10 Things to Do in Sydney (That Aren’t the Harbour Bridge) • The Blonde Overseas
Sydney, Australia is a dream journey vacation spot. There are loads of issues to do in Sydney — from exploring the beautiful seashores to discovering the most effective surf spots to all of the historic ingesting holes, and naturally, its storied previous.
Although the Harbour Bridge is certainly a spotlight of the town, there’s a lot extra you possibly can add to your Sydney itinerary.
Here are ten of the most effective locations to go to in Sydney that aren’t the Harbour Bridge.
Swim at Bondi Icebergs Club Pool
Often thought of to be one of the crucial stunning 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 effectively, offered they’ve a type of identification that reveals their deal with (so your passport will work!).
The membership was first opened in 1929 by a bunch of locals who needed to discover a approach to sustain their health throughout the winter months and at present, the Bondi Iceberg’s Club 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 means for contemporary builds, there are a number of areas which have been preserved.
You can go to the Rocks and wander the historic alleyways and streets any day of the week, however in case you come throughout the weekend you possibly can expertise some nice markets and avenue leisure.
Make certain you step into one of many pubs within the space as a lot of them are over 100 years previous. One instance is The Lord Nelson, which dates again to 1841, which makes it the oldest frequently licensed pub within the nation.
Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
Do a Coastal Walk
Australia’s shoreline is a beautiful sight to expertise in individual, and top-of-the-line (and best!) methods to see it up shut is by strolling alongside it.
There are a number of nice routes you possibly can take which can be all comparatively doable for any health degree and could be accomplished in a single to a few hours, providing you with the remainder of the day to discover different elements of Sydney.
Here are 4 of the most effective 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 Beach (1 hour)
- Jibbon Beach Loop Track (2 hours)
- Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk (30 minutes)
Go on a Diving Tour
If you’re in an adventurous temper, think about happening a scuba diving tour of the coral reefs! It’s a cool approach 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 Professional Association of Diving Instructors and is certainly what I might advocate — it’s globally acknowledged and controlled so for certain you’re studying essentially the most up-to-date data and methods.
There are many great dives in Sydney that you are able to do after taking a course and getting your certification. While the knowledge you be taught within the course is necessary and you should pay shut consideration, it’s most likely simpler than you’d anticipate!
If you’re up for a highway journey, or planning to fly to Northern Queensland, Cairns is a major spot to dive and discover the Great Barrier Reef!
Manly Beach
Manly Beach
Australia is thought for its nice browsing seashores, and Manly Beach is taken into account to be top-of-the-line.
It was the place the primary world browsing championship was held in 1964 and in case you’ve ever seen the 2000 Mary Kate and Ashley film, Our Lips Are Sealed, Manly Beach is the place the surf contest on the finish of the film is ready!
Take a browsing lesson while you go to, or just get pleasure from stress-free on the seaside. Manly Surf School is a good possibility if you wish to discover ways to surf as they provide each group and personal classes.
Sydney Fish Market
The Sydney Fish Market is likely one of the greatest on this planet — the third largest, to be precise! It’s a enjoyable spot that’s price visiting, and you may spend a morning exploring the varied meals stalls and distributors.
Although the market is most well-known for all of the fish and fish-related distributors, you can too discover contemporary produce, souvenirs, and baked items.
The market is open day-after-day all year long from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Three Sisters within the Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
If you’re in search of the proper day trip from Sydney Blue Mountains are a implausible possibility that gives an opportunity to discover the rugged mountains of New South Wales.
One of the highlights is the Three Sisters, which is a trio of sandstone rock formations.
If you begin at Echo Point, you possibly can comply with a path to the Three Sisters and right down to the valley flooring. The path is basically well-maintained and contains steps made out of metal and stone which have been named “the Giant Stairway.”
If you’re not fairly certain in regards to the hike again up, don’t fear — there’s a Scenic Railway which you can take for a small payment that may take you again to the place you began!
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Dating again to 1816, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens is a beautiful assortment of ferns, flowers, and timber that’s excellent for a soothing afternoon. The gardens are standard with vacationers and locals alike, and it’s one of the crucial visited locations in all the nation.
Make certain you go to Lady 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 an amazing viewpoint the place you possibly can see the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge on clear days.
Go on a Historic Pub Crawl
There are many wonderful pubs in Sydney, so how are you aware which of them it is best to positively find time for? By taking historic pub crawl that may 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 study their macabre historical past which can embrace gangs, brothels, and unsolved murders!
Your tour can be led by an skilled information who will share these historic tales with you, they usually may even advocate the most effective issues to order at every of the pubs.
Maddens Falls in Dharawal National Park
Take a Walking Tour of Dharawal National 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 just lately.
On each second Saturday of the month, you possibly can take a guided tour of the park led by an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger.
They have the information solely an area can have, and can share details about the atmosphere and tales in regards to the Dharawal people who find themselves Indigenous to the realm.
Check out Minerva Pool — it’s a sacred place for the Dharawal folks and solely girls and youngsters might enter the pool.
You can take a brief path right here; in case you convey a picnic lunch, the land close to the pool is a good place to get pleasure from it! Although open to the general public, it’s necessary to keep in mind that the pool is sacred and deal with it with respect.
Bonus: Take a Helicopter Tour of Sydney
Want 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 Beach, Bondi Beach, Manly Cove, the town skyline, Sydney Opera House, and extra!
These are a few of the high issues to do Sydney — you possibly can study historical past, see the pure fantastic thing about Australia, or decide up a brand new talent like scuba diving throughout your go to!
What would you add to this checklist? I’d love to listen to what you’re planning on your journey! Make certain to take a look at these tips for traveling to Australia.