12 Unique Ways to Experience Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is undoubtably the most beautiful harbour in the world. Discover 12 unique ways to experience Sydney Harbour that will be the envy of all your friends.
Imagine Sydney Harbour glistening a vibrant sapphire blue under magnificent azure blue skies, surrounded by emerald shores with the shimmering pearl of the Sydney Opera House and its crowning glory, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Every Saturday afternoon from September to April, Sydney Harbour really comes to life. Sydneysiders come out to play and the sailing races are in full swing. Tiny little dinghies, skiffs with bright colourful spinnakers and huge ocean faring yachts all battle it out for their own piece of the water and clear wind whilst trying to dodge the ferries.
I’ve been sailing on Sydney Harbour since I was born. So, sailing is in my blood, learning to sail with Dad to sailing in the Australian Championships in Sydney. I was on the harbour for the Australia Day Bicentennial celebrations (most chaotic, unforgettable Australia Day ever), seen the start of the Sydney to Hobart from land and sea, swam from Sydney Harbour Bridge to Manly (12kms in a relay race – crazy I know), watched the New Years Eve fireworks several times and climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge for my 21st birthday.
Let’s find a truly unique and unforgettable way for you to experience Sydney Harbour, no matter what your budget.
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Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Surely this must be on your bucket list! The climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, affectionately known as the coat hanger, will take 3 hours and 1332 steps. The views from the top are breath taking and you can choose to climb Dawn (limited numbers), Day, Twilight and Night. After a safety briefing (including getting breathalysed!) and putting on all your safety gear, you will depart in your group of 14 with dedicated guide.
Book your Bridge Climb
Fun facts – The pylons have absolutely no structural significance to the bridge and are purely cosmetic. It takes approximately 2 years to paint the bridge from one end to the other.
Don’t have the budget to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge? You can still walk across the bridge from the Rocks to North Sydney for free. It will take approximately 40 minutes – depends how long you spend admiring the amazing view. There are steps to get onto the bridge but it is flat most of the way. The walk across the bridge is very safe and there are security guards on the path (what a job!).
For bragging rights, why not time your visit for the Sydney Marathon in August which closes the Harbour Bridge once a year to traffic to allow participants to run on the bridge roadway. The first time a marathon ran across the harbour was back in 2000 for the Sydney Olympics and now the Sydney Marathon has been included into the World Major Marathons.
Catch the Manly Ferry
My favourite way to Sydney Harbour is to catch the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Actually, it’s better on the return trip, especially if you can time it with sunset as you approach the harbour bridge.
The trip costs $7-$11 one way and takes about 20 minutes. You can pay with an Opal card or any other contactless payment method. Trip Planner | transportnsw.info for timetable information.
Once you arrive in Manly, walk straight ahead when leaving the ferry terminal and stroll down the Manly Corso, Manly’s main shopping street, pick up an ice cream on the way and at the end you will reach magnificent Manly Beach lined with huge Norfolk pines and the birthplace of surfing in Australia. Be sure to slap on some sunscreen and swim between the flags.
If you turn right at Manly Beach and follow the water, you will reach a path to Shelley Beach, a little sheltered beach with excellent snorkelling and training ground for scuba divers. Try and see if you can find the motorcycle under the water.
Visit Taronga Zoo by Ferry
I am sure that the elephants and giraffes have the best view in Sydney. You can visit their home by catching the ferry to Taronga Zoo or bus from Mosman interchange or car. Trip Planner | transportnsw.info for timetable information. They say you should allow 3 hours to explore Taronga Zoo, personally I would allow for a full day.
Get your Taronga Zoo tickets
Tick off your bucketlist a selfie with a koala and meet a kangaroo and emu. Make sure you get to the Seal Show and experience the beautiful and surprisingly clever birds of the Australian Bird Show with stunning Harbour Views.
I recommend that you start the day at the top of the park and work your way down. If you have prams or wheel chairs, you can get a map with an accessible route that eliminates the steep inclines.
Pro tip – the lines for food at lunchtime are long and the prices generous. If you are exploring with kids, I highly recommend taking your own lunch and drinks.
Make your trip to the Zoo even more memorable with an overnight stay in the grounds of Taronga Zoo. Imagine listening to the lions roaring during the night and the dawn choral chorus of birds. There are two overnight options available.
Roar n Snore
Imagine spending the night at the secret Roar n Snore campsite in your cosy safari style tent (sleeps 4) overlooking the city lights and drift away to the soothing sounds of nature.
Enjoy a captivating Night Safari through the Zoo, guided by expert Zoo Keepers who will unveil stories of Taronga’s residents after dark. Make everlasting memories with intimate animal encounters and meet some of Taronga’s iconic residents.
Dinner and breakfast with harbourside views are included and free admission to the Zoo the following day to explore the Zoo fully.
Book your Roar n Snore experience
Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
This is the ultimate luxurious wildlife retreat at the Sanctuary. There are 4 styles of boutique rooms – bushland views, animal views, harbour views and treetop suites. All packages include
- 2 days Taronga Zoo access,
- complimentary parking,
- exclusive Wildlife Sanctuary guided tour
- breakfast overlooking the harbour at the stunning Me-Gal Restaurant and
- access to the N’Gurra Lounge with even more spectacular Sydney views.
The Retreat also has 4 accessible rooms and all Retreat facilities and tours are fully accessible.
Sunrise Kayaking
Struggling to fit everything in? Start to your day with an awe-inspiring breakfast tour unlike any other! Experience the early morning magic of Sydney Harbour with a 7am start on this deluxe 2 ½ hour sea kayaking extravaganza.
Embrace the early morning magic of Sydney Harbour with a 2 hour breathtaking breakfast kayaking tour. It’s a 7am start at Rushcutters Bay, past Sydney landmarks including the Opera House.
Expert paddle guides will take you deeper into Sydney’s vibrant ‘working’ harbour whilst providing a riveting historical commentary. Breakfast is served right on the water with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Imagine the jaw dropping photos you will be able to show your friends and family of you in a kayak with the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Luna Park in the back ground.
Let’s go kayaking Click here to book
Just a word of warning. This is not for first time paddlers. The water under the bridge can get rather turbulent with the ferry traffic.
Sail on a Tall Ship
There are numerous sailing cruise options from huge super cruisers to majestic tall ships with lunch, dinner and sunset options. I guess it is whatever floats your boat.
Personally, I love to take it slow. Cruise along Sydney Harbour in comfort on a traditional tall-ship. You can even help hoist and set the sails! From the moment the wind takes over and the sound of the engine fades away is like stepping back in time. Enjoy a delicious 3 course meal as you let the crew cater to your every need and see Sydney’s dazzling opera house and Harbour Bridge shimmer on the quay. Highly recommended if you are looking for a romantic touch.
Book your tall ship cruise
Pro-tip. Ask the captain if you can have a go at steering the ship. You never know if you don’t ask.
Picnic on an Island
Shark Island, or Boowambillee, is a stunning national park picnic destination with 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour. There is a reason the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts here – you can’t get a more spectacular spot, right in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Not to mention that it sits right in the middle of the race course for Sail GP. Have you seen those HUGE catamarans on foils that lift right out of the water with a wing, not a sail? Sailing on steroids! National Park fees apply, which are included in your return rocket ferry fare with Captain Cook Cruises.
Camp on an Island
Yes, you can camp on an island in the middle of Sydney Harbour.
Cockatoo Island has a colourful past, being a meeting place for indigenous Australians for thousands of years. From 1839 to 1869 island was the site of a convict gaol. Then from 1857 to 1992, it became a major shipbuilding and repair facility. The island’s dock workers supported the Allied powers during both World Wars. Additionally, between 1871 and 1911, the island hosted educational institutions for boys and girls. These included an industrial training school for girls, a reformatory for young women and nautical school ships for boys.
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed island is the only island in Sydney Harbour that offers overnight accommodation. It is within 20 minutes’ ferry ride of Luna Park Sydney, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour.
Accommodation on the island includes stays in the heritage buildings, glamping tents or BYO tent.
Book your island escape here
Guests are encouraged to explore the island with guided and self-guided tours and there is even a night ghost tour.
Swim at one of the many beaches.
Balmoral Beach
Balmoral Beach is my favourite harbour beach. I have spent many years sailing dinghies from the eastern end of the beach. The beach is super safe (provided you can swim) with no rips. If you are scared there may be sharks (I never saw any in 20 years of sailing), then there is Balmoral Baths which opened in 1899. In 1958, a shark net was added. There is a boardwalk that circles the pool and is perfect for diving into the water. After your harbour dip, there are numerous excellent cafes along the Esplanade.
Watson’s Bay
Watson’s Bay Baths are accessed from Marine Parade, Watson’s Bay. The Baths are Australia’s first deep water wheelchair access to a tidal harbour pool. There are 2 floating pontoons and a boardwalk for sunbathing and taking in the harbour views. After your swim, join the South Head Heritage trail at Camp Cove to walk past historic gun emplacements before reaching Hornby Lighthouse. The Gap Lookout provides a spectacular cliff lookout over the Tasman Sea. However, The Gap has a dark side, an infamous reputation for suicide, up to 50 suicides occur here each year.
Keen for a skinny dip? Clothing optional beaches are
- Lady Bay Beach accessed via the South Head Heritage Trail located at South Head,
- Obelisk Beach accessed via Chowder Bay Road overlooking the main harbour or
- Cobblers Beach accessed via a trail from Middle Harbour Park.
Not so keen swimming in the harbour, why not swim at North Sydney Olympic Pool located on the foreshore between Luna Park and the Harbour Bridge. Admire the Harbour Bridge as you do back stroke!
Take it up a level. On Australia Day, you can compete in the Sydney Harbour Splash. Starting from Woollahra Sailing Club, Rose Bay, participants can choose to swim 1km, 2.5km or 5kms whilst raising funds for Dementia Research.
Walk around the harbour
My favourite walk is from the Spit Bridge to Manly. This walk is rated a grade 3 walk and will take 3 ½ – 4 ½ hours to complete. There are lots of steps but the track is simple to follow. You will pass the Grotto lighthouse, an aboriginal rock carving and several beaches to take a swim. Make sure you take your camera – the views are stunning.
The track starts on the north side of the Spit Bridge. Catch the 144 bus from Wynyard to the Spit – you will know when you get there. You go down a really steep hill, past boat marinas on both sides then across the Spit Bridge. Get off the bus after crossing the bridge.
The walk finishes in Manly, so reward yourself with a well deserved ice cream. To get back to the city, you have two options to get back to the city, bus or ferry.
Trip Planner | transportnsw.info
Scuba Diving
The Chowder Bay dive is located at Clifton Gardens on Sydney’s lower north shore is a classic inshore harbour muck dive site. This shore dive is best accessed from the end of the jetty which runs alongside the shark-netted swimming area. Be sure to spend plenty of time exploring the net and pylons for seahorses and decorator crabs and swim out towards the buoy and the rubble of an old wreck where you’ll find blennies, pipe fish, moray eels, octopus and flying gurnards. Visibility is 5-10m but absolutely hopeless after heavy rain. Scuba gear can be hired from Dive Centre Manly.
Whilst not strictly in the harbour, Shelly Beach occupies a scenic corner of Manly’s ocean beachfront. White sand and a natural reef of tumbled boulders and rocks descending to a maximum depth of 12 metres make this one of Sydney’s premier shore diving sites.
The marine life includes regular sightings of Wobbegong sharks, Port Jackson Sharks, Dusky Whaler Sharks, large Eastern Blue Groper, Wrasse, Octopus, Cuttlefish, Squid, Kingfish, Porcupine Fish, Blennys, and much, much more. Experience the underwater world on a guided snorkelling tour of Shelly Beach, suitable for everyone including beginners and non-swimmers. For beginners and experienced divers alike, a guided shore dive at Shelly Beach with Dive Centre Manly is an experience that will long be remembered. This is where I learnt to dive.
Take a scenic flight in a helicopter
If you missed the amazing view as you landed in Sydney or are a local looking for a different perspective, how about taking a flight in a helicopter.
Imagine soaring above the world’s most beautiful city, taking in iconic landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, and Bondi Beach, with uninterrupted vistas stretching south to Maroubra’s stunning shores. You can fly in ultimate style aboard a luxurious 5-star helicopter, complete with noise-cancelling headsets for a truly immersive experience. Your skilled pilot will provide expert commentary, revealing the hidden gems and stories behind Sydney’s most beloved sights.
Whale watching
From June to July the mighty humpback whales head north to the Great Barrier Reef to breed then from September to October they head south to Antarctica. Spending time with these giants is truly magical as they play and frolic on their migration. You might see their spouts, you might even hear their spouts, you might get a tail slap or you might be lucky and catch a full breach.
Whale watching cruises take 2 -2 ½ hours and leave from Circular Quay to take you through the heads to open ocean to find the whales. I recommend that you take a seasickness pill before you leave as they take about ½ hour to start working. If your cruise has a photographer on board, let them concentrate on capturing the moment. Embrace the opportunity to be in the presence of these magnificent creatures.
Whale watching tours
2hr Express Cruise – Whale Watching Sydney
2.5hr Discovery Cruise – Whale Watching Sydney
2.5hr Adventure Cruise – Whale Watching Sydney
Sydney Whales and Wildlife Cruise
Incredible days to be on Sydney Harbour
The following days are truly exceptional days to experience Sydney Harbour. They do need a bit of forward planning but are totally worth it.
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, considered the most difficult ocean yacht race in the world, commencing on 26th December at 1pm has got to be the most wonderful, hectic day on the harbour.
The shores are lined with spectators and the race course is lined with every imaginable size and type of boat – I’ve even seen the surf boat out there. The competitors range in size from the magnificent maxis (100ft) who are gunning for line honours to 29ft two handed intrepid adventurers, who if the winds are in their favour could win the overall race.
As the start gun fires, and the yachts take off, the sides of the course become a white wash of power boats, turning the normally calm harbour into a washing machine. The best place to watch the race from land is South Head, as you can see the start from the harbour side then walk across to the ocean side to see them head down the coast.
New Years Eve Fireworks.
There are 2 fireworks displays, one at 9pm for families and then the main display at midnight. The fireworks now launch from 5 barges on the harbour which offers heaps of vantage points. However, it is highly recommended that you have a view of the harbour bridge for the best experience. Most of the prime headlands are now ticketed and even then, you need to be in your position in the morning or even the night before if you want a front row seat. Make sure you have comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a long way as Uber and taxis are almost impossible to find. You’ll also need to plan your accommodation well in advance as the city gets booked out.
Australia Day
Australia Day is celebrated on 26th January. Be part of the festivities and book yourself a spot on a ferry for the Ferrython or on a majestic tall ship for the Tall Ships race. Look up to the skies for the aerobatic display by the Royal Australian Airforce Roulettes. Cheer on the participants of the Australia Day Harbour Parade where boats and their crews dress up in their Australia Day finest as they challenge each other for the best dressed prize. Finish your day with more fireworks at 9pm.
Vivid Festival Drone Show
The Drone Show occurs on 3 nights in winter during Vivid, a festival of light. The Drone Show has over 700 drones lighting up the sky, creating amazing images in the sky above Circular Quay. The event is extremely popular so make sure you book your accommodation well in advance.
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