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Sydney Harbour National Park

Sydney Harbour National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

Sydney: Whale Watching Cruise

1. Sydney: Whale Watching Cruise

Experience a miracle of the natural world on a whale watching cruise from Sydney Harbour. Go in search of the migrating whales that turn the Pacific Ocean waters near Sydney into a prime viewing spot for southern right and humpback whales between the months of May and November. Cruise aboard a great vessel and benefit from full commentary and guaranteed whale sightings. As many as 15,000 whales swim past Sydney every year. Encounter whale activity, including the famous whale breaches when they jump high out of the water. You may even get a close-up wink from a whale when they are feeling extra curious! Get the chance to see southern rights, orcas and minke whales in their natural environment, along with playful dolphins, seals, fairy penguins, albatross and more. Whale sightings are 95% guaranteed. In the unlikely event that you don't see any whales, you can cruise again in the same season for free (on a standby basis and confirmed 24 hours in advance, subject to availability).

From Manly: Sydney Harbour Hands-On 2 Hour Yacht Cruise

2. From Manly: Sydney Harbour Hands-On 2 Hour Yacht Cruise

Discover hidden beaches and experience the beauty of Sydney’s coastline on this 2-hour cruise from Manly. Board the yacht in Manly and begin your cruise through Sydney’s Northern Suburbs. Famous for its beaches and multi-million dollar mansions, this part of Sydney is best seen on the water. Learn how the boat works and help the captain set the sails and steer the yacht during the cruise. You can bring your snacks and drinks to enjoy onboard.

Sydney Harbour National Park 2-Hour Walking Tour

3. Sydney Harbour National Park 2-Hour Walking Tour

Discover the cultural history, convict-built buildings, military fortifications and explore Aboriginal heritage on a walking tour at Sydney Harbour National Park. See native wildlife living in rare pockets of bushland, once common around Sydney. Get staggering coastline views and be sure to keep a lookout for whales on their annual migration north, if visiting during winter. Encounter local animal species such as water dragons, blue tongue lizards, rainbow lorikeets, brush turkeys and perhaps the elusive king parrots. Wander underneath the thick canopies of the Sydney red gum trees and enjoy the scenic views along the water’s edge, while admiring the intricate sandstone rock formations on the shores of Sydney Harbour National Park. Learn about the area of Chowder Bay as an integral part of Sydney’s whaling industry and the military fortifications of Bradleys Head.

Sydney: Northern Beaches Brewery Tour and Tasting

4. Sydney: Northern Beaches Brewery Tour and Tasting

Start your local beer discovery with a stop at 4 Pines Keller Door in Manly. Here you'll get to learn about and taste their award-winning beers and see where beer on the beaches all started. The tours change depending on the day, but some of the Northern Beaches breweries usually visited are Nomad Brewing Co, 7th Day or the 4 Pines Truck Bar in Brookvale; and Modus Operandi Brewing Company in Mona Vale, where the team will take you through their brewery and the brewing process. Filled with knowledge, you can relax over some tasters and a delicious lunch at the brewery. The tour can drop you in Manly or Surry Hills, just let the guide know.

From Manly: Sydney Harbour Hands-On 3 Hour Yacht Cruise

5. From Manly: Sydney Harbour Hands-On 3 Hour Yacht Cruise

Embark on a 3-hour sailing cruise and experience the magic of Sydney from the water. Make your own way to the starting point and board the yacht at Manly. Cruise past the multi-million dollar waterfront mansions of the rich and famous, discover hidden harbor beaches, and revel in uninterrupted views of iconic attractions including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. During the cruise, have the opportunity to help set the sails and steer the boat and take in the views. You're also welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy along the way.

Sydney: Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Tour

6. Sydney: Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Tour

Enjoy a full-day trip to the most scenic part of Sydney on this fun-filled and unforgettable tour of the Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Relax on a scenic drive in an air-conditioned minivan to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. While there, bush walk to sacred rock engraving sites to learn about local Aboriginal culture. Enjoy stunning ocean views at Manly Beach, the Spit, West Head, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Long Reef, North Head Palm Beach, Summer Bay and Palm Beach Lighthouse. Then travel to Narrabeen Beach, one of the best surfing spots in Sydney. Take advantage of the superb photo opportunities from Long Reef Headland, where you may even be lucky enough to see a whale. Then, escape the crowds and stroll the cliffs along the Curl Curl coastal walk. Stop to admire the spectacular views of Freshwater Beach, where you can learn about the origins of surfing in Australia. Sail past Sydney Harbour’s entrance between North and South Heads on the Manly ferry before enjoying views of the mighty Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House at the end of your tour!

Manly: 3-Beach Kayak Tour with Lunch

7. Manly: 3-Beach Kayak Tour with Lunch

Departing Manly Wharf, follow your guide past luxurious yachts and local ferries to the first stop at Reef Beach. Once there, choose to swim and relax or walk up to Dobroyd Head for breathtaking views of Manly. Next, continue on to Quarantine Beach where you will moor the kayaks and enjoy a visit to Australia's first quarantine station, hearing stories about the lives of both passengers and staff. The final leg of the day is the stunning Store Beach. Sit back, relax, and settle in for a hearty picnic lunch on the sand before making the scenic journey back to Manly.

Sydney: North Head Private Hiking Tour with Transfer

8. Sydney: North Head Private Hiking Tour with Transfer

Breathe in the fresh ocean air as you hike along one of Sydney's easiest, but most rewarding walking tracks. Enjoy an immersive journey of discovery in North Head Manly on a private tour. Learn about the local ecosystem and heritage, and admire privileged views of the coast. Get picked up from your chosen location in the city and head over to Manly's Shelly Beach to begin your trek. Stop for an Acknowledgement of Country, paying your respects to the Traditional Custodians of the area, the Gayemagal people. Proceed north to North Head Reserve. Along the walk, pass many beautiful sights of the ocean across the trees, see ancient rock formations, and observe unique flora and fauna. Listen to insightful commentary and occasionally take a minute or two to walk in silence and take in all of the sights and sounds. Continue to Fairfax Lookout for a spectacular view of Sydney Harbour and the city. Hear about the history of the area and Aboriginal culture. Pass through The Barracks at the former School of Artillery and North Fort, exploring the reason for the construction and its use during WWII. Start the descent back along the coastal track towards Shelly Beach. Taste a delicious picnic lunch overlooking Shelly Beach or at a unique spot with the Sydney CBD in the distance. Get dropped off back at your chosen location or at Manly Wharf to catch the ferry for a scenic ride to the city.

Sydney: Private Sydney City and Australian Wildlife Tour

9. Sydney: Private Sydney City and Australian Wildlife Tour

Enjoy a full day in Sydney discovering the city's iconic landmarks and scenic locations as well as a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park. As a general itinerary, the tour begins with hotel/port pick-up before we make our way to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Australia is famous for its unique animals, marsupials and reptiles. Award-winning Featherdale Wildlife Park shelters a wide variety of indigenous fauna. On this guided tour through the park, you will have up-close interactions with a range of wallabies and kangaroos, marvel at the ultra-relaxed life of a koala and view the world's most poisonous snake. There are wombats, echidnas, penguins, dingos, cassowaries, emus, crocodiles, Tassie Devils and a huge kaleidoscope of bird species. From the wildlife park, we head either back to the eastern or north sides of the city. The eastern area includes Bondi, Tamarama & Bronte beaches as well as Watson's Bay, South Head and travelling through Vaucluse, Paddington and Hyde Park. Those who have visited the east will have an opportunity to discover the northern region of Sydney which includes Manly, North Head, Mosman and Balmoral Beach. We return to the city with visits to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Darling Harbour and photo opportunities of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Your local owner/operator guide will provide informative narration throughout the day offering a deeper understanding of Australia's Aboriginal heritage, colonial history & modern culture. Travel in comfort in a 15-seat Mercedes Benz vehicle.

Sydney: Luxury Half Day Highlights Private Tour

10. Sydney: Luxury Half Day Highlights Private Tour

Looking for the Perfect introduction to Sydney? This top rated, half day Private Tour is the best way to see all the major attractions and sights in, and around Sydney. If you are in Sydney for a Short Stay, Layover or arriving on a Cruise Ship then this tour is the perfect way to see the best of Sydney in a short period of time. This 4 hour half day Private Tour, available for morning or afternoon sessions, takes in the major attractions and sights in and around Sydney. Visit all the famous landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and much more. See Sydney's most interesting and vibrant districts where you will learn about the unique history of Sydney and discover the historic Rocks region where European settlement of Sydney began in 1788. Learn about the Australian Aboriginal First Nations People - the oldest living culture on the planet during visits to significant sites in Sydney Harbour National Park. Enjoy relaxed walks at delightful hidden beaches, bays and secret locations off the main tourist track. During the tour, there are plenty of stops along the way so that you can get to experience the 'Real Sydney' and immerse yourself in the unique, relaxed Australian Culture. Your enthusiastic guide is a Sydney born and bred local who will show you the best Sydney has to offer.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Sydney Harbour National Park

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What people are saying about Sydney Harbour National Park

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 61 reviews

This trip was one of the highlights of our time in Sydney. Our skipper did a fantastic job. She assessed our sailing ability and then let us more or less get on with it. The boat was in excellent condition. It was brilliant to see the Opera house and the harbour bridge from the water. Loved every minute of the trip.

We had great weather and exciting winds. The instructor did his best to show us sailing and the port. In the end we were able to gybe and tack. It was really great!!

Excellent experience-- Great weather for a harbor sail, friendly, experienced staff, and a good hands-on experience for novices. This is a MUST!

With a lot of wind and bad weather and still wonderful .. great tour .. nice sailing instructor ..

Such a fun experience. Beautiful way to see Sydney.