There are many days’ worth of activities and entertainments at Sydney Harbour, beginning with a Harbour Bridge walk. Ferries and boat cruises are also available for taking in the views and you can even dine while cruising the harbour. Whether you choose a ferry or a jet speed boat, the Taronga Zoo is just a boat ride across the bay. You can even take a one-hour walking tour behind the scenes at the world-famous Sydney Opera House.
Harbour Bridge Walk
This is a free activity that requires moderate fitness to accomplish. The huge span of the bridge is breathtaking and it’s fun to realize that you are a tiny dot on the superstructure. Ships and smaller boats pass beneath the bridge and the Sydney Opera House can be clearly seen from the pedestrian walkway. There are breathtaking views of the beautiful harbour and the city skyline.
It takes 20 minutes or so to walk entirely across the bridge. If you only want to have the experience one time, the train is available either going or coming back. The departure area is right across from the steps to the pedestrian walkway on the city side of the bridge. For a more involved experience, the 360-degree view Pylon Lookout is reached through a 200-step staircase inside one of the actual bridge pylons.
Lunch and Dinner Cruises
Sightseeing cruises are available from Sydney Harbour, including lunch and dinner cruises. From casual day cruises to evenings with three-course-dinners and live entertainment, this is a relaxing way to see the sights. There are also “hop-on” boat cruises that provide anytime day passes to eight destinations including the Taronga Zoo and Sydney Aquarium.
You can even engage in an exciting activity like jet speed boat riding. Various companies offer fast 30 to 60-minute speed boat rides around the harbour accompanied by music. Most offer videos and photos of the ride as mementos that can be purchased. The tours cover all the main sights, like the Opera House, Fort Denison and the Harbour Bridge.
Taronga Zoo
On the North side of the harbour is the Taronga Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals and a wildlife hospital. The zoo is accessible from the city by a 12-minute ferry ride across the harbour. Once there, you can get around the zoo by escalator, elevator and Skyrail. There are great views of the animals and lots of hands-on activities.
One of the highlights of a visit to the Taronga Zoo is the bird show that takes place over the Sydney Harbour with the city skyline in the background. Food at the park can be expensive, but picnic lunches are allowed. The newest addition to the park is “Wild Ropes,” a climbing adventure with suspension bridges and obstacle courses.
Sydney Opera House Walking Tour
Take a guided one-hour tour of the 1,000 room Sydney Opera House and learn the story of its origin. The tour includes some of the venues in the world-class performing arts center. There are many vantage points from which to take splendid photos of the harbour and city. Tasting tours are available as well, with specialties provided from the Opera House kitchens.
If you have the chance to see a ballet, opera, symphony or dramatic performance here, don’t pass it up! The sound quality and visual splendour of the Sydney Opera House will be one of the highlights of an incredible experience at Sydney Harbour. Whether on the land or on the water, there are so many ways to enjoy your visit!
