An adventurer's guide to Sydney, Australia

 

If you love thrilling adventures in the land of Oz, Sydney is one destination you don't want to miss. Plus, for a limited time only, you can enjoy savings of up to 20% when you book Emirates Holidays packages to Sydney with your Discovery Bank card.

What is this feeling? It's the thrill of planning another adventure! And this time we're taking you on a whirlwind tour of Sydney, also known as the Harbour City or Emerald City, after a 1987 play by David Williamson.

The oldest city in Australia, Sydney is a playground for explorers, thrill seekers and foodies alike. Whether you're scaling bridges, diving into the ocean, exploring historic sites or feasting by the harbour, here's your ultimate Sydney adventure guide.

5 popular spots not to be missed

No visit to Sydney is complete without seeing the Sydney Opera House. Take a guided backstage tour to learn about its fascinating architecture or catch a live performance. For breathtaking views, climb or walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Book a tour with BridgeClimb Sydney for panoramic views from 134 metres above the harbour.

Take a scenic walk or a cosy picnic at Royal Botanic Gardens, a lush oasis in the heart of the city and Australia's oldest botanic garden. If stargazing is right up your alley, don't miss your chance to visit the Sydney Observatory, a heritage-listed astronomical observatory set on the highest point of the city and overlooking the harbour. Discover the beauty of Australian wildlife at the Taronga Zoo, home to over 5,000 animals from over 350 species, including the iconic koala bear, dingo, red kangaroo, wallaby, emu, Australian sea lion and more.

Defy gravity with 5 thrilling activities

Sydney is packed with adventure, from ocean escapades to urban explorations. Ride the waves at Bondi Beach, Sydney's most iconic beach suburb where you can swim, surf, stroll, snorkel or join an Aboriginal walking tour, all in one place! If you really want to get your heart racing, go skydiving over Wollongong, a coastal city south of Sydney, and discover the pristine New South Wales coastline from up to 15,000 feet (around 4,572 km) in the sky.

Go scuba diving at Shelly Beach and discover the wondrous underwater world beneath the waves. The quiet, tranquil protected beach is the perfect spot for snorkelling, swimming and nature walks. Go kayaking or canoeing around the Sydney Harbour and paddle past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, beaches, cliffs and more. And don't forget to pack your hiking shoes, because you cannot miss hiking through the rugged landscapes and waterfalls of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. The national park offers over 140 km of trails, with varying distances and difficulty levels.

Sydney... a feast for all senses

Sydney's food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Start your day with ricotta hotcakes at bills, conveniently located on Bondi Beach, or grab a famous Aussie meat pie from Harry's Café de Wheels. For seafood lovers, Sydney Fish Market is the place to go. Featuring six seafood retailers, cafés, restaurants, a butcher, a bakery, a gourmet deli and a working wharf, there's something for everyone. If fine dining is your flavour, head to Quay, a waterfront restaurant offering world-class cuisine and breathtaking views, or Carriageworks Farmers Market, a Sunday open air food market where you can sample gourmet produce from local farmers and food artisans.

Discovery Bank tip: If you book your Emirates Holidays Sydney package with your Discovery Bank card, you can save up to 20% on award-winning return flights with Emirates, unique stays and unforgettable experiences

Discover more horizons with Discovery Bank and Emirates Holidays

Save from 10% to 20% on selected Emirates Holidays packages with your Discovery Bank card. For a limited time only.

How to take advantage of this special offer

  1. Book selected Emirates Holidays packages online from now until 14 July 2025.
  2. Pay a R199 deposit per person with your qualifying Discovery Bank credit card.
  3. Enjoy your getaway from 1 May 2025 up to 31 March 2026.

Book now!

Vitality Travel rewards do not apply. Find out more about this limited-time offer from Emirates Holidays and Discovery Bank.

Limits, terms and conditions apply.

Discovery Bank Ltd. Auth FSP 48657. Limits, Ts & Cs apply. Rewards based on your engagement in Vitality programmes, Discovery products, and monthly qualifying card spend. Credit initiation and service fees may apply. Subject to credit approval.

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