If the person you’re planning to gift has a birthday gift bucket list, there’s a good chance there’ll be several Sydney must-do experiences on it. Sydney is Australia’s largest and oldest city. It’s harbour, surf beach suburbs and temperate weather are central to Sydney outdoor lifestyle and water-centric culture.
• Enjoy Australia's Water City
Getting out on the water, into the water or by the water is part and parcel of everyday life in Sydney. This means there are plenty of water-based Sydney experiences to enjoy as a visitor. You could go for a swim at one of Sydney’s many beaches, try your hand at surfing or stand-up paddle boarding, take a ferry ride across the harbour or into the city and explore by kayak or canoe.
Bondi Rescue fans can head down to the beach and try to spot one of their favourite famous lifeguards in real life.
Gift-wise, a good place to start is right in the heart of the action with a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
This is a triple WOW adventure that takes climbers to the Sydney Harbour Bridge peak with spectacular views overlooking one of the world’s most scenic harbours for as far as the eye can see and of course, the Opera House and Darling Harbour. Fun Sydney experiences like this are the perfect gift for an adventurous friend.
The climb is only one of four across the globe and is by far the most famous. Dawn, day and twilight tours have their own special attraction. But fear not, whatever time you choose - it will be the right time for your gift recipient because this adventure is spectacular at any time.
This is hands down a top competitor in the game of Sydney experiences, and is one that should not be missed!
• Sydney Opera House
And why of course, who could forget? The world-famous Sydney Opera House is an iconic must-see for anyone visiting Sydney. It’s one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, set against the equally as stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. The perfect present when looking at unique experience gifts in Sydney. Let them discover more of the history Sydney has.
Coming face to face with such an incredibly designed building is awe-inspiring and may just leave your jaw wide open! They'll enjoy learning about this iconic building.
There are several ways to enjoy this experience gift. A favourite is an evening harbour cruise that sails right past it while you enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles, followed by front-row seats to an evening performance at the architectural feat. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary or any other special occasion with your gift recipient. It is unique gift experiences like this one that'll be remembered forever.
• Circular Quay
If the attractions you’re seeking are in and around the harbour, a ferry from Circular Quay or one of the water taxis can get your gift recipient from point A to point B in no time. They can explore great spots like Watson’s Bay, Rose Bay or Rushcutters Bay where they can dig into platefuls of delicious fresh seafood served to them while at a restaurant on a pier or another top eating spot along the waterfront overlooking the pristine beaches.
• South Sydney Wonders
While you’re on Sydney's south side of town, check out the Figure 8 pools on the coastal rim of Royal National Park. If your gift recipient is up for an early morning walk among the wildflowers and wildlife, finishing with a dip in the most beautiful crystal clear natural rock pools - this gift is definitely worth looking into.
• Blue Mountains
Heading to the hills and another great wilderness area, the Blue Mountains are a truly magnificent destination in Australia. There are lots of experience day tours to look into because this is one of those gift adventures not to be missed. The Blue Mountains National park is enormous - almost 3000 m2 kilometres and has multiple walking trails.
That’s a lot of ground to cover in one day! But a trip to the town of Katoomba and the Three Sisters and will give you breathtaking views of the towering sandstone cliffs and deep blue valleys that seemingly go on forever.
The Blue Mountains is a destination worthy of a multi-day stay, but if your friend only has the day, we have private guided tours that will take them to their places of choice. They can build their itinerary and enjoy being spoilt with a day of personalised attention. We even have gourmet winery tours in the Blue Mountains too if your special someone loves a glass or two.
• Dining Experiences
A perfect experience gift involves good food. Foodies will be in seventh heaven with any of these Sydney experience gifts. There’s an impressive array of top-notch restaurants to choose from. If your friends enjoy good food and wine, then this is the perfect treat for them!
They can indulge in a spot of lunch or dinner at one of Sydney’s exquisite fine-dining establishments. With award-winning chefs, these are some of Australia's favourite places where food is taken seriously and the experience is one to remember.
Or for something different, they can enjoy a unique food and wine experience on Sydney Harbour with an amazing view of the city skyline and bridge as a backdrop. There are many different styles of restaurants by the water to discover.
• Cruise gift ideas
One of our favourite experience gifts in Sydney is a sunset cruise around Sydney Harbour. Cruises make the perfect gifts. Experience gifts on the water make a great day out. They can also take a leisurely lunch or dinner cruise tour and enjoy being waited on while taking in the stunning views. Another fabulous way to see Sydney from a different perspective and tick another item off their Australia bucket list!
• The Rocks
Nestled under the shadow of the Harbour Bridge, The Rocks boasts a plethora of cosy cafes, top-notch restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely day out in Sydney. Your lucky gift recipient can explore its colourful past through guided walking tours or spend time strolling through the bustling weekend markets, which offer an eclectic mix of local arts, crafts, and gourmet food.
• Taronga Zoo
Another must-do in Sydney is a visit to the picturesque Taronga Zoo. Perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour, is more than just a sanctuary for animals; it is also a remarkable experience gift. This gift is perfect for young families, wildlife enthusiasts or first-time visitors to Sydney. The zoo houses over 4,000 animals from around the globe and extraordinary behind-the-scenes experiences and even overnight stays where guests can fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.
• Visit Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is one of Sydney's most vibrant and lively precincts, offering a spectacular array of attractions and experiences that will captivate any visitor. Highlights include the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum. For those looking to unwind, the serene Chinese Garden of Friendship provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
• Local Wine Experiences
If you still need more gift ideas look further outside the city. There is so much to say about Sydney and the surrounding regions it’s hard to fit it all in. However, it would be remiss not to mention the wine-growing region of the Hunter Valley that New South Wales is known for.
The best part of a Hunter Valley experience is getting to know the locals. As is the case with our tour guides, they know the lay of the land and will direct you to all the hidden gems among the hills and gullies.
You can spend days touring the area and discovering new adventures along the way. It’s a good idea to try and catch the local markets. These usually happen on the weekends and the stalls are full of local produce as well as the usual offerings.
How to give experience gifts in Sydney, Australia?
Gifting Owl has you covered for those who have rushed last-minute gifts this year with our one-of-a-kind gift vouchers.
Gifting Owl vouchers were designed to be as flexible as possible to eliminate every single bit of stress that comes with the territory of gift giving to ensure you feel no regret, no matter what you pay!
A Gifting Owl gift voucher has a staggering three-year validity and can be exchanged online completely free of charge, unlike any other vouchers in the country! The value on the voucher can be used on any experience and there is no required minimum spend.
We've all been there, and whilst vouchers can sometimes seem like a cop out, once they get a look at Gifting Owls range of experiences, they'll know that you made a perfect choice. Let them discover their own unique experiences in New South Wales or anywhere around the country or the world.
Let them make their own decision this year with a gift voucher, but promise them you'll be there for an amazing day out no matter what they choose to do in the amazing capital city of Sydney.
Sydney experiences for any occasion
With Sydney experiences you can't go wrong - whether it's a birthday, anniversary, Christmas, or just because, these experience gift ideas make the perfect present for any occasion. And with Gifting Owl, it's easy to save money and pay less for the perfect Sydney experience.
Opt for an Experience Gift this year
When it comes to unique experience gifts many people think that the best option is something materialistic. But an experience gift can be just as valuable - and sometimes even more so - than a physical present.
There are a few reasons why an experience gift is so special. For one thing, they create fun memories that will last a lifetime. And unlike material gifts, which can quickly be forgotten, experience gifts stay with us forever.
Endless Gifting Inspiration
One of the hottest destinations on the South Coast of Australia, the vibrant city of Sydney is brimming with an incredibly fun range of experiences.
From supporting small businesses to embarking on a full day tour with your friends, there are so many special memories made possible with a Gifting Owl purchase. Save money by removing materialistic gifts from your arsenal and gifting them with a Sydney experience that really matters.
You can't go wrong
Gifting Owl has you covered for all occasions, so we've got you covered whether you're looking for a Sydney experience for Christmas presents, a birthday gift, or even something as specific as sightseeing tours.
With experiences to suit all budgets and tastes, you're sure to find the best gift in Sydney.
So what are you waiting for? Get gifting today!
