An Adventure Traveler's Guide To Sydney

Sydney might be Australia’s largest city but it is also a mecca for outdoor adventure lovers. There are stunning beaches, a huge harbour, and beautiful national parks to explore and enjoy. Here is a list of experiences that you will never forget.

Hike to from Manly to North Head

If you love hiking and you love views, then you will love this track. The route passes beaches, cliffs, beautiful headlands, and historic sites along the way. The best starting point is the Queenscliff end of Manly Beach; continue along the beach towards the stunning inlet, Shelly Beach. The trail then enters the bush lands of the Sydney Harbour National Park which winds up onto North Head. Once you have enjoyed the views, you can begin your journey back, passing the historic Q Station along the way. If you’re visiting in winter you are more than likely to spot some whales on their annual migration.

N Head Scenic Dr, Manly, Australia

Clovelly is less of a beach and more of a natural inlet forming a huge rock pool which is home to crystal clear water. It has a reputation among Sydneysiders as the best snorkelling spot in city. Snorkelling here, you’re likely to see a ton of sea life including gropers, sponges, starfish, and the occasional Port Jackson shark.

Clovelly Rd, Clovelly, Australia

Kayak Tour

The best way to see Sydney is from the harbour, which offers panoramic views in every direction. Life’s an Adventure offers guided kayaking tours which take you on a journey around the beautiful coves and beaches between Rose Bay and Vaucluse, while teaching about the history of the area. The tour also takes you to Shark Island: this is the only island in the harbour and can only be accessed by private boat. Kayakers can enjoy a delicious picnic lunch here. Best of all, all of this takes place in viewing distance of the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

New South Head Rd, Rose Bay, Australia, +62 (02) 9975 4553

Bridge Climb

What better way to experience Sydney than to climb its favourite Harbour Bridge? With an experienced leader you can ascend the arches of the bridge and enjoy the iconic, panoramic views of the beautiful harbour below. You can opt to do the BridgeClimb or the BridgeClimb Express, both of which lead you to 134m above sea level.

3 Cumberland St, The Rocks, Australia, +62 (02) 8274 7777

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.