Australia is probably one of the world’s biggest tourist destinations and the internationally recognized city of Sydney is one of the country’s biggest tourist hot spots. Places like Bondi Beach and the Sydney Opera House are just two great landmarks of the city but what do you do if you’re looking for something a little different? Maybe you want to get to know the city a little more and explore its rich cultural backdrop. There are tons of great things to do in Sydney that is not just lounging on the beach or hanging out at your beachfront rental. If you’re traveling solo we’ve got you covered. Check out these tips and tours if you’re looking for a little solo adventure in Sydney and book one today!
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1. Visit Customs House
Contributed by Tour Guide, Fabrizio Iappelli
For several years after its opening in 1845, the Customs House was the highlight of the city. This landmark bearing Victorian Georgian architecture once accommodated the officials dealing with the trade affairs of the city. If you plan on visiting this place now, you might like to check out its new main attractions. Begin with the Sydney City Model. After, bookworms will be interested in checking out the Sydney City Library before stopping by Café Sydney.
2. Morning or afternoon half day city sightseeing tour
Whether you’re a morning person or not, never fear because we’ve got you covered! Sleep in during your morning and start your tour in the afternoon where you’ll go around the city, seeing all the hot spots around town. If you’re short on time, that’s no problem as the tour is only a four-hour affair. So if you’re new in Sydney and you want a little taste of the city, try this tour. You’ll get to the see the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, just to name a few. On top of that, you’ll get to explore some of the coolest Sydney neighborhoods.
3. Surfing lessons on Bondi Beach
What is Australians’ favorite pass time? No, it’s not drinking or Kangaroo racing, it’s surfing! Feel like a local and learn the art of surfing on the world-famous Bondi beach. Your expert instructor will teach you the basics like how to stand on your board, catching waves and riding the surf. Anyone, from beginners to experts, is allowed to join so there’s something for everyone. You’ll start on the sand where you will learn the basics and once you’re ready, head out to the water. The whole lesson should take around two hours and is a great way to spend a beach day
Book Tours : Surfing Lessons on Sydney's Bondi Beach
4. Whale watching cruise
Maybe surfing isn’t your thing, that’s alright because heading out on a whale watching cruise gives you just as much outdoor time. Cruise right off the coast of Sydney and bring your binoculars so that you can watch the great humpback whale migration from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef. The boat is a large custom-made catamaran with large viewing windows and a spacious deck. Of course, you’ll also probably get up close with other sea creatures as well, like dolphins and seabirds. The tour is about two and half hours and is a great way to spend a sunny day.
Book Tours : Sydney Whale Watching Cruise from Circular Quay
5. Sydney bike tours
What better way to get to know a city than to experience it close up, riding from landmark to landmark? The Sydney bike tour is a perfect way to see the city and have a fun and fascinating look at over 30 different Sydney landmarks. It’s also great exercise! View the iconic Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach and learn about local history and culture. Itineraries range from two and half hour rides to the longer five-hour rides. You are guaranteed to get a good night’s sleep at the end of this tour.
Book Tours : Sydney Bike Tours
6. Taronga Zoo visit
Get up close and personal with the animals of Taronga Zoo. Spanning 21 hectares (51.89 acres), it houses more than 5,000 animals from 350 different species, including the Tasmanian devil, Kangaroo Island kangaroo, and Australian sea lion. Aside from the animals, the zoo also has a cable car for panoramic views, immersive trails, and special Animal Encounters for a closer experience with the animals. Taronga Zoo also aims to improve its visitor experience, upgrading its immersive habitats and precincts as part of the zoo’s overall renewal masterplan.
Book Tours : Taronga Zoo Sydney Ticket
7. History and pub walking tour
Brush up on your history, bring a good pair of walking shoes and get your liver ready! Join a knowledgeable guide as you get close and personal with Sydney’s history. Explore the most scenic and and popular neighborhoods like The Rocks district, an area that dates back to the British Colonial era. Walk through winding alleys and see heritage buildings and convict era artifacts while you learn about the city’s seedy past. Do all that while sipping on craft beers at historic pubs! The tour group is limited to twelve people so the group gets close and you can learn everything there is.
Book Tours : The Rocks History and Pub Walking Tour
8. Sydney Tower bar and dining
The Sydney Tower is one of the best places in town to get a spectacular view of the city. Why not accompany that amazing view with some amazing food! The revolving dining room will give you a 360-degree view of the city, 88 stories off the ground. Choose from the a la carte menu and enjoy some delicious Australian wine while you look out onto the city skyline. The restaurant is an intimate, fine-dining experience with a contemporary Australian-French fusion.
9. Sydney Bridge climb
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is just one of the city’s landmarks so why not get up close and personal by climbing it? The massive structure will offer you some spectacular views of the city that will be unparalleled by anything else. The climb takes about three and half hours with a guide and guests can select which time of the day they prefer to do it. Admire the views of all of the city from the top, just make sure you bring your camera to prove to everyone you did this.
Book Tours : Sydney BridgeClimb
10. Sydney Skywalk
This is probably not for the person afraid of heights, but for those who aren’t, climb the city Skywalk! You’ll be at the top of the city 880 feet (268 meters) above the ground where your view will extend from the Pacific Ocean to the Blue Mountains. Catch a glimpse of all the Sydney landmarks from the Opera House to the Harbour. The floor is made of a (very strong so don’t worry) glass where it feels like you’re walking on air. You’re also attached securely to a safety line for extra protection. You won’t get any better views than this!
Book Tours : Sydney Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye
11. Sydney Opera House and Orchestra dinner package
Experience a culturally-rich evening with some amazing music performed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and a guided tour of one of the world’s most iconic arts venues: the Sydney Opera House. After the symphony, take a stroll over to the Aria Restaurant for a delicious three-course meal or the Bennelong Restaurant for a tasty meal where you can watch your food being made right before your eyes. Admire the beauty of the Opera House while you taste some of the best food Sydney has to offer.
12. Sydney Harbour cocktail dinner cruise
Sure, tons of people see the Sydney Harbour from land but this time, check it out from a boat! This will give people the ultimate viewing platform for the Sydney VIVID festival. Cruise around the harbor and enjoy a one and a half hour dinner cruise and cocktail bar. The buffet-style dinner is delicious and offers amazing views of the Opera House and the amazing light projections by international artists.
Book Tours : VIVID Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
Views from all angles
If you’re visiting Sydney for a short amount of time or even for a long time then there is surely something for any solo traveler to do while you’re here. If you’re into the beach and nature, you’re covered. If you’re into history and the city, you’re covered and if you’re into some thrills and food, you bet there’s something for you! Sydney is an amazing city with tons to see and do. Book a tour and see it for yourself.
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