10 Cool And Unusual Things To Do In Sydney

Bushwalking like the locals

One of the more unusual things to do in Sydney that I like to recommend to visitors is bushwalking. Thanks to the lush parklands and bush areas surrounding the city, bushwalking is a popular local activity that tourists often forget to include in their itineraries as they often spend most of their time exploring the inner-city neighborhoods or relaxing at the nearby beaches.

As a lover of the outdoors, I really think bushwalking is one of the best ways to see Sydney and get a feel for local life. You will get to see some of the most beautiful hidden places in Sydney whilst spending some time in nature and you’ll also get a flavor of the Aussie outdoorsy spirit!

Walks range from one-hour leisurely strolls to extreme day-long treks. Whatever your level, there are lots of options that cater to varying capabilities and fitness levels.

The classic Sydney bushwalk, Bondi to Coogee, is the most famous and often overpopulated with tourists. Avoid the crowds and try the Spit to Manly walk instead. This medium-difficulty trail is well maintained all year long and takes roughly four hours to complete, perfect for those visiting only for a couple of days.

The views over Middle Harbour are wonderful and there are even a few places along the way to stop for coffee, grab a bite to eat or go for a refreshing swim. What are you waiting for? Grab some comfy shoes and see a different side to Sydney!

Take a Ferry to Darling Harbour from Circular Quay

Another fun and unusual thing to do in Sydney for visitors is to take a ferry ride. Water is everywhere in Sydney and such an integral part of people’s everyday lives and so I think an exploration of the city’s waters is a must for anyone wanting to get to know Sydney like a local.

While there’s nothing really ‘unusual’ about taking a ferry for most Sydneysiders, it can be a cool and unusual way to sightsee for those who aren’t familiar with this kind of lifestyle. They're also a cheap alternative to the more touristy organised tours and you’ll still get to see the same spectacular views and have access to Sydney's picturesque harbour islands. 

For an overview of the main harbour area, take the ferry trip to Darling Harbour from Circular Quay. It lasts around twenty minutes and transports you under the Harbour Bridge and around the iconic Sydney Opera House via Balmain.  

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

For me, one of the best views in the city of the harbor can be found at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

Sydney has many amazing viewpoints, but they can often become overcrowded with eager tourists hoping to get that perfect shot from high above. According to legend, the bench known as Mrs Macquarie's Chair was carved out of sandstone for Governor Lachlan Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth, in the early 1800s and quickly became her favorite spot to look upon the harbor. 

Like Mrs Macquarie, this location is one of my favorite places to come to enjoy the view of the harbor. It’s one of the less touristy lookout points and the place to go if you want to take that postcard-perfect picture of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from a different perspective. There are some beautiful walking trails to get there with places to sit and enjoy the views along the way.

The Carriage Works Farmers Market

Sydney’s dining scene is world-class and with so many fantastic restaurants, cafés and eateries on offer you’ll never go hungry or want for more. That said, it’s easy to get pulled toward the expensive tourist traps in the city’s entertainment districts or settle for a familiar chain restaurant when you’re tired, your feet hurt and all you want to do is sit down and eat.

For a real taste of the city’s local food culture, one of the non-touristy things to do in Sydney that I recommend to most visitors wondering where to eat locally in Sydney is to visit a local farmers market and spend a couple of hours browsing the various food stalls and taking in the wonderful sights and smells of Sydney’s local produce.

My favourite has to be the Carriage Works Farmers Market, open on Saturday mornings until 1pm. It’s is one the biggest and best markets around with a vast selection of fresh food, street food pop ups, coffee shops and juice bars. Arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowds and grab a breakfast burger or fresh pastry to enjoy whilst you walk round.  

Craft beer at Young Henry’s

One of the best parts of Sydney’s food and drink scene is our beer culture, particularly when it comes to craft beer.

Tasting the city’s best craft beers is a must during your visit to Sydney and there’s nowhere better to do that then at Young Henry’s, a humble brewery serving locally brewed craft beers and offering one of the best and most authentic local experiences in town.

Inside you’ll find an eclectic mix of people from families with children, to friends catching up on the latest gossip, co-workers enjoying a post-work beer and loyal regulars who picked their favourite brews long ago. The laid-back local atmosphere and inclusive nature of this brewery are why I love it and why you should skip the busy tourist bars and come here to experience real local life in Sydney.

Start off with Young Henry’s signature beer, the Newtowner and then see what else takes your fancy. Tip: Opening hours are from 12pm-7pm only so best to head here for an afternoon ‘beer break’ during your full day of sightseeing in Sydney.