10 Can’t Miss Sydney Experiences…That Isn’t the Beach

I had the pleasure of being able to call this beautiful city home for 2 ½ years. Although Sydney was such a change of pace for me from New York, I can look back now and truly appreciate all the experiences I’ve had whilst living there. There is so much to see and do in this wonderful city. While I’ll say the most ideal time to travel to Sydney would be in the summer and shoulder months (November – March), the city can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Stroll along the wharfs of Circular Quay while you enjoy the views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. This was one of the first things I did when I arrived in Sydney and I was absolutely stunned by the views and amazing piece of architecture of the Opera House.

You can then continue along the water to the Royal Botanic Gardens. As you make your way around Farm Cove, you’ll enjoy views of Sydney Harbour. Then head up to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and get an even better view.

Budget: Free

Best time to visit: year round

 

So I’m going to be completely real here. You can either pay an exorbitant amount of money to climb the bridge which I’m sure is great, or you can take the free route and just walk across the bridge. You’re basically getting the same view. Whatever you choose, getting across the bridge can’t be missed.

Budget: Free (to walk over) Climb $168-$388 AUD p/a & $143-278 AUD p/c

* Child rates are for ages 8 to 15 inclusive and there must be one adult Climber per three child Climbers.

Best time to visit: year round

Located in the heart of Sydney, Observatory hill offers incredible panoramic views of the harbour and bridge. Pack a picnic and enjoy the afternoon eating while looking out at the spectacular views. You can also book a night tour and explore the southern sky through a telescope.

Budget: free; Night tour – $27 AUD p/a, $20 AUD p/c, $25 concession

Best time to visit: year round, although I prefer when there is new moon to experience the night tour

 

Sydney comes alive with its Vivid Festival, an annual festival of lights, music and ideas imagined by some of the world’s leading imagineers. The festival explores innovative ideas across technology, design and culture. Displays stretch across the city from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo and the Rocks.

Budget: free

Best time to visit: May/June; 2019 dates (May 24th – June 15th)

 

Located on the shores of Sydney Harbour, the animals here have the best view of Sydney. Just hop on a short ferry ride across the harbour and spend the day meeting some of Sydney’s favourite locals.

Budget: $42.30 AUD p/a, $24.30 AUD p/c & $33.30 AUD concession

Best time to visit: year round

Everyday at 6pm you can take a free walking tour of The Rocks. The tour typically lasts for 1 ½ hours and goes deep into the history of The Rocks, the site of Australia’s first European settlement. You’ll explore its laneways, pubs, and historical buildings all while learning the stories of murders, muggings and mysteries. No joke, the first settlers to Australia were by convicts.

Look for the guide in front (water side) of Cadman’s Cottage wearing a bright green shirt that says “I’m free.”

Budget: Free

Best time to visit: year round

In the heart of Sydney, Darling Harbour is another can’t miss destination. At this waterside location you can enjoy attractions such as the SEA LIFE Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo or Madam Tussauds. There are also many great dining options, funky nightclubs, wine bars and more. Take a walk across the Pyrmont Bridge and on the western side you will find the Australian National Maritime Museum.

If you keep heading south you can head towards Chinatown and visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a tranquil haven filled with weeping willows, waterfalls, lakes and hidden pathways.

Budget: varies

Best time to visit: year round

If you’re a lover of wine, like myself, your trip is not complete without a weekend getaway to Hunter Valley. It’s a few hours away from Sydney and home to some of Australia’s best wineries. While here, you can enjoy some of the wine tours and even take a hot air balloon ride.

Budget: starting at $85 AUD for wine tours from Sydney. Book Here!

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) for the best weather

If you’re tired of the city and craving something a bit more outdoorsy, definitely hop in your car or train and head two hours northwest of Sydney to the Blue Mountains. It got its name because of the blue hue that derives from the eucalyptus vapor lingering over the treetops.

Start in Katoomba at the famous Echo Point viewing platform. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the mountain landscape and dense bushland, as well as the famed Three Sisters. This is an unusual rock formation that represents three sisters that were turned to stone according to Aboriginal legend. Legend has it that the three sisters lived in the Jamison Valley as members of the Katoomba tribe. They fell in love with three brothers from the Nepean tribe, yet tribal law forbade them to marry. The brothers were not happy to accept the law so they decided to capture the three sisters causing a major tribal battle. Because the lives of the three sisters were in danger, a witchdoctor from the Katoomba tribe turned the three sisters into stone to protect them from any harm. While he was supposed to reverse the spell after the battle was over, the witchdoctor was killed. As he was the only one that could reverse the spell, the sisters remain in their magnificent rock formation as a reminder of this battle for generations to come.

Additional to the Three Sisters, there are plenty of walking bushwalking trails around the mountains, which includes waterfalls and other lookouts.

 

 

Budget: $10 AUD return for a train ticket; other prices (accommodations, etc) may vary

Best time to visit: year round, but peak tourist season is from June -August as there are lots of events and activities. Expect cooler days and nights

Just 30 kms south of Sydney, you can find the world’s second oldest national park, The Royal National Park. Filled with stunning coastal beaches, bush and biking tracks and serene swimming holes. You can either spend a day in the spark or if camping is your thing, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from. The park itself has so much to offer. You can spend weeks exploring and still not manage to fit everything. Below are some must visits.

 

Figure 8 Pools

If you’re arealy in the Royal National Park, why not pay a visit to one of Sydney’s natural Wonders, the Figure 8 Pools. Located on a rock platform near Burning Palms Beach, you’re going to have to walk 3.5km or about 1 hour to access the pools. When driving, input Garie Beach Road in your GPS, then once you reach the turn off, immediately turn right and you will see a dirt road called Garawarra Farm Road. In about 1.5kms you’ll reach the parking lot. From here, you’ll take the Burning Palms Trails. Once you make it to the beach, walk along the beach until you reach a rock ledge. Walk across the rocks until you reach the headland and you’ll either see the pools or a bunch of people.

Be careful when visiting the figure 8 pools as there has been plenty of accidents here. Make sure you check the weather and tide conditions before you go. Please, only visit at low tide as it’s the only time you can access the pools. Also, check the surf conditions, if there is “hazardous surf conditions,” it’s best not to go or you will find yourself in danger.

Pack a lunch/snack and plenty of water as the walk to the pools is a bit steep and you’ll have worked up and appetite by the time you make it down. Lastly, don’t forget sunscreen and BE SAFE.

 

Wattamolla Lagoon & Beach

This is a great spot to relax and have lunch or even go for a swim. This beach separates the Pacific Ocean from the freshwater lagoon. And for those daredevils out there, there is a 20-ft cliff that you can jump off of. However, it’s illegal as there has been some accidents so I’m not in any way suggesting you do it. You’ll see other people jumping regardless so it’s completely up to you whether you choose to or not.

Wedding Cake Rock (aka White Rock)

Known for its colour, Wedding Cake Rock stands out against the harder sandstone of the coastal cliffs. It’s sharp edges and deep cracks give it a unique shape like a slice of cake perched high above the ocean. The white colour of the rock is caused by iron leaching, which makes the sandstone layer dangerously soft, prone to cracking and at very high risk of collapsing. There is a fence around the rocks to prevent people from sitting and standing on the rock.

Coastal Walk

This is a epic multi-day walk between Bundeena and Otford in Sydney’s Royal National Park. The walk is 26 km one way and takes two days to hike. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to do this walk, but if you love the outdoors and hiking, then this is a must. You’ll enjoy incredible coastal lookouts, swimming spots, seasonal wildflowers and whale watching.

Budget: $12 AUD park entrance per vehicle

Best time to visit: year round; Whale Watching season (May-October)

If you’re interested in discovering more about what Sydney has to offer and booking a trip, please leave a comment below or email allthatdowander@gmail.com