ICONIC SYDNEY

Watch the sun set over Sydney Harbour from the deck of a yacht or from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge; take in a show at the world-famous Sydney Opera House, enjoy great food and wine, learn to surf, or enjoy the stunning scenery.

Discover Sydney Opera House Take a photo on the steps of the Sydney Opera House before exploring inside on the multimedia Sydney Opera House Tour or the Backstage Tour. Tours are offered in Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French and German. The ‘Tour and Tasting’ package offers a tour of the Sydney Opera House and a delicious tasting plate at Opera Kitchen home to some of Sydney’s best contemporary dining.

The Sydney Opera House offers a range of packages that merge world-class performances with a guided tour and dining options to create the ultimate Sydney Opera House experience. The Red Carpet Package allows guests to indulge in fine dining options; the Starry Nights Package provides a casual dining option; the Showcase Package includes a tour and performance.

The Opera Bar is perfect for a pre-show cocktail while Bennelong Restaurant at the Sydney Opera House is now open, with one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, Peter Gilmore, at the helm.

Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay Tel: +61 2 9250 7250 www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Opera Australia is Australia’s national opera company, presenting more than 700 performances a year. Opera Australia welcomed over 54,000 international visitors to Sydney in 2015 from 125 countries. In addition to nine months of opera performances in the Sydney Opera House, highlights and new products include Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour on the astonishing floating stage, a new Australian outdoor celebration titled Sydney Opera House – The Opera, My Fair Lady directed by Julie Andrews and New Year’s Eve at Sydney Opera House.

Tel: + 61 2 9318 8200 www.opera.org.au

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge BridgeClimb Sydney welcomes visitors from around the world to enjoy a unique view of Sydney from the top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on a 3.5-hour tour. From dawn until dusk, the view is always different. Climbs are available at dawn (limited departures), during the day, at twilight or in the evening.

BridgeClimb has introduced the new BridgeClimb Sampler. In just 90 minutes, groups of 14 will get a taste of BridgeClimb as they follow the express route, peaking at half-way to the summit. It’s ideal for those with limited time.

Icons on Sydney Harbour

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour Bridge Dawn on the “Discovery Climb”

Current as at 1 April 2016

BridgeClimb also offers a Mandarin Climb, departing at 3pm daily with a Mandarin-speaking guide.

Throughout the year, BridgeClimb runs bespoke climbs to celebrate major festivals including Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras and Vivid Sydney.

Children aged 8 years (and over 1.2 metres) can now climb, with the BridgeClimb Express group size now 14 pax.

BridgeClimb Sydney, The Rocks Tel: +61 2 8274 7777 www.bridgeclimb.com

Sail on Sydney Harbour Explore Sydney Harbour aboard a luxury yacht, an America’s Cup challenger or an historic tall ship. Whether helping to haul the sails or relaxing on a skippered charter, this is the best way for visitors to enjoy the harbour like a local and get a closer look at the secluded bays and islands that make up the beautiful foreshore and harbour. Options range from a three-hour sail to an overnight stay on the harbour.

Eastsail Tel: +61 2 9327 1166 www.eastsail.com.au

Explore Sailing Tel: +61 2 9660 9133 www.exploregroup.com.au

Harbour Days Sailing Tel: +61 2 9968 1578 www.harbourdays.com.au

Sydney Harbour Tall Ships Tel: + 61 2 8015 5571 www.sydneytallships.com.au

Cruise on Sydney Harbour A harbour cruise is the ideal way for visitors to appreciate the beauty of Sydney’s famous waterway, learn some of its history and discover many of its unique landmarks. Scenic cruises, hop-on-hop-off cruises, coffee, lunch and dinner cruises, private charters and cocktail cruises are just some of the options available. The vessels range from catamarans to luxury powerboats and multi-deck cruisers.

Captain Cook Cruises Tel: +61 2 9206 1111 www.captaincook.com.au

Fantasea Adventure Cruising Tel: +61 2 9556 9200 www.fantasea.com.au

Magistic Cruises Tel: +61 2 8296 7222 www.magisticcruises.com.au

Matilda Cruises Tel: +61 2 8270 5188 www.matilda.com.au

Sydney Harbour EcoHopper (Australian Attractions) Tel: +61 2 8251 0078 www.sydneyharbourecohopper.com.au

Sensational Sydney Cruises Tel: +61 427 440 571 www.sensationalsydneycruises.com.au

Sydney Showboats Tel: +61 2 8296 7200 www.sydneyshowboats.com.au

Sydney Princess Cruises Tel: +61 2 9518 7813 www.sydneyprincesscruises.com.au

Sailing on Sydney Harbour

Matilda Cruises Sydney Harbour

Sydney Showboats

Current as at 1 April 2016

Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is only a short stroll from the city centre, boasting some of the most iconic views and stunning photo opportunities of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens or join a tour to learn about the area’s rich Aboriginal history.

In June 2016, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney will open The Calyx – Sydney’s newest attraction. A world-class horticultural space showcasing ever-changing exhibitions, The Calyx is a fusion of art, theatre and flora. The inaugural exhibition, Sweet Addiction, tells the botanic story of chocolate. Visitors will be able to touch, see, smell, taste and experience chocolate in unexpected ways. Open 10 am to 4 pm daily from 11 June 2016.

Botanic Garden Sydney Tel: +61 2 9231 8111 www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Visit one of Sydney’s museums or galleries Adjacent to the Royal Botanic Garden, the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW), established in 1874, is one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions showcasing a collection of work by past and present Australian and international artists. Galleries are dedicated to celebrating the arts of Asia, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Permanent collections are complemented by a calendar of world-class exhibitions. Art After Hours is every Wednesday until 10pm.

Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney City Tel: + 61 2 9225 1700 www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

The Australian Museum houses extensive collections of natural science and cultural artefacts dedicated to natural history, dinosaurs, indigenous Australians and Australia’s unique wildlife. The newly-refurbished Indigenous Australians exhibition traces Aboriginal culture from its recorded history (dating back 40,000 years) and examines the themes and issues in the lives of indigenous Australians today. Personal tours of this gallery and other exhibitions at the Australian Museum are available on request. A new rooftop café has opened with spectacular views over the city skyline, it’s parks, St Mary’s Cathedral and the harbour.

Australian Museum, Sydney City Tel: +61 2 9320 6000 www.australianmuseum.net.au

The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) is located on the Darling Harbour waterfront and is Australia’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology. The museum has launched Sydney’s newest attraction, Action Stations, a $12-million state-of the-art immersive waterfront attraction where visitors can explore the danger and drama of life in the Navy. Visitors feel what it is like to be on board a warship during operations, get hands-on with maritime archaeology, science and history in the Discovery and Exploration Space, and explore three ex-Navy vessels. The ANMM is represented by Australian Attractions.

Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour Tel: +61 2 8251 0078 (Australian Attractions) www.anmm.gov.au

Aboriginal Heritage Tour, Sydney Botanic Gardens

Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney

Art After Hours at Art Gallery NSW

Australian National Maritime Museum

Current as at 1 April 2016

The world-famous Madame Tussauds in Sydney is the first fully-interactive Madame Tussauds in the world. Experience the world of fame for a day with life-like figures at every turn, from world leaders to sports heroes, musicians and Hollywood’s hottest stars. Madame Tussauds is a member of Merlin Entertainments Group.

Madame Tussauds, Darling Harbour Tel: +61 2 9333 9240 www.madametussauds.com/sydney

City Sightseeing Experience Sydney and iconic Bondi Beach aboard a hop-on, hop-off, open-top, double-decker bus tour. Sydney Explorer’s Sydney and Bondi Explorer tours, including commentary, are included in one ticket. Valid for 24 or 48 hours, the ticket allows travellers to hop on and off, exploring Sydney’s iconic attractions at their own pace.

Sydney Explorer Tel: +61 2 9567 8400 www.theaustralianexplorer.com.au

Several quality coach tour operators offer full-day and half-day escorted and guided sightseeing tours of the city and its icons daily. Options and inclusions such as harbour cruises, aquarium visits and Sydney’s Northern Beaches are also available.

AAT Kings Tel: +61 2 9028 5182 www.aatkings.com

Gray Line Australia Tel: +61 3 9565 4901 www.grayline.com.au

Small group tours offer a range of more personalised sightseeing options on a scheduled or private-charter basis; many have the option of including a foreign-language guide.

AEA Luxury Tours Tel: +61 2 9971 2402 www.aealuxury.com.au

All About Australia Tours (3AT) Tel: +61 2 8415 7113 www.3at.com.au

Australian Luxury Escapes Tel: +61 2 9980 8799 www.australianluxuryescapes.com

Beautiful Tours Australia Tel: +61 447 250 355 www.beautifultoursaustralia.com

Just Sydney Tel: +61 411 555 135 www.justsydney.com

Local Eyes Sydney Tel: +61 2 9972 0899 www.localeyessydney.com

Mount’n’Beach Safaris Tel: +61 2 9972 0899 www.mountnbeachsafaris.com.au

My Detour Tel: +61 2 8399 3483 www.mydetour.com.au

Sydney Boutique Tours Tel: +61 2 9436 1333 www.sydneyboutiquetours.com.au

TwoFeet and a Heartbeat (walking tours) www.twofeet.com.au

Ultimately Sydney Tel: +61 407 903 162 www.ultimatelysydney.com.au

Waratah Adventure Tours Tel: +61 2 9908 4697 www.waratahadventures.com.au

Madame Tussauds Image courtesy of Merlin Entertainments Group

Opera House forecourt

Hyde Park Barracks

Sydney Harbour Aerials

Current as at 1 April 2016

For independent travellers, the iVenture Card offers entry to more than 35 of Sydney’s top attractions, tours and things to do for one single price. The card offers two types of passes: the Sydney Unlimited Attractions Pass (valid for three or seven days) and the Sydney Flexi Attractions Pass, where visitors choose up to seven attractions to visit and passes are valid for three months. Sydney Explorer is now included in the Sydney Attractions Pass. During Vivid, New Year's Eve and the whale-watching season, special passes are available combining the best experiences on offer.

iVenture Card Australia Tel: +61 2 9363 1100 www.iventurecard.com

Discover surf culture at a famous Sydney beach Learn to ride the waves at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach. Lets Go Surfing offers surfing and stand-up paddle-boarding lessons for all skill levels. New Discover Bondi Walking Tours are now available to the FIT market. Let's Go Surfing has been providing Discover Bondi Walking Tours as a group experience since 2007. Due to demand, they are now offering daily guided walking tours showcasing the best of Bondi's secrets and the famous Bondi to Bronte walk. Beach lovers can choose the ‘Get Wet’ option. This 1.5-hour tour takes in all of the above plus a guided swim between the flags, UV rash vests, wetsuits and sunblock. Tours are available in English, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Korean.

Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Tel: +61 2 9365 1800 www.letsgosurfing.com.au www.discoverbondi.com.au

North of the harbour, visitors can explore Manly Beach and take to the waves with Manly Surf School. Daily surf lessons teach the basics from paddling to standing up on a board as well as surf safety.

Manly Surf School Tel: +61 2 9977 6977 www.manlysurfschool.com

Take a scenic flight On a beautiful Sydney day there is nothing better than taking to the skies above the stunning harbour for a bird’s eye view of the city’s most famous icons. Take off from the harbour on board a seaplane, soar above by helicopter or fly over the harbour in a fixed-wing aircraft while enjoying Sydney’s beaches and national parks.

Heli Experiences Tel: +61 488 999 626 www.heliexperiences.com.au

Sydney HeliTours Tel: +61 2 8251 0078 (Australian Attractions) www.sydneyhelitours.com.au

Sydney Seaplanes Tel: +61 2 9388 1978 www.seaplanes.com.au

Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

Learning to surf at Bondi Beach Pierre Toussaint; Let’s Go Surfing

Berowra Waters Inn

Sydney Harbour Aerials

Current as at 1 April 2016

Meet native Australian animals Taronga Zoo is a great place to see the rare and wonderful animals of Australia. In addition to panoramic Sydney Harbour views, the zoo offers a range of tours. Wild Australia Experience is keeper-led, behind-the-scenes tour; the VIP Aussie Gold Tour is an excellent introduction to Australia’s wildlife. Nura Diya Tour is a small group experience led by an Aboriginal guide introducing visitors to the connection between Australia’s fauna, flora and the Aboriginal Dreamtime. For independent travellers, an interactive iPhone app provides a guided tour of Taronga’s most popular native and exotic animals. Taronga Zoo also has an updated Mandarin-language map to help visitors see as many Australian animals as they can in either 60 or 90 minutes by following a walking trail.

The ‘Roar & Snore’ program is a unique camping experience where visitors stay overnight in luxurious safari tents enjoying after-hours and behind-the-scenes access to the animals.

Test your limits by navigating your way through the Wild Ropes course. Tackle obstacles, cross suspension bridges, and soar through the trees while enjoying breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. The activity can be completed on its own or added to a same-day visit.

Taronga Zoo is celebrating 100 years of wonder and conservation. Ahead of the Centenary celebrations, construction is commencing soon on a Sumatran Tiger experience scheduled to open in 2017. Taronga Zoo will also be delivering a new overnight conservation experience. The Taronga Wildlife Retreat will wrap around a native wildlife sanctuary and nestle within the new Australia Habitat. During a 24-hour stay, visitors will experience unprecedented close-up encounters with Australian animals and enjoy tours and talks within the Australian landscape including morning and evening animal encounters.

Taronga Zoo Tel: +61 2 9969 2777 www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium houses the world’s largest collection of all-Australian aquatic life. Visitors go on a journey through 14 themed areas including Bay of Rays, Discovery Rockpool, Mangrove Swamps, South Coast Shipwreck, ocean tunnel walk-through, Shark Valley and Shark Walk. Along the way are some of the world's most incredible animals, including two of only five dugongs on display anywhere in the world, massive stingrays, turtles, jellyfish, platypuses, penguins, and thousands of tropical fish. The aquarium offers behind-the-scenes tours, glass-bottom boat and snorkel tours.

Next door, journey on an all-Aussie animal adventure at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Get up close to koalas, walk amongst kangaroos and wallabies and come face-to-face with one of the world’s biggest crocodiles. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo offers a ‘Koala Breakfast’ including a hot buffet breakfast on the Koala Encounters rooftop area along with an informative talk and the chance to cuddle up to a koala for a photo. Behind-the-scenes tours, cassowary and python encounters and the opportunity to feed a saltwater crocodile are also available. A self-propelled ride called WILD Flight will allow visitors to experience a flight through the attraction’s aviary.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium are members of the Merlin Entertainments Group.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Tel: +61 2 8251 7800 www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Tel: +61 2 9333 9288 www.wildlifesydney.com.au

Baby Wombat Taronga Zoo Sydney Image courtesy of Taronga Zoo Sydney

Koala, Australian Animal

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Image courtesy of Merlin Entertainments Group

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Image courtesy of Merlin Entertainments Group

Current as at 1 April 2016

View Sydney from aboveSKYWALK at the Sydney Tower Eye is a breathtaking outdoor experience, 268 metres above the streets of Sydney. Step out onto a glass-floor viewing platform for 360 degree views as a guide points out the sights. Recently launched is the new Mandarin-language SKYWALK tour. Mandarin-speaking travellers now have the chance to learn about Sydney from one of its highest vantage points via audio guide.

SKYWALK at the Sydney Tower Eye is a member of the Merlin Entertainments Group.

Tel: +61 2 9333 9222 www.sydneytowereye.com.au

Visit a harbour island Sydney Ferries operate daily services to many of Sydney’s harbour islands which all offer stunning vistas and a wealth of cultural and historic significance. Unique Sydney Cruises operate a ‘Convicts, Castles and Champagne’ guided tour to Goat Island; Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Cultural Cruise visits Goat Island for an authentic cultural performance; Cockatoo Island offers guided and audio tours of the former shipyards and an opportunity to stay overnight; Matilda Cruises and Captain Cook Cruises have hop-on, hop-off services to Fort Denison and Shark Island; Sydney Harbour Discovery offers the opportunity to swim or snorkel in Sydney Harbour.

Captain Cook Cruises Tel: +61 2 9206 1111 www.captaincook.com.au

Cockatoo Island* Tel: +61 2 8969 2100 www.cockatooisland.gov.au

Fort Denison Tours* Tel: + 61 2 9361 5208 www.fortdenison.com.au

Matilda Cruises Tel: +61 2 8270 5188 www.matilda.com.au

Sydney Ferries* Tel: 131 500 www.transport.nsw.gov.au

Sydney Harbour Discovery Tel: +61 2 9518 7813 www.ozwhalewatching.com.au

Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Cultural Cruise Tel: + 61 2 9699 3491 www.tribalwarrior.org

Unique Sydney Tours and Cruises (Dynamic Experience Group) Tel: + 61 2 8015 5571 www.uniquesydneycruises.com.au

Catch the Manly ferry A visit to Manly by ferry is a quintessential Sydney experience. The half-hour journey from Circular Quay takes in many of Sydney Harbour’s most beautiful sights. Nestled between a tranquil harbour beach on one side and a surf beach on the other, Manly offers visitors sophisticated dining, stylish boutiques, a beachfront promenade, a swim or surf.

Sydney Ferries* Tel: 131 500 www.transport.nsw.gov.au

Current as at 1 April 2016

Sydney Tower Eye Image courtesy of Merlin Entertainments Group

Sydney Harbour Island Hopping

Tribal Warrior experience on Clark Island

Manly Cove

Bike tours Join an escorted cycling tour of Sydney’s main attractions or hire a set of wheels to explore at your own pace. Either way, a bike tour is a great way to get active and see Sydney at the same time.

Blue Bananas Electric Bike Tours Tel: +61 2 9114 8488 www.bluebananas.com.au

Bonza Bike Tours, Sydney Tel: +61 2 9247 8800 www.bonzabiketours.com.au

Manly Bike Tours, Manly Tel: +61 2 8005 7368 www.manlybiketours.com.au

Sydney Bike Tours Tel: + 61 2 8005 5724 www.sydneybiketours.com.au

Walk the Sydney coastline Follow trails winding along the harbour shoreline through native bushland and rocky cliffs between popular city beaches. Walking Coastal Sydney has developed a series of maps and apps to assist those keen to explore Sydney’s natural beauty on foot. Local Eyes Sydney offers full day guided bushwalks along Sydney’s harbour foreshores, including lunch at a private home. Alternatively, Sydney Coast Walks operates guided group and private walks through the Sydney Harbour and Royal national parks and Zoo2Q offers guided return walks from the city to Manly with ovenight stays at Taronga Zoo and Sydney Q Station.

Local Eyes Sydney Tel: +61 2 9972 0899 www.localeyessydney.com

Sydney Coast Walks Tel: +61 2 8521 7423 www.sydneycoastwalks.com.au

Walking Coastal Sydney* www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au

Zoo2Q Tel: +61 2 8521 7423 www.zoo2q.com.au

Visit Sydney Olympic Park Sydney Olympic Park features mangrove boardwalks and bird watching, a children’s water playground at the Aquatic Centre, as well as facilities for tennis, mini-golf, volleyball and hockey. Take a tour of ANZ Stadium, hire a bike to ride through Bicentennial Park, try your skills at the Monster Skatepark or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the picturesque barbeque areas dotted throughout the parklands.

Sydney Olympic Park* Tel: +61 2 9714 7888 www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au

Shop for precious Australian souvenirs: Opals For a beautiful and lasting memento, or to learn more about one of Australia’s most precious stones, the Opal, visit Altmann & Cherny or the National Opal Collection in Pitt Street.

Open seven days a week, the National Opal Collection is home to one of Australia’s largest collections of opals and opal jewellery. It is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or a collector's item. The centre also houses an impressive private museum that tells the story of how opals are formed and mined.

Tel: + 61 2 9247 6344 www.nationalopal.com

Australian-owned family business, Altmann and Cherny has built an international reputation for excellence as opal experts. All visitors are given an educational talk on where opals are found, mined and valued. Tel: +61 2 9251 9477 www.altmanncherny.com.au

Current as at 1 April 2016

Electric Cycle Tour, image courtesy of Blue Bananas Electric Bike Tours

Coastal Walk, Bondi

ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park

Lightning Ridge Opals

Enjoy great Sydney food and wine experiences An abundance of fresh produce, world-class chefs and some of the most idyllic settings on the planet make dining in Sydney a great visitor experience. Picnic by the beach, take a seaplane to lunch, enjoy cocktails by the harbour’s edge, meet the growers at one of the city’s produce markets or enjoy fine dining at a famous restaurant.

The Sydney Fish Market is one of Sydney’s iconic food experiences. Open from 7am daily, it is the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere and incorporates a working fishing port, wholesale fish market and seafood retail market. Watch wholesale fish auctions on a behind-the-scenes tour, enjoy a seafood lunch by the water’s edge or join a class to learn some great new recipes and techniques at the renowned Sydney Seafood School.

Sydney Fish Market*, Pyrmont Tel: +61 2 9004 1100 www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au

Getting from and to Sydney Airport and Cruise Terminals Redy2Go is an innovative airport shuttle transfer service with free Wi-Fi, smartly dressed drivers, new 12-seater vehicles and quick journey times. Redy2Go services Sydney’s domestic and international airport, hotels, cruise terminals and the Sydney CBD, Pyrmont, Kings Cross and North Sydney. The Sydney Airport shared ride service is limited to three stops to or from Sydney’s airport. If guests prefer a whole van or sedan, private transportation is also available.

There is a new bus stop/rank at T1 Sydney International undercover with seating, two new desks inside Sydney Domestic Airport and two desks inside Sydney International Airport

Tel: +61 2 9534 0820 www.redy2go.com.au

Operators marked with an asterisk (*) generally do not pay commissions.

For further tasty ideas and inspiration, please also see Destination NSW’s Food and Wine Experiences fact sheet.

Opera Kitchen, Sydney Opera House

Sydney Fish Markets

Airport Shuttle Service Image courtesy of Redy2Go

Current as at 1 April 2016