Imagine this: You have been dreaming of visiting Sydney for ages. The time finally comes that you have both the time and the money to do so. However, shortly after you arrive unexpected feelings of sadness and boredom with life begin to settle in. Worry soon follows. You start to doubt that you’ll be able to properly enjoy your vacation.
I think we can all agree that this is an awful situation to find oneself in. It can even feel quite stressful as you might feel pressure to feel happy cos, after all, you are on vacation. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way.
This may sound crazy, but you can still have a wonderful time in Sydney despite feeling sad and maybe even a bit bored with life. The key is to take it one day at a time and allow yourself to move slowly. Well, that and give these 8 activity ideas a try.
Walk around the Royal Botanical Garden
The Royal Botanical Garden is Australia’s oldest scientific institution. It opened in 1816 and is in the heart of Sydney. The garden has multiple entrances, even one by the Sydney Opera House. It is open every day of the year and access is free.
When the weather is lovely, it can be very relaxing to take a stroll through the Royal Botanical Garden. There are so many beautiful florae to see. From certain areas of the garden, there is a stunning view of the nearby water, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House. For example, you can take a seat on a bench and have a bite to eat while enjoying a great view of the city.
Visit the Sydney Opera House
The Danish architect Jørn Utzon designed the historic landmark and broke ground in 1959, though it wasn’t formally open until 1973. The multi-venue performing arts centre sits beautifully on the banks of Sydney Harbour and has a spectacular view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Despite being an opera house, the arts centre hosts a variety of shows ranging from opera, cabaret, and dance to theatre, contemporary music, and comedy. If it is within your budget, shows at the Opera House can be a great way to spend one’s evening in Sydney. Ticket prices, usually, range between 73-395 AUD, depending on how good the seats are.
The Sydney Opera House is widely regarded as a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. Even if the shows at the opera house do not appeal to you, it is well worth the visit simply for its stunning architecture.
Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Across the water from the Sydney Opera House is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is the largest steel arch bridge on the planet and spans one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours. It was designed and built by the British firm Dorman Long and Co Ltd of Middlesbrough and took eight years in the making. Construction began in 1924 and finished in 1932.
You can walk and cycle across it, as well as climb to the bridge’s peak for an incredible view of Sydney Harbour. Spending an afternoon leisurely walking across the bridge can be great fun as you will get a grew view of the harbour. A view that simply gets better if you climb to the bridge’s peak. You can climb the bridge any time of the day with prices varying between 293-378 AUD for adults and 193-268 AUD for children.
Visit the Strand Arcade
The Strand Arcade at 195-197 Pitt Street in the heart of Sydney’s central business district is a heritage-listed Victorian shopping arcade. It was established in 1891 and stands today as the only Victorian shopping arcade remaining in its original form. It was designed by the English architect John Spencer and opened in 1892. Since then it has managed to endure two depressions, two world wars, and even two major fires.
At three stories high, the arcade has a wide variety of little shops to check out. They range from barbershops and boutiques to incredibly tasty pastry shops and restaurants. For instance, the Sweet Infinity is a French-inspired patisserie situated on the ground floor. They serve a variety of delicious pastry goodies such as pies, sausage rolls, and a chocolate brownie they are famous for.
A visit to the Strand Arcade makes for a lovely laid-back afternoon.
Do the Bondi Coastal Walk
One of the most beautiful walks you can take in the Sydney area is, without a doubt, the Bondi Coastal Walk. Considered by many travel guides a must, the walk goes from Bondi and all the way to Coogee. You can begin at either end, though Bondi beach is considered the official start of the walk.
Walking from Bondi to Coogee takes, approximately, two hours at a leisurely pace. It is free and anyone physically capable of walking for two hours can do it. There are also guided tours available for those interested in learning a bit of history while doing it.
You might be wondering why you should do this very long walk and the reason is simple. Exercise is good for your mental health and walking with stunning landscape views all around you is a recipe for a fun yet relaxing time.
Go up the Sydney Tower Eye
For more stunning views head over to the Sydney Tower Eye observation deck. The tower offers spectacular views of the city that become absolutely breathtaking at sunset. Admissions for adults begin at 19.60 AUD and for children start at 13.30 AUD. For students and seniors, however, it starts at 14.70 AUD.
After a long day walking all over Sydney, the Sydney Tower Eye can be the perfect way to end the day. Head over during golden hour and watch the sunset from the observation deck. Rest your feet by taking a seat and simply enjoy the view.
Take a ferry to Manly Beach
Manly Beach is situated along the northern beaches of Sydney with great waves, beautiful sands and cosy cafés and restaurants lined up across the street. It is a favourite among tourists and locals alike. The ultimate beach to spend a laid-back, “lazy” day by the beach.
You can take a ferry to Manly from Darling Harbour, change boats at Circular Quay Wharf 6 and voila, you arrive at Manly. Another way to get there is to take a boat straight away from Circular Quay. The ferry ride takes, approximately, 30 minutes and, usually, offer great views of Sydney and Manly along the way.
For more detailed information on how to get to Manly check out Manly Australia.
Go to Darling Harbour
Originally named Long Cove, Darling Harbour is Sydney’s largest dining, shopping, and entertainment precincts. It is situated on the outskirts of the central business district, only a short walk from the city centre. The area offers a generous variety of great entertainment and dining options, making it a great spot to spend a lively evening after a relaxing day walking around loads. It is also a great area to spend the day.
Hopefully, these 8 activity ideas were of some help. It isn’t easy to travel while feeling sad and a bit bored with life, so take it easy on yourself. Allow yourself to move slower whenever the sadness and/or boredom become overwhelming. All the activities suggested in this article can easily be done over the course of five days or even seven if done at a very leisurely pace.