Sydney has many faces. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city; yet, it also has a laid-back, surfer feel. And while this port city is home to two of the most famous manmade creations in the world. In addition to the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney is also a destination where you can marvel at the beautiful natural surroundings.

For instance, it sits on the largest natural harbor in the world, and it is not uncommon to see interesting creatures, such as flying foxes and cockatoos in its parks. Combine all of that with delicious food, an active lifestyle and great weather, and you have a city that is perfect for exploring.

Of course, when you are in a destination as beguiling as Sydney, it is important that your excursions are as interesting as the city itself. The following are five such specially curated experiences that we believe will help you get the most out of your time in Sydney.

See Sydney by Seaplane

On this excursion, climb aboard a seaplane, which will then take you on a flight over Sydney Harbor, beaches and the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.

After landing on the Hawkesbury River, you will get to sit back and enjoy a leisurely, three-hour lunch in the lovely Cottage Point Inn Restaurant, which is located in the national park and boasts gorgeous views.  On your return journey, your pilot will fly you over the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the iconic Opera House. This is an once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers you a truly unique way to view the city and the surrounding area.

Fish & Sips

Sydney is home to the third largest fish market in the world and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a bustling whirlwind of activity, where approximately 50,000 tons of fresh seafood is sold every day. If you love seafood, you definitely want to book a chef-guided excursion to this market, which is not just a tour, but also a learning experience.

During your time together, the chef will give you tips on how to choose the best seafood and also introduce you to different experiences in the market. After your tour of the market, board a luxury sightseeing boat, which will take you on a leisurely cruise of the harbor. To cap off your day, a delicious lunch accompanied by fine regional wines is included with your cruise.

Check Out the Blue Mountains

Located about two hours west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is a beautiful wilderness area that boasts caves, waterfalls and is also home to the well-known Three Sisters sandstone rock formations. Some cruise lines offer excursions to this stunning area that also include a ride aboard the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway.

From your glass-roofed, fully enclosed car, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest. This excursion is a good choice for nature lovers or for anyone who wants to catch a glimpse of the wilder side of Australia.

Kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats and More

Australia is home to some of the most unusual creatures in the world. In fact, 87 percent of the mammal species in Australia, such as platypuses, wombats and kangaroos, can only be found in Australia. So it would be a shame to step foot in Australia without at least seeing and maybe even meeting a few of its truly unique critters.

And on an excursion to the Taronga Zoo, you can do just that. Some tours includes close-up introductions koala bears, wallabies and echidnas. And you may even get to help the keepers make lunch for your new furry friends.

Sydney Bridge Climb

If you are a thrill seeker or someone who enjoys challenging their limits, a Sydney Bridge Climb excursion is the perfect match for you. After a safety briefing, you and your fellow climbers will be fitted with harnesses and then led on the adventure of a lifetime.

This climb, which lasts approximately two hours, will take you through catwalks and up ladders to the upper arch climb. Here, you will enjoy panoramic views of Sydney Harbor and the city. After your climb, end your experience in The Rocks at the well-known Australian Hotel, where you can celebrate your accomplishment with a frosty drink or two.

See our featured Australia Cruises >>