Can you get bored in Sydney? No way!
Sydney - Australia
What to do in Sydney, New South Wales
Darling Harbour
I defy anyone to get bored in Sydney. Naturally I understand if you think it is too expensive to do anything. After all Sydney is high on the list of one of the most expensive cities in the world. Coming from South Africa, our weak currency (ZAR) does not go far, therefore we are constantly looking for free things to do. Take a look at what I have found.
Whilst I enjoy spending time outdoors, you may be looking for indoor activities so my interests may not appeal to you. However, much of the outdoor activities are suitable for solo travel, for couples or even families. Most of these places can be explored on foot except for the cost of your transport to get there.
From the first time I set foot in Australia I have loved the design and use of their public spaces. Usually we only have a few weeks at our disposal but we make the most of it and explore the city and suburbs of Sydney.
Centennial Park
Curb your boredom with these activities:
Walk along the coast of Bondi to Coogee
Watch surfers at Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte
Marvel at swimmers battling through waves in pool
Tone those muscles and rip those abs in an outdoor gym
Dip your toes in the ocean
Get your contemporary cultural fix of admiring street art
Discover Sydney’s hidden street and park sculptures
Expand your lungs with clean air at Centennial Park
Join the twitchers and flock around the city
Enjoy Darling Harbour in the daytime
Relive your childhood at Darling Quarter Kids play park
Test your skills at ping-pong
Walk along the coast of Bondi to Coogee
Exploring the eastern beaches on foot is a great way to get some exercise whilst doing sightseeing. If you love walking, the entire stretch is 6 km one way and can be done in 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace and stops.
With five beaches along the way, if you are not keen to walk the entire distance you can choose where to join the walk anywhere in between Coogee, Clovelly, Bronte, Tamarama or Bondi. Along the way you might even find some hidden gems.
Bondi Beach
Watch surfers at Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte
I can barely body surf on a swell that is a meter high but I can appreciate the skills of the surfers as they ride the waves on some of the eastern beaches of Sydney.
Marvel at swimmers battling through waves in a pool
If you are at Bondi, take time to walk towards Icebergs at the southern end of the beach. There is a tidal pool that is open the whole year round and often swimmers doing laps in winter (probably summer too), have to brave the waves as they crash over the walls and their heads into the pool.
Tone those muscles and rip those abs in an outdoor gym
If a coastal walk isn’t enough exercise for you there are places to build that six pack along the way. Personally, at the risk of landing on my head or tearing a muscle, I will just stick to walking, thanks.
Dip your toes in the ocean
With so many sheltered bays and beautiful beaches around Sydney you are sure to find a suitable spot to splash around in the salty water and cool off.
Get your contemporary cultural fix of admiring street art
Street art, a more modern cultural statement has become a most popular artform lately. Some call it art and others call it graffiti. The murals change over the years as artists make a public expression on the walls of Bondi beach.
Discover Sydney’s hidden street and park sculptures
One of my favourite pastimes is to look for art and sculptures while walking in the parks and on the city streets, whether big or small. Sydney has numerous, so keep your eyes peeled.
Expand your lungs with clean air at Centennial Park
Situated in the centre, Centennial Park is flanked by Moore and Queens Parks. Opened in 1888, a functional park for exercise, sport and recreation, there is more than 189 hectares of unrestricted space. Another place to walk, if you are tired of looking at the ocean. Don’t forget to admire the gardens and the wetlands too.
Looking for accommodation?
Join the twitchers and flock around the city
Birdwatching in the city? You would be surprised how many birds there are in Sydney, whether you are walking in a park or along the coast. I’m not a twitcher, but I do enjoy spotting a few feathered species here and there. With the variety of vegetation and wetlands you will be spoilt for choice.
I will admit I am useless at photographing any of the birds smaller than a duck! I might manage to take a reasonable photo if they sit as still as a statue, but they don’t.
Think this one is scared of getting his feet wet?
Enjoy Darling Harbour in the daytime
The pedestrian precinct of Darling Harbour allows you to admire the outstanding architecture, public spaces, ships, water features and sculptures at leisure and on foot without having to spend a thing, unless of course you need some refreshment and sustenance.
Want to see more of Sydney? Why not sit back and relax or explore at your own pace on a Big Bus Tour through one of Australia’s most beautiful cities?
I hear the night life is great too.
Relive your childhood at Darling Quarter Kids play park
Psst! Kids! This one is for you!!
Walking around Darling harbour I came across a little gem. Although I have fallen over the precipice of midlife, I was tempted to go back to my second (or probably my twentieth) childhood. My inner child was dying to escape. Is it just me?
Darling Quarter is a playground for kids at no cost to the parent. It is a great community space used in so many different manners. What appealed to me the most was the splash area in the children’s playground. Give a kid some water to play with and he’ll be amused for ages. Take him to this place and I guarantee you he’ll not want to leave.
Can you imagine the fun while wading through a crafty design which is entertaining as well as educational? There can only be squeals of delight as they dodge joyful water jets. Fascination as well as they watch the flow of water from interesting water scoops through channels to cascades and the Archimedes water screw.
Test your skills at ping-pong
If you are somewhat more subdued than me, you may want to walk on and test your table tennis skills. I love that there are permanent tables outdoors for young and old adults alike to use. Who says only kids can have fun?
These are just a few of the many outdoor activities that can keep you entertained in a small part of Sydney. I am sure you have many more to add to these. Do tell!
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About the Author
ALMA VAN AS | ROAMING FOX
Alma is a South African travel blogger and writer. She hopes to inspire you with facts and fables about her adventures, road trips and international travel.
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I think we would be hard pressed to find someone that doesn’t like butterflies. Who wouldn’t be enchanted?
Beautiful, fragile and gentle, flitting from bloom to bloom.