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Sydney Harbour Destinations

Visit Sydney Harbour’s iconic destinations & discover its hidden gems.

Must See Sydney Harbour Destinations

Welcome to one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours. Sydney Harbour has it all; sparkling blue waters, iconic tourists attractions, hidden beaches, pristine bushland, pretty botanic gardens brimming with native flora and charming islands that are made for exploring.

Double Bay

Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Double Bay offers a blend of sophistication and relaxed charm. This harbourside gem is known for its pristine bay, offering visitors a chance to unwind at picturesque parks or stroll along the tree-lined streets filled with boutique shopping, upscale dining, and stylish cafes. Whether you’re indulging in a waterfront meal or exploring the local markets, Double Bay promises an escape with a touch of elegance.

Manly

Enjoy the wonderful delights of Manly, from iconic Manly Beach and breathtaking views from North Head to delicious waterside places to eat and fun family activities. Begin your discovery with a ferry ride from Circular Quay across sparkling Sydney Harbour, one of the world’s great natural harbours.

Taronga Zoo

One of Sydney’s most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals. Overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry. Open 365 days a year, admission includes daily keeper talks and presentations.

Watsons Bay

There’s a lot to love about Watsons Bay. It’s got lovely beaches, marvellous views and delicious seafood. Located on the South Head peninsula in Sydney’s east, it’s a delightful day out. Australia’s oldest fishing village is home to waterfront restaurants, great walking trails and a harbourside park perfect for family picnics.

Darling Harbour

This waterside pocket of Sydney has got it all; amazing entertainment, fascinating museums, incredible wildlife and delicious dining options right on the water plus a brand-new food precinct. Darling Harbour is a fantastic family-friendly destination right in the heart of Sydney that has something for everyone.

Barangaroo

Barangaroo was once a bustling container terminal, but thanks to a big urban renewal project this suburb on the edge of Sydney Harbour now has something for everyone. Discover delicious restaurants, explore the beautiful parkland, there’s enticing shopping, innovative architecture and fascinating indigenous tours.

Circular Quay

This is the gateway to all the wonderful things that Sydney Harbour has to offer. Circular Quay in Sydney Cove is bordered by the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden on one side and the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the other. It’s also the main ferry terminal in Sydney, making it easy to explore one of the world’s great natural harbours.

Explore the Magnificent Pittwater!

Palm Beach is situated approximately 40km from Sydney CBD and is Sydney’s most northerly beach positioned on the Pacific Ocean foreshores; it has the magnificent waterways of Pittwater nestled behind, which is an inlet of Broken Bay. Barrenjoey Headland and lighthouse strongly dominate the end of the Northern Peninsula with their stunning views of West Head and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is one of the most beautiful parts of Sydney. The narrow peninsular is surrounded by water on three sides: Pittwater, the Pacific Ocean, and Broken Bay, making it perfect for surfing, swimming, sailing and lots more.

Ettalong Beach

White sandy beaches, calm waterways and magnificent national parks hug Ettalong Beach, creating plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature. Take your pick from swimming, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, cycling and boating in this waterfront town on the Central Coast of NSW.

Wagstaffe

Wagstaffe is a quiet, quaint suburb on the South-Eastern Peninsula of the Central Coast. Waterfront homes line the Brisbane Waters and the surf beach is just a short stroll over the hill.

Mackerel Beach

Mackerel has a great sandy beach that is perfect for the children and is the starting point for numerous bushwalks leading up to The Basin or West Head lookout. Come to stay at Mackerel for the day or hire a house and make a week of it, either way, you won’t be disappointed.

Currawong

Currawong is home to eco-friendly, rustic Currawong Cottages. When you stay here you really feel like you are at one with nature. There is all the wildlife of The Basin plus a tennis court, 6-hole golf course, volleyball and lots to do.

The Basin

The Basin is perfect for a day out with family and friends and can even cater to large groups such as weddings and school groups. The Basin caters to 400 campers on non-powered sites as well as acres of unspoilt beauty in the National Park.

Bennetts

The Basin is perfect for a day out with family and friends and can even cater to large groups such as weddings and school groups. The Basin caters to 400 campers on non-powered sites as well as acres of unspoilt beauty in the National Park.

Bonnie Doon

Camp at The Basin or spend your time exploring walking tracks, mountain biking trails, breathtaking lookouts, and significant Aboriginal sites. Learn more about Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

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Ways to Explore Sydney Harbour & Pittwater

Fantasea Cruising offers Sydney’s best value 1 Day & 2 Day Sydney Harbour Hopper Passes so you can get on and off at all popular Sydney Harbour destinations as often as you like: Manly, Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay.

You only have a couple of hours to see the world’s most beautiful harbour? Join our 90min Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise with commentary developed in partnership with Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation and the Australian Maritime Museum.

We acknowledge the land on which we gather, from places as widespread and diverse as the NRMA. In the presence of Elders past, present and future, we recognise all journeys and our mutual role in creating new paths together.