Sydney is a city that is connected by many waterways from the rivers flowing into the famous harbour to the oceans on the coastlines. But instead of admiring them from afar, there are tons of water activities in Sydney that you can actually do in and around the water, and they’re actually worth it!
Sydney Harbour Cruises
You can’t have a “must-try” blog about Sydney and water without mentioning the harbour – the crown jewel of the city! And the best way to explore it is on a Sydney Harbour cruise.
There are plenty of options, from basic sightseeing cruises with commentary to elegant dinner cruises in Sydney, some that even combine a multi-course meal with live entertainment. No matter what you choose, you are guaranteed the best slice of Sydney Harbour and its iconic attractions!
Imagine cruising past the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge on board one of these vessels. Seeing the city from the water just hits differently with the wind in your hair, the open space and that spectacular skyline shifting as you move. If you want to see the harbour, famous city landmarks and have a meal, these cruises are highly recommended.
Figure 8 Pools Walk & Swim
Now this one is a bit more adventurous. The Figure 8 pools in Sydney are natural rock pools shaped almost perfectly like the number 8! You can find them at the Royal National Park.
Getting there is not a casual stroll. You’ll need to hike, and while parts of the trail might be steep and rocky, the destination is so worth the trip. Once you reach the pools, you will be rewarded with clear water and warm rocks. You are surrounded by raw coastal scenery. Many people like to swim in the bigger pools while others like to dip their feet in and just enjoy the vibe.
Here’s the important part – this is one of those experiences where planning matters. You should only go when the tide is low; it can be very dangerous during high tide or rough surf. Wear shoes that have good grip, bring water and snacks.
Parramatta River Kayaking
If you want something more active in the city, kayaking down the Parramatta River is a solid option. This side of the city is less touristy, which means no boat traffic. You’ll pass under bridges, see parks and fields along the bank.
You don’t need to be an expert to try this. There are many guided tours and kayak rentals available. What’s especially nice about kayaking here is the pace. You can stop, float for a bit and keep your eyes peeled for birds and local wildlife!
Kayaking in the morning is recommended if you want to enjoy Sydney without noise. The water is usually calmer, and you don’t have to worry about people.
Bondi Beach Surfing
Now this one is almost a Sydney classic. Bondi Beach is probably the most famous beach in Australia, drawing over thousands of people every year! Plus, it’s a great place to surf.
The waves at Bondi are quite beginner-friendly, though they can get strong on some days. If you’ve never surfed before, don’t worry. There are plenty of surf schools around that offer beginner lessons. They’ll teach you basics like how to stand, balance and read the waves.
Even if you’re not into surfing, just being in the water here is fun. The energy of the place is hard to miss with people swimming, sunbathing and playing beach volleyball. It’s a quintessential Sydney day experience!
What makes the city so special is that you can mix different kinds of water experiences into one trip. You can start your day kayaking on a quiet river, hike to hidden natural pools, catch the sunset on the beach and end your night with a dinner cruise on the harbour.
So if you’re visiting, try at least one of them and see why Sydney and water go hand in hand!