Eight ways to give your clients fresh perspectives on Sydney
From sunrise to sunset, out on the water, up high in the air or exploring on foot, we scout out some fresh angles on Australia’s most visited city
If you’re crafting an Australia itinerary, there’s a good chance it’ll include Sydney, especially for first-timers. In 2019, New South Wales reported 4.2 million international arrivals, one million more than the second-most-visited state, Victoria. Its gateway city, Sydney, is usually the first stop on an Australian itinerary – it has the largest airport in the country and a great number of attractions, not forgetting a show-stopping harbour and plenty of beaches to relax on. Maximise your clients’ time there with these recommendations.
CLASSIC SUNSET CRUISE
Leaving from the wharfside of Woolloomooloo’s heritage-listed wool-packing warehouses – which now harbour a five-star Ovolo hotel – a 90-minute sunset voyage, with a maximum of 12 passengers, onboard classic wooden cruiser Suellen is an intimate way to see the harbour lights.
Why I loved it: Out on the water, sipping margaritas and snacking on Italian canapes as the sky blazed orange and pink above Sydney Harbour Bridge was a dreamy and decadent way to soak in the city sights. Stay and cruise packages from AU$899 for two; ovolohotels.com/ovolo/woolloomooloo
KAYAK AT DAWN
This two-hour sunrise kayaking tour leaves from Lavender Bay just before dawn, reaching Sydney Harbour Bridge in time for sunrise and photos. Operating five to six times per week, two guides supply thermos flasks of hot coffee or tea before launching small groups of paddlers of all experience levels onto the calm bay.
Why I loved it: Bobbing gently in the heart of the harbour sipping tea in the soft morning light, as the city slowly stirred to life around me, is something I will never forget. It was an early start, but the rewards were 360-degree views of the world’s most picturesque harbour at its quietest and most atmospheric. From AU$155pp; sydneybykayak.com.au
SECRET SHORES BY BOAT
Departing Circular Quay every day at 9.45am, the two-and-a-half-hour Sydney Icons, Bays and Beaches tour onboard a small plush boat divulges local secrets for travellers, visiting a penguin colony, hidden beaches and historic places such as the old Quarantine Station with the chance to swim and stroll on the shore.
Why I loved it: The boat tour offered the ultimate recce of Sydney’s deeply indented shores and islets, and I was excited to spot seals lolling on the dockside. From AU$159pp; sydneyharbourboattours.rezdy.com
NEIGHBOURHOOD WALKS
Inner city suburbs and pretty precincts such as Potts Point and Piedmont are brought to life on these guided walks where locals share their passion for the city. Each leisurely walk lasts for a few hours and includes refreshments at great spots visitors would be hard pressed to discover alone.
Why I loved it: I really got to know the city with architectural urbanist Ben leading the way through recently gentrified Kings Cross (private Architectural Walkabout group tour from $1,208 for up to six people; splendourtailoredtours.com.au), and bright-eyed guide Justin telling a working history of the city on the way to meet talking cockatoo Georgie at the outback-style Friend in Hand pub (Hidden Sydney tour from AU$50pp; localsaucetours.com.au)
DREAMTIME BRIDGE CLIMB
A unique take on the challenge of ascending the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Burrawa BridgeClimb runs at 9.15am and 1.45pm on the last Saturday of every month accompanied by an Aboriginal storytelling guide. Participants require good mobility for the ladders and 1,332 steps. Wide walkways and safety harnesses mean even those with a fear of heights will feel fairly secure.
Why I loved it: Guide Shoon weaves First Nations rituals and tales into the experience, such as dabbing ourselves with protective war paint in preparation for scaling the giant steel arch. Forming a line to do the Aboriginal serpent dance at the top was the icing on the cake. From AU$328; bridgeclimb.com
IMMERSIVE OYSTER TOURS
Glamorous third-generation oyster farmer Sheridan showcases Sydney’s rock oysters and the beautiful natural environment where they are harvested around the mouth of the Hawkesbury River on these Sydney Oyster Farm Tours by boat. Small-group tours operate several times per week.
Why I loved it: Aside from the novelty of shucking oysters and sipping champagne while wearing waders and waist-deep in water, gourmet lunch at secluded Hungry Beach was divine. The chance to explore Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park’s green peninsulas and glimpse Aboriginal rock paintings was an added bonus. From AU$295; sydneyoystertours.com
WORLD-CLASS ART
The newly expanded Art Gallery of New South Wales offers a fresh take on Australia through the prism of art. Housing a world-class collection of historic and contemporary creations, the new £192 million Sydney Modern extension that debuted in December is the most significant cultural development in Sydney since the opening of the Opera House and is now one of Australia’s greenest buildings.
Why I loved it: A focus on Australian and Aboriginal artists helped me see the continent through the eyes of its inhabitants – from the impressions of newly arrived colonials to protest art from indigenous Torres Strait Islanders. General admission free; artgallery.nsw.gov.au
WILD OVERNIGHT RETREAT
Built around the bushland of Taronga Zoo with transfixing views down to the harbour, Taronga Wildlife Retreat offers guests the chance to stay overnight in a luxe safari-style room with iconic Australian creatures such as koalas, wallabies and echidnas roaming around outside. Packages include zoo access and a tour of the retreat’s special sanctuary precinct.
Why I loved it: Snuggling up with a koala snoozing right outside my window was the ultimate Down Under experience. Classic Retreat package from AU$595 for two sharing; taronga.org.au
Book it: Hayes & Jarvis offers a tailor-made 14-night Australia itinerary including four nights in Sydney, plus Melbourne, Kangaroo Island, Uluru and Great Barrier Reef, from £6,690pp, based on two people sharing and including Singapore Airlines flights and transfers; hayesandjarvis.co.uk
Welcome to my Sydney
Shona Davidson, guide, Burrawa BridgeClimb Sydney:
Why should visitors come to Sydney? People should visit Sydney because it’s such a pristine harbour and important part of Australia’s history and culture.
What do you love most about it? There is so much opportunity in this big city, places to visit, explore and get lost in. Not just the touristy places, but finding little signs of our history while walking around bustling streets and idyllic national parks.
Where’s your favourite spot? It’s got to be Shelly Beach in Manly. It’s where my best friend and I snorkel every week, exploring a beautiful cabbage reef among the vibrant fish and sharks. Plus it’s where my fiance and I had our first date.
What’s the best bit about guiding tours? I love seeing people’s faces light up as I share our stories. Helping people learn about Australia’s history is incredibly important, so that we never forget.
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