenty of trees if you want to evade the sun but still have the view. On the top it is a bit flatter and one could play some outdoor sports.
Dunningham Reserve
Website: Dunningham Reserve
6. Centennial Parklands
Centennial Parkland is a wonderful park in central Sydney that stretches for miles and is an awesome way to calm down and relax with lunch and a book in hand. You can also use the parkland for a various exercises like walking, running, or cycling. Centennial Parkland has been in use for hundreds of years. Currently it is composed of formal gardens, ponds, and heritage objects.
The parkland contains native wildlife, bike paths, sporting amenities, picnic areas, playgrounds, and even an equestrian centre. You can rent bikes of all kinds, get repairs, eat, or even hire a horse to ride. You can watch black swans paddling in the ponds for that matter. A visit to Centennial Parklands is always pleasurable in all seasons; this is an interesting place to visit.
Centennial Parklands
Website: Centennial Parklands
7. Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is a phenomenal crescent shape beach of about 1.5 km (almost 1 mile) with turquoise water that serves as a backdrop. One is sure to have a great time walking on the beach and gazing at the gorgeous sunset.
The views on this beach are magnificent and breathtaking. It is soothing to walk along even without jumping into the water. Take the occasion to walk to the southern end and follow the trail along the coastal path to Tamarama Beach or Bronte Beach, which is also a great experience.
You should carry your swimsuit just in case you have the desire to get wet and jump through the high waves. Take care of the waves when you enter the ocean. They’re fierce, but exciting! There are plenty of life guards on duty though, so you are well cared for.
At the beach, you can rent chairs and umbrellas to make your visit at Bondi Beach more relaxed and comfortable. The shops along the beach are charming and the food is scrumptious and easy on the wallet!
8. Gordons Bay
Gordon’s Bay is an isolated site created by a deeply carved gully and pure sandstone headlands making it a great spot for snorkeling on a beautiful sunny day. One is likely to spot starfish, sea urchins, cuttlefish, blue gropers, and wobbegong, which all call the Bay their home. The trail is 600 meters (0.3 mi) long and takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Pack your snorkeling gear, an underwater camera, and some sun screen! The water is deep and there’s plenty to see. If you are feeling adventurous, follow the underwater diver’s adventure trail, but only if you are good at free drive snorkeling.
9. The Ritz Cinema
When in Randwick, do find some time to visit the Ritz Cinema for its cool art deco architecture and interiors. At the Ritz Cinema, you’ll get a retro vibe with authentic, original art deco fittings. The Ritz Cinema accomplishes to deliver the exhilaration of a movie going experience.
Constructed in 1937 and now Heritage listed, the Ritz Cinema is one of the oldest cinema theaters in Sydney and has a nice Old World charm to it while surviving a fascinating history of riotous change and holds an important place in the local culture. With the addition of three theaters to the original main theater, the Ritz is today a cinema multiplex flagged in the core of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. This place has only improved over the years and maintains a grand aura. It is also, worth mentioning that the Ritz Cinema has a wholly licensed location permitting alcohol purchased on location to be taken inside all cinema halls.
The cinema is also accompanied by The Ritz Bar, which is located on the mezzanine level and serves an assortment of cocktails, local and imported beers and ciders, wines, and a range of delectable bar snacks. The Ritz Bar is open for business from 5 pm to 9 pm daily.
The Ritz Cinema
Website: The Ritz Cinema
Randwick, a sanctuary for the young at heart
With the abundance of beaches and nature reserves, Randwick surely strikes a chord with people who like to live life to the fullest. Enjoy the refreshing views at Bondi Beach or soak in the natural wonderland of the Fred Hollows Reserve. You will definitely come home rejuvenated and chances are you might you may want to visit again soon.
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