Deep dive into an aquatic wonderland at one of the world’s largest aquariums in the centre of Sydney. Watch in awe as sharks, rays and a rare dugong glide above you in the expansive overhead aquariums, then jump aboard the state-of-the-art Penguin Expedition Boat Ride to cruise through a colony of King and Gentoo penguins. … Read more
Did you know around 16,000 whales swim past and through Sydney’s waters every year? Depending on the season – whales migrate to Sydney between May and November – book a whale-watching cruise with the experienced team at Captain Cook Cruises. They guarantee a whale sighting, or you cruise again free! Outside of whale season, they … Read more
The Hawkesbury River borders the northwestern edge of Sydney and is dotted with tiny communities accessible only by water. The Riverboat Postman has been delivering mail and other essentials since 1910 and today the modern vessel welcomes passengers onboard to see a different slice of Sydney life. Tours depart 10am weekdays or you can join … Read more
Take a unique tour of Sydney Harbour onboard a replica of the Duyfken, the first European ship to reach northern Australia in 1606. Departing from the Australian Maritime Museum, you’ll sail past Barangaroo, Garden Island, the Sydney Opera House and more, while hearing fascinating stories of 17th century sailing and the Dutch East India Company’s … Read more
For those who like to splash out on sightseeing experiences, hold on to your hat as you reach thrilling speeds and take dizzying 360-degree spins on the water in an iconic red shark boat with Oz Jet Boating. The experienced team will take you on the (wettest) ride of your life. ozjetboating.com.au
Find your feet in the surf at Bondi Beach with top-notch surfing school, Lets Go Surfing. Both group and private lessons are available for adult, teens and kids, with all equipment and expert instruction included. Learn important surf safety rules, how to paddle, catch a wave and hopefully, stand up on the board! letsgosurfing.com.au
Imagine gliding over the glassy waters of the harbour with the Sydney Harbour Bridge soaring above you. Sydney by Kayak are an award-winning eco-tourism operator and have been guiding groups of keen paddlers across the waters of Sydney Harbour since 2013. Join their popular Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tour or their fun Social Paddles, ideal … Read more
Understand the spiritual significance of the six-hectare harbourside Barangaroo Reserve on this walking tour with an Aboriginal educator from Aboriginal Cultural Tours. Barangaroo was named after a powerful female Cammeraygal leader of the Eora Nation. Hear incredible tales of the traditional peoples’ connections to the harbour and admire the 75,000 native trees that stud the … Read more
The Indigenous people of Australia hunted and gathered native plants and wildlife for food and medicine for thousands of years. Learn the time-honoured uses of bush foods, hear Dreamtime stories and sample some of the unique botanicals for yourself in the Cadi Jam Ora Gardens at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. botanicgardens.org.au
In the 1700s, before the arrival of European settlers, about eight Indigenous clans lived along the harbour foreshore. Known as ‘saltwater people’, they gathered most of their food from the waters and the harbour had huge spiritual significance. Join the 90-minute Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour to gain an intimate knowledge of these Aboriginal people’s saltwater … Read more
