Sydney Harbour - the most beautiful Sydney Harbour in Sydney The harbour speaks for itself. We do our best to highlight some of the major attractions but mostly it is about using your senses to soak up and breath the very heart and essence of Sydney. The harbour is alive with its many magnificent colours, sounds and sights. Catch the hustle and bustle of sydney's water buses ferrying their passengers to all parts of the harbour. See the graceful luxury liners glide into Circular Quay. Visit some of the beautiful petite harbour islands and beaches. Finally, there is the small matter of the towering Sydney Harbour Bridge and, soon to be world heritage listed, Sydney Opera House. Enjoy!

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

An excellent view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House is yours for the photo taking. Arguably, the best way to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House is from the water. Arrive a little early to ensure a good position in the queue. Aim for either the front or the back of the Manly Ferry to ensure a good view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as you depart. Your voyage will last approximately half an hour allowing you time to enjoy the majesty of Sydney Harbour. It might get a little choppy as you approach Sydney Heads so be prepared to retreat into the interior of the Manly Ferry. Upon your arrival at Manly check out the new Manly Wharf Hotel (pub and restaurant). You'll find the Manly Wharf Hotel on your right as you leave the ferry and delicious ice-cream in the Manly ferry terminal / wharf itself. Consider catching the Jetcat on the way back across Sydney Harbour to Circular Quay as it does the same trip in half the time. The Manly Ferry departs regularly from wharf 2 on the Sydney Opera House (eastern) side of Circular Quay.

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Sydney Ferry Services and public transport information

2 Sydney Harbour Cruise

If you prefer your experience of Sydney Harbour to be shared exclusively with your fellow tourists and travellers then there are plenty of Sydney Harbour Cruises to choose from. Some with food and music, others may only last a couple of hours. You’ll find all the major tour operators, (www.captaincook.com.au, www.matilda.com.au and www.sydneyharbourcruise.net.au) operate from Jetty no.6 at the western end of Circular Quay (furthest away from the Sydney Opera House). Most of the cruise boats are very comfortable and it can be a civilised way to see and hear about Sydney Harbour. Be warned though that Sydney is obsessed with property prices so don’t be too surprised if the guide starts telling you who lives in what Sydney Harbour waterfront mansion and how much they paid for it.

Links

Ferry or Cruise?

Everybody goes on a Sydney Harbour Cruise. Just bear in the mind Sydney Harbour looks equally fabulous 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, provides commentary and costs more.

My advice is hop on the Manly Ferry first and then decide. Either way make sure you catch the Harbour City at its best – at night.

4 North Head

North Head (not far from Manly) will provide you with a stupendous view of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy the bush as you meander down to the look out(s) but the view is the main attraction. 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 if you are an enthusiasts less than enthusiastic partner.

Don’t forget to look out the North Head lookouts.

The Sydney Harbour Trust web site gives you idea of the views from North Head and also contains details about the park.

5 Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is not as tough as it might first appear. The slope leading to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge isn't overly challenging - particularly on the way down. The negatives are the cost, the long period of preparation and 'training' before you go up, no cameras (Bridge Climb will sell you photos) and it can also get a little sweaty in their 'fashion' grey suits.

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

Tips - if you can, avoid climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the middle of the day, the light is better and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is less likely to be a sweat. 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. The good news is the weather is rarely poor for long so Bridge Climb should not’t keep you up there for a more than a couple of days

Visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb web site for more details

6 Open Air Cinema (and Moonlight Cinema)

The Open Air Cinema is a must must if you are around when it’s on and you can get tickets. The Open Air Cinema is located in Mrs Macquaries Point in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Open Air Cinema 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 City of Sydney, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop it is hard to beat. If the movie is getting dull just watch the fruit bats fly off to feed or admire the office blocks at their best - at night. I sometimes wonder if they just leave the lights on or whether there are still poor souls still working that late. Anyway, sadly the Open Air cinema is only open during the summer.

Book your ticket to the Open Air Cinema well in advance and arrive as early as possible. Given the lack of alternatives the food and drink is usually of good quality and not as expensive as you might expect. 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 in Sydney consider walking.

Open Air Cinema Program and official information

You'll find the Moonlight Cinema at Centennial Park. No seats just grass (although you might be able to hire something. More of a BYO (Bring Your Own) affair. See below for the Moonlight Cinemas Web site for details

Moonlight Outdoor Cinema

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 Sydney.

If you take a stroll through the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens at dusk you might just metamorphosis into David Attenborough as resident flying foxes 'fill the air'.

There's a cafe in the middle of the Botanic Gardens where you can compete with creatures of various sizes for your lunch. Alternatively bring your own, find a patch of grass (to sit on) and watch the boats go by. The Royal Botanic Gardens is a must place to visit and its free.

Click for a good map of the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens including Mrs Macquaries Chair

10 Mrs Macquaries' Chair (classic Sydney Harbour Bridge / Sydney Opera House view/photo)

The only problem with Mrs Macquaries Chair is that its a great spot for photography and is consequently visited by every tourist bus in town. Best bet is to arrive early morning or late afternoon. The light is better in any event. If you want to avoid having the unsightly Blues Point Tower from the background of your photographs move south along Mrs Macquaries Point - at the right angle it will be suitable obscured. (Alternatively pop in to see Prime Minister John Howard and have the monstrosity removed).

13 I am Sailing (Sydney Harbour)

Arguably the best way to see and experience Sydney Harbour;

Links

14 Taronga Zoo

Everybody loves the zoo - maybe some of the lions might look a little fed up with it but we humans seem to enjoy it. Taronga Zoo also boasts classic views across Sydney Harbour to Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Just look for the giraffes compound.

Catch the ferry from Circular Quay (Zoo Pass zoo/ferry ticket combo way to go) On the way take a few more pictures with the Sydney Opera House/ Sydney Harbour Bridge from the ferry.

If you’re a zoo nut you can buy an annual ticket that will allow you to visit as often as you like. Currently, at $75 including membership it is reasonably priced almost making up for the fact that Taronga Zoo doesn't sell a more tourist friendly weekly pass.

Click and enquire about ticket options into Taronga Zoo. It’s a long day if you have small children so an annual pass might make sense if you're staying in Sydney for a month or two and love the zoo.

If you have time, and the energy, you can also explore Bradley Head from the ferry wharf at Taronga.

15 Doyles at Watsons Bay

Something about Doyles at Watson's Bay. It’s been accused of just being over priced fish and chips but the staff are fun and friendly and the view says - 'stop worrying, relax and have another drink' or maybe that was the waiter but either way it is a great spot.

With good friends, nice wine and sound of the waves lapping against the beach it’s harder to think of a more pleasant way to spend a sunny afternoon than at Watsons Bay. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay around twelve and be prepared to loosen the belt, empty the wallet (or purse) and seriously chill.

Click for Doyles Web site - As well as Doyles at Watson's Bay there's a Doyles at Circular Quay as well

16 Doyles at Watsons Bay

Yet another mistake? Not this time as I believe Doyles own the pub as well. So if the you’re not really keen on the restaurant you can go for the cheaper pub lunch option. Note the raised section of the pub offers the better view.

Alternatively bring your own and picnic on the grass (see below). After lunch why not take a stroll to have a look at The Gap, South Head and Watsons Bay lookout and work off a few calories

Or if you just fancy a nice cuppa there’s the Tea Gardens – try the link below although it has proved temperamental in the past.

Watson's Bay Tea Gardens

29 Fireworks at Sydney Harbour

Set your holiday off with a bang! Get down to Sydney Harbour at 'New Years' for an amazing display - usually two – a short one for the kids at around 9pm and a longer one for the 'party animals' at midnight. If you miss that don't worry Sydney does it again on Australia Day on the 26th January. In fact, we Sydney-siders are a little firework crazy so there may be other occasions I’ll let you know (just subscribe to 'Sydney' - Sydney100's free newsletter).

All you need is a decent vantage point around Sydney Harbour, some patience and maybe a little something and/or a little someone to celebrate with.

Click for the official 'New Years' Sydney Harbour site

30 Sydney Harbour Sea Planes at Rose Bay (fly off to lunch)

A great way to spend a day is an understatement but it will set you back many hundreds of dollars. Flying in a small aircraft like a sea plane is as different as it looks from the jet you arrived in. Be sure it’s for you. It’s a tight fit once you’re in but you’ll forget that pretty quickly as you try not to spend the whole trip taking photos. The sea planes depart from Rose Bay on the South Side of Sydney Harbour. If close by you’ll know about it as they do make a little bit of noise!

Click here for more details about Sydney Harbour Sea Planes based at Rose Bay, Sydney Harbour

32 Jet boat around the Sydney Harbour

Jet boating around Sydney Harbour is just good fun! Makes you the attraction so you must wave even if no-one waves back – just don’t fall out in the process.

(Beware - the links to Sydney Harbour Jet Boat and Sydney Jet Boat below contain a sound track so turn the volume down on your PC if you don't want others to hear it).

Jet Boat Links

35 Pylon - Sydney Harbour Bridge

For slightly more than a burger and chips at Circular Quay you can climb the 200 steps to the top of the southern pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Whether as a taster for the Sydney Bridge Climb or for those not sure it's for them this is excellent value. The climbable pylon is the one nearest to Sydney City on the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and is assessable by foot. You should enjoy a pleasing view from the top and be able to gather as much information about the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its construction as you could possibly want.

For example, did you know the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons are cosmetic and do not support the Sydney Harbour Bridge? (FKA the Coat Hanger). Then there’s the builder who fell off the Sydney Harbour Bridge but had the presence of mind to throw his tool bag ahead of him thereby breaking the water tension and saving his own life. Back on the job after a few weeks in hospital. Tough times - many died erecting the magnificent structure most now drive across without much thought.

Link to the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Web site

37 Government House

Where the Royals go for a cuppa when they come to visit. The Official State residence although any serious business probably takes place on the other side of the Sydney Harbour at Kirribilli House. Worth your time for the views and garden let alone the grandeur.

The downside is you have to go on a tour, you can't just walk around Government House on your own. Tours run every half an hour so no great inconvenience. How much? This will surprise you - absolutely nothing. Government House is only open Friday to Sunday - 10am to 3pm but the grounds are open every day - 10am to 4pm.

Government House Web site link

38 Helicopter Flights - Sydney Helicopters

Pricey, short lived, noisy and why don't these things screw themselves into the ground(?). When it’s over you’ll probably say something like ‘that was fantastic’ to which will come the reply ‘buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz’ unless you kept your earmuffs on.

Sydney Helicopters have some interesting tours on offer like trips to out of the way pubs to drink way out beer. Sydney Helicopters is expensive but worth it particularly if you're not doing 'The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb" and could use a bit of a lift.

Click for Sydney Helicopter's web site

39 Bradley Head

To visit Bradley Head get off the ferry at Taronga wharf, climb up the hill taking the right fork into the Sydney Harbour National Park. Choose from three walks. A 30 minutes stroll will be well rewarded by a spectacular view extending from Sydney City to the Heads at the entrance of Sydney Harbour.

The white mast you’ll see belongs to HMAS Sydney, a WW1 battleship. Late or early in the day you might catch a glimpse of some ring-tailed possums and water dragons. Rainbow lorikeets may also droppings to say ‘G’day’.

For refreshment Athol Hall (9968 4441) is a good place to stop for a drink. Athol Hall is located quite close to the main entrance to Taronga Zoo. You could continue through the peaceful Taylor’s Bay reserve and on to Clifton Gardens, at Chowder Head, where there is a picnic area and ocean pool. It’ll take you around four hours to walk from Taronga Zoo to Chowder Head and back. Like all these walks, the more time you take over it the more you’ll get out of it.

43 Sydney Harbour Island

Five of the seven Sydney Harbour's islands are open to the public. Take a picnic / buy a hamper, explore then switch off. Alternatively, go on a organised tour such as Fort Denison and learn some more about Sydney Harbour:

A couple of examples/suggestions:

Shark Island

Take a picnic and watch the boats go by in relative peace. Don't forget to take a picture of 'your Shark Island' as you arrive. Shark Island is small and you can walk around it in a few minutes – so it’s a great spot if you hate bush walking!

The cruise company Matilda is currently run a Shark Island ferry service. You could hire a water taxi but that’s potentially a lot more expensive. You could hire a canoe and paddle your way across to Shark Island from Rose Bay but that’s a lot more like hard work!

Shark Island is not a million miles from Shark Beach but I’m sure its safe…. I just would not advise swimming, particularly if it’s been raining. Sydney Harbour is a busy place with four million people living around it.

I personally recommend Shark Island as an excellent spot to commence your Australia Day celebrations as the Ferry Race goes right around the island - quite impressive to witness what seems like an 'invasion force' of small boats heading your way.

Matilda Shark Island Ferry Service

Fort Denison

Being so close to Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House the view alone makes the trip worthwhile. The fort was built out of fear of a Russian invasion that never eventuated. Was fired upon by a Japanese sub in WW2 by accident (whoops – sorry)

To commemorate its glorious past a cannon is fired from Fort Denison at one o'clock in the afternoon (daily, weekly, monthly, washing days I’ve no idea) just keep your head down ok

Fort Denison - National Park

Click to continue your Sydney Harbour Tour