Jørn Utzon never really revealed his inspiration behind the Sydney Opera House’s design, but once you’ve taken a good look at it, it doesn’t matter if you see a sail, shell or a frond. You’ve just witnessed one of the greatest architectural wonders mankind has ever created. Then, there’s the giant steel coat hanger next to it, the legendary Harbour Bridge, shouldered by its sandstone pylons. Climb it, stroll across it, ride through it — either way, you’ve conquered another Sydney icon.
But what’s next? How do you keep the momentum going? A classic visitor conundrum… but this blog is your antidote. Sydney’s got bucket-list activities in spades, and over the years, I was lucky enough to explore most of them. So, if you’ve already ticked off the big two, let’s dive into the next best things to do in Sydney.
Join a cabaret sensation on the harbour
What if I tell you there’s a floating time machine on the harbour that takes you back to the 90s, courtesy of a razzle-dazzle cabaret with sequins, showgirls and the right amount of sass. I still remember the first time on board the Showboat Dinner Cruise, I was straight up living the A-lister life for three straight hours. I mean, what’s not to love about cruising past the lit-up Opera House and Harbour Bridge, while glamorous showgirls belt out hair-raising vocals and whip out mesmerising dances. Add in a delicious three-course meal, and it becomes a full-blown harbour experience.
And it’s not just for visitors. I’ve been on the Showboat twice, and both times, there were locals celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. No wonder it’s been a crowd-favourite since 1987!
Escape to a UNESCO harbour island
The largest island on Sydney Harbour has worn many hats; a former penal settlement and naval shipyard, and now, a precious gem that you can access via ferry. No, Cockatoo Island is not a dreary history lesson. In fact, it’s the only Sydney Harbour island where you can legally camp on site, ‘Sherlock’ your way through historical buildings (or whatever’s left of them) and taste some bloody good cuppa coffees. The island also plays host to a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year, including the famous Biennale of Sydney.
If you’re exploring Sydney with your partner, then nothing’s more romantic than glamping under the stars at this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island! And don’t even get me started on those sweeping views of the harbour and the gorgeous city skyline! All of this, without even leaving the city — yes, welcome to Sydney!
Listen to a street art — it’s free
I stumbled upon ‘Forgotten Songs’ while I was taking a shortcut to the light rail; apparently even my navigation doesn’t discover street art. Suspended high above Angels Place, ‘Forgotten Songs’ is an art and ornithology masterpiece, where scores of empty bird cages dangle down — a tribute to the 50+ birds that once filled Sydney’s skies. Each cage chimes with the incredible calls of the long-vanished birds that have either been pushed to the fringes or drowned out completely due to the accelerated urban development.
The fascinating part about this street art is that it changes with the time of day; the morning birds sing during the day, while the nocturnal birds call out at night. I remember the first time I stood in those laneways, listening to the eerie/mystical songs between the skyscrapers — it was like discovering Sydney’s secret poetry. It’s free, easily accessible and makes for a great ‘guess where I’m at’ post on Instagram.
All about the beaches
Sydney has at least 100 beaches, so why stop at just Bondi? Sure, it’s iconic but it’s like the Times Square of beaches; crowded, loud and tons of influencers with their ring lights. While everyone’s busy at Bondi, you can sneak off to the equally stunning Balmoral in Mosman where calm waters, golden sands and lush surroundings make for a lazy day. You can actually listen to the sound of waves crashing against the shores here. Plus, the netted swimming area keeps you safe from turning your swim into a scene from the Jaws.
Or, you can head to Bronte, one of my go-to spots on a lazy summer Saturday. The waves here are more consistent, the natural rock pools practically beg you for a dip and the free-to-use Bronte Baths is a ‘gram game changer. My typical beach day here concludes with a picnic sandwich in the surrounding parklands.
Sydney is ginormous, and even a month here wouldn’t scratch the surface. So, when you’re done admiring the two icons, try out these amazing activities. Thank me later!