What to Do
PLAN YOUR TRIP
We hope that you make the most of our trip to the Sydney for the 2024 Australian Rowing Championships by making the most of everything NSW has to offer. Where to start? Maybe with that famous opera house and famous bridge, both sitting on that equally famous harbour. Or with beaches that are household names. One of the world’s best food and drink scenes. Incredibly rich culture, including the oldest continuous living culture on earth. Wildlife experiences. Stunning national parks. Sydney has it all – and then some.
Whether you have a day spare, or plan a holiday around your trip to Australian Rowing Championships, be sure to read on to see how you can make your trip a memorable one.
WHAT’S ON IN SYDNEY
From the iconic sails of the Opera House to the golden sands at Bondi Beach, Sydney is brimming with spectacular icons. Discover the city’s unmissable attractions by ticking these essential experiences off your bucket list.
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
The Sydney Opera House is more than just an architectural marvel set on beautiful Sydney Harbour, it’s also a world-class working opera house. The iconic sails host more than 1,600 performances a year – everything from classical ballet performances, innovative theatre and symphony music to contemporary dance and, of course, stunning opera productions.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed building offers daily guided tours, available in English, Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. Meanwhile, Opera Bar has the best view in town, letting you sip cocktails as you marvel at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll treasure the same views dining alfresco at the adjacent House Canteen.
BONDI BEACH
Sparkling blue ocean, funky eateries and a laid-back beach lifestyle sum up the world-famous Bondi. Go for a swim in an iconic ocean pool at Icebergs, sip a fruity cocktail at a beachside bar like Hotel Ravesis, learn to ride the waves with the experts at Let’s Go Surfing or peruse the Saturday farmer’s markets.
Of course, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a memorable way to appreciate the beauty of the area. The picturesque 6km track is carved into sandstone cliffs and offers uninterrupted views of the ocean, passing Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach, before finishing in beautiful Coogee. Throughout October and November, you will also be able to view the world’s biggest annual free outdoor sculpture exhibition – Sculpture by the Sea – along the route.
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN
An oasis of 30 hectares in the heart of the city, the Royal Botanic Garden occupies one of Sydney’s most spectacular positions: wrapping around the harbour and sitting adjacent to the Sydney Opera House. With a long history dating back to 1816, it is home to an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas.
Enjoy a stroll, pack a picnic lunch, join a free guided tour (the Aboriginal Heritage Tour is a highlight) or come for one of the many memorable events held in the lush antipodean-accented parklands.
CHINATOWN
Sydney isn’t the only global city with a Chinatown, but this one is bigger, better and boasts more than most thanks to the Chinese immigrants that started arriving in the 1800s. You can find everything here, from small specialist stores and sprawling Asian grocers to noodle bars in hidden food halls and tucked-away fine-dining restaurants. Not to mention lively markets and late-night karaoke. Must-visits include the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Paddys Markets, and foodie hotspots Mamak and Gumshara.
TARONGA ZOO
Just 12mins from the city by ferry, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals. Open 365 days a year, admission includes daily keeper talks and shows. For a unique stay like no other, book into the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, an eco-retreat nestled within the zoo.
WHAT’S ON IN PENRITH
Penrith is not your usual destination. You are invited to this new City and get ready for some unique and memorable experiences.
Spectacular outdoor adventures, thrilling adrenaline attractions, fascinating historical treasures, diverse arts and culture scenes, thriving dining and bar strips and fun family activities are just the beginning.
THEO’S ROOFTOP BAR
Enjoy the stunning Penrith sunsets overlooking the Blue Mountains in the Mediterranean inspired space
Theo’s Rooftop Bar is the first of its kind in Penrith. Opened in late 2021.
Beautifully styled decor and a view to match, Theo’s Rooftop Bar will be known as the place to be this spring and summer.
A great place to hang out with friends and family or an after-work drink. The bar will feature a full menu catering to lunch, dinner or just a light snack
Cables Wake Park
Have fun, get active and cool off at Cables Wake Park. Featuring two main cable lakes where people of all ability levels can water-ski, wakeboard or kneeboard. Great for professionals and beginners, there is a program to suit any skill level, ranging from Kids Club, first-timers “learn to ride” and all the way up to advanced intensive sessions.
The Aqua Park is the perfect place for the young (and the young at heart!) to cool off whether the weather warms up. Featuring inflatable slides, trampolines and obstacles the Aqua Park is where your inner child comes to life!
Free spectator entry with a playground to keep the kids happy. Parents can enjoy a snack or coffee on the veranda of the cafe or make use of the free BBQ areas and shaded structures as they stroll around the lakes.
ITINERARIES
Want to discover cutting-edge Chinese art or sample the hottest plates Sydney’s restaurants have to offer? Got the kids on board or a furry travel companion? Craving some mountain air or the saltwater on your skin? These carefully curated itineraries showcase the best of the Harbour City’s food and drink, art and culture, outdoors, adventure activities and luxury experiences – and allow you to indulge in what you love best.
Road Trips
Hit the road and discover all the incredible things on offer in NSW. Whether it’s a classic drive along the coast, a food and wine trail through the countryside, or an epic Outback adventure, there’s a road trip for everyone in NSW.
