Kayaking, Sydney HarbourCredit: Destination NSW
Kayak around Sydney Harbour for the best view in town.
#ilovesydney
Sydney is made for adventurous thrill-seekers and lovers of the great outdoors. You can launch yourself into the harbour on a kayak or speedboat, climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge or take scenic bushwalks along sandstone cliffs to secluded beach coves. Bursts of greenery and water glimpses soften the glistening city skyline from every angle. Whether you’re looking to swim, sleep, wine or dine, there are enough outdoor venues and waterside attractions to make a jam-packed itinerary of alfresco adventures.
Highlights:
- Hit the water with an early morning swim or kayak
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch by the water or in the city’s
- Botanic Gardens Drink in the views — and the cocktails — at knockout rooftop bars
It’s playtime
Start the day with an early morning kayak, with coffee on board, on a Sydney by Kayak guided tour. As the sun rises, you’ll depart Lavender Bay on the north side of Sydney Harbour — don’t miss the incredible juxtaposition of steel and nature as you paddle underneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Another great way to wake up is with a swim at the harbourside outdoor Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool in The Domain. Afterwards refuel with breakfast at Poolside café.
Keen for speed? Jump behind the wheel of a snazzy little red speedboat for a self-drive tour of Sydney Harbour with Explore Sydney Harbour. If you prefer to take things slow, rent stand-up paddle boards or try a lesson with Watssup and soak in the amazing views of the city while gliding along the calm, protected waters of Watsons Bay, a 25-minute drive or ferry ride from the city.
Back on land, cycle around Sydney on a guided electric-bike tour with BlueBananas, and pedal past iconic Sydney landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as through the city’s spectacular parks. Or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, securely attached to a safety harness as you span the great arc with BridgeClimb.
You’ll feel a million miles away from the Big Smoke when you’re walking the Hermitage Foreshore Walk from Nielsen Park in Vaucluse, a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Join a walking tour with Australian Luxury Escapes and visit early coastal defence sites, a lighthouse and the 19th-century mansion Vaucluse House. You can stop here for lunch at Estate restaurant.
For a walk that combines the sights with learning about Indigenous culture, join Dreamtime Southern X’s Aunty Margret Campbell as she leads the interesting and informative Aboriginal Dreaming Tour around The Rocks, highlighting the cultural significance of the area.
Exhausted yet? Time to settle down on a beanbag or picnic rug at one of the open-air cinemas which pop up across the city in summer. Sit back and experience the pleasure of watching a movie under the stars.
BridgeClimb Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Twilight BridgeClimb Sydney experience overlooking Sydney Harbour.
#ilovesydney
BridgeClimb Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Twilight BridgeClimb Sydney experience overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney CBD from Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay.
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Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney CBD from Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay.
Time for lunch (or dinner)
Waterside dining is at the top of the must-do list for visitors to Sydney. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, at Watsons Bay, a 30-minute drive from the city centre in the Eastern Suburbs, is a longstanding favourite. Watch the sun set behind the city skyline while you dine on fresh oysters, prawns and mussels from the waterfront patio. Afterwards, catch a ferry back to Circular Quay.
A 20-minute walk east of the city centre, Woolloomooloo has a slew of restaurants — including China Doll, Manta, Otto and Amalfi Way — with alfresco tables lining heritage-listed Finger Wharf and views across the marina.
Dine in the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney at Botanic House, where TV presenter and chef Luke Nguyen presents a tasting menu of Southeast Asian flavours combined with native Australian ingredients. The elegant, glass-fronted restaurant is encircled by lush, manicured greenery and the casual eatery downstairs is great for pit-stops as you explore the gardens, or just grab a sandwich to go.
Happy hour
Make the best of Sydney’s climate and seek out its open-air bars. With prime position at the city end of Oxford Street, the rooftop bar on the fifth level of the Burdekin Hotel shakes up some fun cocktails to enjoy while taking in the close to 360-degree panorama across Sydney.
At Bar Ombré in Circular Quay, the Salt Meats Cheese team dishes up Italian favourites to accompany the spectacular Harbour Bridge views. Or end your weekend of adventure at Barangaroo House in Darling Harbour. Sip a drink at Smoke bar on the rooftop of this distinctive three-level hive covered in greenery, and watch the ferries come and go from the city’s newest precinct, Barangaroo.
Get some rest
Keen to sleep in the great outdoors? Roar and Snore at Taronga is an overnight zoo stay where you camp out in safari-style tents. Or you can sleep under canvas at the waterfront campground on Cockatoo Island, a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. This island was once home to convicts and shipbuilders and occupies a stunning spot on Sydney Harbour.
For a stay close to the city action, boutique hotel Ovolo Woolloomooloo is well located on Finger Wharf, next to the CBD and the Royal Botanic Gardens. It has an indoor pool and spa, a 24-hour gym and self-service laundry — everything the active traveller needs.
Smoke, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Evening drinks at Smoke bar, Barangaroo House.
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Smoke, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Evening drinks at Smoke bar, Barangaroo House.
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Family relaxing and enjoying their stay at Cockatoo Island's waterfront campground.
#ilovesydney
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Family relaxing and enjoying their stay at Cockatoo Island's waterfront campground.
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
#feelnewsydney
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
#feelnewsydney
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
#feelnewsydney
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.