As the Women’s Football World Cup came to a dramatic conclusion on Sunday, all eyes were firmly on Sydney – the location of both the semi-finals and the final. The vibrant harbour city has certainly demonstrated its credentials with the incredible atmosphere and energy seen throughout the tournament but what lurks beyond the electrifying matches for visitors travelling to Australia’s premier state?
As it turns out, quite a lot. Tourists can discover a tapestry of adventures, cultural treasures, and natural beauty that make Sydney a destination unlike any other – all year round.
Absorb Aboriginal history
Learn about the beliefs and lifestyles of the world’s oldest living culture by taking one of the many recognised Aboriginal experiences across Sydney. There are numerous walking tours that explore the deep history of the first peoples, including the Aboriginal Heritage Tour through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden or The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour with Dreamtime Southern X.
Visitors can also check the Australian Museum, with a personalised guided tour of the First Australians galleries. The museum houses more than 40,000 Indigenous Australian weapons, body ornaments, tools, bark paintings, toys and contemporary art and sculpture from all across the country.
Bask on Bondi Beach
Bondi is one of Sydney’s most iconic beach suburbs – and for good reason. Even to locals, the golden sands of Bondi Beach are a slice of heaven, and its proximity to the city makes it easily accessible. Each day the sunrise brings early-morning surfers, ocean pool swimmers and locals indulging in their daily coffee ritual. As the sun sets, beachside bars and restaurants come to life as shoppers browse the designer boutiques for the latest athleisure wear. Don’t miss a wander towards Cogee to relax in one of the coastline’s quieter coves.
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
BridgeClimb Sydney is an iconic Australian experience that takes you on a journey to the top of the nation’s most famous and celebrated structure, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Visitors can ascend to the summit of the world’s largest steel arch and experience breathtaking moments, spectacular 360-degree views and fascinating facts from expert Climb Leaders giving insight into the engineering and cultural history of this world-famous icon.
Enjoy world-class musicals
Sydney hosts an impressive number of musicals each year such as the multi-award-winning TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. Direct from Broadway, the smash hit musical brings joy, passion and heart-pumping tunes to the Theatre Royal Sydney.
There is also the Australian premiere of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, perfect for the whole family and on stage until November 2023.
Visit SXSW Sydney 2023
Sydney’s ability to host world-class events has been demonstrated perfectly with the commencement of the Women’s Football World Cup and in recent months with the likes of Sydney World Pride and Vivid Sydney.
Fortunately, 2023 still has plenty left in the tank with the inaugural SXSW Sydney taking place across October 15-22. Heading out of the United States for the first time ever, the world-famous festival is landing in Sydney for seven days and nights of creativity and culture. With events across tech, gaming, music, screen and culture, it will be a chance to discover new ideas and works of art from leaders in their field, as well as a vibrant community of passionate creatives.
Take a whale watching cruise
Each year from May to November, more than 40,000 humpback and southern right whales make their way along Sydney’s coastline in their annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Pacific. There are excellent vantage points where you can see these giants of the deep at play. Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park is one of the best vantage points with a covered viewing platform and information boards.
If you want to get even closer to these majestic creatures, hop aboard a whale-watching cruise. During the season, cruises depart every day from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Manly.
Book a cruise with Whale Watching Sydney, Oz Whale Watching, Ocean Extreme, or Captain Cook Cruises which can take you on their small fast vessels and take you to some of the best vantage points.
Explore Sydney’s Royal Botanical Garden
Wrapped around Sydney Harbour and adjacent to the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanical Gardens occupy one of Sydney’s most spectacular positions. It is one of Sydney’s most beautiful and alluring destinations, perfect for escaping the city buzz. Stroll through serene landscapes, admire native flora, and enjoy picnics in this oasis nestled in the heart of the city.
Australia’s oldest botanical garden, is a leafy, 74-acre oasis adorned with ornamental plants, rolling lawns, and ancient trees, with a mix of native and international species. Guests will discover an enchanting world of vibrant blossoms, lush conservatories teeming with botanical wonders, and timeless sculptures gracing the landscape. For local attractions, check out the Australian Rainforest Garden, Australian Native Rockery, or the Bicentenary Garden, and the rare, recently rediscovered Wollemi Pine.
For more information on Sydney, visit destinationnsw.com.au.
All imagery supplied by Destination New South Wales
