If it is your first time to Sydney, a city walking tour is a great way to not only familiarise yourself with the city but also learn about its rich history, famous landmarks and beautiful flora and fauna. Best known for its iconic harbour front, you will quickly discover that Sydney is made up of diverse urban villages with their own distinct characteristics.
When arriving in a new destination the one thing we recommend is to get out and walk. The world passes you by a little slower and you seem to absorb things a little more. Plus it’s a great way to tackle the jetlag head on! Talk to the locals and use the transport system that carries thousands of people every day.
That being said, we don’t want you aimlessly walking around a new city not knowing which way to turn or what to look for. That’s why it is best to have a private, local guide that knows the tapestry of the city and can show you their home town. We can arrange a guide to meet you at tour hotel and start the tour from there. They will talk you through the day and find out if you have any particular interests so the day can be tailored to you. Depending on where you are staying, most tours begin in the Rocks area, Sydney’s birthplace. Explore convict built cottages; hear the stories of our wild past and how the country was discovered and was transformed into what it is today.
You eventually skirt around the harbour past the iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge and end up at the gates to the Botanic Gardens to view Australia’s native plants, including Aboriginal “Bush Tucker”. We visit other areas of interests like Hyde Park and the Archibald Fountain, St Mary’s Cathedral and the QVB building (for great shopping boutiques).
Along the way, your guide can point out restaurants or cafes to try whilst you are in town or perhaps talk to you about local shows and exhibits.
2. Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk
Most people express an interest in visiting Bondi Beach during their time in Sydney. We say go that little bit further and enjoy the Coogee to Bondi Walk, one of Sydney’s most popular (and iconic) coastal walks. We think it’s best to do it in that order too! Not only is it easier in this direction as it is mostly downhill, the views of Bondi are spectacular and a great a reward at the end! The walk takes about 1.5 – 2 hours or 6kms long depending on your fitness levels and how often you stop to swim. I would recommend taking a break at Bronte Beach, they have a strip of cafes that overlook the beach and it is a great almost halfway point. The Beach at Tamarama further along the track is a great place to stop for a swim; it’s a patrolled beach so it’s important to swim between the flags. After your walk I would suggest either stopping for lunch or a drink at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, Bondi’s best restaurant with spectacular views.
3. Kuring-Gai National Park, Basin Trail
If this is your second or third time visiting Sydney or you are looking for an adventure beyond the city, you must go to the Kuring-Gai National park. One of our favourite walks is the Basin Trail. It’s not the easiest to access on your own so we definitely recommend travelling with a local guide. The walk follows mostly management trail and heads across the plateau away from West Head Rd, with a great side trip to Aboriginal rock engravings and The Basin Dam. Its a lovely, relatively remote yet safe walk, that curves its way through the heath of the plateau and down through the forest to a large clearing and facilities of The Basin. The Basin itself is a great place for a swim, see wallabies and goannas in the wild and a plethora of wild birds. There is a ferry service from the Basin across to Palm Beach which offers a range of cafes and restaurants for lunch. There are direct bus services that will take you back into the city. The L90 departs every 20-30 minutes depending on what day of the week you are there. Alternatively a private car transfer can be arranged ahead of time.
4. Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach Walk
For something a little closer to the city yet still on the adventurous side, try the Taronga Wharf and Balmoral Beach Walk. It begins with a short ferry ride across the harbour. You begin the walk from the base of Taronga Zoo, explore Sydney’s bushland and the stunning bays along the way. The walk also explores a historic section of the harbour, including the fortifications at Bradley’s Head and Chowder Bay. The walk not only promises spectacular views across the harbour, you will see waterfalls, rainforests and unique wildlife. You finish the walk at Balmoral Beach, a popular local’s spot that has a range of cafes and restaurants you can stop at for lunch or afternoon tea. You might even decide to take advantage of the calm waters of the bay and rent a stand up paddle board. You can return to the city by bus or a private car transfer can be arranged.
5. Sydney Bar and Laneways Tour
More of a night owl? The Sydney Bar and Laneways Tour is a great way to experience Sydney’s bustling nightlife. Take an evening journey through Sydney’s emerging small bar scene while exploring the city. The mantra of this tour is “walk a little, eat a little and drink a little”. Discover the small bars that are popping up around the city in heritage buildings and laneways. Commencing at 6.30pm, your private guide will meet you at your hotel to being the walking tour. Pass by stone built cottages, through sandstone laneways and uncover the stories of the convicts, colonists, soldiers and sailors. The evening finishes at around 9.30pm back at your hotel. Alternatively you might decide to stay out and discover more of Sydney’s nightlife.
