Sydney Harbour is an iconic Australian destination not to be missed. If your gift recipient is visiting Sydney for the first time or is a local, there are plenty of fun Sydney Harbour activities to gift on Gifting Owl. From luxury yacht cruises to sunset kayaking tours and even climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge - you'll find an experience gift that is perfect for them.
No visit to Sydney is complete without exploring the harbour. Recognisable by the white sails of the Sydney Opera House and of course the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this iconic Australian destination is top of the list for the over 50 million visitors to Sydney each year.
Both visitors and locals love the 240-kilometre Sydney Harbour shoreline as it provides ample opportunities for active outdoor recreation while in the city.
The shoreline boasts some of the country’s best beaches that include :
Apart from lazing on one of the incredible Sydney Harbour beaches, there are also plenty of activities on offer.
Jet Boat Tours
Adrenaline junkies will love a thrilling jet boat experience on the harbour. They’ll fly over the water doing twists and turns at over 75km per hour. They’ll race to each of Sydney Harbour’s most iconic attractions in lightning speed. From underneath the Harbour Bridge, to the Opera House, Luna Park and even Fort Denison.
Kayaking Tours
An active way to explore the harbour at a much slower pace is by kayak. Gifting Owl has multiple Sydney Harbour kayaking options available. Choose a sunrise, daytime or sunset experience to suit their itinerary (or sleep routine). After departing from Point Piper, the tour will proceed to Nielsen's Park for it’s incredible views of the city, bridge and Opera House.
Harbour Cruises
For those that would rather a little luxury treatment, let them sit back and relax on a Sydney Harbour Cruise. Choose from one of many sail boats or catamarans heading out for the day. Or if you’d like an extra lavish experience, choose a seafood cruise that includes a delicious meal while you soak up the sites of Sydney Harbour.
Sydney Photo Tours
The budding photographers and instagram lovers will enjoy a Sydney Harbour photo tour. See the most photo-worthy sites of Sydney on this guided tour. Choose the nighttime option for a unique point of view and a technical lesson on night photography. Make sure you’ve got plenty of battery on your camera or phone, you’ll need it!
Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge
Undoubtedly the most iconic Sydney Harbour activity is climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. One of only 4 bridge climbs in the world, this experience will give you a 360 degree view of the city, harbour and surrounds. A popular option is the sunset or twilight climb, so make sure you book in advance to secure your spot on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sydney Harbour is also home to some of the most scenic walking tracks in Australia. No matter what fitness level or length of walk you’re after, there is a track suited for everyone.
Day Walks In Sydney
On the northern side of the harbour, we recommend the Milsons Point to Lavender Bay walk. This easy 2.5 kilometre walk features views of North Sydney Pool, Lavender Bay Wharf, Luna Park and Wendy’s Secret Gardens. Another local favourite is the walk from Bradleys Head To Balmoral Beach. As far as scenery is concerned, this walk is off the charts. On this 5km walk you’ll stumble upon Bradley’s Head Amphitheatre, Clifton Gardens, Sydney Institute of Marine Science and Middle Head (Headlands) lookout. A good tip if you choose the Balmoral Beach walk is to stop off at the Marine Science Discovery Centre where you can experience a virtual dive in Sydney Harbour!
For those looking for a longer walk we recommend the Manly to Spit 10km walk. Your journey should take between 3-4 hours, depending on how long you stop at the sites along the way. You’ll enjoy 270-degree harbour views at Dobroyd Head Lookout and a swim at Reef Beach or the very popular natural Fairlight tidal swimming pool. If you’re short of time but still want to see what Sydney Harbour has to offer, check out the South Head Heritage Trail, or Watsons Bay walk as the locals call it. This easy 3.6km track is a feat for the eyes, especially if you are blessed with clear blue skies. Along the way you’ll visit candy-striped Hornby Lighthouse, Camp Cove Beach, Old military cannon and even a local nude beach, Lady Bay.
For the boaties there is no better time to visit Sydney Harbour than for the Sydney Harbour Regatta which takes place in March each year. This event brings over 200 yachts and their 2500 crew to Sydney Harbour for a race to the finish line. There’s nothing like seeing Sydney Harbour in full swing during the annual Vivid Festival. This spectacular 2 week+ festival brings together locals and visitors to celebrate light, music and ideas. The harbour itself is lit up in an array of colours each night with 3D projections and art installations. Local cruise operators offer special packages for Vivid Festival where you can enjoy colourful displays on a scenic nighttime Sydney Harbour Cruise.
Finally, we can’t speak about Sydney Harbour light displays without mentioning New Years Eve celebrations. Each year at midnight Sydneysiders and its visitors welcome in the new year with one the most incredible fireworks displays over the harbour. This experience is certainly one for the bucket list.
As one of the most scenic landmarks in Australia, Sydney Harbour has something to offer everyone. Search the range of Gifting Owl experiences in Sydney Harbour that make a fantastic gift to give to a loved one visiting or living in Sydney, Australia.
