Why Sydney Harbour?
Inside the Royal Botanical Gardens
Sydney Harbour has so much going for it. When you spend time away from Sydney you appreciate the beautiful harbour even more. The great news is, there are fun leisure activities to do around the harbour without breaking the bank. Below you will discover the top things that I, as a veteran Sydneysider in addition to being a Melburnian simultaneously, recommend if you are wanting to explore Sydney Harbour's hot spots. You can pick and choose your activities for the day.
Catch a Manly Ferry
Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0
The ever so popular
Manly Ferry is a treat. Sure you can go on the Manly Fast Ferry, yet I am referring to that big yellow and green ferry that takes around half an hour to get to Manly Wharf from Circular Quay. For around $13 return, it is like going on a cheaper cruise. Expect a few crowds, and get to the gate as early as you can in order to get a great spot outside, especially on a warm day. If you don't mind people taking heaps of photos of the Harbour Bridge, then all the better. Bring a jumper just in case (in winter it is a given) as the ferry approaches the heads, where things can get extremely windy, and be prepared to get a little wet once in a while depending on the tides. Departs at Circular Quay wharf number three.
Go to Taroonga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is a great place to take children out for their birthday's, and is also a great vantage spot for the New Years Eve celebrations in Sydney. A great, enjoyable day out if you love animals while catching glimpses of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Needs to be visited at least once to be appreciated. The ferry trip to the zoo at Mosman takes around 12-15 minutes from Circular Quay. Be prepared to take plenty of pictures.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Above the Opera Bar
Eating out and drinking along Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay East has a lot to offer. Any of the outlets there are truly worth it, yet the Opera House area brings you closer to the Harbour Bridge with a bit more action and buzz. You might be lucky to enjoy some live jazz on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Think establishments such as the
Opera Bar, and the
Cloudy Bay Fish Co.
Spend time in the Botanical Gardens
Sydney's Royal Botanical Gardens provide a great chill out spot, and a great way to immerse yourself in nature, while still in the city. The park benches are trendy, and the lakes are worth a view. There are great vantage points to the Harbour Bridge, and a great mini scenic walk to Woolloomooloo.
Yoga at Sydney Harbour
Photo: Trollderella (Wikimedia Commons)
Yoga at the
Boy Charlton Pool is a different way to enjoy your yoga, and each class goes for around 90 minutes. To the front of you is a view of Sydney Harbour near Woolloomooloo, and to the back of you is a lot of greenery. You can stroll back through the Botanical Gardens to reach Circular Quay, or walk back to the Doman towards the city centre. For around $20 a casual visit, it's great value, and mats are provided.
Harry's Cafe de Wheels & Woolloomooloo
Woolloomooloo Bay
Hot dogs with mashed potatoes and peas is the order of the day at
Harry's Cafe de Wheels . Come here hungry and enjoy a satisfying lunch, If hot dogs are not your cup of tea, then go for the filling pies. Otherwise the wharf area is great to walk around with many other quality eateries.
