Top Sydney Outdoor Activities - page 3

Located on the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Taronga Zoo is home to thousands of fascinating animals, including Australian natives such as the koala, kangaroo, and platypus. Check the schedule for daily keeper presentations, or book an animal encounter or guided tour (own expense) for a more in-depth experience.

Cruise the ocean waters to look for humpback and southern right whales as they migrate between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Your whale-watching experience starts from Sydney Harbour and heads to the open ocean on a custom-built catamaran with large viewing windows and spacious decks that provide excellent sightlines. Often, dolphins, seabirds, and other marine animals make an appearance during the whale-watching tour, which lasts a couple of hours.

The world’s most beautiful harbour deserves the very best cruise to experience it. Choose from two spectacular options, the Harbour Experience aboard our premier sightseeing fleet or, enhance your cruise with the Premium Harbour Experience to enjoy a house beverage of your choice and a Cheese & Charcuterie board to share, as you cruise by the majestic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison and other top sights on this 1.5 hour cruise. Listen to commentary straight from your smartphone, relax into your seat or choose to venture up to the upper open-air deck as you marvel at the beauty of Sydney Harbour.

Enjoy sweeping views of Sydney Harbour during a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight over Sydney. If you’re short on time in the city or just want to see a lot in one go, take to the skies for a quick flight with stunning panoramic views. Check off Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge without having to walk anywhere or struggle through the crowds.

Escape the crowds on land and admire Sydney’s top landmarks—including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House—on an evening dinner cruise that includes a 3-course meal with food and wine sourced from New South Wales. Sailing at sunset means that you can admire Sydney Harbour when it's at its most photogenic, while a top deck provides you with panoramic views of the scenery.

Exploring the Blue Mountains works best with flexible timing and a route tailored to your interests. This private tour includes hotel pickup and a local guide who adjusts the day to suit your pace. Start with a visit to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park to see native animals such as koalas and wombats, then continue into the Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy viewpoints and walking stops, with the option to ride a cable car for views of Katoomba Falls, and learn about Aboriginal culture along the way.

During migration season, humpback whales travel the coastline around Sydney—but to maximize your chances of spotting them, you need to venture out into open water. On this express whale-watching cruise, sail past Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, and into the open waters of the Pacific. Once out at sea, keep your eyes peeled as the crew helps you spot pods of whales swimming around the boat.

Save yourself the guesswork of finding a restaurant with a view and secure guaranteed window seating at Sydney Tower’s revolving restaurant. Dine nearly 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the city as the restaurant completes a full rotation, revealing changing views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and even the Blue Mountains on clear days. Enjoy an unlimited buffet with more than 30 dishes, plus an included drink.

Experience a close encounter with humpback whales—without having to leave the city—on this thrilling speedboat tour from Sydney. Hop on board the city’s fastest commercial ship and set off across Sydney Harbour, past landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Head out into the Tasman Sea, where you have the chance to spot whales swimming and playing in their natural habitat.

Jump onboard Ocean Extreme's smallest most personal vessel for a unique boutique whale watching experience. This vessel has a capacity of only 12 passengers making it the smallest whale watching tour available in Sydney. Experience the thrill of whale watching on a small RIB, offering an intimate and exhilarating adventure that larger vessels can't match. Our high-speed boat ensures you reach prime whale-watching areas quickly, maximizing your time with these magnificent creatures. The tour is led by an experienced crew who provide informative commentary on the whales' behaviors and the marine environment. This unique combination of speed, comfort, and expert guidance ensures an unforgettable and immersive whale-watching experience.

Escape the city and explore the Kiama Coast region on this full-day adventure. Starting out from Sydney, explore bushland, forests, farmlands, and beaches, and enjoy panoramic views along the route, which includes clifftop lookouts and multiple viewpoints. Look out for indigenous wildlife, walk across secluded beaches, and snap scenic photos. Enjoy a more personal experience on this small-group tour led by a local guide.

Experience Sydney Harbour in a unique way: during a 30-minute wild ride on 'Thunder', a jet boat capable of slides, twists, wave riding, and fishtails. Enjoy some sightseeing between tricks with views of Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House, Rose Bay and other famous Harbour landmarks.

Relax and admire the sights of Sydney Harbour on a leisurely two-hour cruise. Sit out on the deck or inside in the comfy lounge or at a reserved table as you sip cocktails and snack on a charcuterie board with Australian cheeses. Take great photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and other landmarks as you sail past. On the weekends listen to live music on board.

Planning an active day in the Blue Mountains—including its standout viewpoints and walking tracks—can be tricky if you don't have your own car. This guided day trip from Sydney simplifies the experience with a well-paced itinerary that includes morning tea and wildlife encounters at Calmsley Hill Farm, followed by a quieter perspective of the Three Sisters from the lesser-known Eaglehawk Lookout. Continue with a scenic, self-guided hike from Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap, with time for a relaxed picnic lunch, then visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mt. Tomah.

Experience the beauty and history of the Blue Mountains on this private full-day tour. Ride a cable car for views of the Jamison Valley and admire the Three Sisters rock formation. Visit Scenic World and ride the steepest railway, and stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park en route. This tour is ideal for visitors who want to get out of the city for a day.

Discover Sydney Harbour your way with the flexible hop-on hop-off ferry pass. Cruise between must-see destinations like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, and Manly—all while enjoying unbeatable views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Luna Park from the water. With frequent departures throughout the day, you can hop on and off as often as you like. Stay longer at the spots you love, skip the ones you don’t, and set your own pace. Spacious indoor and outdoor seating ensures a comfortable ride—rain or shine. Want to dive deeper into the city’s stories? Optional geo-tagged smartphone commentary is available in seven languages, letting you tune in when you’re curious and tune out when you’d rather just enjoy the moment. No live guides, no fixed schedule—just Sydney, on your terms.

Enjoy an in-depth experience of Sydney Taronga Zoo on a guided tour with a zoo guide who introduces you to Australian native animals including koalas and kangaroos. Learn more than you could on your own. This small-group tour is limited to ten people and includes admission tickets to Taronga Zoo.

Indulge your inner foodie as you discover the fine wines and culinary delights of Australia’s famous Hunter Valley. Set out from Sydney on a full-day trip, stopping to enjoy tours and tastings at the region’s most prestigious boutique wineries. Along the way, tuck into a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and sample regional cheeses and chocolates.

Leave the bustle of Sydney behind during a full-day tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Head off the usual tourist trail to visit hidden spots that most travelers don't know about, and gain valuable insight thanks to the local knowledge of your guide. Throughout the day, enjoy highlights such as spotting native Australian wildlife—such as koalas and kangaroos—and snap photos at multiple scenic stops, including the Three Sisters and Govetts Leap.

Enjoy an exhilarating half-day sailing cruise on Sydney Harbour aboard a luxury yacht with an experienced captain. Take in stunning views of Sydney's waterside landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Mrs. Macquaries Chair, Fort Denison, Watsons Bay, Sydney Heads and more. Anchor in a secluded bay in Sydney Harbour National Park with time for beach walks, swimming, snorkeling and a delicious lunch with Australian wine and beer. This small-group tour is limited to eight people, ensuring a personalized experience with your knowledgeable captain.

Enjoy a full day out exploring both the highlights of the Blue Mountains, the Featherdale Wildlife sanctuary, and finishing with a river cruise ending at the Opera House. Some of the sights you’ll see in the Blue Mountains are the Grand Canyon, The 3 Sisters, Echo Point, and Kootomba Falls (plus more). You’ll see koalas and kangaroos at the sanctuary, and the iconic boat ride to finish the day.

Be immersed in the beauty of the UNESCO–listed Blue Mountains National Park for a day. During this day trip from Sydney, go off the beaten track while exploring magnificent valleys, rivers, and gorges with an expert guide. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park en route, then hike in the Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains and take in the views from several lookouts. Round-trip hotel transfers are included for your convenience.

Enjoy an evening of fine dining and spectacular views on a dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour. Indulge your tastebuds with a meal that includes six superb courses accompanied by Penfolds gold selection of bin and vintage wines and a full open bar. Listen to live music on weekends while soaking in iconic sights of Sydney such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Discover a new perspective on spectacular Sydney Harbour—and enjoy a gourmet accompaniment to your sightseeing—on this lunchtime cruise. Hop aboard the 78-foot (24-meter) vessel at Darling Harbour and enjoy immaculate views of sights including the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and Luna Park. Then, tuck into a gourmet à la carte lunch, spanning Hunter Valley beef to fresh seafood, with beer and local, sommelier-picked wines to go with.