Situated right on the Southeast Coast of Australia, Sydney has earned itself the nickname of “The Harbour City”, which draws reference to its prime location along the coast, stunning beaches and scenic landmarks. Here are some things you definitely have to do in Sydney if you’re a big fan of the sea.
Head Down to Bondi Beach
When it comes to Australian beaches, there is none more popular than the alluring crescent-curve of sand that is Bondi Beach. With a well-earned spot on the Australian Heritage List, Bondi Beach boasts stunning white sand and beautiful blue sea rushing up the shore to meet visitors. While you’re there, head to the southern end of the beach, where the Bondi Icebergs are. The saltwater pool juts out into the ocean, almost otherworldly; At its edge, be treated to a panoramic view of the ocean, blue-green and endless, to your heart’s content. Surrounding Bondi Beach is a plethora of dining establishments, making it easy to spend a full day at this picturesque beach. Take a swim, then grab a bite at any of the adjacent restaurants or cafés. If it’s not a water day for you, stroll along the sand and take in the sights - your options are aplenty.
Go on a Coastal Walk
There’s no better way to get acquainted with Sydney’s coastline than to embark on a coastal walk. Popular options include a hike from ‘Spit Bridge to Manly Beach’, ‘Bondi to Coogee’ and Bondi to Bronte. The first two are rather epic treks, clocking 10 kilometres and 6 kilometres respectively. Should you still want to enjoy the sights of the picturesque Pacific Ocean and beautiful cliffs, you can opt instead for the latter ‘Bondi to Bronte’ walk, which runs for 2.5 kilometres each way and will set you back a little under two hours. For the hardcore adventurers, the ‘Bondi to Manly’ walk is an 80-kilometre challenge that promises to unravel all the wonders of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney coastline to you — a very rewarding takeaway.
Hop on a Ferry to Manly Beach
Departing every half an hour to Manly Beach is a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. Though the ferry serves as the only way for locals to commute between Manly Beach and the city centre, it has gained traction amongst tourists as an attraction. A ride on the ferry boasts unrivalled views of the Sydney Harbour, allowing passengers to admire landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House up close, and for a much more affordable price than the standard tourist sightseeing boats. The journey continues even as your voyage ends and the ferry docks at the Manly Harbour. Spend a day exploring the laidback precinct, sunbathing on Manly Beach or sitting in one of its many beachside cafés with a cup of coffee.
Scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most well-known landmarks in Sydney, and one of the few bridges in the world that one can climb. On a guided Bridge Climb tour, participants will don a jumpsuit to take on the 1,332 steps of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of the longest bridge climbs in the world. Although it is most picturesque at dawn, dusk or at night, ascending the bridge opens up a new angle of sights no matter the time — to the east, the Pacific Ocean is unobstructed in all its glory, and to the West, the faint silhouette of the Blue Mountains can be seen. Despite its steep price, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is one of the most popular tourist activities in Sydney: There are few other places from which you can enjoy the full bird’s-eye view of the Sydney Harbour and its skyline.
Enjoy Dinner on a Cruise at Sunset
As dusk settles over the city of Sydney, step on board a luxury vessel and be escorted to your table. Once the ship pulls away from the harbour, guests are served with a delightful dinner as they cruise around the banks. Reserve a magical evening with vendors such as Captain Cook Cruises, whose Sunset Dinner package includes a three-course contemporary Australian dining experience, including wine and beer. With the sun hanging low in the sky and a beautiful colour palette washing over the harbour, glimpse these fleeing sights from the cruise’s expansive viewing decks and feel the gentle sea breeze caressing your face. After disembarking from the vessel at Darling Harbour, one can choose to wrap up their night by sipping a drink at one of its many bars such as Champagne Bar and Cohibar.
Take a Stroll Along Darling Harbour
Situated adjacent to Sydney’s city centre, Darling Harbour is one of the city’s most popular recreational complexes. Complete with intimate views of the river and an abundance of entertainment and dining options, there’s much one can do at Darling Harbour. Apart from the restaurants and bars filling the area, there are attractions such as the Chinese Garden of Friendship - a traditional Chinese-style garden with weeping willows and a lovely lotus lagoon at its heart - and Madame Tussauds Sydney, a museum featuring wax figures of famous celebrities. As the sun sets, Darling Harbour evolves into a lively but laidback district for nightlife. Locals and tourists alike flock into the harbourside restaurants for dinner, then pick their hangout for the night from a slew of bars and clubs.
Admire the Sydney Opera House Illuminated at Night
Construction of this prominent landmark was completed in 1973 and took nearly 15 years to build. Since opening its doors, the Sydney Opera House has remained one of the nation’s most iconic buildings. While the Opera House is impressive at all times of the day, it truly comes to life at night. Against the dark sky, the eastern Bennelong sail is illuminated with a 7-minute long projection each night, and viewers scramble to witness it from a prime location, at the top of the Monumental Steps. End your day with a walk along the Sydney Harbour when the Opera House’s sails light up and find yourself a good spot to watch the Badu Gili (“water light” in the Gadigal language) — it’s a finale like no other.
Sydney’s coastline is one of the finest in the world, and not taking the time to explore it would be doing yourself a disservice. With so many options to pick from, you may be overwhelmed by the myriad of harbourside activities and not know where to begin — but once you’ve picked your first endeavour, you’ll find yourself returning to the water again and again.
