So where do you begin in a city that’s all style and all substance? There’s only one thing for it. Buckle up, people, here we go…
1. Climb Up the Harbour Bridge
Head way, way up, to 134 meters above the Sydney Harbour, and get the camera at the ready. Yes it sounds like a cliché, but the views of the city after climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge really are a sight to behold. You’ll be forced to wear a strange — and wholly unattractive — jump suit, but it’s all for health and safety so we’ll just have to let it slide.
2. Hit the Surf on Bondi
Live your life by the waves and learn to surf on Bondi Beach; there really is no better place to learn. Taking to the waves in Australia is practically a religion and those who do it are worshipped like gods. At least by me. Take the chance to learn all the cool moves, and you’ll be showing off your water skills in no time – this is the best country to learn in by far.
3. Spend the Day in Solitude at the Blue Mountains
Only a short distance from Sydney, the breathtaking scenery and awesome landscapes of the Blue Mountains need to be discovered. Get absorbed in the amazing wafts of the eucalypt trees that give these mountains their famous blue colour. Plus, you’re very likely to spot a kangaroo in their natural habitat, which is always nice. Right, Skippy?
4. Get a Job (it’s way more fun than it sounds!)
Fancy spending a gap year in Australia? At risk of sounding like your mum, getting an Australia Working Holiday Visa and a job would be the best way to ensure you make the most of Sydney. Work in a boutique, a coffee shop, a bar, a club… the possibilities are endless! Australia isn’t the cheapest place on the planet and think of all the extra things you can do with your hard earned cash. Browse our gap year jobs for options.
5. See Sydney Harbour by Tall Ship
Discover Sydney harbour in style! Yes you really can discover the Harbour from the confines of a tall ship. Set sail aboard the Southern Swan, an 1850′s style tall ship that cruises beautiful Sydney Harbour. Get involved and help hoist the sails or sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Ooo arrr me hearties!
6. Enjoy the Nightlife
Sydney has amazing nightlife, and there are so many different eniehgbourhoods to enjoy. The Rocks is one of the most popular and touristy areas, due to the views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Here you can visit some of the oldest pubs and many of the upscale restaurants in the city.
7. Beaches
Sydney is blessed with some of the best beaches in the country, we already mentioned Bondi, but other beaches to check out include Manly Beach, Shelly Beach, Palm Beach, Balmoral Beach, Bronte Beach, Bilgola Beach and Nielsen Park (Shark Beach). If you want to visit somewhere a bit off the beaten track head to the hidden gem that is Wattamolla Beach.
8. Watch an Aussie Rules Game
If you love sports you have to see one of the local passions, Aussie Rules. This game, a king of cross between football and rugby, is an action packed game and tons of fun to watch live. There are 126 teams in Sydney, including one of the top teams in the country the Sydney Swans.
9. Bondi Icebergs Pool
In Bondi be sure to also swim at the Bondi Icebergs Pool, a 50-metre saltwater pool which is a popular destination for locals and tourists.
10. Ride the Manly Ferry
The Manly Ferry is used by locals to get to work, but it is also a popular trip to take for tourists due to the amazing harbour views you get.
Hopefully our guide has given you some ideas what to do in Sydney. This city is also a great place to start an amazing road trip adventure. Check out our East Coast Australia road trip itinerary and get ideas for amazing places to visit up the beautiful coastline.