Take a life-affirming dash into the ocean each morning with AquaBumps. This online wave-worshipping community sends subscribers a pic a day. Wake up to sunrise over Bondi, the froth of a just-broken wave or, er, girls in bikinis…whatever catches photographer, Eugene Tan’s eye.

Nature

Give people their Harbor bridge and their Opera house, no doubt they will last more than one lifetime. For me though, there is nothing that cools me down more after a balmy day (referring here to both weather and crazy colleagues) than a stroll through the fig trees. Hyde park's figs have been slowly growing for decades but soon enough, around 200 of them will be cut down due to concerns over public safety. Outrage!

Slowing down in the corridors of the fig trees lets me slip into a time warp. Seconds to hours can wash away in the dappled light. Reaching branches inspire me to tree climb again and white globes on posts, glowing in the twilight remind me of a childhood story. These figs serve to remind me that great things happen when you take your time.

But back to the outrage! How can we enjoy this if they get cut down? Well, we now will have the pleasure of seeing the new generation of figs slowly twist and grow. And besides, no one likes a branch falling on them during a picnic. (From Amy.)

Motion

Forego the usual dash to work and go your own way for a change, watching the preoccupied madness that usually envelops you. A morning constitutional is incredibly invigorating, and we have the perfect climate for enjoying one. So don your comfortably daggy walking shoes, grab a coffee to go, and think about your normal stammer through traffic as you meander, obstacle free, to the place where you earn your keep, marvelling in all the new things you notice along the way. If you need a little prompting, check out national walk to work day, Friday 5 October, at www.walk.com.au. (From Amy.)

Smell

What’s the smell of Sydney in spring? In the suburbs the lawns have started growing lush again so the air is filled with the smell freshly mown grass. Add the heady scent of jasmine and we know summer is on the way. The longer evenings and the arrival of spring blooms prompt late-afternoon strolls. What’s the signature scent of your street?

Motion

The City of Sydney Spring Cycle will take place on Sunday 21 October and follow the same route as last year, with the 50km option starting at St Leonard's Park North Sydney, heading across the traffic-free Harbour Bridge traffic free and finishing on the fabulous Olympic Boulevard at Sydney Olympic Park. This is a great way to see some of the most picturesque and cycle-friendly sights in Sydney and a great slow day out among friends and family. There are a range of rides from a freewheeling 5km to a 50km slog. Visit the http://www.springcycle.com.au/ to register and for more info.