To experience Sydney Harbour first-hand, most people traditionally hop onto a Manly ferry, grab a seat on an outdoor deck, and check out the sights along the way. But while this trip is a must-do for any first-timers on the harbour, there are many other ways to be part of the action on the water. You can skipper a yacht, hire a tinnie, paddle a kayak, or even go diving to check out what's really at the bottom of the harbour. And you don't have to be an expert to do any of this.
A great way to explore the harbour is to hire a kayak or canoe. Paddling around bays and beaches means you can reach inlets and secluded foreshore areas that are hard to reach via road or foot. No experience is necessary as hire operators give you a rundown of the best places to go, depending on the swell and watercraft traffic on the day.
Rose Bay is a popular kayaking spot on the south side of the harbour.
Kayaks hired from this area are generally allowed to paddle as far west as the Opera House and east as far as South Head. Take a simple picnic lunch in a waterproof plastic bag and stop at a beach like Nielsen Park, or wherever you can pull your kayak into shore. If you forget to pack food, don't worry. Roving vendors visit harbour beaches offering everything from ice cream to cappuccinos.
On the north side, The Spit and Manly are great places to hire kayaks, particularly for beginners as traffic is low and conditions calmer than in the bustle of the main harbour. Kayakers in this area can paddle around Middle Harbour, venture onto waterways that meander all the way to Killara, and canoe around Manly Bay. Windsurfing is also a popular sport in these areas.
If you'd rather take the helm of something a bit more substantial, there are many places to hire catamarans and small yachts such as lasers or Hobie Cats. These are ideal for two people and, while some operators prefer you to have experience, many are happy to give you a quick lesson on how to sail if conditions are calm.
To get the whole family involved, hire a motorboat or tinnie. Or if you've ever been inspired by the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, larger yachts are available from various operators. These can carry up to eight people, but you do need to show you have some sailing experience if you want to charter one. If you're an absolute beginner, start off with lessons or half-day 'Try Sailing' outings. On the south side of the harbour, Rose Bay and Rushcutters Bay have watercraft for hire. On the north, Balmoral and The Spit are the places to go.
To soak in an aerial view, seaplane joyrides take off from Rose Bay.
Fifteen-minute scenic flights go over Sydney Harbour, Bondi and Manly.
For a bird's-eye view of the Harbour - without getting on a plane - thrillseekers can get a buzz from parasailing.
Available at Manly, this involves being strapped into a harness with a parachute attached. You're then pulled behind a motorboat, the wind catches in your parachute and you soar 150 metres into the air. It's not as scary as it sounds and this unique experience is worth it as you float in peaceful silence high above the busy harbour.
For those who want to check out the murky depths of the harbour, scuba diving operators offer tours, courses and equipment hire. If you've never dived before, there are half-day tours available for beginners who just want a taste of what the harbour has to offer, but who don't have time to do the three-day certification course.
However, if swimming, sailing and speeding along the water don't appeal and you'd much rather cruise along with some tea and bickies as you motor past the Opera House, there are lots of cruise operators to choose from.
As well as private charters and cruise boats, Sydney Ferries also offers guided tours around the harbour in the morning, afternoon and evening.
And, of course, for a traditional standby - there's always the trusty ferry ride to Manly.
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Can I say how much I liked reading these tips from other members. What a nice idea. Can I suggest that a great place to go swimming in Sydney Harbour is Nielsen Park, near Watson's Bay. The water is calm & clear, there is good food & best of all the beach is netted. It's a lovely place to have a picnic and there are some easy and very pretty walks to do. Just don't plan on parking nearby, especially on weekends as it gets pretty crowded. Catch the bus!
T. McK.
For a cheaper way to see Sydney Harbour, try a Sydney Ferries Harbour Cruise. The comfortable ferries leave regularly for cruises around the harbour and surrounding areas. If you can do without the glamour that other companies offer, this is certainly a great way to see the harbour city.
Angela, Darwin.
The Manly ferry isn't the only memorable harbour journey. Show overseas visitors more of our harbour by taking serveral different ferry trips. Don't forget that the Sydney Pass gives unlimited travel on ferries and don't forget the Parramatta Rivercat. Look at www.sydneyferries.nsw.gov.au for more details and enjoy Sydney.
Serendib from Allaway
4WD
