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Feel a new sense of adventure in Sydney

Kayaking, Sydney HarbourCredit: Destination NSW

Kayak around Sydney Harbour for the best view in town.

#ilovesydney

Feel a new sense of adventure in Sydney

Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW

Kayak around Sydney Harbour for the best view in town.

#ilovesydney

Hashtags #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.

#ilovesydney

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney CBD from Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay.

#ilovesydney

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney CBD from Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay.

#ilovesydney

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.

#ilovesydney

Smoke, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW

Evening drinks at Smoke bar, Barangaroo House.

#ilovesydney

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.

#ilovesydney

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