Our colleague, Clara, recently had an amazing adventure in the stunning Australian state of New South Wales. She's super excited to share her stories and experiences. Let's dive right in, starting with the fantastic city of Sydney – the heart of New South Wales, known for its lively atmosphere and iconic attractions. In the blog, Clara shares the 5 activities you absolutely must try while exploring Sydney to the fullest.
After the long flight from Frankfurt to Sydney, I longed for nothing more than a lie-in, maybe a leisurely breakfast and a relaxed start to the day, but wait! Surfing was on the agenda. At seven in the morning. I had never stood on a surfboard before, and I admit I was a little nervous. Furthermore, the effects of the flight were still evident. Jet lag is no fun! However, I was assured that surfing would be the very best remedy. So, with tired eyes, we made our way to iconic Bondi Beach through the fresh morning air.
Parrots were circling in the treetops and the streets were already bustling with activity. On the beach, I noticed that Australians seem to have a great penchant for morning exercise. Yoga groups contorted to music, joggers trotted along the beach promenade, and scores of dogs and their owners were out on their morning walks. Surfing was the perfect activity to immerse yourself in the Aussie lifestyle!
Heart pounding, I squeezed into my wetsuit and off we went. After a brief safety briefing and some dry runs, we plunged into the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The water: Surprisingly warm, given that it was the deepest Australian winter (means in our case: 21 degrees and bright sunshine). My surfing skills: Frighteningly low. But you quickly realised that having fun is the priority here. And with a little support from the extremely friendly surf guides, I soon rode a wave or two right up to the beach (… on my stomach, not standing up). Salty, happy, and wide awake, we then reviewed our surfing lesson over a delicious brunch and realised: surfing actually seems to be a very effective remedy for jet lag.
One of my favourite ways to get an overview of a new city is on the saddle of a bicycle. With the wind blowing around your ears, you can not only discover the most important sights relatively quickly, but also get a feel for the city. Sydney is almost predestined for this, and so I was very happy that a guided bike tour was on the program on our first day. After we were warmly welcomed and equipped with the right bike for us, we started straight away. Our guide was a student from Sydney who knew a lot about his hometown and had a good sense of humour.
With pleasant temperatures and bright sunshine, we passed some of the city's most exciting attractions. We marvelled at the iconic Opera House, cycled under the impressive Harbor Bridge and meandered through bustling Circular Quay. In Hyde Park we watched the hustle and bustle of the locals, who enjoyed the sunny winter day with picnic blankets in the park, and made a short stop to visit the Anzac War Memorial.
Finally, we did another round through the Botanical Gardens, always past the azure waters of Sydney Harbour. If your trip also takes you to Sydney, I heartily recommend a bike tour. Especially on the first few days, it's a great way to get an overview of the city and then return to your favourite spots and explore them on your own.
Another highlight for me was being in the city at the time of Vivid Sydney. Vivid is an annual festival of light, music, and ideas that transforms the city into a mesmerising spectacle of colour, sound, and creativity. During the event, world-famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge will be illuminated with stunning light installations, transforming the architecture into a living work of art.
A special highlight: the drone show. As a sustainable alternative to classic fireworks, glowing drones draw incredible pictures in the night sky (see photo below!). That evening, the whole town seemed to be on its feet. Crowds gathered around Sydney Harbor for the best view of the spectacle. Luckily, we didn't have to compete for the best seats, but enjoyed the show exclusively from a boat. In addition, we had an unparalleled view of the illuminated skyline, Harbor Bridge, and the Opera House. I was snuggled up under blankets with a glass of Australian sparkling wine. A unique experience!
City trips can be pretty exhausting. For me, it's always particularly beneficial: spending time in the countryside. A visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens came at just the right time. The green paradise in the heart of the city is a true oasis of calm, with breathtaking views of the harbour and the opera house and a variety of plants.
Also, particularly impressive for me: the many bird species that populate the park. Our Australian companion found it very amusing that I pulled out my mobile phone for a souvenir photo for each cockatoo, parrot, or ibis. But while these exotic birds are part of everyday life for the Aussies, for me, it was always an experience!
What made the visit to the botanical garden the absolute highlight for me, however, was our tour with an Indigenous guide. As we strolled through the gardens, he told us interesting facts about the way of life of the land's traditional keepers. For example, he showed us which plants are used as traditional medicines and which serve as a source of food. At the end, we tried the traditional bush bread. A wonderful way to learn more about the oldest living culture in the world.
The Harbor Bridge spans Sydney Harbour, the city's landmark. But did you also know that you can't just observe this iconic structure from the ground? On the famous Harbor Bridge Climb, you climb the bridge on a unique climbing tour. Although I have to admit: a walk is more appropriate. After a detailed safety briefing and putting on the equipment, we started.
We began with the only section that actually involves climbing: we climbed up the bridge pillar via four ladders. Luckily, I don't have a problem with heights, but some of my fellow climbers had trembling knees. Thanks to the climbing harnesses, it was a safe experience. After that, it went steadily uphill, up the metal girders of the bridge. There were really wonderful views here.
We started our ascent at sunset. Initially, we were rewarded with an unrivalled view of the last rays of the day's sunshine before the night's ceiling revealed the dazzling colours of the Vivid Sydney Festival. The view from the top of the Harbor Bridge was simply breathtaking. The city's skyline was illuminated by the creative light installations, the buildings shone in the brightest colours, creating a surreal and captivating panorama. It was particularly inspiring to see the Sydney Opera House with beautiful artwork projected onto it. The glittering waters of the harbour reflected the sparkling light. A truly unique experience that I will remember forever.
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