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Top 5 Things To Do In Sydney

What to do in Sydney?

1 Catch the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour to Manly

Manly Ferry on Sydney HarbourManly Ferry heading back to Sydney From Manly

The City of Sydney is built around beautiful Sydney Harbour, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge stretching from the city centre across the harbour to North Sydney, and the Sydney Opera House perched on the foreshore next to Circular Quay.

A ferry is the perfect way to first see Sydney, and an excellent view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House is yours for the photo taking. Arrive a little early at Circular Quay to ensure a good position in the queue. Aim for either the front or the back of the Manly Ferry for the best view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as you depart Sydney Cove.

Your voyage will last approximately thirty minutes allowing you time to enjoy some of the best scenery Sydney Harbour has to offer. It can get a little choppy as you approach Sydney Heads so be prepared to retreat inside.

Upon your arrival in Manly check out the large new Manly Wharf Pub and Restaurant on your right. If you can, resist the delicious ice cream, or the Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, in the Manly Ferry Wharf.

Consider catching the new Manly Fast Ferry service on the way back across Sydney Harbour to Circular Quay as it will do the same trip in around half the time.

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Sydney Harbour - Manly Ferry from Circular Quay

 

2 Sydney Harbour Cruise

If you'd prefer to sit through an organised cruise of Sydney Harbour then there are a few to choose from. You will find most of the major tour operators like Captain Cook Cruises, operate from Wharf no.6 on the west side of Circular Quay.

Most of these vessels are quite comfortable and it can be a very civilised way to see and hear about Sydney Harbour. Be warned that Sydney is obsessed with property prices so don’t be surprised if the guide starts telling you who lives in what Sydney Harbour waterfront mansion and how much they paid for it.

Sydney Ferry or Sydney Cruise?

Everybody goes on a Sydney Harbour Cruise. Just bear in the mind Sydney Harbour looks equally fabulously the same from the deck of a Sydney Ferry or a Sydney Cruise Boat.

The advantages of going on a Sydney Harbour Cruise are that it lasts longer than a ride on a Sydney Ferry and provides commentary.

The main disadvantages are that the Sydney Harbour Cruise lasts longer than a ride on a Sydney Ferry, provides commentary and costs more.

My advice is catch the Manly Ferry first and then decide. It is certainly easy to argue that the best way to see Sydney is from Sydney Harbour (but she also looks pretty awesome from the air). If you have the time, spend some of it on Sydney Harbour at night to fully appreciate the city lights.

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Champagne Sunset Sailing Sydney Harbour

Sunset On Sydney HarbourChampagne Sunset On Sydney Harbour

Sydney at sunset from the deck of a luxury yacht cruising the harbour is a little special. With a glass of fine Australian sparkling accompanied by delicious King Island cheeses experience the sights and sounds of Sydney's magnificent harbour as the sun sets over the city. See the lights of the city reflect on the water as Sydney begins its colourful night life. Without wishing to go over board, does life get any better than this?

Champaign Sailing on Sydney Harbour

Value for money Sydney Harbour Cruise

Sydney Harbour CruiseLunch on Sydney Harbour - Value Cruise

You'll have great view of Sydney Harbour's premier landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison from your table by the window or the large viewing decks. Your 90 minute cruise includes a seafood buffet making this an excellent value tour of Sydney Harbour. With every table by the window, large viewing decks & the longest cruising route on the harbour you'll be sure to capture Sydney's major attractions and picturesque bays.

Lunch Cruise of Sydney Harbour CruisesLunch On Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour Coffee Cruise with Morning or Afternoon Tea

"The trip was a comprehensive look at the Harbour. Although I have lived in Sydney most of my life, I learnt a lot about the different spots in the Harbour, Middle Cove, and the Spit Bridge. We were a party of 3 staying in Sydney for the Festival. We would like to particularly thank our commentator who did a fantastic job; she was very well informed, and her presentation was excellent. Even with a bit of rain, she shone through".

Coat Hangers and Egg Shells

We think above says it all other than other locations visited. You get to see the house with broken egg shells for a roof aka the iconic Sydney Opera House and the most famous coat hanger in the world aka the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Fort Denison and Martello Tower

Fort Denison always seems to attract people's interest as it sits on an island in the centre of Sydney Harbour. The round Martello Tower you will see was completed in 1857, a period when the colony was worried about invasion by foreign powers. The Martello Tower is the only one of its kind in Australia.

Sydney Harbour Coffee Cruise with Morning or Afternoon Tea

 

3 Catch a Sydney Ferry from Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour to Darling Harbour and return

The ferry ride to Darling Harbour from Circular Quay lasts approximately ten minutes taking you under the Sydney Harbour Bridge as you head out of Sydney Cove. The brief trip brings with it more opportunities to add to your collection of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House photographs. You'll probably stop at Balmain along the way.

Darling Harbour - Playground for Locals and Visitors alike

The Darling Harbour project was publicly criticised at first, but Darling Harbour has grown to become a popular and extensive Sydney playground for the locals and a key attraction for visitors. Darling Harbour is also very popular with kids.

Darling Harbour Attractions

Darling Harbour is full of attractions including the Imax Theatre, Sydney Aquarium, (said to be one of the largest aquariums in the world), Sydney Wildlife World with over 5,000 aussie critters, the Monorail, the family friendly Powerhouse Museum and the popular Australian National Maritime Museum. In addition, there are many Harbourside shops to browse through and cafes, bars and restaurants to watch it all from.

Sydney Casino, Star City, is also worth a mention if only for the The Lyric and Star Theatres.

Darling Harbour Festivals

Darling Harbour is home to a growing number of Sydney Festivals including the Australia Day spectacular, a Latin American Fiesta, the Jazz & Blues Festival and the Hoopla acrobatic and street theatre festival. Check out the Festivals in Sydney page for the top festivals currently on in Sydney and the What's on pages for other top events.

Don't stay in Darling Harbour for too long

It's very easy, with so many attractions in one spot, to stay too long. If you have limitless time and a robust budget then that's not a problem. If you don't, then you had better not forget the ferry back to Circular Quay. You still have another 100 or so things to do in Sydney

Information about Darling Harbour

Free Admission to Darling Harbour Attractions with a Sydney Attractions Pass

 

4 Walk from Manly Ferry Terminal (Manly Wharf) to Shelly Beach

Manly feels more like a seaside town rather than part of the largest city in Australia. The ocean side is east of the Manly Ferry Terminal (Manly Wharf). Just cross the road and walk the length of Manly Corso.

Stop and wonder at just what Manly Council was thinking off when they commissioned the steaming "pile of.." sculpture just outside the ferry terminal.

Numerous pubs, cafes and shops will crave your patron along the way. Fairy Bower, on route to Shelly Beach, would be my choice for lunch and the Kiosk on Shelly Beach is also worth considering but either, or, or not, Manly boasts a million and one places to eat so you won't starve.

Shelly Beach

As you approach Shelly Beach look out for the rock art to your right. Shelly Beach is an excellent spot of diving and has free barbeques and shaded areas behind the beach perfect for picnics. Once you've reached Shelly Beach you can walk up to and across the car park for cliff top views out to sea.

Manly boasts many other walks including the chance of seeing a Manly Penguin - click for links

Manly Bike Tours

manly bike tours sydneyThe highly regarded Manly Bike Tours

Formulated by local experts the self guided Manly Bike Tour of Manly and Shelly Beach is excellent value at only $28 per person for the whole day. Discover secluded coves, deserted beaches and awesome coastal views of North Head and Sydney Harbour National Park. The tour includes both bike hire and customised guide map. The more adventurous can enjoy the tranquil bush settings of Manly Dam for an exhilarating day of mountain biking.

Manly Bike Tours also conducts a 2 hour guided tour which reveals all the hidden corners of Sydney’s most beautiful coastal town. Hear the stories and relive the history that makes Manly such a special place to visit. As well as bike and helmet hire the tour includes light refreshments, tour guide, and exclusive access to landmark attractions. The tour commences at 10.30am daily. Book to avoid disappointment.

For more details visit Manly Bike Tours 

Sydney, Manly and the Northern Beaches

Manly Sydney Northern Beaches

This is a cram-it-all-in kind of tour. You'll see Sydney, including Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay, you get to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, view Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from the north side of the harbour. Then it's off to the seaside and a trip to Manly with numerous lookout stops along the way. On arrival in Manly, you get to walk across the Corso to the sea, then you head even further north through Queenscliff and past Freshwater Bay.

Lunch Cruise of Sydney Harbour CruisesSydney, Manly and the Northern Beaches

Alternatively:

Sydney Highlights and the Northern Beaches Sightseeing Tour

 

5 North Head, Manly

North Head (not far from Manly) will provide you with a stupendous view of Sydney Harbour with coastal cliffs and the city skyline behind. Depending on the time of year, and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a migrating humpback whale. If it's wet, or very windy, you might want to postpone this for another day. Too far to walk from Manly - either drive, cab or bus it (135 from Manly Ferry Wharf - but confirm just in case the route has been changed)

North Fort

Visit North Fort for fortifications, tunnels and guns, being home to The National Artillery Museum. North Fort boasts a cafe with a view to go with the refreshments. Alternatively, make use of the picnic and barbecue facilities.

North Head Views

Look out of, and for, the North Head lookouts with sweeping views over the ocean and around Sydney Harbour. It is the combination of all these delights that makes North Head such a great place to visit. The natural flora and fauna of North Head and the Sydney Harbour National Park combined with great Sydney views and interesting history.

Manly Bike, Hike and Canoe

Manly Bike Hike and CanoeAre you Manly enough?

This fantastic full day of biking, hiking and kayaking separates the boys / girls from manly and womanly. This is a full-on Manly experience you won't forget.

FIRST - Bike to Manly's fabulous North Head - the northern portal of the entrance to the harbour with magnificent views. Explore the natural beauty and military history of North Head.

SECOND - Enjoy a fabulous hiking experience from Manly to The Spit. Explore the dramatic coastline, pretty bushland of the Sydney Harbour National Park, panoramic lookouts, aboriginal engravings and areas of native coastal heath.

THIRD - Wonderful paddle kayaking tour from Clontarf Beach exploring the secluded sandy coves and dazzling waters of Middle Harbour.

You don't need to be an athlete to do this, but if you like to be a little different and can handle full days adventure this is for you. You will see close up and personal many aspects of Sydney Harbour most locals have never experienced.

Lunch Cruise of Sydney Harbour CruisesManly Bike, Hike and Canoe

More Information on North Head

 

Sydney 100

What's on Sydney Festivals in Sydney What's on in Sydney

Valentines Day Sydney

Sydney Mardi Gras

Free Sydney, Smart Sydney and Best of Sydney

More Sydney Things To Do and Information

What to do if it rains in Sydney
Where eat Sydney
Things to do close to Sydney
Things to do before you leave Sydney
Sleep in Sydney
Hire a Car or not?
Sydney Transport
SydneyWeather
Sydney100 FAQ
Sydney100 Links
Group/Corporate
Taronga Zoo
What to do?
Value Tours
Snakes,Sharks& Spiders
Sydney Romance and Adventure
Don't Come To Sydney
Newsletters
Sydney's Major Attractions
Where to read the Sydney100 Eguide How Do I Love Sydney

Sydney Sightseeing

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Car Hire / Where to Stay
Car Hire
Car Hire from/to Sydney Airport
Where to Stay in Sydney

   

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