Top 20 Things To Do In Sydney

What to do in Sydney?

16 (17) Sydney Whale Watching

Sydney Whale Watching

As further evidence of their intelligence, Whales and Dolphins love to visit Sydney whenever they are passing. The only thing that might beat seeing Sydney Harbour would be to see a Whale and Sydney Harbour. Preferably, both at the same time. June to November is the best time to see them. During the winter, you might even see a mother with her calf.

If you are fortunate enough to see these majestic, magnificent creatures throwing themselves out of the water you will never forget it. You can clearly hear the sound before you even see them. Failing that, just to see them gently swimming around is a great experience.

Whale Watching in Sydney and the best onshore places to see them

Cape Solander

Whales do venture between Sydney Heads but most stay off shore. You can't really beat seeing a whale from a boat but there are some great spots around Sydney where you can get a good view of these wonderful animals. Cape Solander, at Kurnell Bay, is widely considered Sydney's best whale watching spot. The Cape Solander lookout has a viewing platform and a permanent display with information about the whales seen in the waters around Sydney. There is limited parking at Cape Solander. You can park at the Visitor Centre near the Kurnell entrance to the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, off Captain Cook Drive. A free shuttle bus runs regular circuits from the Visitor Centre to Cape Solander on weekends during the whale watching season.

Other good Whale Watching spots around Sydney

Other good whale watching spots around Sydney include North Head near Manly, Long Reef on the Northern Beaches, South Head, La Perouse and Cape Banks, Maroubra and Ben Buckler Headland at North Bondi.

Whale Watching in Sydney

See the Whales with the experts

Whales Dolphins and Albatross

Few people realise there is a large oceanic park on Sydney's doorstep!

Come and search for the different cetaceans and seabirds in their own territory some of which have migrated vast distances to be in the ocean waters off Sydney. The different species you will encounter will vary with the season but it will include members of many different families.

From August to December is your chance to catch a glimpse of the endangered wandering albatross the largest of all seabirds with a wingspan of up to 3 metres.

In season there is always the chance of seeing humpback whales on their southern migratory path from the coral sea as well as sperm whales, false killer, pilot whales and dolphins, sharks and sunfish.

The humpbacks can be particularly friendly during their southern migration and it is not uncommon to have them swimming within metres of the boat.

Whales Dolphins and Albatross

17 (18) West Head - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

West Head is yet another 'must see'. A half hour drive through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park will take you to West Head for sensational views out to Lion Island, Pittwater, Broken Bay and Palm beach - stunning blues, and greens against the canopy of an endless sky...yeah its worth the drive and there's a variety of walks to choose from.

How come places like West Head are so big green and beautiful and yet so close to the City. Amazing stuff.

If you can, whiz up to West Head in the morning to give yourself plenty time for a nice lunch (19 - Church or Cottage Point).

West Head

18 (16) South Head and Watsons Bay

South Head's imposing Sandstone Cliffs guard the southern entrance to Sydney Harbour. In case the Cliffs weren't scary enough the army placed armaments on the Headland to ward off invaders. The whole set up was so scary that the only incursion into Sydney territory was from Japanese miniature submarines in WW2 and odd group of Melbournite's following their local footie team.

The army has dismantled their weaponry but the placements, if that's the right word, remain. This adds an historic element to an area of outstanding beauty.

The Gap

If you are familiar with the phrase 'Mind the Gap' you will. The Gap has a reputation as a place for suicide and murder. The fallen rocks at its base create a 'washing machine effect' in the surf below if there is a sizable swell.

From Watsons Bay Wharf

Head north for South Head and Hornsby Lighthouse. Give yourself at least an hour. On route you will pass a nudist beach. If someone waves - wave back.

The Gap is east of Watsons Bay wharf. Ask for directions.

Which ever way you go 'its all good'.

Taking it easy

If you wish you can enjoy Doyle's fish and chips on the local park with seagulls and harbour views. Alternatively, have a picnic.

Doyles at Watsons Bay

The Doyles Pub has great views and beer. If there is any room, grab a table upstairs.

Watsons Bay and Eastern Sydney

"Feel the wind on your face as you ride in style around Sydney on the back of an attention grabbing trike." You start off with Mrs Macquarie's Chair spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Then it's on to Watsons Bay and Bondi Beach.

Watsons Bay and Eastern Sydney

19 Visit Church Point and see Scotland

There is something a little special about Church Point. As you drive along Pittwater Road your eyes may be drawn towards the gentle Pittwater waves lapping over the Mangrove mud flats and against the petite sandy beaches. More likely perhaps, you’ll focus on Scotland Island, monarch of this little slice of paradise.

Scotland Island is beautifully framed by green hills rising from the blue of Pittwater. The sound of water birds, parrots, a power boat or two and the smell of salty sea air enhances the experience whilst degrading your vehicle's paintwork.

If you have always wanted to go to Scotland this could be your chance as this version is but a short ferry ride off-shore.

Be warned however, not to linger too long or else you’ll find yourself looking for a Real Estate agent. You are allowed a long lunch however.

Lunch At Church Point / Cottage Point

We used to suggest Pasadena’s for lunch but they are currently closed for refurbishment. Here is some local advice:

The Pasadena Hotel is now (thankfully) closed for refurbishment/redevelopment. We live at Bayview and stopped going there for lunch several years ago. The food became very average and the ‘service’ was even worse. Try the café at The Quays marina, one bay back from Church Point, or keep on going to the waterfront Cottage Point Inn in the National Park. Here, one is treated to sensational food, wonderful views and great service. And no, I have no financial interest in the place at all – we just love going there.

and

Just though I'd let you know there is an absolutely gorgeous cafe at Church Point, I definitely agree with Rosemary that the Pasadena was in desperate need of re-furb, however The Waterfront Store just across the park from Pasadena is a very lovely and cosy place to lunch. I'm a local Bayview resident and when I have interstate/overseas guests I take them down for lunch and a round trip on the ferry! Kind Regards, Monique.

[Thank you Rosemary and Monique, very much appreciated. If anyone else has any Church Points, Cottage Points, or any other points please let Sydney know comments@sydney100.com ]

Lunch at Cottage Point

By Seaplane

The award winning Cottage Point Inn restaurant is renowned for offering exceptional modern Australian cuisine in beautiful and tranquil surrounds. Upon landing your seaplane will taxi right up to the restaurant's seaplane dock, where a warm welcome awaits from Cottage Point Inn's friendly staff.

Cottage Point By Seaplane

Scotland Island

As for Scotland Island, the ferries depart Church Point every hour at the weekend between 8am and 6pm. Nice views but Scotland Island is more of a residential island than a tourist attraction so don't expect much by way of facilities.

How did Scotland Island get its name?

Scotland Island was named by Andrew Thompson, a convict who arrived in 1792 and was pardoned in 1797. Mr Thompson developed several businesses, including a salt manufacturing plant which he moved to the island and named it after his homeland.

(A big thank you to Stuart for researching this)

Scotland Island Link

Finally, don’t bother checking the map you are still Sydney. It just doesn’t feel like it.

Dilemma
Picture the scene – you’ve arrived at twelve for lunch at Cottage Point Inn– food has been excellent, view is hard to take your eyes off and you really feel like spending just that bit longer over desert and maybe something to wash it down with. But wait - what about West Head? This great web site (ahum) you’re found says it’s a ‘must-see’…must you must see it? No - tomorrow, next time, no worries.

20 See the Wildlife - Koala and Kangaroos

Are there any Kangaroos in Sydney?

There are Kangaroo's in Sydney's National Parks, Wild Life Reserves and Sanctuaries and, of course, you can always visit Taronga Zoo or Ferndale Wildlife Park. The Blue Mountains are a happy 'hunting' ground for Kangaroo spotting. Kangaroos are more active and easier to spot in the morning and evening.

Blue Mountains High Country

This tour aims to take you to places few visitors see and to "unlock a piece of Australia you would never have known existed."

Highlights include a visit to an ancient Aboriginal site, awesome scenery and "unusual plants and wildlife that abound the area." In particular you will explore "a hidden valley where we roam the area, seeking out the many kangaroos that graze in the wild"

Blue Mountains High Country

Breakfast with Kangaroos

If you intend visiting the Blue Mountains under your own steam, you could have your breakfast with the Kangaroos. You will have to get up early but it's worth it.

Breakfast with Kangaroos

Koala Park Sanctuary

The Koala Park Sanctuary has been with us since the 1920s. It not only gives you chance to see Koalas sleeping from limb to limb but also does a fine selection of Red and Grey Kangaroos.

The Koala Park Sanctuary is a 45 minute drive from Sydney CBD and about close you'll get to seeing the classic aussie marsupials without heading out of Sydney to Jervis Bay or the Blue Mountains. So if you want to see your Koala and Kangaroo in something resembling natural habitat the Koala Park Sanctuary is probably for you.

The sanctuary consists of 10 acres of rainforest, eucalypt groves and gardens. The supporting cast includes Dingoes, Wombats, Echidnas, Emus, Wallabies and numerous species of Australian Native Birds.

To find out more about The Koala Park Sanctuary

Koala Park

Admission to Koala Park is free with a Sydney Attraction Pass

Koala Cuddling

You used to be able to do the cuddle, scratch, mum it peed on me koala photos. But not anymore. Koala cuddling is illegal in NSW. For a cuddle you'll have travel north up to Queensland.

Why this is the case I don't know. Could it be that Queensland Koalas are just tougher than their southern cousins.

If your Koala turns out to be a Queenslander you have to be in Queensland before you touch it - no matter how much the Koala may look in need of a cuddle.

If you get hold of NSW Koala in Queensland - can you cuddle it? Should you cuddle it?

If it didn't matter where you stood how could you tell the difference? The Queensland Koala may look slightly more ruffled and a lot more loved but how can you be sure? You can be fairly sure the pale looking Koalas with the large sunnies are the Victorians but that doesn't help much. Seems to me we can't really know where we stand until we know where we're stood and even then you could be on shaky ground.

Asleep for most of the time the Koala's diet consists of gum leafs containing about as much nutrition as cardboard - so you shouldn't expect much beyond cute.

If a glass of aussie wine appeals you can have your glass and drink it

Wine and Wildlife Tour

Depart Sydney for Australia's premium white wine growing region. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge into the Ku-Ring-Gai National Park and the spectacular Hawkesbury River.

From there look forward to seeing sandstone cliffs, mountains, rivers, farmland and you might even see some wild kangaroos. You will travel through quiet backroads, enjoy morning tea and explore the Wollombi 1850's 'sandstone' village including Wollombi's famous pub.

Wine and Wildlife Tour

Seen it, now would you eat it? Or Does Skippy taste nice?

I've eaten Kangaroo three times but only had one flavourable experience. A difficult meat to cook (apparently) as it gets tough pretty easily. Give it a try but be selective about where (kangaroo pizza does not count).