The fifth and final Ashes Test match is now underway at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but visitors to Australia's largest and most vibrant city have far more to enjoy than just the fierce sporting contest. Sydney stands as one of the world's greatest metropolitan destinations for tourists, boasting an abundance of stunning beaches, beautiful parks, picturesque harbourside walks, trendy cocktail bars, innovative fusion cuisine, and countless other attractions.
Iconic Sydney Adventures
You don't need to be following the battle between Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and the Australian team to appreciate this wonderful city. Whether you're a cricket fan or not, Sydney offers a wealth of experiences. Here is a seven-point guide to making the absolute most of your visit.
Scale the Harbour Bridge: Constructed in 1932 and affectionately nicknamed 'the Coat Hanger', Sydney Harbour Bridge provides breathtaking city views from its 134-metre-high arch. The company BridgeClimb runs 3.5-hour guided ascents with full safety harnesses, traversing the entire structure from south to north and back again. Booking is essential via bridgeclimb.com, with prices starting from £194.
Experiences on the Water
Take a Harbour Cruise: For a more leisurely perspective, the operator Journey Beyond offers 2.5-hour lunch and dinner voyages on the luxury cruiser Spirit of Migloo, which accommodates 80 guests. The experience includes a welcome glass of sparkling wine, a three-course meal featuring local specialities, a well-stocked bar, and of course, terrific harbour vistas. Trips can be booked at journeybeyondcruises.com, with prices from £54.
Go Kayaking at Sunrise: For an active start, try a two-hour sunrise kayak tour beginning at Lavender Bay before dawn. Led by an experienced guide from Sydney By Kayak, you'll paddle into the open water to witness the harbour ignite with a spectacular pink-orange glow. This memorable adventure starts from £77 per person.
Fly in a Seaplane: To truly appreciate the city's layout, a seaplane flight offers unparalleled views of landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach. Sydney Seaplanes can also arrange a drop-off on Shark Island complete with a picnic hamper for a private beach lunch. Flights start from £272.
Culinary Delights and Rooftop Views
Indulge Your Palate: Sydney's food scene is exceptional. For first-class Italian cuisine with sweeping views of Bondi Beach, head to the iconic Bondi Icebergs. Cafe Sydney serves delicious modern Australian dishes from a prime rooftop position overlooking the harbour. Meanwhile, at the restaurant Saint Peter, located in the historic Grand National Hotel, chef Josh Niland's innovative fish dishes are a must-try.
Sip Rooftop Cocktails: For evening drinks, the chic Aster bar sits atop the InterContinental hotel, offering 270-degree harbour views. Signature cocktails include the Golden Hour, blending gin with turmeric, citrus juice, and chilli, and the Celestial, a mix of tequila, mezcal, kiwi juice, and popcorn. Cocktails here start from £15.
A Thrilling Day Trip
Quad Bike on Aboriginal Land: For an unforgettable day trip, venture two hours north of Sydney to the vast Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. These immense coastal dunes hold deep cultural significance for the Worimi Aboriginal people. Thrilling quad bike tours led by a Worimi guide provide both an adrenaline rush and an informative cultural perspective. Adventures start from £98 via sandduneadventures.com.au.
TRAVEL FACTS: Return flights from London to Sydney with British Airways start from £1,045. For official tourist information, visit visitnsw.com.
