Craving a little adventure on your next day off? Whether you're rediscovering Sydney from above or below, there’s a slew of active experiences that will ignite your inner thrill-seeker. Not sure where to start? No worries, we teamed up with our mates at Flip Insurance—Australia’s first provider of on-demand accidental injury insurance—to round up 7 of the best adventures to have in Sydney.
It’s time to explore a different side to your backyard with the peace of mind that you can adventure stress free.
Tear It Up On The Harbour
It doesn’t matter if you’re Sydney born and bred or are new to the city, you need to experience the sheer adrenaline rush of jet boating around the waterways at least once in your life. Thunder Jet will see you zip and spin (a full 360 degrees to be exact) around the Opera House in a 23-seater jet boat, doing power brakes and tailspins around harbour islands, past Taronga Zoo and even out into the ocean for a salty hit. For more screaming action, try Harbour Jet and Oz Jet Boating.
Tackle An Overnight Hike
If you’ve already dominated your local walking trails, challenge yourself to an overnight hike. Escape the hustle of the city and truly reconnect with nature in the Blue Mountains National Park, in particular the Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest walking track. The 16-kilometre return hike (around six hours depending on your fitness level) will see you meander through lush forest, beneath a canopy of soaring coachwood trees and along the Grose River. Pro tip: pack your swimmers for a mid-hike dip. At night, rest your head at the Acacia Flat campground, and keep your eyes peeled for kestrels and wedge-tailed eagles that can be found circling above. It’s a true pinch me moment.
Horse Ride Amongst Nature
Set your Spotify to Darryl Braithwaite’s greatest hits and your GPS to Moore Park where you can spend your morning trotting on horseback through one of Sydney’s most picturesque parks. One of the few inner-city parks in the world where you can actually horse ride, hit up Showgrounds Riding School—where everyone from total beginners to pros can book a lesson. Trot with your mates (how’s that for an alternative to a coffee catch up?) and take in the lush surroundings or book a solo jaunt with a trainer for some ‘you time’.
Swim Beneath Waterfalls
Sure Sydney’s beaches are a solid 11 out 10, but have you ever cooled off on a hot summer’s day beneath a cascading waterfall? It’s a pretty magical experience. Some of our faves? Winifred Falls in the Royal National Park is only a 45-minute drive from the city and will reward you with a pristine swimming hole, encased by a waterfall, lush foliage and an abundance of native animals. In the same park, be sure to float at Wattamolla. With a sparkling lagoon and a seven-metre-high waterfall, you’ll likely spend your day alternating between swims and sunning yourself on the cabbage tree palm-lined beach. For something a little less intrepid but still stunning, check out Collins Flat Beach, sandwiched between North Head and Little Manly Cove. The waterfall here might not be as expansive as others, but you could score a glimpse of fairy penguins chilling out on the rocks that encase the falls while you cool off.
Embrace Your Inner Race Car Driver
Obsessed with Formula One, or just a Daniel Riccardo stan? You too can feel the need for speed with a trip to Sydney Motorsport Park. Jump behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lotus or Lamborghini and zip around the 1.8 kilometre Southern Circuit packed with sharp turns that will leave your heart racing. If you’re not ready to tackle the circuit solo, you can also ride shotgun with a pro in a V8 supercar.
Fly Through The Treetops
If you like your thrills high in the sky, then Treetops Adventure is where you’ll want to head. There’s over 100 aerial obstacles to tackle on their tree ropes courses, but the real action can be found on the Zipcoaster—the fastest of its kind in Australia. Strap yourself in and zoom around a 500 metre-long track with two stomach-dropping 360-degree loops and countless drops.
Explore Ancient Caves
Looking like something straight out of Aladdin, the Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains is truly breathtaking. You can meander through this incredible labyrinth of underground rivers, chambers and limestone formations on a guided tour. Closer to home, jump in the car and make your way to Ku-ring-gai National Park. The area is on Durramurragal land and after a 45-minute walk you’ll find Red Hands Cave, awash with incredible rock art and engravings that date back 500 years. Cue the goosebumps.
Want to create more moments that matter? Flip Insurance provides pay-as-you-go injury insurance for accidents, for $7 a day or $25 a week*. Flip gives instant peace of mind—so you can adventure stress free. Click here to find out more.
*Read the PDS and TMD at getflip.com.au and consider whether this product is appropriate for you. Issued by HCF Life.
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Images: Urban List