There’s nothing quite like Sydney in summer, whether it be the vibrant beaches or sparkling harbour, Sydney always comes alive at this time of year. If you are an international student who has recently arrived in this city, you may be asking yourself what there is to do once you have put the pen down for the day. Well, sit back and relax, we have you covered!
Explore Sydney’s Beaches
Sydney is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Sydneysiders generally choose between ocean or harbour beaches to visit, most of which are located within 10 kilometres of the city itself. Although Bondi is a great beach to tick off your bucket list, if you are after a more relaxed vibe we would suggest Manly and Coogee beaches, or more ‘secret’ locations such as Balmoral on the North Shore. No matter where you go, you will find white sand beneath your feet and vivid blue water to cool off in.
The Opera House to Botanic Gardens Walk
This walk allows you to take in some of the most iconic Sydney landmarks including the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Botanic Gardens. The gardens offer a relaxed and tranquil environment at the end of the walk, and there are plenty of cafes for refreshments along the way. Be sure to have your camera ready as you will experience all that Sydney has to offer in one afternoon of walking!
Enjoy the Coffee
The café culture made famous in Melbourne has exploded onto Sydney’s shores recently as well. The best part about this growing culture is the coffee that is on offer from different cafes all over the city. Areas such as Surry Hills, Newtown and in the heart of the city are serving up some delicious brews that you can enjoy all day long. Don’t forget to also have a bite to eat, as many of these cafes offer not only great coffee, but delicious food as well.
Ride a Ferry
If it’s a nice day you can’t beat heading down to Circular Quay to jump on one of Sydney’s trademark ferries. It’s a great way to take in some of the beautiful sights that Sydney harbour offers at a cheap price. Our recommendation is to take the ferry to Manly Beach (around 30 minutes) or Watson’s Bay (around 20 minutes). Watson’s Bay is home to many parks by the harbour, so why not get your friends together for a game of cricket while enjoying some fish and chips on a hot afternoon.
If you are after more ideas and inspiration on what to do in Sydney this summer, check out this comprehensive list of things to do by The Urban List here.