ICONIC

Visitors can watch the sun set on the harbour from the cockpit of a yacht or from top of the Harbour Bridge; take in a show at the world famous , enjoy great Australian food and wine, learn to surf, get their feet sandy or just enjoy the scenery. Don’t miss these quintessential Sydney experiences.

Discover Sydney Opera House Visitors can take a photo on the steps of the Sydney Opera House before exploring inside with the multimedia Essentials Tour or Backstage Tour.

The Sydney Opera House Experiences packages combine a tour of the Sydney Opera House with a visit to either Taronga Zoo to see Australian native animals or a Sydney Seaplane flight over Sydney Harbour and coastline. The ‘Tour and Tasting’ package offers a tour of the Opera House and a delicious tasting plate at Opera Kitchen – home to some of Sydney’s most innovative chefs. Guillaume at Bennelong is a great place for fine dining while the Opera Bar is perfect for a pre-show cocktail before taking in a performance in one of the Sydney Opera House’s distinctive theatres. Sydney Opera House, Tel: +61 2 9250 7111 www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Climb the BridgeClimb Sydney offers three spectacular experiences - The Express Climb, The Discovery Climb and The Bridge Climb - which take visitors to the summit of this world-famous icon. Visitors stand 134m above Sydney Harbour while their climb leader unveils many secrets of Sydney and its iconic bridge. Climbers of all ages (including children from 10 years of age) and fitness levels can enjoy this iconic Sydney experience at dawn, by day, at twilight or to the backdrop of the city night lights. BridgeClimb Sydney now also offers a Mandarin Commentary Climb with a local Mandarin speaking guide that follows the Express Climb tour route. BridgeClimb Sydney, the Rocks Tel: +61 2 8274 7777 www.bridgeclimb.com

Current as at 1st March 2013 Sail on Sydney Harbour Visitors may choose to explore Sydney Harbour aboard a luxury yacht, an America’s Cup challenger or an historic tall ship. Whether hauling sails or relaxing with a drink on a skippered charter, this is the best way for visitors to enjoy the harbour like a local and gain a closer look at the little bays and islands that make up its beautiful foreshore. Options range from a three hour sail to an overnight stay on the harbour. Eastsail Harbour Days Sailing Tel: +61 2 9327 1166 Tel: +61 2 9968 1578 www.eastsail.com.au www.harbourdays.com.au Sailing Sydney Sydney by Sail Tel: +61 2 9660 9133 Tel: +61 2 9280 1110 www.sailingsydney.net www.sydneybysail.com Sydney Harbour Tall Ships (Dynamic Experiences Group) Tel: + 61 2 8243 7961 www.sydneyharbourtallships.com.au

Cruise on the 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 cruises, 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 Magistic Cruises Tel: +61 2 9206 1111 Tel: +61 2 8296 7222 www.captaincook.com.au www.magisticcruises.com.au Matilda Cruises Sea Sydney Cruises Tel: +61 2 8270 5188 Tel: +61 478 036 438 www.matilda.com.au www.seasydneycruises.com.au Sydney Harbour EcoHopper Sydney Showboats (Australian Attractions) Tel: +61 2 8296 7200 Tel: +61 2 8251 0078 www.sydneyshowboats.com.au www.sydneyharbourecohopper.com.au Sydney Princess Cruises Vagabond Cruises Tel: +61 2 9518 7813 Tel: +61 2 9660 0388 www.sydneyprincesscruises.com.au www.vagabond.com.au

Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is only a short stroll from the city centre and boasts some of the most iconic views (and stunning photo opportunities) of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Visitors can take a stroll through the beautiful gardens or join a tour to learn about the area’s rich Aboriginal history. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Tel: +61 2 9231 8134 www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Current as at 1st March 2013 Visit one of Sydney’s museums or galleries Adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of NSW, established in 1874, is one of ’s foremost cultural institutions showcasing a collection of past and present Australian and international artists’ works. There are also galleries dedicated to celebrating the arts of Asia, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The gallery’s permanent collections are complemented by a calendar of Australian and international exhibitions.

Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney City Tel: + 61 2 9225 1700

www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

The houses extensive collections of natural science and cultural artefacts featuring galleries dedicated to natural history, dinosaurs, indigenous Australians and Australia’s unique wildlife. The newly refurbished Indigenous Australians Gallery now includes Menagerie: contemporary indigenous sculpture exhibition which features established and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists who have each produced exceptional sculptural works depicting a variety of native animals. Personalised tours of this gallery and other exhibitions at the Australian Museum are available on request. Australian Museum, Sydney City Tel: +61 2 9320 6000 www.australianmuseum.net.au

The Australian National Maritime Museum is located in Sydney’s and is a must-see attraction for visitors. The museum captures a range of water-related themes with artefacts, exhibitions, guided tours and the opportunity to board a real submarine, a naval destroyer and many other sea going vessels. Permanent exhibitions include: Navigators – tracking the successive waves of sailors and settlers who have navigated the Australian shores over thousands of years, Eora First People – exploring the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s deep connection with the sea, Watermarks – exploring the Australian coastal culture’s love of water, Navy – how the Royal Australian Navy operates on the land, in the air and under the sea during peace and war; and Passengers – portraying the journeys of those who have travelled to Australia by sea. Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour Tel: +61 2 9298 3777 www.anmm.gov.au

Step in to the glitz and glamour of Sydney to rub shoulders with more than 70 fascinating wax figures. Some of Australia’s most loved personalities including Dame Edna, , , Mark Weber, Lleyton Hewitt and are accompanied by international personalities, past and present, from Queen Elizabeth II to . Each figure is crafted with unprecedented skill, artistry and accuracy. Nine themed zones offer opportunities to interact with many of the figures. Madame Tussauds Sydney, a member of Group, is open daily from 9am – 8pm. Madame Tussauds, Darling Harbour Tel: +61 2 9333 9240 www.madametussauds.com/sydney

Current as at 1st March 2013

City sighteeing Visitors can experience Sydney and the iconic 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 the one ticket. Valid for 24 or 48 hours, the tickets allow travellers to hop on and off, exploring Sydney’s iconic attractions at their own pace. Sydney Explorer Tel: +61 2 9567 8400 www.citysightseeing.com.au

Alternatively, quality coach tour operators offer daily full- and half-day fully escorted and guided sightseeing tours of the city and its icons with options and inclusions such as harbour cruises, aquarium visits and Sydney’s Northern Beaches. AAT Kings Gray Line Tel: +61 2 9251 5456 www.grayline.com.au www.aatkings.com

Small group touring companies also offer a range of more personalised Sydney sightseeing options on a scheduled or private charter basis; many also with the option of a foreign language guide. All About Australia Tours (3AT) Australian Eco Adventures Tel: +61 2 8415 7113 Tel: +61 2 9971 2402 www.3at.com.au www. ozeco.com.au Beautiful Tours Boutique Tours Australia Tel: +61 447 250 355 Tel: +61 2 9436 1300 www.beautifultoursaustralia.com www.boutiquetoursaustralia.com.au Canons Shuttles’ Arrivals Tour Loksha Tel: + 61 2 9522 6868 Tel: +61 2 8812 3451 www.canonsshuttles.com.au www.lokshatourssydney.com.au Mount’n’Beach Safaris My Sydney Detour Tel: +61 2 9439 3010 Tel: +61 404 256 256 www.mountnbeachsafaris.com.au www.mysydneydetour.com

Red Carpet Custom Tours Ultimately Sydney Tel: +61 2 9971 0796 Tel: +61 407 903 162 www.redcarpettours.com.au www.ultimatelysydney.com.au Waratah Adventure Tours Tel: +61 2 9908 4697 www.waratahadventures.com.au

For more independent travel, the iVenture card offers entry to more than 40 of Sydney’s top attractions, tours and things to do for one single price. The iVenture card offers three types of passes including: the Sydney Xpress, Sydney Five in One Attractions Pack, and Sydney Attractions Pass, valid for two, three or seven days. iVenture card Australia Tel: +61 2 9211 3192 www.seesydneypass.iventurecard.com

Current as at 1st March 2013 Discover surf culture at a famous Sydney beach Visitors can learn to ride the waves at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach. Let's Go Surfing offers surfing and stand up paddle boarding lessons for all skill levels. Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Tel: +61 2 9365 1800 www.letsgosurfing.com.au

North of the harbour, visitors can explore and take to the waves with Manly Surf School. Daily surf lessons teach the basics from paddling to standing on a board, as well as surf safety skills. Manly Surf School Tel: +61 2 9977 6977 www.manlysurfschool.com

At SEA Australia, groups can discover the unique Australian surfing and surf lifesaving culture through surf and beach programs, surf lifesaving tours, kayaking and other activities in Manly. SEA Australia Tel: +61 2 9907 7650 www.seaaustralia.com.au

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

Australia by Air Blue Sky Helicopters Tel: +61 2 9982 9666 Tel: +61 2 9700 7888 www.australiabyair.com.au www.blueskyhelicopters.com Heli Experiences Sydney Helicopters Tel: +61 2 8582 6500 Tel: +61 2 9637 4455 www.heliexperiences.com.au www.sydneyhelicopters.com.au Sydney HeliTours Sydney Seaplanes Tel: +61 2 9317 3402 Tel: +61 2 9388 1978 www.sydneyhelitours.com.au www.seaplanes.com.au

Meet native Australian animals Taronga Zoo is a great place to see the rare and wonderful animals of Australia. In addition to beautiful Sydney Harbour views, the zoo offers a range of touring options: the Taronga Wild Australia Tour is an exclusive keeper-led behind the scenes tour, and the VIP Aussie Gold Tour visits the animals at the Zoo’s education centre. Taronga’s Nura Diya tour is a small group experience led by an Aboriginal guide introducing visitors to the relationships between Australia’s fauna, flora and the Aboriginal Dreamtime. ‘Good Morning Taronga’ is a one-hour introduction (in English and / or Mandarin) to Australia’s native animals, available exclusively to private groups of 10-30 people. For independent travellers, Taronga Zoo has recently launched an interactive iPhone app that provides a guided tour of Taronga’s most popular native and exotic animals and the Zoo looks forward to the Lemur Adventure Forest exhibit, opening later in 2013.

Current as at 1st March 2013 Taronga Zoo’s ‘Roar & Snore’ program is a unique camping experience where visitors can stay overnight at the zoo in luxurious safari tents and enjoy after-hours and behind-the-scenes access to the animals. Taronga Zoo Tel: +61 2 9969 2777 www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo

Relaunched in September 2012, Sydney Aquarium has a spectacular new Ocean Tunnel and Australia’s largest collection of Australian marine animals. The attraction boasts 14 themed zones including a new Shark Walk, Tropical Bay of Rays, an interactive touch pool, mangrove swamps and South Coast Shipwreck. It is home to over 13,000 animals from 700 different species including sharks, dugongs, rays, turtles, penguins, platypus and clown fish.

Next door, WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo’s walk through habitats and exhibits showcase Australia’s iconic and many lesser-known animals: koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and Tasmanian devils as well as tropical butterflies and shy nocturnal creatures. WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo and are members of the Merlin Entertainments Group. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo Tel: +61 2 8251 7800 Tel: +61 2 9333 9288 www.sydneyaquarium.com.au www.wildlifesydney.com.au

View Sydney from up high SKYWALK at the Eye offers unsurpassed views of the city and its harbour, to the mountains and out to sea. Admission ticket includes the 4D Cinema Experience (formerly OzTrek). The adventurous can upgrade to the 45-minute SKYWALK tour which includes the glass floor viewing area and an electronic moving platform. SKYWALK at the Sydney Tower Eye is a member of the Merlin Entertainments Group. SKYWALK at the Sydney Tower Eye 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 Harbour 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 Cruises visit Clark Island for an authentic cultural performance. Cockatoo Island offers guided and audio tours of the former shipyards and convict prison, as well as opportunities to stay the night on a Harbour Island. Matilda Cruises and Captain Cook’s Hop On Hop Off service visit for convict history or Shark Island for picnics with a view. Captain Cook Cruises Cockatoo Island Tel: +61 2 9206 1111 Tel: +61 2 8969 2100 www.captaincook.com.au www.cockatooisland.gov.au Matilda Cruises Sydney Ferries Tel: +61 2 8270 5188 Tel: 131 500 www.matilda.com.au www.sydneyferries.nsw.gov.au Unique Sydney Tours and Cruises Tribal Warrior (Dynamic Experiences Group) Tel: + 61 2 9699 3491 Tel: + 61 2 8243 7963 www.tribalwarrior.org www.uniquesydneycruises.com.au

Current as at 1st March 2013 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, visitors to Manly can enjoy sophisticated dining, stylish boutiques, a walk along the oceanfront, a swim or surf. Sydney Ferries www.sydneyferries.nsw.gov.au

Walk the Sydney coastline Visitors can follow tracks winding along the harbour shoreline through native bushland and walk the rocky cliffs between glamorous urban surf beaches. Walking Coastal Sydney has developed a series of maps and apps to assist those keen to explore Sydney’s natural beauty on foot. Alternatively, Sydney Coast Walks operates guided walks through the Sydney Harbour National Parks, the in Sydney’s South and the Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle. Sydney Coast Walks Walking Coastal Sydney Tel: +61 2 8521 7423 Tel: +61 2 9246 7702 www.sydneycoastwalks.com.au www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au

Visit the Sydney Olympic Park features mangrove boardwalks and bird watching, a children’s water playground at the Aquatic Centre, as well as tennis, mini golf, volleyball and hockey at the Olympic Sports Centre. Visitors can take a tour of ANZ Stadium, hire a bike to ride through Bicentennial Park, try their skills at the Monster Skate Park or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the picturesque barbeque areas dotted throughout the parklands. Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney Olympic Park Tel: +61 2 9714 7888 www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au

Enjoy the plethora of great Sydney Food and Wine experiences An abundance of fresh produce from the land and sea, a multi-cultural collection of world-class chefs and some of the most idyllic settings on the planet make dining in Sydney one of the city’s great visitor experiences. Visitors can picnic by the beach, take a seaplane to lunch in a national park, enjoy cocktails by the Harbour’s edge, meet the growers and purveyors of New South Wales’ finest flavours at one of the city’s produce markets or enjoy fine dining at an internationally acclaimed restaurant.

The Sydney Fish Market is one of Sydney’s iconic food experiences. Open from 7am daily, it is the third largest fish market in the world incorporating a working fishing port, wholesale fish market and seafood retail market. Visitors can watch the wholesale fish auctions with a behind-the-scenes tour, enjoy a fresh 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 9904 1100 www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au

For further tasty ideas and inspiration, please also see Destination NSW’s Food and Wine Experiences, Sydney Dining, Sydney Markets and Hip Sydney factsheets.

Current as at 1st March 2013