Picnic in Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquarie's ChairCredit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoy a picnic in Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Sydney is a city best explored with all five senses. Beyond its postcard-perfect harbour and sun-drenched beaches lies a rich tapestry of local experiences that invite you to taste, sip and wander through its vibrant neighbourhoods. Whether you're a visitor or a local looking to rediscover your city, Sydney’s food tours, distillery visits and cultural adventures offer a deeper connection to its creative spirit.
Picnic Adventures with a twist
One of the most playful ways to explore Sydney is through AmazingCo’s Mystery Picnics. These self-guided experiences combine puzzle-solving with gourmet indulgence. Participants receive clues that lead them to artisan producers, boutique cafes and scenic picnic spots, collecting delicious items along the way. Each route is thoughtfully designed to showcase a different part of the city, from the lush Royal Botanic Gardens to the coastal charm of Manly or the creative buzz of the Inner West. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, ideal for couples, families or curious solo explorers.
Sydney Seafood School in Pyrmont Credit: Sydney Fish Market
Jump into one of the fun-filled classes to learn about Australian seafood, cook and eat some delicious dishes.
Sydney Seafood School in Pyrmont Credit: Sydney Fish Market
Jump into one of the fun-filled classes to learn about Australian seafood, cook and eat some delicious dishes.
A deep dive into Sydney’s seafood scene
The Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont is more than just a place to buy fresh seafood. It’s a living, breathing hub of marine culture and commerce. The newly launched Taste of Sydney Fish Market tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily fish auction, where buyers bid on the freshest catch straight from the boats. Guests meet fishmongers, learn about sustainable fishing practices and sample oysters, prawns and sashimi. For those who want to take their culinary skills further, the Sydney Seafood School hosts cooking classes led by top chefs, covering dishes like paella, Thai curries and seafood barbecues.
Walking with flavour and story
Local Sauce Tours offers a unique way to experience Sydney’s multicultural food scene. Their Chinatown Food and Stories tour blends history, street art and mouthwatering bites from hidden eateries. Guests taste dumplings, noodles and regional Chinese specialties while learning about the evolution of Sydney’s largest Asian precinct. Other tours explore Redfern’s Indigenous heritage, Newtown’s street art and Surry Hills’ café culture, each offering a fresh perspective on the city’s layered identity.
Crown Street, Surry Hills Credit: Destination NSW
Young people walking down the streets of Surry Hills in Sydney
Crown Street, Surry Hills Credit: Destination NSW
Young people walking down the streets of Surry Hills in Sydney
Italian soul in Darlinghurst
For lovers of Italian cuisine, Mia Cucina Food Tours provide a heartfelt journey through Sydney’s Little Italy in Haberfield. Led by passionate guides, these tours visit family-run delis, bakeries and trattorias. Guests sample handmade pasta, cannoli and espresso while hearing stories of migration, tradition and culinary craftsmanship. It’s a celebration of community and culture, wrapped in the comforting aroma of garlic and espresso. You can also experience other food tours like Vietnamese in Cabramatta, Chinese in Haymarket, Indian in Harris Park, Turkish in Auburn and Greek in Marrickville with Mia Cucina.
Craft spirits and local brews in the Inner West
Sydney’s Inner West has become a hotspot for craft beverage enthusiasts. From Marrickville to Newtown, boutique distilleries and independent breweries offer immersive tasting experiences. Poor Toms Gin Hall is known for its inventive cocktails and sleek design, while Young Henrys Brewery blends rock and roll energy with award-winning beers. Willie the Boatman adds a quirky, community-driven vibe to the mix. Guided tours like those offered by Dave’s Travel Group take guests behind the scenes, introducing them to the makers and their brewing techniques while offering generous tastings of beer, gin and whiskey.
Willie The Boatman, St. Peters Credit: Destination NSW
Couple ordering beers at Willie The Boatman, St. Peters.
Willie The Boatman, St. Peters Credit: Destination NSW
Couple ordering beers at Willie The Boatman, St. Peters.
Native flavours and sustainable spirits
For something truly distinctive, the Meet the Makers tour combines native Australian ingredients with boutique spirits. Guests sample kangaroo salami, bush cheeses and native dips alongside small-batch rum and gin. This experience celebrates Indigenous flavours and sustainable practices, offering a deeper connection to Australia’s culinary roots and the people who preserve them.
Explore the new Inner West Distillery Trail
The Inner West Distillery trail brings together nine award-winning distilleries across Marrickville and the Balmain-Lilyfield districts, offering visitors a unique opportunity to sip, savour, and explore the artistry behind locally crafted spirits. From heritage-listed warehouses to sleek tasting rooms, each stop on the trail reveals a distinct flavour and story, highlighting the creativity and passion of the Inner West’s distilling community. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or curious newcomer, this free, self-guided experience is the perfect way to enjoy the warmer weather and discover the hidden gems just minutes from the Sydney CBD.
More ways to explore Sydney
Sydney’s local experiences extend beyond food and drink. The Rocks Historical Pub Tour takes guests through the city’s oldest pubs while uncovering convict tales and colonial history. A Journey Beyond Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise offers dining with panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. While street art and food tours in Newtown and Enmore reveal the city’s creative side, paired with bites from vegan cafes and fusion eateries.
Dave's Tours, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Meet the passionate brewmasters, winemakers, and distillers and learn about their history and techniques in crafting locally made brews and beverages with a behind-the-scenes look at Australia's craft drinks scene on Dave's Tours Sydney.
Dave's Tours, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Meet the passionate brewmasters, winemakers, and distillers and learn about their history and techniques in crafting locally made brews and beverages with a behind-the-scenes look at Australia's craft drinks scene on Dave's Tours Sydney.
A city that surprises and delights
Sydney’s tours and experiences are more than just activities. They are invitations to connect with the city’s culture, creativity and community. Whether you’re solving clues on a mystery picnic, slurping noodles in Chinatown or sipping gin in a converted warehouse, each experience offers a new way to see Sydney. Come hungry, bring your curiosity and let the city surprise you.
More Inspirational Stories
Sydney Harbour AerialsCredit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of North Bondi overlooking Bondi Golf & Diggers Club and Bondi Beach.
Looking for a fresh way to experience Sydney this summer? Sydney’s golf scene is booming, and it’s one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors while discovering some of the city’s most beautiful landscapes.
With over 100 courses within two hours of the CBD, Sydney offers a diverse range of public-access golf experiences, from cliffside fairways to lush hinterland greens. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon, there’s a course waiting for you.
Golf Near the City
Just 15 minutes from the CBD, Moore Park Golf is a public 18-hole championship course nestled in the heart of Centennial Parklands. With a top-tier driving range, expert coaching, and a relaxed bistro, it’s the perfect spot for a quick round or a full day of play.
A short drive away, St Michael’s Golf Club in Little Bay offers a dramatic links-style course perched above the Pacific Ocean. Open to guests and members, it’s a must-visit for golfers who love a challenge with a view.
Moore Park Golf, Sydney Credit: Centennial Parklands
Moore Park Golf, Sydney. Sydney's premier public golf course.
Moore Park Golf, Sydney Credit: Centennial Parklands
Moore Park Golf, Sydney. Sydney's premier public golf course.
Coastal Classics
Imagine teeing off with the iconic Bondi Beach as your backdrop. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Bondi Golf Club, a nine-hole course with sweeping ocean views and even the chance to spot migrating whales between May and November.
Nearby, Woollahra Golf Club offers a harbourside nine-hole course that’s open to the public—perfect for a quick game with postcard-worthy views.
Head north to Palm Beach Golf Course, nestled between Pittwater and Palm Beach, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views all the way to Lion Island. Just down the coast, Mona Vale Golf Club offers 18 scenic holes that are as challenging as they are beautiful.
To the south, Randwick Golf Course delivers a relaxed links-style experience with ocean views. It’s open to the public on Mondays and Fridays, and afternoons the rest of the week. After your round, treat yourself to a meal at the Bay Window Restaurant, where local chef Nik Eberhardt serves up contemporary Australian cuisine with views over Malabar Beach.
Palm Beach Golf Club Credit: Palm Beach Golf Club
The nine-hole Palm Beach Golf Course sits between Pittwater and Palm Beach, with views all the way to Lion Island.
Palm Beach Golf Club Credit: Palm Beach Golf Club
The nine-hole Palm Beach Golf Course sits between Pittwater and Palm Beach, with views all the way to Lion Island.
Greater Sydney Gems
Venture a little further and you’ll find even more golfing treasures. In the rural outskirts near Camden, Camden Golf Club offers an 18-hole course with a stunning Blue Mountains backdrop.
In the southwest, Bankstown Golf Club welcomes public players to its championship course. And in Sydney’s western hills, Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman, offers a premium experience on a world-class layout.
Make It a Golf Getaway
Want to turn your Sydney golf experience into a full-blown holiday? The Pure Golfer and LuxGolf offer bespoke golf tours, giving you access to exclusive courses, luxury transport, and curated itineraries that make the most of your time on and off the green.
Whether you're chasing birdies or just soaking up the sunshine, Sydney’s golf courses offer a fresh and scenic way to explore the city. So grab your clubs, hit the fairways, and discover why golf is one of the best ways to experience Sydney this summer.