Sightseeing in Sydney: how to have the ultimate trip to Sydney for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

Conquer the Coat Hanger by climbing into those blue BridgeClimb overalls, safely clipping onto the structure and pointing yourself towards the top of that arch for breathtaking views over the Sydney Opera House and harbour. There are four ways to conquer one of the world’s longest steel-arch bridges. Sign up for the original Summit climb or try the Summit Insider, Ultimate (a journey that continues down the bridge’s northern slope) or the Burrawa Aboriginal climb. Dawn is the most expensive time to climb, closely followed by twilight. Keeping an eye on the travel budget? The day and night climbs aren’t too shabby either.

July is the peak month for spotting whales cruising along eastern Australia’s Humpback Highway. The whales are heading north to give birth in warmer waters before returning to Antarctica, with calves in tow, to feed. While the migration includes southern right whales, it’s the acrobatic humpies who put on a show as they breach, twist, blow water and slap their fins and tails off the coast of Sydney. There are heaps of whale-watching cruises to choose from – or head to a land-based vantage point such as Cape Solander at Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

As far as bang for buck goes, the Manly ferry over-delivers. Departing from Circular Quay, the green-and-gold ferries cut right past the Opera House before setting course for the suburban surf mecca. Bring a hat and sit outside during the 30-minute budget-friendly, jaw-dropping journey.  Make sure the phone’s charged to capture stupendous views of the Harbour Bridge and the glitzy mansions fringing the harbour. In Manly, frolic on golden sands near the ferry terminal, stroll to the ocean beach bordered by towering Norfolk Island pines or head to cute-as-a-button Shelly Beach, popular with snorkelers and divers.

Yank on the activewear, because it’s time to join the ridiculously good-looking locals pounding the path between Bondi and Coogee. This stunning 6km coastal walk connects a string of picture-postcard beaches – Bondi, tiny Tamarama (nicknamed Glamarama), Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee – while also leading you up and down rugged headlands and past historic life-saving clubs. You’ll also catch all-the-way-to-the-horizon ocean views and be provided with all the fresh salty air you need. Bring swimmers and a towel if you want to take a quick dip along the way.

Hear the ancient stories of the Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal people as you explore glittering Sydney Harbour aboard the thoroughly modern Tribal Warrior vessel, Mari Nawi (Big Canoe). As you cruise back through time, exploring the waters of one of the world’s most stunning harbours, learn the Aboriginal names for the landmarks and their meanings. The outing also includes stepping ashore on Be-lang-le-wool (Clark Island), a National Park island located near Double Bay in the eastern suburbs.

Stroll The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to learn more about bushfoods and the ingenuity of the site’s traditional owners. Step back in time by following Cadi Jam Ora: First Encounters – a sculptural ‘storyline’ outlining Sydney’s Indigenous history. Or take an Aboriginal tour (focusing on heritage or bush tucker) and learn fun facts such as how a bristly banksia flower can become a hairbrush or how the hardy lomandra plant is used for fishing, weaving, damper flour and rehydration.

A day trip to the Blue Mountains is known as a must-do for a reason. Take the train to Katoomba – from here, you can easily tick off the bucket-list sights in a few hours. At Echo Point, see the distinctive sandstone formation known as the Three Sisters, gaze across the blue-tinted Jamison Valley to see exactly how the Blue Mountains got their name and, if you’re inspired by the Matildas to pump those thigh muscles, go ahead and conquer the 998 steps of the Giant Stairway.

This year, the Sydney Opera House turns 50. Ahead of the venue’s milestone October birthday, get to know it intimately on the Hidden House Tour (available monthly until October). Venture into back-of-house spaces to see the Concert Hall’s organ, its follow-spot room, the scenery docks and the Joan Sutherland Theatre’s rear stage lift (one of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest lifts). Refuel with a high-tea brunch at Portside restaurant. Other special birthday tours, including themed architecture and food tours, are also available.