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Top 10 Things to do in Sydney

What to do in Sydney? Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and the Sydney Opera House

The top 10 things to do in Sydney is full of all the things that people think about when they think about Sydney including the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Sydney Harbour (see Sydney's top 5 page) and the Sydney Opera House(?) Actually, the Sydney Opera House doesn't make the top 10 but that's ok it's still on the list, just further down. The Open Air Cinema (ranked 7) is something you really must do if it is on whilst you are here. If the Open Air Cinema were on 12 months a year it would rank even higher up the list.

6 Sydney Harbour Bridge including the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

What sort of things can you do on the Sydney Harbour Bridge other than just cross over it? You can climb it, there's the Sydney Harbour Pylon Lookout and the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb (see below). That's surely it right? Well no - you can go under it - a ferry to Darling Harbour will do that quite nicely, and then there's flying over it, which is pretty good too. On special occasions (see the Sydney Entertainment page for anything pending) you can run or walk down the middle of it and, for a couple of years, you could even have your breakfast on it (bring back Breakfast on the Bridge!).

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is easier than it first appears as the gradient leading to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge is not that steep. Negatives are the cost, the long period of preparation and 'training' before you go up, no cameras (they will sell you photos) and it can also get a little sweaty in their 'fashion' gray suits.

Worth it? - Absolutely! - It is an experience and a half - a must do, particularly if you like being chained to something.

The Climb Must Go On

Tips - if you can, avoid climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the middle of the day. You are more likely to enjoy yourself if you are feeling cool and relaxed. Climb the Harbour Bridge alongside someone you like (or like the look of) - as once you start that's it for the duration - no trading places. Having sheltered on the Sydney Harbour Bridge whilst we waited for a storm to pass, I can testify that the weather has to be pretty bad for the Bridge Climb to be cancelled.

Discounted Bridge Climb

We have added an extra link for a slightly discounted weekend day climb. Follow the link below for more details

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

You don't want to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge? - Skywalk instead

Sydney Tower Eye Sky WalkSkywalk outside the Sydney Tower Eye

Being about the same size as the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Tower gives you a pretty good view of Sydney. If you choose to Skywalk outside of the Sydney Tower Eye it gets even better with a complete view of the entire city. You could say it is a real eyeful, maybe they should change the name (again) to the Sydney Eyeful Tower.

Harbour Bridge Climb vs. Skywalk

Being twice as high as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this is the best view in town. It is also a lot cheaper, takes up less time and is easier to do than the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Against this, the Bridge Climb will feel like more of an accomplishment, hey! You have just climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge! There is nothing to stop you from doing both of course. Whichever you do, you will be mesmerised by the sight of the most beautiful city in the world stretching out beneath, and all around you. You came to see Sydney didn't you? Now you have.

Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk

The Good Looking Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour BridgeSydney Harbour Bridge - Looking Good

That would be it for most bridges, but the Sydney Harbour Bridge has another quality most others lack. You can look at it! Now that's daft right? Of course you can look at it! But our bridge gets looked at from all over the place - from Sydney Heads and Sydney's Harbour Islands to all sorts of wonderful places, it's there.

Where to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge

One tip is to take your camera around the Rocks area for some stunning views. Then there's Kirribilli and Milsons Point on the North side of Sydney Harbour. The issue maybe too many photographs but hey, it's a good looking bridge, just enjoy it.

Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

There are a few different ways to cross the world's widest long-span bridge and tallest steel arch bridge. Train, bus, walk or cycle are all good options. Swimming under it is not so good and could prove fatal, but it has been done. If you are driving you can avoid paying the Sydney Harbour Bridge Toll by only driving north. This is a bit of a challenge and not really worth the hassle

How to Pay the Sydney Harbour Bridge Toll (e-Pass)

So how do you pay? If you are hiring a car there is a good chance they have it covered for you. Ask if you are unsure. Failing that you will need an account as they no longer take cash. The good news is you have two days after you cross the bridge to set up this account. If you don't, they will fine you. We have provided a link on our links page to set one up - click below.

Sydney Harbour Bridge e-Pass

7 Open Air Cinema (and Moonlight Cinema)

The Open Air Cinema is another must. The Open Air Cinema, close to Mrs Macquaries Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens, is the most expensive, hardest to get into and the most 'must do' of a number of outdoor cinemas in Sydney. With a drink in hand, big screen with the Sydney City Skyline, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop it is hard to beat. If the movie is getting dull just admire Sydney at its best - at night. Sadly, the Open Air Cinema is only open during the summer.

Mrs Macquaries' Chair

Book your ticket to the Open Air Cinema well in advance and arrive as early as possible. Reasonably good nosh and drink are available. Reserve your Open Air Cinema seat as soon as you get in and then, if you can, grab a table – or better still, you reserve the seats whilst someone else grabs a table. When you've finished eating give the table up to someone else – you're be sat down for most of the night anyway. Expect to have to wait to get out and it may take you a little while to find a cab. Better option is to drive. If you arrive early enough you should be able to park in the Domain on the road to Mrs Macquaries' Chair. If you're staying in the city consider walking.

Reserve your tickets

We urge you to book your tickets ASAP as the best shows will sell out in days, if not hours.

Moonlight Cinema

You'll find the Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park. It doesn't have any seats, it is more of a BYO (Bring Your Own - see below) affair. None-the-less it is well worth going to, it just lacks the 'Wow' factor of the Open Air Cinema.

Open Air Cinema and Moonlight Outdoor Cinema

 

BYO - Bring Your Own (Alcohol)

Bring Your Own (BYO) is an Aussie institution favoured by the majority of Sydney restaurants and cafes. The major exception being high class, expensive restaurants. BYO Rules and charges (corkage) vary. BYO may be just limited to wine only. Corkage maybe charged per bottle. At other times it is charged per person.

 

8 Palm Beach, Whale and Bilgola Beach (on Sydney's Northern Beaches)

The 35 kilometre trip or so up to Palm Beach will make you feel at Home whilst you're Away - if you like your Aussie soaps that is. An hour or so drive from the airport, Palm Beach was my first stop and should be yours to if you love beautiful beaches.

Resident Millionaires

Palm Beach is a very idyllic location with more than its fair share of resident millionaires. Palm Beach is at the end of the peninsular so the ocean beach and Pittwater are walking distance apart.

Pittwater

You can hire a boat and go for a paddle down Pittwater. The excellent and recently opened 'Boathouse' on the wharf is a wonderful spot to grab something to eat, soak up the scenery and watch the Seaplanes.

Palm Beach Lighthouse

There is a track up to the Palm Beach Lighthouse to enjoy. There is also a slightly hard to find public footpath at the end of the road, by the swimming pool, at the southern end of Palm Beach.

Seaplanes at Palm Beach

As mentioned above, there are Seaplanes:

Seaplane-Palm-BeachSeaplane at Palm Beach

Be blown away by a scenic flight over Sydney Harbour and then by the aerial views of Sydney's gorgeous Northern Beaches before gently splashing down on Pittwater at Palm Beach. Dine in style at the upmarket Jonah's Restaurant before being flown back to Rose Bay. This will be a very special day that you are unlikely to forget.

Jonah's Cliff-top Garden and Terrace

Bring your camera and don't be afraid to ask the pilot to take your picture by the plane. Once you have relaxed and enjoyed your food, ask the waiter to take your photograph out on the terrace and/or in the cliff-top garden.

Seaplane to Jonah's restaurant near Palm Beach

How Do I Get To Palm Beach?

The L90 bus regularly runs all the way to Palm Beach from the bus terminus near Central Train Station. It's a long journey in excess of two hours. On the way you will get to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge (as you travel over it), Sydney Opera House, glimpses of Balmoral, Middle Harbour, Long Reef, Narrabeen and magnificent views into Palm Beach. Sounds good doesn't it. Trouble is you will see far more of the road and traffic than the sights.

Whale Beach

The neighbouring Whale Beach is arguably a ‘better’ beach than Palm Beach but it doesn't have as many cafes and restaurants. The trees along the edge of Whale Beach offer lots of shade, it has BBQ facilities, an ocean pool and a children's play park right on the beach. Understandably, it is popular with families.

Bilgola Beach (further south from Palm and Whale Beach)

Bilgola Beach can be found just south of Palm Beach and Whale beach. A beautiful spot surrounded by bush and if you're lucky, peace and quiet. Bilgola is an excellent chill out if you avoid weekends and/or arrive early. Bilgola has a pleasant kiosk by the beach and an ocean pool if you don't like the look of the Bilgola waves.

Explore the Northern Beaches by Trike
Explore the Northern Beaches by Harley or Trike

The Northern Beaches are known locally as God's Country and you are about to find out why. Riding like motorbike royalty on the back of your trike you will roar up the coast with the sea and coastline before you and the spirit of adventure behind you. You will motor all the way to Palm Beach where you will be shown all the very best spots to give your camera a serious workout.

Ku-ring-gai National Park

After Palm Beach, you will take an even more scenic route back to Manly via Church Point, past Scotland Island, before heading into the bush and Ku-ring-gai National Park.

Northern Beaches by Harley or Trike

Romantic Slice of Northern Beaches Paradise

Alternatively, for those looking for a slightly more romantic slice of paradise:

Scenic Flight and Romantic Beach Picnic

 

Wear Sunscreen

Australia excels in many ways and is, sadly, top of the skin cancer league. Slap it on every time you step outside – the sun here is a killer. As anyone who's experienced it will testify, sunstroke is extremely unpleasant and will cost you at least a day or two of your holiday as you recover, so bring or buy a hat.

 

9 Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney is a beautiful park on the foreshore of the most beautiful Sydney Harbour in the world.

Garden Bats

A walk through the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens at dusk will make you feel like you're David Attenborough as the resident flying foxes get in a flap. That said, efforts are being made to encourage the bats to 'pull up stumps' and live in someone else's garden. A bit sad really. Only time will tell if this works.

Lunch with the Wildlife

There's a cafe in the middle of the Royal Botanic Gardens where you can compete with creatures of various sizes for your lunch. Alternatively bring your own, find a patch of grass and watch the boats go by. The Royal Botanic Gardens is a must place to visit and it won't cost you a cent.

Cycle tour including the Bondi Beach ToursRoyal Botanic Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens - Free Guided tours

Explore the world of plants and the history of Sydney's magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens with a knowledgeable Royal Botanic Gardens volunteer guide. All tours depart from the Information Booth outside the Gardens Shop at the Palm Grove Centre.

Royal Botanic Gardens - Free Guided tours

10 Mrs Macquaries' Chair and Point

[Classic Sydney Harbour Bridge / Sydney Opera House views and a great vantage point for photographs]

The only problem with Mrs Macquaries' Chair is its popularity - beware the tourist bus (if you're riding on one sit at the front and get off first!). Best bet is to arrive early morning or late afternoon. If you want to avoid having the ugly Blues Point Tower appearing in the background of your photographs move south along the point - at the right angle it will be suitable obscured. (Alternatively pop in to see Prime Minister Julia Gillard and have the monstrosity knocked down).

Sydney City Sights and Bondi Beach - Half Day Tour

Bondi BeachBondi Beach

Well, if you started off with the top thing to do in Sydney then you might already be starting to wonder how you are going to do it all. After all there is still another 140 plus top things to do in Sydney to consider before you get to the end of this list. It's ok to 'cheat' a little - if we can call it that. There are tours out there that will combine a number of the top things to do if you are short of time. You may not get to spend as much time on them as you might like, but you can always return. There is no law against doing the same thing twice.

Bondi Beach ToursQuick tour of Sydney and Bondi (Bondi Beach currently ranks 15 on the Sydney100 list)

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