Sydney summer experiences

Sydney in summer pulls you to the water first. This page puts the harbour, Bondi and the city's animal attractions in one place: a jet boat and ferries on the harbour, a surf lesson at Bondi, early starts with the koalas, and attraction passes for the days you want to see a lot.

On the water: jet boat, harbour ferries and a Bondi surf lesson

The Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride runs for 30 minutes from the Eastern Pontoon at Circular Quay, with spins, slides and power-brake stops past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Taronga Zoo. For a slower look at the same view, the Taronga Zoo entry and return ferry combo crosses the harbour on a rocket catamaran, and the Taronga Zoo entry with a 2 day harbour ferry pass adds stops at Manly, Watsons Bay and Shark Island.

The Bondi Beach 2 hour surf lesson is a beginner session on Ramsgate Avenue with no more than 5 students per class. Lessons run in waist deep water at lower tides, and the soft boards, wetsuits, rashies, sunscreen and zinc are all supplied. You bring a swimsuit and a towel.

Early starts and wildlife days

Breakfast with the Koalas at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo begins at 7.15am with a buffet on the Koala Rooftop, when the koalas are most active. After breakfast you can wander the rest of the zoo for as long as you like, and the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo entry covers the Aussie Big 5.

Symbio Wildlife Park at Helensburgh has 16 acres of gardens, a kangaroo walk-through and a splash park, and its page suggests bringing swimmers in the warmer months. Sydney Zoo at Bungarribee has no hills or steps and free parking. Our Sydney zoos and aquariums page lists the rest.

Darling Harbour attractions and passes

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has the Penguin Expedition boat ride and Shark Valley, and Sydney Aquarium Shark Dive Xtreme puts you in the water with grey nurse sharks for 30 minutes. No dive experience is needed, and you get scuba training in a pool first.

To combine several in one booking, the Sydney Attractions Pass with four attractions covers WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye and Madame Tussauds, and the Ultimate Sydney Attractions Pass adds the Sydney Tower SKYWALK.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Sydney attraction with a splash park?

Yes. Symbio Wildlife Park at Helensburgh has a splash park, and the product page suggests bringing swimmers in the warmer months.

What do I bring to a Bondi surf lesson?

A swimsuit and a towel. The Bondi Beach 2 hour surf lesson supplies soft surfboards, wetsuits, rashies, sunscreen and zinc.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the Bondi surf lesson?

Advanced swimming isn't required for the Bondi Beach 2 hour surf lesson, but water confidence is recommended. Lessons run in waist deep water at lower tides.

How long is the Sydney Harbour jet boat ride?

The Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride runs for 30 minutes and departs from the Eastern Pontoon at Circular Quay.

Can I dive with sharks in Sydney without experience?

Yes. Sydney Aquarium Shark Dive Xtreme needs no dive experience, though you must have a reasonable degree of swimming ability. You get scuba training in a pool before the 30 minute dive with grey nurse sharks.

Local tip: The jet boat and the harbour ferries both leave from Circular Quay, so a morning on the water slots in easily before an afternoon at Taronga Zoo.

Pick your harbour ride, surf lesson or koala breakfast and lock it in. A summer day out is easy to build from the options above, and all good days are waiting.