Last year, 10.6 million domestic tourists and 4.1 million international tourists visited Sydney.Make your trip to Sydney memorable! Make sure to add these unique and amazing things to do in Sydney to your vacation itinerary.
If you’re one of the millions of people headed to this popular Australian city anytime soon, then you’re probably looking for unique things to do where you’re not going to feel too much like a traditional tourist.
9 Unique Things to Do in Sydney
1. Ride the Manly Ferry
Sydney tourism thrives off of visitors who flock to see the famous Sydney Harbor.
If you’re amongst the millions of visitors eager to snap unique photos of the harbor, then there’s no better way to see it than by hitching a ride on the Manly Ferry.
Even the locals use the ferry on their daily commutes to and from work. So, riding the ferry is a bit of cultural activity as well as being a great way to see a different side of the city.
You can hop on and off the ferry as you like, but we suggest staying on for spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and even quaint beach towns at Shark Beach or Camp Cove.
2. Hire a Charter Boat
If ferries aren’t your thing but you still want to experience the sights of Sydney a bit out from shore, then you can always hire a charter boat to take you out into and past the harbor.
Charter boats offer families and larger groups a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney in a setting that’s a little more intimate and personal.
If you’re visiting Sydney as part of a corporate event, heading out on a private boat is also a great way to mingle with coworkers.
Choose from a pontoon-style boat or even a sailing boat or catamaran. All make for a great time out on the water.
3. Swim at Bondi Beach
You can’t visit Sydney without dipping your feet into the famous waters at Bondi Beach. However, because the beach is so popular, travel experts suggest heading out for a sunrise swim.
If you’re with your family, you can make a morning out of it and pack breakfast to eat on the beach as you watch the sunrise over the city of Sydney.
If you’re not much for ocean water, then you can still enjoy swimming in saltwater at the Bondi Iceberg Pool.
This famous Sydney travel spot comes with a budget-friendly $8 entry fee. That gains you access to the pool, sauna, and gym!
4. Eat at Carriageworks Farmers Market
Hungry from all the swimming and harbor touring? You’ll definitely want to check out the Carriageworks Farmers Market. It’s the most popular Saturday market in the entire city.
There, you’ll find a lot of great high-quality food options to choose from, including first-class seafood at Saint Peter. Better yet, the market offers you the chance to taste fresh local produce while also eating healthy.
They sell a lot of organic and biodynamic foods, which are all great if you need an extra natural boost after a long day of traveling throughout the city.
5. Take in the Sydney Skyline From a Hot Air Balloon
This is one of the things you’re not likely to find in an Australia travel guide. Why? You have to travel a little outside Sydney to find it.
If you can be ready at 4 am, however, to witness one of the most magical sights in your life, then you surely won’t regret it.
The drive to the starting point in Campbelltown takes a little under an hour from Sydney. But, once you’re there, you’ll be able to relish in stunning views of the Sydney skyline and the haze of the Blue Mountains.
6. Go on an Indigenous Walking Tour
One of the great things about Australia travel is that the country has such a rich indigenous culture that tourists can learn about. If you’re interested in this side of Australia, then be sure to go on an indigenous walking tour.
Just an hour outside of Sydney you’ll find Dharawal National Park. If you go on the second Saturday of the month, you can go on a guided tour of the park.
Your guide? An Aboriginal Discovery Ranger who will share local knowledge with your group as well as tell you fantastical Dreamtime stories.
7. Have a Picnic in Wendy’s Secret Garden
Most people get so caught up in the harbor tours and Opera House that they forget that Sydney is also home to quaint little parks filled with lots of magic.
Head down to Lavender Bay to enjoy a delicious picnic at Wendy’s Secret Garden. The views of the harbor are second-to-none and the atmosphere of the park makes it feel like you’re stepping into a fairytale storybook.
There’s a unique story behind the cultivation of this secret little garden. But, you’ll have to go visit it to get the full story!
8. Discover Local Street Art
While you might have seen lots of Australian street art on Instagram, what do you really know about the meaning behind all of the work?
Culture Scouts offers great walking tours of the local Sydney street art. Their tours usually last three hours but take you all over the most enchanting parts of the city.
This means that if you’re traveling with people who are not as interested in the art as you are, then they can enjoy getting to see parts of Sydney on foot.
9. Encounter Endangered Species at Taronga Zoo
One of the best things to do in Australia is to interact with the local wildlife. Australia is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, and visiting Taronga Zoo in Sydney is a great way to take a peek into what that diversity means.
This is an especially great activity if you’re traveling to Australia with kids. The zoo hosts glamping sleepovers that little ones are sure to love.
The best part about visiting this zoo is that it’s a non-for-profit zoo that supports endangered species.
Looking for More Things to Do in Sydney?
Sydney is a great place to start your Australian travel adventures regardless of your interests or traveling style. The city offers numerous things to do for solo travelers and families alike.
If you’re interested in learning more about unique things to do in Sydney or are looking for more adventurous travel guides in general, then head over to the theme parks and amusement parks section.
There, you’ll find great guides on how to visit some of the most thrilling amusement parks all over the world.
