Unique things to do in Sydney
- Exploriris Travel
- Jan 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 6
"You will be staying here for 6 nights? Is that right?" Asked the receptionist, with an astonished look on her face. "Uhh yes" , I said, while I internally reviewed all my life decisions. This might get boring, I thought. Maybe I was wrong for staying here an entire week, will I run out of things to do?
I will spoil this one for you: no I won't, it wasn't boring and 6 nights was not too long. There is so much to do in Sydney: the Opera house, Harbour bridge, botanical gardens,....okay I'll stop this because you have probably read it a lot already.. Instead, let's talk about some unique things to do in Sydney!
1. Visit Sydney's richest neighbourhood: Mosman
The place where big artists like Justin Bieber and Adele stayed at before their performance in Sydney. (1) Currently home to presentatrice Tara Rushton & formal rugby player Cooper Cronk, who live in this beautiful 8,75 million dollar mansion along the coastline. (2) Let me introduce you to the beautiful neighbourhood in Sydney, called Mosman.
No wonder why this is such a celebrity hotspot. Apart from beautiful big mansions you will come across beautiful beaches, hidden cheeky swimming spots (sjjt.. Cabblers beach) and deserted areas of nature. This area is well worth a visit.
When you do visit, I recommend to take the ferry f6 from wharf 4 to Mosman (for actual departure times click here). From there you can make your way to Balmoral beach. That is a lovely coastal walk where you will stumble across all that Mosman has to offer (aka mentioned above). From Balmoral beach you can take a 30 minutes bus back to Circular Quay.
2. Eat "pancakes on the rocks"
This restaurant has a cute, tropical but classic vibe, goooood coffee and more importantly.. delicious pancakes! Not such a sweet tooth? Don't worry, there are enough savory options as well. I choose nutella pancakes with additional strawberries, delicious!
If you have your brekkie on saturday, make sure to check out the markets on the rocks, held every saturday from 10 am!
3. Wendy Whiteleys secret garden, North-Sydney
Wendy Whiteleys secret garden is such a cute " secret" little garden. Nice to walk around and take cute photo's. Also little picknick areas available. To set your expectations here, you can walk through the entire garden in like 10 minutes, so it is not that big and not a " full day activity", just a nice quick pitstop. 😉
So you've got a few hours of the day left now haven't you?? What else can you do in the area you ask?
- Visit the famous lookout: "Mislons point" ! It is pretty cool to see the Opera house and Harbour bridge from the other side!
- Visit the Luna park. It is completely free just to walk around only if you plan on taking rides you have to pay a little.
-Milons park. It is a nice little park with views over the bay and there is a nice little coffehouse nearby. Go from mid october till end of November and be surprised by the beautiful purple flowers everywhere, coming from the Jacaranda trees! ❤️
4. Paddeys market in China Town
Cold an rainy day in Sydney? Don't worry (mate 😉) , the indoor Paddey markets in China Town come to the rescue. Take a photo with a big koala, shop souvenirs an just stroll around. Finish your day of in one of the many good restaurants in China Town.
The Paddeys markets are on every Wednesday-Sunday 10am-6pm.
5. Visit and climb Sydney Tower Eye
For only 26,40 AUD you can visit the skydeck at the Tower Eye. The deck has beautiful views over the city, especially during sunset! You can walk around (on) the tower as well. This skywalk requires a minimum of two persons and costs 95 AUD (combined with observation deck access).
Extra tip: the Tower Eye is in the middle of the Westfield mall of Sydney so it combines perfectly with a shopping day.
6. The Blue mountains
Just 2,5 hours (and 10 dollars) by train from Sydney to Katoomba, you can find the beautiful nature area called "the blue mountains". I was sceptical and did not visit the first year. I was in Sydney This year I did visit and let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it. I did not do any of the paid attractions and had a good day just hiking around the area.
You can also purchase a discovery pass if you want to have access to the scenic railway, skyway and walkway.
7. St. Mary's Cathedral
This Cathedral is breathtaking. Beautiful architecture. Take a look inside as well, it is completely free (only a donation is recommended).
TIP: during Christmas time this church is covered with cool light projections and has beautiful christmas lights all round, which results in such a magical ambiance!
8. Take the ferry to Manly
From wharf 4 you can take the ferry to Manly. The Ferry ride is beautiful and will cost you just a few dollars. When you arrive in Manly you can walk beautiful tracks along the coast line. Keep an eye out to spot some whales along the way (end of June till November). The Hike from Shelly beach to Northhead is beautiful but my personal favorite was the 9 km long "manly to split" hike!
9. Cabramatta
Cabramatta, also called " Cabra" or " little Asia" is a suburb of Sydney. It is known to have Australia's largest Vietnamese community. It truly feels like " little Asia" . Cabra is full of Asian shops, markets and traditional Vietnamese restaurants. For the main buzz you need to be between Arthur street and John street, where you'll find the freedom plaza. Shop around species, try out different foods, enjoy!
Analysis paralysis about all those yummy food choices? No worries! A guided food tour is also an option! Whatever you do, (get hungry and) go to Cabramatta! 😉
10. VIVID Sydney
Last but not least, VIVID Sydney is an amazing winter event to plan your trip around! This annual light festival takes place every winter, in May/June.
Want to know more? Read my "VIVID Sydney" article.
Accomodation in Sydney
Ok, nice activities. But where do I stay?? With so many hostels to choose from, I can image this is your next question.
I honestly would recommend Sydney Harbour YHA. Why?
This hostel is at 5 minute walking distance from the iconic Circular Quay;
It is overall pretty clean and neat;
Quiet for a good night sleep (but not boring) and
They've got an amazing rooftop terrace with views of the opera house and harbour bridge.
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