Unique and Unusual: 6 Offbeat Things To Do In Sydney, Australia

Unique and offbeat activities and adventures make every destination more exciting. Thankfully, Sydney has a world of quirky, cool, and unique activities, many of which most tourists completely miss out on. The next time you find yourself in the Harbour City, be sure to squeeze a few of these offbeat things to do in Sydney into your trip:

My favorite offbeat Sydney Harbour aerial photo
Sydney Harbour

The Best Offbeat Things To Do In Sydney  

Cockatoo Island

Located out in Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island was a penal colony in the early- to mid-1800s before becoming the site of one of Australia’s largest shipyards. Nowadays it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and intriguing blend of prison and shipbuilding history. It has also become a regular venue for festivals, art installations, and outdoor events. Definitely a must visit during the warmers months.

Snorkeling and swimming underwater with coral reefs and giant clams

Sydney’s Best Offbeat Beaches

Sydney’s most popular beaches are always crowded, but there are alternatives. Check out the second oldest national park in the world, the Royal National Park on Sydney’s south coast — great for surfing, snorkeling, and even just relaxing on the beach. Or go north up to Manly and check out secluded Collins Beach at Little Manly Cove. The beach is small, but when visiting on a weekday you are almost guaranteed to have the sand to yourself.

Explore Bundeena

Located a short train ride to the southern suburb of Cronulla, there is a little place named Bundeena. This hip, quirky village is home to large number of artists, and not-so-surprisingly is full of boutique cafés and independent art galleries. Definitely a great day trip and chance to escape the crowds of the city.

Like artist cities? Inside Changdong Art Village in Korea
Walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of the best unique and offbeat things to do in Sydney, Australia
Feeling bored? You could always walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge…on Foot

Over 200 trains and nearly 200,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day, but few people cross on foot…by walking across the top of the bridge! Yes, that is what you can do thanks to a company called BridgeClimb. The entire expedition takes 3-1/2 hours and comes with a complimentary group photo, bridge climb completion certificate, and hat.

Sunset at the beach

Witness the Bondi Rescue

Since 2006 a reality TV show / documentary known as Bondi Rescue films every summer at Bondi Beach and then begins broadcasting in February. If you are visiting Sydney during the summer months, consider taking a brief stop at Bondi Beach to watch the lifeguards hard at work dealing with shark scares, water-related injuries, drunk beach-goers, and other beach hi-jinks. Did you know the lifeguards here perform over 5,000 rescues every summer?

Learn More About Rugby

One of Australia‘s most popular sports is rugby and catching a game firsthand in Olympic Park is one of the unique, iconic things to do when visiting Sydney. Never seen a rugby game before? Its similarities with American football will make it an interesting experience for visitors from the United States. Rugby season runs February to July, with the semi-finals and playoffs taking place in late July and early August.

Ready for an offbeat Sydney adventure?

Mertle

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About Derek Freal

"Some people eat, others try therapy. I travel."   Cultural enthusiast. Adrenaline junkie. Eater of strange foods. Chasing unique and offbeat adventures around the world since 2008. Derek loves going to new destinations where he does not speak a word of the local language and must communicate with hand gestures, or places where he is forced to squat awkwardly to poo -- supposedly its healthier and more efficient. For more information (about Derek, not squat pooing) including popular posts and videos, check out his bio.

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