From picnicking in the park to swimming, visiting local playspaces or hiking through bushland, Sydney’s communities love to spend their free time outdoors.
2019 Greater Sydney Outdoor Survey
In 2019, the Department of Planning and Environment conducted the Greater Sydney Outdoors Study (PDF, 1.2 MB) to discover what Sydneysiders love to do during their recreation time. The results inform how we improve the planning of Greater Sydney recreation spaces, so they enrich the lives of everyone who lives in and visits Greater Sydney.
2019 study results
Through the 2019 study we learnt what Sydneysiders like to do outdoors:
- They love experiencing the outdoors on foot, going for runs, enjoying long hikes and taking in the view on leisurely strolls.
- Water is important to everyone, whether it's swimming at the beach or picnicking by a river you love.
- Connections matter – a lot of Sydneysiders spend time in Sydney's open spaces together with friends, family and their dogs.
We learnt that Sydneysiders would like to see:
- More high quality, open spaces supported by good facilities.
- More opportunities for swimming and water-based activities in the local area.
- Larger open spaces, to provide greater opportunity for diverse, outdoor recreation activities.
- Open spaces that assist in building a greater sense of community.
- Improvements to walking and cycling networks, to help get to outdoor recreation areas without a car.
- Improvements to existing parks, to ensure they’re being well utilised.
- Protection of existing open spaces and recreational areas for future communities.
- Open spaces that feel safe and provide for multiple uses.
