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 heading back to Sydney From Manly

The city of Sydney is built around the beautiful Sydney Harbour, with the Harbour Bridge stretching from the city centre across the harbour to North Sydney, and the 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. Either way spend some time afloat on Sydney Harbour at night to fully appreciate the city lights.

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Lunch on Sydney Harbour - Value Cruise

You'll have great view of Sydney Harbour's premier landmarks including 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 cruise 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 camera clickers and picturesque bays.

Lunch On Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Tall Ship Cruises. Small Ship Cruises. Maybe a fast boat to Palm Beach. Its "all good".

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Free Sydney Harbour Cruises with a Sydney Smartvisit Card

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 is full of attractions including the Imax Theatre, Sydney Aquarium, Monorail and the Powerhouse Museum plus many Harbourside shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

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. For more:

Things to do with kids in Sydney

Information about Darling Harbour

Free Admission to Darling Harbour Attractions with a Sydney Smartvisit Card

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

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 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.

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

The 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

Manly Attractions

For attractions that are Manly check out Sydney's Smartvisit Card

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 (9976 6102) for fortifications, tunnels and guns. There’s a North Fort cafe with a view to go with the refreshments. North Fort cafe is child friendly, with toys to occupy the little ones, but is only open Wednesday to Sunday.

Look out of, and for, the North Head lookouts.

More Information on North Head

Top 10 Things To Do In Sydney