New South Wales and its State capital Sydney were placed firmly on the map as the world's most-loved sporting destination in the 2000 Olympic Games. Fast forward 18 years and the iconic Harbour City is getting ready to host another internationally renowned sporting event, the 2018 Invictus Games.

Launching on 20 October as an international adaptive sports event for wounded service members and veterans, athletes will compete in 11 events staged across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and in and around Sydney Harbour. An estimated 1,000 family and friends are expected to accompany the competitors, with the event being supported by around 1,000 volunteers.

For visitors inspired by the amazing armed forces members and veterans, there are plenty of outdoor options throughout Sydney and regional NSW in stunning locations to help you stay active during your visit.

Running

Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to running routes around Sydney. The Bay Run is a seven-kilometre loop around the shores of Iron Cove Bay and is one of the most popular harbourside running tracks in the city. If you're after a spectacular view, the Spit to Manly is an undulating bush run through Sydney Harbour National Park that takes in incredible views of the Harbour and ends at the world-famous Manly Beach.

The beautiful Blue Mountains region is a paradise for bushwalkers, with hundreds of walking tracks at a range of difficulties to choose from. The Grand Canyon track takes you into the heart of this World Heritage-listed landscape and offers spectacular waterfall views, while the challenging Federal Pass trail between Leura and Katoomba will give hikers a glimpse of the iconic Three Sisters.

From 20 October, stays at The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach start from £180 per night. For more information or to book, please visit www.thesebelmanlybeach.com.au

From 20 October, stays in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains at Lilianfels Resort and Spa start from £200 per night. For more information or to book, please visit www.lilianfels.com.au

Swimming

Sydney boasts some of the most spectacular ocean pools in the world. The landmark Bondi Icebergs Baths has a 50-metre lap pool, or a smaller children's pool supervised by lifeguards, so the entire family can enjoy. For the more serious swimmer, the North Sydney Olympic Pool is a heated, outdoor saltwater lap pool nestled below the Sydney Harbour Bridge and overlooking the spectacular Sydney Harbour.

The South Coast is home to beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a more leisurely swim or snorkel. Long Beach on the Beecroft Peninsula is two kilometres of pristine sand and turquoise water and is easily accessible from car parks at either end of the beach. One of the longest beaches on the South Coast, Seven Mile Beach is perfect for both swimming and surfing.

From 20 October, stays at Park Hyatt Sydney start from £879 per night. For more information or to book, please visit www.hyatt.com

From 20 October, stays at Bannisters by the Sea on the South Coast start from £208 per night. For more information or to book, please visit www.bannisters.com.au

Cycling

With more than 750,000 visitors cycling in Sydney's Centennial Park every year, it is one of the most popular spots in Sydney for a bike ride. There are a number of dedicated cycle lanes and pathways, including the learner's cycleway which is perfect for those just starting out on two wheels.

Regional NSW has road cycling routes to suit all levels and tastes. The Snowy Mountains, which host Australia's own slice of the Tour de France, L'Étape Australia, are home to some of the most stunning mountain terrain in the country. Bowral is the perfect stopover on route to the Snowies, with quiet, country roads set amidst picturesque rural backdrops as well as tough mountain passes, gritty climbs and challenging descents

From 20 October, stays at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa start from £170 per night. For more information or to book, please visit www.lakecrackenback.com.au

Sailing

What better place to set sail than spectacular Sydney Harbour. There are all kinds of harbour cruises, including lunch cruises, tall ships and an Aboriginal cultural heritage cruise. For those looking for a bit more peace and quiet, Pittwater is a haven for cruise sailors. Moor up at one of the many bays and beaches on both the eastern and western shores, including Palm Beach, the famous bay featured in the TV series Home and Away.

With 26 golden beaches, a vast blue bay and many beautiful inlets, Port Stephens offers the perfect sailing getaway. The region is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins, and there are plenty of tours departing from Nelson Bay which offer dolphin watching opportunities and kayak trips. Whale watching is also popular during the annual migration season between June and November.

From 20 October, stays at the Anchorage Port Stephens start from £185 per night. For more information or to book, please visit www.anchorageportstephens.com.au

The above hotels do not have a formal association with the event. Accor Hotels and Hyatt Regency Sydney are the official hotel partners of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018.  

Return flights from London Heathrow to Sydney with Qantas start from £717 per person. Please visit www.qantas.com for more information.

The Invictus Games will take place from 20 – 27 October 2018. For more information, visit www.invictusgames2018.org and www.sydney.com