Sydney is a great holiday destination, with abundant natural attractions on and off the land. It’s particularly popular for those who love a bit of adventure on the water, with everything from relaxing water cruises to extreme water sports available. So whether you’re visiting with family or friends, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get wet with these great water activities.
1. Deep sea fishing
Charter a hire boat or head out with a guide; there’s nothing more exciting than bringing in a giant deep-sea Marlin that you can then BBQ up for dinner. The best deep-sea fishing tours will take you to places like Newport Reef, Barrenjoey Headland, Mona Vale Reef, Longreef and everywhere. It’s exciting and well worth the money if you go to the right place with a professional and experienced guide.
2. Yacht hire
If the ocean is calling your name, but you’re not keen on fishing, consider hiring a Sydney yacht. Choose from various yacht sizes and styles, and either sit back and relax while you cruise or help haul the mainsail and steer the helm along the way. This is an excellent idea if you have a large family or friend group or you’re organising a fun corporate event. You can even hire luxury yachts overnight to enjoy a full night in the harbour.
3. Jet boat Sydney Harbour
If you only have time for one short adventure while you’re in the city, nothing beats a jet boat ride through Sydney Harbour. An adventure-packed tour usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, and you’ll slide, spin and fishtail your way around the local waters while taking in the stunning Sydney CBD views.
5. Surfing
If you are a water baby, you can’t go to Sydney and not check out some of the best surf beaches in the world. More than 70 surf beaches around the region cater to all skill levels. Check out Bondi, Manly, Cronulla and Maroubra beaches for beginners, or if you’re an old pro at surfing, head to Tamarama Beach, classed as the most dangerous beach in Sydney due to strong rips and rocky reefs. This also makes it one of the most exciting for experienced surfers.
6. Snorkelling or scuba diving
Get up close and personal with the ocean life in a snorkel or scuba dive tour. There are plenty of unique places to do this, including Shelly Beach in the Cabbage Tree Bay Marine Reserve, where you can swim with wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks. Or, explore the seahorses of Sydney Harbor, the sheltered waters of Clovelly Bay, and the shipwrecks off Malabar Beach.
7. Wakeboarding on the Hawkesbury River
The Hawkesbury River is just over an hour’s drive from Sydney and is well worth the trip if you love watersports. Here you can choose from several adventure options, including wakeboarding. A few local businesses offer wakeboarding lessons, a great way to enjoy a watersports rush. Wakeboarding is also great for your health – it’s a good workout and a fantastic way to de-stress.
8. Whitewater rafting
When you think of Sydney, you don’t generally think of white water rafting, but if you love an adrenaline rush, head over to Penrith Whitewater Stadium. This is where the canoe and kayak slalom events were held during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and now it’s open to the general public for a day of fun! The course is an exciting ride, with over 14,000 litres of Whitewater flowing per second. It’s open to anyone over 12yrs old.
9. Kayaking
Sydney is a hidden gem, so why not enjoy a relaxing tour by kayak? Head to the Northern Beaches to take in the lush nature, rent out a kayak at Middle Harbour and make your way past cliffs, million-dollar homes and shipwrecks, or paddle your way past the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. You could even try Kayak yoga! There are many options to choose from, including full guided tours.
10. Whale watching
Head out on a boat into the deep seas around Sydney between June and July, and there’s a good chance you’ll see the annual humpback whale migration. The best place to view these magnificent creatures is from the deck of a boat as they play and swim within metres of you. Enjoy a morning, afternoon or even a lunchtime cruise with one of Sydney’s many trusted and reputable whale-watching companies, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Sydney is well-known for its breathtaking coastlines, great beaches, and stunning harbours, so make the most of it and get out on the water with one, or all, of these exciting water activities.
