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If you’re looking to have some fun in the sun in Sydney, here are my recommendations.
Sydney is the Australian city I love to visit. There is always so much to do and see, and I know I’ve only scratched the city’s surface. My last trip was for New Year’s Eve this year and I made sure I had a couple of spare days to enjoy the Sydney sights. Here is a glimpse at the fun things I got up to, and some other suggestions to make the most of your time in Sydney.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY
BE A BIG KID AT LUNA PARK
Fun = theme parks. Luna Park has been open since 1935 and is located just under the Sydney Harbour Bridge at Milsons Point. It offers excellent views of the harbour, especially from the ferris wheel. The park is home to 14 rides and the Crystal Palace and Big Top, which are both great spots for functions and performances. Sydney also has a Wet’n’Wild, if that is more your theme park style.
HEAD TO TARONGA ZOO
I don’t think there is a zoo in the world with better views. Located just 12 minutes from Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is home to 4000 animals and has over 20 shows and talks every day. Some of the creatures at Taronga include wombats, penguins, giraffes (which you can also feed), Tasmanian devils, Asian elephants, meerkats and Sumatran tigers.
VISIT BONDI BEACH
The first day of 2016 marked my first time visiting Bondi Beach (even though I love the TV show, Bondi Rescue). But it was worth the wait, as I loved my afternoon at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Although we didn’t swim in the sea with the thousands of other frolickers, we walked. Our walk took us from the beach, to the Icebergs and then to Tamarama Beach for a much-needed ice-cream break. There may be a lot of hype surrounding Bondi, but I have to say it is legitimate.
CLIMB THE SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE
At 134 metres above sea level, Sydney BridgeClimb offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the harbour. There are climbs at dawn, during the day, twilight and at night. It takes 3.5 hours to climb the bridge, but there is also an express version and a sampler, for those afraid of heights. It’s expensive, but I think the views are undoubtedly worth it.
ENJOY AN UNIQUE CRUISING EXPERIENCE
I think Ucruise Sydney may be the epitome of fun. The company offers different boat options, depending on how big your party is. The floating lounge caters for up to 12 people, while the company also hires out catamarans for groups of 20 to 30 people. The boats are skippered by professionals who know the best spots to take you around the harbour. There are catering and BYO options too, so Ucruise definitely have everything sorted. From hen’s parties to Christmas functions, definitely check these guys out for an unforgettable experience. All I can think about is the epic photo opportunities #travelbloggerproblems.
EAT AND INSTAGRAM THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA
The Grounds of Alexandria is more than just a restaurant and bar. It’s also home to a coffee roastery, bakery, florist, animal farm and sustainable garden. It really is an urban sanctuary in an industrial suburb. We ate at the Potting Shed when we visited. It felt like we were eating in a greenhouse, and I loved the garden accents seen from the cups to the menus to the food presentation (like, my cheeseburger came out on a shovel). But perhaps my favourite Grounds initiative is the Instagram printer. Post a photo on Instagram with the correct hashtag (ask staff) and the photo will print out automatically (with a Grounds background) at a printer near the cafe’s entry. These guys know their Instagram, with over 112,000 followers.
SOAK UP THE SCENERY AT THE ROCKS
Walking around The Rocks is like stepping back in time. It is the site of the first European settlement in Australia, so it’s as old and historic as Australia gets. The Rocks are located near the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, so you are definitely right in the heart of the action. Walking around the area also allows you to capture these landmarks from a different perspective. I recommend visiting on the weekend when the excellent markets are happening.
TAKE A DAY TRIP
I know that taking a day trip isn’t a fun thing to do IN Sydney, but it is fun nonetheless. You could head along the south coast and its many beach towns, or head west to the beautiful Blue Mountains. I have heard nothing but good things about day trips and weekends in the Blue Mountains, which is on my list for future trips to Sydney.
BUT THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO SYDNEY…
This is just the beginning of the fun adventures and attractions awaiting you in Sydney. Obviously a lot of the fun can be found around Sydney Harbour, but don’t forget about the suburbs. I have heard very good things about the food and drinks scene in Surry Hills, as well as the street art in Newtown.
Do you have any Sydney tips to share?
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This post is sponsored by UCruise Sydney. Thank you for supporting the companies that support Hayley on Holiday!
Bondi Beach reminds me of the Modern Family episode, where they all went to visit Australia. It’s probably my favourite episode of all time!
I never thought it would look as blue and beautiful as it did. I loved that episode too! :)