Sydney’s Best Outdoor Activities in 2022
Sydney is one of the most coveted destinations on the planet and there are plenty of things to do here–exploring its splendid beaches, discovering all the drinking holes, and of course, its rich past. Brimming with natural and cultural treasures and a pleasant climate throughout the year, this harbour city of New South Wales (NSW) can never go wrong. During my six-year stint in the city as a freelance photographer, I came across many attractions that aren’t the Opera House and Bondi, that can add flavour to your itinerary. Here are a few of them!
The Best Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour
Ever since I moved to Sydney, I was hell bent on exploring its magnificent harbour and not just for the Opera House & Harbour Bridge. With the sight of the glistening sunlight on the harbour waters, the two icons serving as backdrop and picturesque landscapes dotting the waterfront, there’s no better place in the city to spend an afternoon. The harbour cruises are what surprised me the most. The sheer quality and experience one can enjoy on one of these vessels is second to none. I spent a memorable afternoon on the authentic paddlewheeler, which offered a sumptuous buffet lunch; but you could also choose other vessels like premium glass boats, modern catamarans and the like. A Sydney Harbour cruise offering lunch, also lets you enjoy ringside seats to some of the top harbour attractions including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Burrawa Climb
Exploring the city’s rich culture, especially the Indigenous community’s intriguing history was one of my favourite pastimes. Even though I have come across numerous experiences and tours that have opened my eyes to the legends and origins of the Indigenous people, the one that caught my eye recently was the BridgeClimb. The more unique climb is the relatively new, the Burrawa Indigeneous Experience, in which climbers can delve deeper into the history of Aboriginals who originally inhabited the land we now call Sydney. This three-hour climb lets you enjoy 360° views of the Indigenous landmarks of the area including Bennelong and Barangaroo, while listening to stories of the First Nation’s People.
Get to know Vivid Sydney (or NYE)
While there is no shortage of fun here regardless of the time you visit, the capital city of NSW hosts multiple events a year– some small-scale events held in museums and some mega festivals held annually. If you time your visit, you just might be able to witness one of the world-class events held every year. While New Year’s Eve is the best known and I can promise you from my personal experience it is worth the crowd to marvel at the fireworks across the bridge, Vivid is a very close second. Billed as the biggest light festival in the Southern Hemisphere, the projections take over the whole city, from the Opera House to the side streets. It’s the best reward for people visiting during winter.
Stroll Through Sydney Fish Market
One thing I never get tired of is taking an early morning stroll through Sydney Fish Market and getting a glimpse of some of the most unique fish ever. The market is one of the biggest in the world, third largest to be precise, and is a must-visit if you're in the city for the very first time. I have spent many mornings here exploring the many food stalls and although the market is famous for the variety of fish and fish vendors, you can also come across souvenirs, baked goods and fresh produce. It is open from 7am to 4pm everyday throughout the year.
Bonus: Scenic Tour From the Skies
Get a lay of the land from thousands of feet above the water on a HeliTour over Sydney Harbour. You will witness the city skyline, Bondi Beach, Opera House, Congee Beach, Manly Cove and more, like never before!
