So many to choose from, we had to split it up. See part 1 of our Best tours in Sydney list.
Walking tour
Sydney is famous for several iconic buildings including some of the local shopping spots. With citywalkingtours.com.au you can see the wonderful Queen Victoria Building which has been fully restored to shopper’s paradise status. Chantal, your tour guide, will also show you some of Sydney’s restored ships and noted Aboriginal musicians in the Historical Old Sydney tour.
Walking tours are a great way to see the main sights of any destination, and they are even better when they are free. imfree.com.au offer a free daily tour at 10:30am and 2:30pm lasting for about three hours. It’s a great way to take the pulse of the city.
Peektours.com.au also offer walking tours in the heart of Sydney. Explore the city’s Aboriginal, convict and colonial past and discover parts of the city you probably wouldn’t have found on your own. You can also pick up some great tips on where to eat, drink and experience Sydney like a local.
Bike tours
If you fancy something a bit more energetic, why not participate in a bike tour of the city? You’ll get to cover a lot more ground in the same amount of time. The boutique Bicycle Tour Company bikebuffs.com.au specialises in safe bike tours with a high level of personal service, knowledgeable commentary complete with high-end bicycles (and helmets). This is a great fun tour incorporating the Aussie laidback approach to life and a snack pack.
Also take a look at bonzabiketours.com’s Manly Beach & Sunset Cruise tour. This one is more suited to an intermediate fitness level due to the hill you’ll scale as you head out to North Head. But don’t worry, it’s worth it when you get up there and the ride down is amazing.
Bird-watching tour
If you are interested in seeing some of the local species of birds during your trip, royalcoastwalks.com.au offer a fantastic bird-watching tour where you can discover the varied birdlife of Royal National Park. The tour is led by acclaimed bird watching author Steve Anyon-Smith. With more than 300 species of birds living in the park, you’re bound to see plenty during your tour. Keep an eye out for the likes of the Rock Warbler, Southern Emu-Wren and Green Catbird.
Screen tours
If you are a TV and film buff, there is no better tour for you than bouncewalkingtours.com’s popular Golden Mile tour. Explore the famous strip of Kings Cross, star of TV’s Underbelly. Visit the crime scenes and unravel the plot or behold the clubs and relive the drama, all before enjoying a free drink at the end of your tour. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and characters of the Cross as you visit the popular locations featured in the show and feel as though you are part of it.
Sky tour
If you really want to enjoy the best views Sydney has to offer, head into the skies. sydneyhelicopters.com.au offers tours ranging from scenic flights around Sydney Harbour to the magnificent Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter Valley Wineries and Southern Highlands. They also cater for the more adventurous, with Helicopter Pub Tours and Heli-adventures. Flights start from as little as $195 (about £127), more affordable than you might have imagined.
(Images: www.citywalkingtours.com.au; www.peektours.com.au; www.bikebuffs.com.au; www.royalcoastwalks.com.au; bouncewalkingtours.com; www.sydneyhelicopters.com.au)
