10 Issues to Do in Sydney (That Aren’t the Harbour Bridge)

Sydney, Australia is a dream journey vacation spot. There are many issues to do in Sydney — from exploring the attractive seashores to discovering the very best surf spots to all of the historic consuming holes, and naturally, its storied previous.

Though the Harbour Bridge is unquestionably a spotlight of town, there’s a lot extra you may add to your Sydney itinerary.

Listed here are ten of the very best locations to go to in Sydney that aren’t the Harbour Bridge.

Swim at Bondi Icebergs Membership Pool

Usually thought-about to be one of the lovely man-made swimming spots on this planet, the pool at Bondi Iceberg’s Club is a particular should on your journey to Sydney.

This conventional swimming membership is open for members however company are allowed to go to as nicely, supplied they’ve a type of identification that exhibits their tackle (so your passport will work!).

The membership was first opened in 1929 by a gaggle of locals who wished to discover a option to sustain their health throughout the winter months and right this moment, the Bondi Iceberg’s Membership is the one licensed winter swimming membership on this planet.

The Rocks

The Rocks is the oldest a part of Sydney, and is full of historic websites and a few nice pubs!

It was established in 1788 when the British first arrived within the nation, and though some elements of it have been torn right down to make manner for contemporary builds, there are a number of areas which have been preserved.

You’ll be able to go to the Rocks and wander the historic alleyways and streets any day of the week, however if you happen to come throughout the weekend you may expertise some nice markets and avenue leisure.

Be sure you step into one of many pubs within the space as a lot of them are over 100 years outdated. One instance is The Lord Nelson, which dates again to 1841, which makes it the oldest regularly licensed pub within the nation.

Bondi to Bronte Coastal Stroll

Do a Coastal Stroll

Australia’s shoreline is a beautiful sight to expertise in particular person, and among the best (and best!) methods to see it up shut is by strolling alongside it.

There are a number of nice routes you may take which might be all comparatively doable for any health degree and might be accomplished in a single to a few hours, providing you with the remainder of the day to discover different elements of Sydney.

Listed here are 4 of the very best coastal walks you are able to do throughout your journey:

  • Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay (2.5 hours)
  • Watsons Bay to Dover Heights (1.5 hours)
  • Chowder Bay to Balmoral Seaside (1 hour)
  • Jibbon Seaside Loop Observe (2 hours)
  • Bondi to Bronte Coastal Stroll (30 minutes)

Go on a Diving Tour

For those who’re in an adventurous temper, think about occurring a scuba diving tour of the coral reefs! It’s a cool option to see a facet of Australia you wouldn’t get to see usually, and you may even get your PADI license throughout your time in Sydney.

PADI stands for the Skilled Affiliation of Diving Instructors and is unquestionably what I’d advocate — it’s globally acknowledged and controlled so you already know for certain you’re studying essentially the most up-to-date info and strategies.

There are lots of great dives in Sydney that you are able to do after taking a course and getting your certification. Whereas the data you be taught within the course is necessary and it’s worthwhile to pay shut consideration, it’s in all probability simpler than you’d anticipate!

For those who’re up for a highway journey, or planning to fly to Northern Queensland, Cairns is a first-rate spot to dive and discover the Nice Barrier Reef!

Manly Seaside

Manly Seaside

Australia is thought for its nice browsing seashores, and Manly Beach is taken into account to be among the best.

It was the place the primary world browsing championship was held in 1964 and if you happen to’ve ever seen the 2000 Mary Kate and Ashley film, Our Lips Are Sealed, Manly Seaside is the place the surf contest on the finish of the film is ready!

Take a browsing lesson while you go to, or just take pleasure in enjoyable on the seaside. Manly Surf School is a superb choice if you wish to discover ways to surf as they provide each group and personal classes.

Sydney Fish Market

The Sydney Fish Market is without doubt one of the largest on this planet — the third largest, to be precise! It’s a enjoyable spot that’s value visiting, and you may spend a morning exploring the assorted meals stalls and distributors.

Though the market is most well-known for all of the fish and fish-related distributors, it’s also possible to discover contemporary produce, souvenirs, and baked items.

The market is open each day all year long from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Three Sisters within the Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains

For those who’re searching for the right day journey from Sydney Blue Mountains are a implausible choice that provides an opportunity to discover the rugged mountains of New South Wales.

One of many highlights is the Three Sisters, which is a trio of sandstone rock formations.

For those who begin at Echo Level, you may observe a path to the Three Sisters and right down to the valley ground. The path is absolutely well-maintained and contains steps made out of metal and stone which have been named “the Big Stairway.”

For those who’re not fairly certain in regards to the hike again up, don’t fear — there’s a Scenic Railway you can take for a small payment that can take you again to the place you began!

Royal Botanic Backyard Sydney

Courting again to 1816, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens is a beautiful assortment of ferns, flowers, and bushes that’s excellent for a soothing afternoon. The gardens are widespread with vacationers and locals alike, and it’s one of the visited locations in the whole nation.

Be sure you go to Woman Macquarie’s Chair, a bench that was carved into the limestone formations in 1810 for Elizabeth Macquarie, spouse of the then-governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie.

It’s a terrific viewpoint the place you may see the Sydney Opera Home and Sydney Harbor Bridge on clear days.

Go on a Historic Pub Crawl

There are lots of superb pubs in Sydney, so how are you aware which of them you need to positively find time for? By taking historic pub crawl that can take you to essentially the most historic pubs within the metropolis!

Not solely will you get to go to a few of the oldest pubs in Sydney and pattern the beer they’re serving, however you’ll additionally get to find out about their macabre historical past which can embody gangs, brothels, and unsolved murders!

Your tour will probably be led by an skilled information who will share these historic tales with you, they usually may even advocate the very best issues to order at every of the pubs.

Maddens Falls in Dharawal Nationwide Park

Take a Strolling Tour of Dharawal Nationwide Park

Dharawal National Park is about an hour away from Sydney, and it has a uniquely preserved atmosphere as a result of public entry was restricted till very not too long ago.

On each second Saturday of the month, you may take a guided tour of the park led by an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger.

They’ve the information solely a neighborhood can have, and can share details about the atmosphere and tales in regards to the Dharawal people who find themselves Indigenous to the world.

Try Minerva Pool — it’s a sacred place for the Dharawal individuals and solely girls and youngsters might enter the pool.

You’ll be able to take a brief path right here; if you happen to convey a picnic lunch, the land close to the pool is a superb place to take pleasure in it! Though open to the general public, it’s necessary to do not forget that the pool is sacred and deal with it with respect.

Bonus: Take a Helicopter Tour of Sydney

Need to get a lay of the land and see all of the sights from above? Take a helicopter tour over Sydney Harbour!

You’ll have panoramic views of the Congee Seaside, Bondi Seaside, Manly Cove, town skyline, Sydney Opera Home, and extra!

These are a few of the high issues to do Sydney — you may find out about historical past, see the pure great thing about Australia, or decide up a brand new talent like scuba diving throughout your go to! 

What would you add to this listing? I’d love to listen to what you’re planning on your journey! Be sure that to take a look at the following tips for touring to Australia.