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Raise your hand if you’re in the mood to let loose, experience a new culture, hit the beach, and indulge in a memorable meal or two (which may or may not be accompanied by several glasses of amazing wine). If your hand is held high, then you, dear reader, are in desperate need of the soul-rejuvenating bliss that only travel can provide. And there’s no better destination to make you finally give in and start planning that trip than beautiful Sydney. The “Harbour City” and capital of New South Wales is full of energy, inspiring ideas, natural wonders, and some of the best damn food and wine in the world.
Photo: View along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
Read on, and see if our favorite things to do in Sydney don’t make you want to book a trip right now. We dare you.
Life’s a beach in Sydney
The heart of Sydney is its people; a vibrant mix of cultures that is down-to-earth yet worldly, laid back yet creative. And one thing that all Sydneysiders can take pride in is their gorgeous coastline.
If you’ve just gotta check it off the bucket list (we don’t blame you, mate), head to Bondi, the most well-known beach in Australia. Take in the scenic view and snap a few Insta-worthy shots of the Bondi Icebergs Pool. Grab a cuppa at one of the hipster-meets-surfer cafes and take a piece of Bondi culture home from one the designer boutiques on Gould Street, just steps from the beach.
Photo: Bondi Icebergs Pool
Last but not least, the famous 6km Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. The trail passes by five beaches, sparkling bays, and hidden rock pools. Make a stop at Mark’s Park to see traditional Aboriginal rock carvings or find the perfect picnic spot at Tamarama Beach. Your reward for the 2-3 hour walk? How about a wood fired pizza and a stunning sunset view at Coogee Pavilion?
Photo: Tidal pools along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
If you’re in the mood to explore the coast less traveled, never fear. There are so many secluded little bays dotting Sydney’s shoreline that there’s something for every beach mood. Walk through the bush and cool off at Flat Rock Beach. At Milk Beach, in the Sydney Harbour National Park near the heritage-listed Strickland House, you can take a dip in crystal blue water while gazing out to the Sydney skyline on the horizon.
Whale, whale, whale… what do we have here?
Aussie animals are some of the most unique in the world. They’re also the cutest and most deadly, but usually not the same animal. Unless you like cuddling crocodiles. In which case, we accept no responsibility for your trip to Sydney.
For a truly memorable (and safe!) experience, cruise out to the deep blue waters off the coast of Sydney and…wait. Humpback whales breaching (aka jumping) and slapping the water with their tails are a common sight around here. The whales’ migration starts in May of each year, making it the perfect time for whale watching.
Photo: Oz Whale Watching Tour
Port Stephens is one of the best places to get up close with these majestic creatures, from May all the way until November. It’s also the dolphin capital of Australia so you might just be able to see both at the same time. Cape Solander is also known for whale watching from June to July. Bring some chips to munch on (because these giants love to make people wait for a good show), your binoculars, and you’re all set!
Whales are great and all, but you haven’t really experienced Australia until you’ve made friends with a kangaroo or two. While they are wild in some areas, we highly recommend heading to the massive Taronga Zoo for a safe encounter. Built in 1916, Taronga is a nature conservancy that over 340 species call home.
Let the city wine and dine you
They say travel feeds the soul. Then traveling to eat and drink to your heart’s content must be extra nourishing. When it comes to food and wine, there’s no better place to experience it than Sydney. Crisp sauvignon blancs, aromatic pinot noirs, the fresh catch of the day, and savory meats cooked to perfection. We can taste it already!
The food scene in Sydney is an endless source of culinary adventure; trendy restaurants in the city, seafood restaurants on the water, Instagrammable desserts in awesome dessert bars, not to mention hip cafes and stylish restos in each suburb.
While Sydney has excellent restaurants any time of year, there are certain outdoor food events that are worth a special mention. The Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival is on this year from May 1-June 30.
The two-month festival showcases New South Wales’ wine and food culture and provides a truly immersive experience in the region. Activities include vineyard tours, a wine school, and hot air ballooning. Fine tune your culinary skills with the region’s leading chefs, learn from winemakers, or just relax with a glass of Merlot and delicious food made from local produce.
Another not-to-be-missed event is Paramatta Lanes, a street food festival that lights up the small streets of Sydney from Oct. 10-13, 2018. Enjoy the intriguing journey of 12 different theme laneways. This multi-award winning festival offers delightful bites, hip pop-up bars, art installations, and of course, cutting-edge music.
Photo: Parramatta Lanes / Facebook
Ignite your creativity at Vivid Sydney
One of the best times to visit Sydney is during May and June. That’s because Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival celebrating light, music, and ideas, will turn Sydney into a party of creativity.
The multi award-winning event will ensure your entire trip is vividly charming. Mesmerizing art installations and glittering lights bring Sydney to life at night. During the day, Sydneysiders (and visitors alike) can get creative with workshops and talks all aimed at sparking new ideas and innovations.
Photo: Vivid Sydney / Facebook
Lose yourself in cutting-edge musical performances taking place at venues all over town. Stroll (or cruise) through the Sydney Harbour and be enthralled by the illuminated sails of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Be part of this world-class festival of light, creativity, and music from May 25-June 16, 2018
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