Visiting Sydney with your friends? Your partner? Or travelling with young kids? Sydney has something for everyone and is absolutely a city of fun and adventure – the perfect place to make new memories.
Below you’ll find some of my top things to do when visiting this famous city, from climbing one of the most famous bridges in the world to some of the best views of the harbour.
Here’s my top fun things to see and do in Sydney for families and couples!
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Thunder Jet
This family run business based in the heart of Sydney is absolute perfection for those wanting to combine a sighting tour with the craziest adrenaline rush.
When visiting we were lucky enough to be in the middle of summer and this proved to be an amazing way to cool off! Upon arrival we were given waterproof jackets and lockers to safely store our items that we wanted to keep dry and we were also given a quick safety talk.
We opted for the 45 minute Extreme Adrenaline Rush Ride, speeding by some of Sydney’s most famous icons such as the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Luna Park and several of Sydney Harbour Islands.
Our driver was hilarious, chatty and above all he made us feel safe from start to finish!
Everyone on the boat was soaked from top to bottom as we held on for dear life during a series of incredible stuns, spins, slides, twists and turns, all accompanied by an fantastic music soundtrack!
Rides depart daily from 12.30pm.
Sydney Bridge Climb
Where to begin? The Sydney Bridge Climb truly has to be one of the best experiences and worth every single penny in terms of a tourist attraction. The climb doesn’t come cheap, starting at $168 pp, but the experience still sticks with me and stands out as one of my absolute favourites.
We embarked on the 2 hour climb with our enthusiastic and friendly climb leader, Tim, who seriously knew his stuff about Sydney – history, culture, fun facts and who also spent the first hour taking us through safety procedures and a mock climb. We also climbed with a group of around 12 other people and were provided with headsets so we could clearly hear Tim at all times.
Safely strapped in, the climb was at no point too difficult, and I would exactly say I’m the fittest person but for an average person, I found it to be rather leisurely. Having said that, we also had people in our group as young as 10 and old as 80! So it really is for everyone!
We opted for the morning climb, although many family and friends have raved about the sunset climb – allowing you to experience the most majestic views of Sydney.
Taronga Zoo
Eh, best zoo with a view, ever! Seriously. If you’re ever looking to propose in a zoo, choose this one. I’ve always loved a good old zoo, but it’s also super important to me, as a journalist that has reported on one too many stories about unethical zoo’s, that the animals are treated well.
Taronga Zoo makes an effort to inform visitors of the various ways that their animals are treated, fed and made to feel comfortable in their enclosures.
The zoo also has several daily shows, such as the bird show, which allows guests to learn more about certain animals and also to interact with some of the wildlife. The bird show has to be a favourite of mine, you get the most sensational view of Sydney.
Ticket prices start from $42.30 for adults and $24.30 for children between the age of 4-15.
P.s. Those that visit on their birthdays get free entry!
https://taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo
Bondi Beach
One of the most famous beaches in the world and probably one that you’ve seen on the front of a postcard or in a television show.
The beach itself is about 1 kilometre long and is popular with tourists from around the world, especially backpackers and surfers! The beach can be enjoyed at any time of the year and only 30 minutes from Town Hall Station.
Even complete novices can learn to surf at one of the accredited surf schools along the beach, or if you don’t fancy getting in the water, you can marvel at the incredible surfers.
When visiting the beach, the Bondi to Cogee walk is also a must do, offering incredible coastline views and cosy beaches. The walk is 6 km in total and takes about two hours to complete.
The walk is easy to medium with a steep section and quite a few steps. Don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and some water.
Bondi Iceberg Pools
No trip to Sydney is complete with our a visit to the iconic Bondi Iceberg Pools located in none other than, you guessed it, Bondi Beach! This pool is an Instagrammer’s dream and I’m pretty sure you’ve already seen pictures and videos of it splashed all over your social feeds!
Bondi Icebergs has been the home of Winter swimming since 1929 and its famous pool is open to visitors all year round.
You’ll find two swimming pools – one is Olympic sized and the other is a children’s pool. Both are filled by the ocean and the reason for the ‘Iceberg’ name is because, despite many presuming Australia never really gets cold, during the winter months (May until September), the saltwater really is pretty darn chilly!
If you’re only visiting, the good news is that all guests are welcome for a $7 fee, giving you access to the pool, the sauna and the gym. If you don’t want to dive in, there is the option of the ‘spector-only’ pass for a cool price of $5.
Alternatively, you can enjoy the views instead, as above the pool, the fully licensed clubhouse is open to both members and guests, so visitors can feel free to enjoy the sweeping views over the pool and Bondi beach as they drink or dine on the balcony.
Botanic Gardens
A short walk from Circular Quay and Hyde Park, this tranquil oasis has some of the most spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
A visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens will also allow you to gawk at thousands of different plants and wildlife including colourful birds, fruit bats and even water dragons!
If you’re after some history and culture, make sure you leave some time to embark on the 90-minute guided aboriginal heritage tour – explore traditional plant uses and even taste some bush foods. The tour departs at 10am on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
If you’re after the best view in Royal Botanic Gardens, then don’t miss a visit to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, otherwise known as Lady Macquarie’s Chair, which provides one of the best vantage points in Sydney.
Entry is free into the gardens, open daily from 7am. The nearest train stations are Circular Quay and Martin Place.
https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
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KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
