BridgeClimb, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying the Burrawa Indigenous Experience at BridgeClimb, Sydney.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Gain a fresh perspective on Sydney’s rich heritage on a guided cultural tour. From the Indigenous stories of Sydney Cove — known as Warrane in the language of the Gadigal people — to the hidden historic sites of Sydney Harbour, prepare to be surprised by how much there is to learn about New South Wales’ capital. Here are just a few memorable options to enrich your visit.
Go backstage at an icon
Venture beneath the soaring white sails of the Sydney Opera House on a range of tours bound to leave you with a new appreciation of this showstopping building. Uncover the magic of the Circular Quay-based icon on the recently relaunched Sydney Opera House Tour, hone in on its architectural legacy on the Architectural Tour, or journey through rehearsal spaces not open to the public on the Backstage Tour. Be mesmerised by a private opera recital as part of Cultural Attractions of Australia’s Taste of Opera tour, or wine and dine your way around the venue’s restaurants on the sumptuous Taste of the House guided experience on the last Sunday of the month. And this is just a sampling of the inspiring ways to experience this multi-layered cultural hub.
Connect with Sydney’s First Peoples
Be captivated by Sydney’s Aboriginal history and cultures on the city’s unique Aboriginal-led tours. Learn about the Gadigal peoples’ deep spiritual connection with Sydney Harbour on a walking tour of The Rocks with Dreamtime Southern X, and deepen your knowledge of bush foods and learn how these foods were used traditionally and adapted to the modern plate and palate on an Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour hosted in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. You can even climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a First Nations guide on the Burrawa Climb, taking in the stories of Aboriginal life in Sydney before and after colonisation along with the spectacular views. And learn the fascinating backstory of iconic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance company Bangarra Dance Theatre on a behind-the-scenes tour.
Dreamtime Southern X, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Margret Campbell performing a smoking ceremony at Blues Point Reserve, Blues Point in Sydney as part of the Dreamtime Southern X experience.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Dreamtime Southern X, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Margret Campbell performing a smoking ceremony at Blues Point Reserve, Blues Point in Sydney as part of the Dreamtime Southern X experience.
Dive into Australia’s maritime history
Castaway to the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour on the fringe of the city centre for an unforgettable guided experience onboard some of the world’s most storied vessels. Set sail across Sydney Harbour as a passenger on the Duyfken, a stunning replica of the first European ship to reach Australia in 1606. Or learn from the museum’s conservation and restoration team as you enjoy exclusive access to items in the 146,000-strong collection on the private Hidden Gems and Historic Artefacts behind-the-scenes tour.
Spend a thrilling evening immersed in art
Indulge your love of art, culture and food on two memorable evening experiences offered by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Treat yourself to an exclusive, after-hours curator-led tour of the gallery and a decadent five-course meal with matched wines on the A Night at the Gallery Experience. Or immerse yourself in the gallery’s renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection with an Indigenous host on the Yiribana Experience, followed by a five-course meal featuring native ingredients and paired wines. With professional photography and a special gift to take home included on both experiences, these special art gallery tours offer memories for a lifetime.
Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a visit to the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a visit to the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.
Take the pulse of a multicultural food scene
Get a taste of Sydney’s vibrant and ever-evolving culinary scene on a gourmet food tour. Sink your teeth into everything from a taste sensation Lebanese breakfast to an Afghan feast on a tour with Gourmet Safaris. Discover a love for authentic dishes of Iran, Korea, the Balkans and beyond with Taste Cultural Food Tours, an organisation that provides training for migrants and refugees. Experience Vietnam, China, Italy and Turkey in a mouthful with Mia Cucina. Or join Local Sauce Tours for a food-fuelled expedition to Chinatown or Newtown — and learn something new about Sydney’s food culture with every bite.
Explore Sydney’s lesser-known historic landmarks
Discover extraordinary places on Sydney Harbour that have played a central role in Australia’s First Nations, convict, defence and colonial narratives on a guided tour offered by the Harbour Trust. Journey to Cockatoo Island’s convict and maritime eras and dare to step into the supernatural realm of this storied harbour isle. Learn how the gun emplacements, tunnels and other military relics of Georges Heights at Mosman’s Headland Park once played a crucial role in the defence of Sydney, or explore the remnant military complex and historic cemetery set within the coastal bushland at North Head near Manly. Led by passionate guides, all tours offer insights into Sydney that will stay with you long after your tour wraps.
Al Shami, Merrylands Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drink at Al Shami, Syrian Restaurant, Merrylands. Al Shami is an included location for visitors booked on a Taste of Afghanistan and Syria tour with Taste Cultural Food Tours. For more details, visit: https://www.tastetours.com.au/
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Al Shami, Merrylands Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drink at Al Shami, Syrian Restaurant, Merrylands. Al Shami is an included location for visitors booked on a Taste of Afghanistan and Syria tour with Taste Cultural Food Tours. For more details, visit: https://www.tastetours.com.au/
More Inspirational Stories
Sydney New Year's Eve, SydneyCredit: Keith McInnes
Spectacular 9pm Welcome to Country fireworks display across Sydney Harbour to celebrate the New Year
#feelnewsydney
The countdown is on for the biggest night of the year. As the clock strikes midnight on 31 December, more than one million people will gather around Sydney Harbour to ring in 2025. This year, experience Sydney at its summer best, spend the biggest night in the city, then wind down out of town.
Where to watch the fireworks
Observatory Hill
One of the highest points in the city, Observatory Hill is on the edge of The Rocks and is positioned straight at the Sydney Harbour Bridge – it’s probably the closest you can get to the bridge without being on it. Sensitive ears? Bring some ear plugs.
Free entry – no tickets required
Mrs Macquarie’s Point
This iconic NYE vantage point just next to the Royal Botanic Garden has spectacular views of Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the barges that dot the water near the bridge. Here, there’s a real party atmosphere with pop-up bars and food trucks spread out around the point.
Free entry – no tickets required
NYE Pier Party
At Pier One Sydney Harbour‘s exclusive NYE Pier Party, you’ll be almost close enough to touch the fireworks. Tickets include a mouthwatering menu from food stalls along the pier, free flowing drinks and a set from famed Aussie singer-DJ Havana Brown.
Tickets from $549pp
Celebration New Year's Eve
The rooftop Sculpture Terrace at the Museum of Contemporary Art will transform into the city’s most spectacular LGBTQIA+ NYE celebration. From the rooftop setting, you’ll have a front row seat to the biggest night of the year, plus canapes, bottomless drinks, DJs and cabaret acts.
Tickets from $697pp
New Year's Eve Opera Gala at Sydney Opera House
This is a truly iconic Sydney celebration. Start the evening with drinks overlooking the harbour before heading inside for the Opera Gala Concert. Watch the 9pm fireworks during intermission then enjoy the rest of the show before the exclusive Midnight Party kicks off in the Northern Foyer. Expect incredible views of the fireworks, Champagne and a night of dancing.
Tickets from $199pp
Rooftop bars
Ring in the new year at one of Sydney’s glamorous rooftop bars where you can pair breathtaking views with live music, Champagne and a cocktail the colour of the fireworks. Aster at the top of the InterContinental Sydney has some of the best views in the city, looking out over the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. At the Shangri-La Hotel, marvel at the fireworks from the sky-high Altitude restaurant and Blu Bar. For fireworks views from Darling Harbour, get tickets to the festivities at Zephyr (DJ and saxophonist included) at the Hyatt Regency, Untied Barangaroo (featuring flowing frosé and a DJ set) and CIRQ at Crown Sydney (where you’ll join a masquerade soiree).
Tickets required
Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens on New Years Eve at the Lawn With A View event
null
Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens on New Years Eve at the Lawn With A View event
Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying the fireworks display at the Lawn With A View event on New Years Eve in the Royal Botanic Gardens
null
Lawn With A View, New Years Eve, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying the fireworks display at the Lawn With A View event on New Years Eve in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Watch the fireworks on the water
Harbour islands
Three of Sydney’s tiny harbour islands are prime vantage points for the NYE fireworks. Clark Island and Shark Island sit either side of Point Piper and have clear views of the harbour and the bridge. Goat Island is close to Balmain on the western side, so you’ll get to see the ‘back’ side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the firework barges. Entry is free though you’ll need to pay for the ferry transfers. You can bring your own food and alcohol.
(Note that these islands are sold out for NYE 2024 – remember to book early for 2025)
Cockatoo Island
Spend the night in the middle of the action on World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island. Choose a pre-erected tent (or bring your own) on the Eastern Apron for stellar views of the harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll also be able to see the explosives fire out of a fireworks barge just offshore.
Tickets from 514.42 for a four-person campsite
(Note that a minimum two-night stay applies – NYE guests will stay from Monday 30 December to Wednesday 1 January.)
Harbour cruises
The harbour will be dotted with hundreds of boats during the NYE celebrations, most illuminated with coloured lights and filled with excited revellers. Splash out on an indulgent multi-course dinner, free-flowing drinks and live music aboard the glass-walled Clearview, MV Vagabond Spirit or a Sydney Showboat ferry. Captain Cook Cruises offers a range of cruise options including a more budget-friendly evening where you can bring your own food and drink onboard.
Private charter
For a more exclusive experience, book a private charter boat to enjoy the countdown with your closest friends. Sydney Harbour Escapes, Sydney Harbour Specialists and Eastcoast Sailing have luxurious fleets available for hire. Prices start at around $3,000 and go up well over $100,000 for extra luxury options.
New Year's Eve Fireworks 2020, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Spectacular midnight fireworks display across Sydney Harbour to celebrate the start of 2021.
#feelnewsydney
New Year's Eve Fireworks 2020, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Spectacular midnight fireworks display across Sydney Harbour to celebrate the start of 2021.
New year, new adventures: ultimate summer getaways close to Sydney
When the fireworks have faded and the last Champagne cork has been popped, take the opportunity to discover the wonders that await just a short drive from the city. Get a taste of spectacular scenery on a day trip or stay away a little longer in unique hotels or bush camps on postcard beaches. Sparkling coastline scenes, lush forests, one-of-kind adventures and stylish stays await on the Central Coast, in Kiama and the Shoalhaven, and in the city of Newcastle.
Central Coast | 1 hours’ drive
North of Sydney, a necklace of jewel-like beaches is strung along the coast, backed by the untouched bushland of national parks. It’s a quintessential slice of the Aussie coastal lifestyle with characterful villages packed with waterside eats, world-class surf, and family adventure.
Things to do:
- Take a dip or learn to surf in the gentle waves of Terrigal Beach, follow the new boardwalk around the Haven, and try snorkelling or diving in the crystal clear water.
- Hop between the 41 beaches that stretch along 80 kilometres of coastline. Try Toowoon Bay for families, Soldiers Beach for surfing and North Avoca for dog-friendly adventures.
- Cruise around the oyster leases of the Hawkesbury River with Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, then get your waders on to sample a freshly shucked shellfish from a table in the water.
- Meet Elvis the crocodile and Hugo the Galapagos tortoise, then book in for a behind the scenes encounter at the Australian Reptile Park.
- Discover a new adventure in the lush Glenworth Valley – horse riding, quad biking, kayaking, abseiling, camping and more.
- Enjoy a romantic retreat at the five-star Bells at Killcare, a plush Hamptons-style retreat with private lodges boasting sunny rooftops and room service from Bells’ award-winning restaurant.
Terrigal Beach, Terrigal Credit: Destination Central Coast
Dolphins catching a wave at Terrigal Beach, Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Terrigal Beach, Terrigal Credit: Destination Central Coast
Dolphins catching a wave at Terrigal Beach, Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW.
Kiama & Shoalhaven | 2 hours’ drive
Part of the spectacular South Coast, these neighbouring regions sit south of Wollongong and promise golden beaches, legendary waves, charming villages and natural wonders. From the historic streets of Kiama – now home to galleries and small bars – to beautiful Huskisson, named Australia’s best Tiny Tourism Town for 2024, these areas made for meandering.
Things to do:
- Cruise alongside the bay’s 100 resident dolphins, on board, or in a boat’s boom net, an ocean adventure with Jervis Bay Wild.
- See ocean water crash through a rocky opening and explode up to 30 metres in the air at the Kiama Blowhole, the largest natural blowhole in the world.
- Savour native ingredients at one-hat restaurant Bangalay Dining, then check in to one of the breezy, luxury villas set among coastal sand forest.
- Sleep in style in the bush in one of Paperbark Camp’s stylish safari tents, where kangaroos and king parrots can be seen from the outdoor bathtubs.
Kiama Blowhole, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
Water plume spouting from the Kiama blowhole.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Kiama Blowhole, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
Water plume spouting from the Kiama blowhole.
Newcastle | 2 hours’ drive
NSW’s second city, Newcastle was built on steel and shipping but today it’s better known for its thriving arts scene, creative community, delicious dining and photogenic ocean pools. Explore on foot, on two wheels or from the water, uncovering fascinating maritime history, vintage stores, tiny galleries and a buzzy night life.
Things to do:
- Take an adventure cruise with Coast XP, watching dolphins leap in your wake as you pass famed surf beaches, World War II forts and the bustling Newcastle Harbour.
- Join the locals for a beachside breakfast or a woodfired pizza on the rooftop of the always-popular Merewether Surfhouse.
- Toast the day with a drink at the city’s highest bar, Rooftop at QT. Sip unique cocktails or local Hunter wines while you take in the 180-degree views over the city.
- Wake to the sound of the waves at Noah’s on the Beach, a classy beachfront hotel. Choose an ocean facing room for that all important view and head out the front door for a sunrise surf.
- Splash out at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle’s first five-star hotel that has transformed the historic Council Administration Centre building. Don’t miss dinner with a view at the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant.
Merewether Baths, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a day at the Merewether Baths in Newcastle.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Merewether Baths, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a day at the Merewether Baths in Newcastle.