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WORDS CELESTE MITCHELL

There’s no better way to take in Sydney during summer than on the harbour – come for a spin as we find the 10 best action adventures.

01 - Tall Stories

It’s been 220 years since the Tall Ships first sailed into Sydney Harbour under Captain Arthur Phillip. Today, a cruise beneath the 27 canvas sails of the flagship, Svanen, is your best chance of experiencing the harbour the way those on board the First Fleet did. The oak-timbered Svanen is the only all-timber ship sailing Sydney Harbour and offers two-hour barbecue lunch cruises as well as twilight cruises. The nautically-minded can help haul on a line, or just sit back and enjoy the meal with the ultimate view. AU$69 for adults, AU$29 for children; tel: 1300 66 44 10

02 - Paddle Power

Photo: Tourism Australia
Discover a different side of the harbour with Sydney Harbour Kayaks. Rent a kayak for an hour or two and paddle your way to one of the North Shore’s sandy white beaches, such as Chinaman’s Beach or Balmoral Beach. Alternatively, sign up for a four-hour eco tour of Middle Harbour, which explores the area’s pristine bushland. “You’re in the heart of the city, but it feels a world away,” says sales and marketing manager Lisa Gilbert. “It’s very easy to get away from the crowds and see amazing wildlife you’d never see otherwise: seals, sea turtles and even fairy penguins.” AU$20 for one-hour kayak hire, AU$99 for the eco-tour; tel: +61 (2) 9960 4389.

03 - Bird’s Eye View

For the ultimate picture-postcard views of Sydney, take to the skies above the harbour in a helicopter. Depending on which tour you pick, you’ll take in Sydney’s scenic coastline, fly through the headlands that guard the harbour entrance and soar directly over the Harbour Bridge. “The Coastal Rush tour is really edgy,” says Toney Fitzgerald, marketing manager of Sydney Heli Tours. “The doors are taken off the helicopter, and the pilot does aerial manoeuvres. It really adds to the adrenaline.” From AU$199 per person. Tel: +61 (2) 9317 3402. It’s very easy to get away from the crowds and see amazing wildlife you’d never see otherwise: seals, sea turtles and even fairy penguins.

04 - Climb “the coat hanger

Climbing Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge is one of the city’s must-do experiences. Guided tours lasting three-and-a-half hours are available at all times of the day: you can choose to enjoy this unique experience at dawn, dusk, or even at night. There are two climbs to choose from – the original Bridge Climb, and the new Discovery Climb, which features stairs and catwalks newly-opened to the public. From AU$179 for adults, from AU$109 for children, tel: +61 (2) 8274 7777.

05 - Storm the Fort

Photo: NSW Department of
Environment and Climate
Change/M Van EwijkFort Denison, the fortress island in the middle of Sydney Harbour, has a colourful history. Originally a 15-metre high rock where convicts were stranded as punishment, it was flattened and the rock used to build Circular Quay. Eventually, a defensive fort was built using sandstone quarried from Sydney’s northern shore. These days, visitors can take a half-hour tour of the island, including the tidal gauge room, from which tides are still measured, and enjoy a bite to eat at what may be Sydney’s ultimate café with a view. AU$27 adults, AU$20 children; tel: +61 (2) 9247 5033.

06 - Fast and Furious

If you prefer thrills and spills to smooth sailing, jump aboard Jetcruiser. This is the harbour’s most high-octane ride, offering plenty of excitement and the occasional drenching as you let rip with high-speed doughnuts and blast your way to the harbour heads, all thanks to Jetcruiser’s 1200 horsepower engines. Besides the 20-minute adrenaline blast, there’s also a 20-minute harbour tour, including a Harbour Bridge and Opera House photo opportunity. AU$50 adults, AU$25 children, tel +61 (2) 8296 7295.

07 - Big Screen Action

Enjoy a different kind of buzz at Sydney’s favourite outdoor cinema, Open Air Cinema. With a spectacular setting at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, the views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and city skyline can be a distraction from the action on the big screen. Get there early and enjoy cool drinks, delicious meals from the Good Living restaurant, and the unique sight of the giant 350 m² screen appearing to rise out of the water. On a balmy summer’s night watching new release films such as American Gangster, there’s no better place to be. 11 January to 16 February. AU$23, call Ticketmaster on 136 100 for tickets.

08- Choose Your Cruise

For a more luxurious and leisurely ride on the harbour, try a catamaran cruise. Magistic Cruises offers a variety of itineraries taking in sights such as The Rocks, Taronga Zoo and the elegant Anzac Bridge. Or sign up for their gourmet lunch or dinner cruise, complete with seafood buffet. Alternatively, discover traditional Aboriginal landmarks on a Tribal Warrior cruise, where you’ll also hear stories about tribes such as the Eora, Cadigal and Guringai, and take part in a traditional welcoming ceremony. Magistic cruises from AU$33; tel: +61 (2) 8296 7295. Tribal Warrior cruises AU$55 for adults, AU$45 for children; tel: +61 (2) 9699 3491.

09 - Drifting Away

If the idea of floating 147m above Sydney Harbour with just a parasail sounds scary, think again. “It’s something that you can enjoy rather than something to be scared of, and anyone over the age of 10 can do it,” says Parasail’s co-owner Linda Bird. Each parasail lasts about 10 minutes, and you can choose a wet or dry landing. While trips start from Manly Wharf, your parasail may take place anywhere from Manly Cove to the eastern side of South Head, depending on the winds. One tip: the winds tend to be gentler in the morning. AU$79, tel: +61 (2)9977 6781.

10 - Set Sail

For those with yachting dreams but not the budget, dream no more. You don’t need a yacht of your own to go sailing, you don’t even need to know how to sail. Just sign up for a sailing course with the Pacific Sailing School at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Over four three-hour lessons, you’ll learn the basics while soaking up the beauty of the harbour. Unlimited practice sessions mean you can keep improving once the course is finished. “Sailing’s the best sport there is,” says principal of Pacific Sailing, Terry Wise. “You can do it whether you’re very old or very young, and you meet lots of great people too.” Beginners’ course, AU$645 plus insurance (discounts for two or more people); tel: +61
(2) 9326 2399.

For all your travel choices, go to jetstar.com

“TAXI!”

Grab a ride with the ultimate Sydney public transport: a water taxi. These zippy runabouts are the ideal way to get to the city’s many harbourside attractions. Whether you’re going to the zoo, Sydney Aquarium, Luna Park or Darling Harbour, or making a night of it at one of the waterside restaurants or bars at Cockle Bay Wharf, King Street Wharf or Woolloomooloo Wharf, a water taxi offers a very different view, while the drivers’ intimate knowledge of the harbour makes for a great free tour. Prices are based on an initial flag-fall, then a charge per person. For a group of six, expect to pay around AU$10–$15 per person. Tel: +61 (2) 9555 8888 for Water Taxis Combined or 1300 138 840 for Yellow Water Taxis.

Ute Junker says:
The first time I ever went sailing, we nearly collided with the QE2. That incident gave me a taste for hair-raising harbour thrills. I haven’t yet gone up in a helicopter, but the Jetcruiser is great fun.