Sydney Parramatta Park

Parramatta, a westerly suburb of Sydney, is easily accessible by train or by a nice ferry ride. Although it takes something over 1 hour to get there via the scenic waterway, it has a nice town centre with some good cafes and restaurants. Arriving by ferry gives you the opportunity to continue along the Parramatta River on foot until you reach Parramatta Park. The park is home to a world heritage site: Australia’s oldest public building, the Old Government House.

• City: Sydney
• How to get there: Take a ferry from Circular Quay Station to Parramatta Wharf. From here just follow the river on foot, it’s about a 30 min. walk to Parramatta Park.
• Tip: After observing hundreds of flying foxes from Buttons Bridge, continue to walk towards Westmead Station and take a train back to central Sydney.
• Ticket: You can use the Opal Card (top up) on the ferry and train services.
• Transport information: Transport for NSW
• Location: Parramatta Park

Copenhagen Fæstningskanalen

Not in many travel guide books so far: The canal that forms an outer fortification ring around the Danish capital. With green spaces following nearly the whole length of the waterway it is definitely a different approach of exploring Copenhagen and its outer-lying boroughs on foot or by bike. Along the way you’ll find some interesting historic artefacts and good information plaques.

• City: Copenhagen, Denmark
• How to get there: Take the S-train (S-tog) line B or H from Copenhagen Central Station to Emdrup Station. Then follow a small park until you reach a lake called Utterslev Mose. Beyond this lake you will find the beginning (or end) of the canal.
• Tip: Keep walking along the canal and the park alongside for a couple of kilometres. Take the train back to Copenhagen Central Station from Husum Station or Islev Station. Total length of this walk is around 8km.
• Ticket: Easiest option is to get a City Pass for 24 hours, Zones 1-4.
• Transport information: DSB
• Location: Fæstningskanalen
• More information: Fæstningskanalen on Wikipedia

 

San Francisco Golden Gate Park

One of San Franciscoˋs best and largest parks is the Golden Gate Park. Stretching over 5 km from the city towards the Pacific Ocean with superb views along the fine sandy beach. The park also holds a botanical garden that is definitely worth a visit. Overall you can spend at least half a day exploring all the sights in and around the park.

• City: San Francisco, United States of America
• How to get there: Take the Muni N-Line tram service from Embarcadero Station to Carl St & Stanyan St Stop. Then it is a short walk to the southeast corner of the park.
• Tip: After a visit in the botanical garden take a trip on the Stow Lake in a pedal boat. If you fancy walking all the way to the west you will be rewarded with some Dutch windmills just before reaching the Pacific Ocean and its vast beach. To get back to the city centre take the N-Line tram from Judah St & La Playa St Station
• Ticket: Best option is to get a Clipper Card
• Transport information: Muni
• Location: San Francisco Botanical Garden

Wellington Kapiti Coast

From New Zealand’s wonderful capital city Wellington you can easily explore the Kapiti Coast with local train services. The Queen Elizabeth Park for example, is a great destination with large areas of natural dunes along the coast. Perfect also for family picnics and if you fancy a tram ride, go and visit the Wellington Tramway Museum.

• City: Wellington, New Zealand
• How to get there: Take a Kapiti Line train service from Wellington Station to Paekakariki Station.  From the station it’s about a 15 minute walk until you reach the entrance to the Queen Elizabeth Park.
• Tip: Continue walking through the park towards Paraparaumu Station and take the Kapiti Line train back to Wellington Station. This walk will take around 2 hours.
• Ticket: A Day Rover Ticket will give you unlimited travel on the Kapiti, Upper Hutt, and Johnsonville Metlink train services.
• Transport information: Metlink
• Location: Queen Elizabeth Park