If you’re planning a trip to Australia and need recommendations for the best adventures in Sydney, you’ve come to the right place! Often mistaken for Australia’s capital, Sydney is New South Wales’s state capital. It’s a vibrant city home to the iconic Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, golden, sandy beaches, and large national parks. Treat yourself to an Australian holiday by buying a flight to Sydney—once there, find your perfect adventure in Sydney with this guide to adventurous things to do in Sydney!
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Adventure Activities Sydney: Adventure Things to Do in Sydney
The first must-see adventure in Sydney is exploring the city’s beautiful ocean pools. Built in the 1800s, these pools offer swimmers the pleasures of the ocean without the threat of sharks. They’re some of the top Sydney adventure activities among locals and tourists. Some pools are well-known, while others are tucked off the beaten path. Conde Nast Traveler has an extensive list of Sydney’s ocean pools, so check it out before heading out for a swim.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Sydney Tours: Click here to check out the top Sydney tours
Best Sydney Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Sydney
Best Sydney Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Sydney
2. Hike Through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
A list of the best adventure things to do in Sydney would be incomplete without a trek through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. If you’re up for a walk that spans more than four kilometers, check out the Red Hands Cave trail. The route takes you through one of the park’s most famous Aboriginal heritage sites, where you’ll see rock art and engravings and a cave with ochre handprints.
The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and admission is free.
3. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge offers one of the best adventures in Sydney. Sydney Harbour Bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world, which opened to the public in 1932. Tourists can walk or cycle across the bridge or climb to the top for breathtaking, panoramic views with BridgeClimb Sydney.
Climbing experiences are available from sunrise to sunset—ticket prices must be confirmed via the official website. This is an unforgettable adventure in Sydney!
4. Sail Across Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors and offers some of the top adventurous things to do in Sydney. Its sparkling blue waters, beaches, and botanic gardens are delightful—exploring by boat, ferry, or harbor cruise is ideal.
You can book many boating experiences, government ferries, and private cruises online. Confirm the opening and closing times and ticket prices before your sailing trip.
5. Dive Into the Sydney Seas
Wrapping up this list of the best Sydney adventure activities is embarking on a snorkeling or diving tour. Local certified divers will teach beginners how to snorkel and dive in Sydney’s beautiful ocean waters. Sydney has several award-winning dive centers, so research online and call ahead to book your diving adventures in Sydney.
Adventure Activities Sydney: Booking Your Flight
You can book your tickets here with Cathay Pacific. Our mission is to help you make the most out of your travels. Your journey matters as much to us as it does to you. That’s why we’re here to help you on your way, to make the most of everything that lies ahead. Book your flights to Sydney today and experience an unforgettable flight and holiday like never before!
Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out these options!
The Pacific House
YHA Sydney Harbour
YHA Sydney Central
Sydney Travel Guide Planning
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m traveling?
I strongly recommend using Bookaway. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.
I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Adventures in Sydney: Final Thoughts
This guide to the top adventure things to do in Sydney is all you need for an incredible trip to Australia! Sydney has many unique and unforgettable experiences, so you will have a fantastic time. Plan to spend at least a week in Australia to explore all the adventure activities Sydney offers.