Call yourself a Sydneysider? Tick these 14 activities off your list and you will be.
You know that list of things you’ve been meaning to do forever but think you’ll get around to it one day. That day has come, stop putting it off and get out and discover your own city.
1. Bridge Climb
Not just for the tourists, Bridge Climb is the ultimate bucket list activity for any Sydneysider. Choose to do the climb during the day, at dawn, twilight or night time. During Vivid Festival is another great time to climb, make sure you check out The Vivid Climb from 15th May to 16th June. Young or old, no matter what your fitness level or what time of day you choose to go, Bridge Climb is for everyone. Need another excuse? Here are 6 Reasons To Do Sydney Bridge Climb.
2. Walk the Bondi to Bronte
It’s one of most iconic walks in Sydney filled with all types of people. From the super sporty runners to the activewear wearing fitness mums, slow paced tourists or barefoot surfers. A great time to do the walk is during Sculptures By The Sea. You will need to slow down for the crowds but the unique artwork is worth in. Need somewhere to eat or drink in Bondi afterwards? Check out these places.
3. Catch a ferry to Manly
On a sunny day in Sydney skip the fast ferry and take your time on the slow ferry voyage to Manly. Take in all of the beautiful sights and be a tourist in your own city. No one will judge you for snapping a selfie with the Opera House in the background. When you get there go for a dip and follow our Ultimate Foodies Guide To Manly.
4. Try Gelato Messina
Gelato Messina has acquired a cult following in Sydney. Just look for the huge queues snaking down the street on any given Friday or Saturday night in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst or Bondi. Nope, that’s not a hot new nightclub, it’s a gelato shop. Salted caramel is a classic favourite but be sure to check the specials board for inventive combinations. If you’ve done this a million times and feel like upping the ante, try the Messina Creative Department Dessert Degustation.
5. Visit the Blue Mountains
Spend a day in the Blue Mountains hiking, discovering waterfalls and inhaling that fresh eucalyptus scented air. See the Three Sisters sandstone rock formation and stop in Katoomba on the way back, it’s full of interesting little stores and country style cafes.
6. Have a picnic in the Botanic Gardens
Located in the heart of the Sydney CBD the Botanic Gardens is the perfect picnic spot. Relax on the lawn and take shade in the sandstone pavilion at the herb garden or take in the harbour views closer to the water under a giant fig tree. To make the most of your picnic check out our Ultimate Picnic Guide.
7. Visit an outdoor cinema
Pack the picnic basket and snuggle up to your movie buddy, Sydney has loads of outdoor cinemas to check out annually. Take your pick from classic films or box office hits. Just be careful of bats pooping on you as they migrate overhead at night (yes, it’s happened to me). Check out Sydney’s Best Outdoor Cinemas.
8. Spend a day out on the harbour on a boat
Beg, borrow or steal. It doesn’t matter how you get on the boat on Sydney Harbour make it happen. Come summer it’s the best feeling to moor up at one of the harbour beaches and spend all afternoon jumping in and out of the ocean. In the cooler months it’s still a beautiful setting for sunset drinks.
9. Watch a show at the Opera House start drinks at Opera Bar
The Opera House hosts over 40 shows and experiences a week including opera, music, theatre, dance, comedy, talks and tours. If you really want to make the most of your Sydney experience do Bridge Climb during the day then make your way to Opera Bar for some pre-theatre drinks before catching a show at the House.
10. Swim in an ocean pool
Sydney is definitely not sure of amazing beaches and with great beaches often comes fun ocean pools. Grab your sunscreen and goggles, swim some laps at Sydney’s Best Beach Pools.
11. Have a late night meal at Golden Century
If you’ve ever wondered where Sydney’s best chefs go to eat when they finish work chances are most of them will tell you Golden Century. Open until 4am, 7 days a week you can count on a late night feast that this institution. Order dumplings galore and maybe even a fresh lobster from one of the tanks.
12. Check out Mardi Gras parade
The glitz, the glitter – there’s no escaping the fun and excitement of Mardi Gras as Oxford Street comes to life each year. Add it to your bucket list to attend the parade at least once in your life. Once you’ve ticked that box find yourself a float and join in.
13. Enjoy a long boozy lunch by the water
There’s no need for a special occasion, spoil yourself any day with a long boozy lunch by the water. Take your pick from Sydney’s Best Waterside Restaurants.
14. Get fish and chips and Doyles in Watsons Bay
Doyles On The Beach in Watsons Bay opened in 1885 and was Australia’s first seafood. This family owned restaurant has been passed down through over 5 generations. The restaurant itself is a bit dated but has lovely views on the water. For something more relaxed order takeaway fish and chips from their kiosk and find yourself a shady spot on the grass for the same views.
15. Instagram your breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria
It’s one of the most Instagrammed places in Australia and definitely the most Instagrammed cafe in Sydney. Maybe it’s their resident pig Kevin Bacon or their beautifully presented food. Whatever the draw card The Grounds of Alexandria has photoworthy moments to capture everywhere you turn. The biggest challenge you’ll face is finding a park on the weekends but once you’re in get ordering and get snapping.
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This post is proudly presented in partnership with Bridge Climb. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make Eat Drink Play possible.