The fifth and final Test match in the Ashes has just begun in Sydney.
But cricket fans have more to look forward to than the fierce on-field contest when they visit Australia’s vibrant biggest city.
This is one of the greatest conurbations on Earth for tourists – with beaches galore, beautiful parks, harbourside walks, hip cocktail bars, interesting fusion cuisine and attractions aplenty.
You don’t have to be out on tour watching Ben Stokes and Joe Root locked in battle with the Aussies – it’s a wonderful place to visit at any time.
So here’s our seven-point guide to making the most of it.
Climb the famous bridge
Built in 1932, the city’s Harbour Bridge – nicknamed the Coat Hanger due to its curved shape – offers superb city views to those who dare to scale its 134m-high arch.
BridgeClimb offers 3.5-hour climbs with safety harnesses across the entire bridge, from south to north – and then back again.
Book it: bridgeclimb.com, prices start from £194.
Sydney is one of the greatest conurbations on Earth for tourists – with beaches galore, beautiful parks, harbourside walks, hip cocktail bars, interesting fusion cuisine and attractions aplenty
The fifth and final Test match in the Ashes has just begun in Sydney, but cricket fans have more to look forward to than the fierce on-field contest when they visit Australia’s vibrant biggest city, says Sarah Rodrigues
You can climb Sydney’s Harbour Bridge: BridgeClimb offers 3.5-hour climbs with safety harnesses across the entire bridge, from south to north – and then back again
Cruise the harbour
The operator Journey Beyond organises 2.5-hour lunchtime and dinner trips on the Spirit of Migloo luxury cruiser, which can seat 80.
Expect a welcome glass of bubbles, a three-course meal featuring local specialities, a wellstocked bar and terrific views.
Book it: journeybeyondcruises.com, from £54.
Go kayaking
Try a two-hour sunrise kayak tour, beginning at Lavender Bay in the dark.
Led by a guide, you paddle into the open water to watch the harbour light up with a pink-orange glow.
Book it: sydneybykayak.com.au, from £77.
Let by a guide, you can paddle into the open water of Sydney’s famous harbour with Sydney By Kayak
Fly in a seaplane
Seaplane flights provide wonderful views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach.
Sydney Seaplanes will then drop you on Shark Island with a hamper for a private beach picnic.
Book it: seaplanes.com.au, prices from £272.
Indulge your palate
Three top tips here. Head to Bondi Icebergs for first-class Italian fare and sweeping views of Bondi Beach. Cafe Sydney offers delicious modern Australian dishes on a rooftop overlooking the harbour.
At restaurant Saint Peter, in the historic Grand National Hotel, chef Josh Niland’s fish dishes are amazing.
Book it: idrb.com, cafesydney.com, saintpeter.com.au.
Head to Bondi Icebergs for first-class Italian fare and sweeping views of Bondi Beach
Rooftop cocktails
Aster is the chic cocktail bar atop the InterContinental hotel, providing 270-degree views of the harbour.
Try a Golden Hour (gin, turmeric, citrus juice and chilli) or a Celestial (tequila, mezcal, kiwi juice and popcorn).
Book it: asterbar.com.auasterbar.com.au, cocktails from £15.
Quad bike on Aboriginal land
If you’re after a brilliant day trip, the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, are huge coastal dunes holding immense significance for Worimi Aboriginals.
Quad bike rides led by a Worimi guide are thrilling and informative, too.
Book it: sandduneadventures.com.au, from £98.
