Bondi to Bronte
Ideal time to do it: Sunrise, if you can get up that early
Strictly speaking this walk goes from Coogee to Bondi but that really is quite a hike and is too much for anyone (fitness freaks excepted) to take up on a regular basis. Bronte to Bondi, on the other hand, is a 20min stroll that takes in some spectacular coastal scenery (as well as three of Sydney’s best beaches).
Well worth the effort at anytime of day, this walk takes on an almost magical quality at sunrise. Try it just once; the sun is a massive, red globe rising out of the ocean, the beaches are at their uncrowded best and quite simply there isn’t a better way to start your day. Maybe it’s the ozone rising up off the sea or maybe it really is magic…
Watch the sunset at Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Ideal time to do it: Balmy nights
Positioned directly opposite the Sydney Opera House, on the eastern edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquarie's Chair enjoys stunning views west across to the Harbour Bridge. Looking north and east you can see Kirribilli House, Pinchgut Island and the Navy dockyards at Wooloomooloo. The views can be incredible, and it's no surprise this is a popular tourist haunt.
Ferry to Watson's Bay - All year round
Ideal time to do it: Sunny Sunday
One of the many extremely cool things about Sydney is that ferries form part of the public transport system; pleasure cruising is a bog-standard way of getting around the place.
Watson’s Bay is on the harbour side of Southead (where the harbour meets the ocean) and has some of the most spectacular city views. The journey takes no more than fifteen minutes and is calm enough for the queasiest of sea-farers. Once you get there you can choose from the Watson’s Bay Hotel Beer Garden, or if you’re feeling flush and love seafood you could go to Doyle’s Restaurant and for the slightly more budget-conscious wayfarer Doyle’s have a fish ‘n’ chip cafe on the jetty.
Bridge Climb
Ideal time to do it: Day or night
Not for the faint hearted this one but extremely well organised and supervised, it couldn’t be safer. As the name suggests you climb the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The whole experience takes about three hours and involves training, instruction and even a breath test to ascertain your sobriety (you won’t be allowed to climb if you fail). You will be fitted with a regulation Bridge Climb boiler-suit and stripped of all jewellery, bags and cameras before you set off. The Bridge Climb team take various pictures of you and your fellow climbers throughout the tour; you get one picture included in the price and the option to buy more. There are day or night climbs to choose from, so all you need to do is summon the courage.
Browse through the shops in Chinatown - All year round
Ideal time to do it: Whenever you feel the urge to shop!
Situated between Dixon, Hay, Sussex and Liverpool Streets in Haymarket is Chinatown – a bustling area of Sydney where you can find delicious foods, browse through eclectic shops, stock up on Asian groceries or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you're new to Sydney or just here for the day, there's something to satisfy all tastes and curiosities in Chinatown.
