Think you’ve seen Sydney? Not like this. The Harbour City always has something unexpected to explore, and these experiences show off some of Sydney's most famous places, with a twist.
- 3 min read
Soak up Sydney Harbour on the water
In the quiet before the ferries start, watch the sun rise above Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park as you glide across the water with Sydney Harbour Kayaks. Or paddle out at sunset to see the famous Sydney Opera House sails silhouetted against a burning orange sky with Sydney Kayak Experience. Prefer to let others do the work? Explore the world's most beautiful natural harbour on a lunch cruise aboard one of Sydney Harbour Tall Ships' three-masted sailing ships, or dial up the adrenaline and spin, slide and fishtail around the harbour landmarks with Oz Jet Boating.
Go behind the sails of the Sydney Opera House
Ascend the banked front stairs that have served as a stage for mind-blowing concerts and step inside one of the world’s legendary performing arts centres. Seven indoor venues host almost 2,000 performances a year, including some of the world’s most acclaimed artists, and you can discover the secrets of the venue and its history on an early morning Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour. Later in the day, while away the afternoon sipping cocktails and watching the sun light up the bridge at Opera Bar or savour a fine dining take on Australian cuisine alongside incredible views at Bennelong.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a First Nations storyteller
An ascent up the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers jaw-dropping views of the city and the harbour from 134m above the water. On the BridgeClimb Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience, you’ll see the city through the lens of thousands of years of Aboriginal history, led by an Aboriginal guide. You’ll climb to the bridge’s summit and look down on the shores of Gadigal land; learn the origins of the harbour’s names, from Bennelong Point to Barangaroo; and gain a deeper perspective of the city and its Aboriginal history.
Delve into the dark past of Cockatoo Island
On a Convict Prison Tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convict Site on Cockatoo Island you’ll explore the eerie abandoned buildings and tunnels while a guide shares hair-raising stories of grisly murders, botched prison escapes and gang violence – all true stories. Having too much fun to leave? Book into the island's waterfront camping for unbeatable views of the water.
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city
See Sydney's most famous landmarks from a different perspective on a Sydney HeliTours helicopter ride with panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and the world-famous surf breaks of Maroubra, Bondi and Coogee. Or watch the city skyline give way to the glittering shores of the Northern Beaches and lush green pockets of Sydney’s national parks on a day trip with Sydney Seaplanes that whisks you from Rose Bay to Palm Beach. For a slower pace, set an alarm for Balloon Aloft Camden's sunrise hot air balloon tour, an hour-long aerial adventure that takes you over the picturesque Camden Valley on the edge of Sydney, flooded with morning light.
Cruise to Taronga Zoo (and sleep among the animals)
Revel in the wonder of Australia’s unique native wildlife while taking in million-dollar views of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Start with a mini harbour cruise on the 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to the wharf below the hillside zoo, before encountering iconic native animals including koalas and kangaroos alongside creatures from across the globe – the zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals and 350 species. Immerse yourself even further with an overnight stay at Taronga’s luxe Wildlife Retreat or let the big cats serenade you as you drift off to sleep in a safari-style tent with the Roar and Snore experience.
Taronga Zoo, Mosman
Learn about bush tucker at the Royal Botanic Garden
Witness with nature’s astonishing diversity while strolling through the harbourside Royal Botanic Garden. Australia's oldest botanic garden is a haven for more than 27,000 plants from around the world, including a significant section dedicated to Australian natives. Discover the land’s unique flavour profile on an Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour before savouring some of those ingredients in modern Asian cuisine at celebrity chef Luke Nguyen’s Botanic House restaurant
Aboriginal Tour, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Discover the water world of Manly
After taking one of the world's most scenic commutes on the legendary ferry from Circular Quay to Manly, dive into the water yourself to uncover the vibrant underwater world of Cabbage Tree Bay on an Ecotreasures guided snorkel, or let Dive Centre Manly introduce you to the giant blue groupers, patterned wobbegongs and neon-striped nudibranchs of Shelly Beach. Back on the surface, watch the towering sandstone cliffs of North Head speed by from the deck of a 61-foot yacht with Manly Sailing, find your bliss with stand-up paddleboard meditation at Flow mOcean's “floating yoga studio”, or rent an e-bike from Manly Bikes and tackle the technical 11km loop around Manly Dam. Time to refuel? Round out the day by toasting the sunset with a spritz at the Manly Spirits tasting bar.
Snorkelling at Shelly Beach, Manly
Learn to surf at Bondi (and beyond)
Head to Bondi, rent a board from Surf Republik and join the locals riding the swells before they head off to work in the morning, then follow the sandy footprints to Bondi’s cafes for a post-surf breakfast at Glory Days or Bills. Or get tips on paddling, catching waves and maintaining your balance from the experienced instructors at Let’s Go Surfing. Not ready to tackle the unpredictable ocean waves just yet? Start with a lesson at URBNSURF in Western Sydney, a high-tech wave pool that lets you perfect your technique on gently rolling waves specifically engineered for consistency – you can choose your difficulty.
URBNSURF, Sydney Olympic Park
Lace up your shoes to explore the stunning coastline
Sydney’s iconic coastal walks offer spectacular, uninterrupted views, from rugged headlands to secluded bays to beaches, across trails through National Parks and along clifftops near the city. Join local joggers on the 6km Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk that snakes from the Bondi Icebergs ocean pool to the golden shores of Coogee. Closer to the city, plunge into the harbour pool at Vaucluse’s Nielsen Park for a refreshing swim after tackling the Hermitage Foreshore Track, a hidden gem that offers views of Shark Island and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Or weave through subtropical rainforest and past lighthouses with Sydney Harbour views on the 10km Spit Bridge to Manly Walk on the North Shore.
Coastal views of Tamarama Beach along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Get up close and personal to the Hawkesbury
Sydney locals looking for a serene waterfront experience head north to the Hawkesbury River, where thick bushland spills down sheer sandstone cliffs to the water's edge. On the way, take in the views of the tranquil waterway from Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park or Barrenjoey Lighthouse, then follow the river upstream to discover the gourmet delights of Cottage Point Inn, a famous waterfront restaurant that sees guests arrive by boat or seaplane before indulging in eight-course tasting menus. Nearby, at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours you’ll never taste fresher seafood than the plump oysters you’ll pluck fresh from the water.
Sydney Oyster Farms, Mooney Mooney
