Attractions in South (Sydney)

Sydney Heli-Aust

The Carpenters could have been singing about a Sydney Heli-Aust flight when they hit it big with Top of the World. Heli-Aust's Grand Tour is a feast for the senses, with panoramic views of some of the city's most famous sights. There are also shorter Harbour flights, a Blue Mountains fly/drive eco tour, and spectacular twilight flight including dinner. Courtesy hotel transfers are included. Check website for more details.

Bare Island Fort Tours

Bare Island is located in Botany Bay National Park. Built in 1885 as a military fort, the island is connected to the mainland by a 100-year-old wooden bridge. You will see the barracks, gunnery, gun emplacements, magazine room, command post and laboratory. The tour covers some fascinating war history, including the tunnels and is the only way to access the island. It most recently featured as a setting in the film, Mission Impossible II.

Royal National Park

Almost taking over the Southern coastline, this magnificent 37,000-acre park is Sydney's biggest. Ocean beaches are perfect for surfing, water holes filled by cascading waterfalls provide a refreshing dip; there is wildlife galore, as well as fabulous flora and rainforest walks. You can camp, have a picnic and even hire canoes and rowboats at the parks centre at Audley. Get into the “real” Australia by exploring this outstanding wilderness, which is all the more amazing in that it is less than an hour away from the city.

Cronulla & National Park Ferry Cruises

There is more to Sydney's waterways than just the postcard views of the harbor. At Port Hacking, in Sydney's South, you will discover some of the most beautiful backwaters and tributaries as you cruise through the Royal National Park on the sleek, modern MV Tom Thumb III ferry, named after the original vessel of the explorers who first chartered these waters. This three-hour tour takes you past Aboriginal sites, historic settlements and some of Sydney's most magnificent waterfront properties. Full commentary and refreshments included. Check the site for timetables of the cruises.

Fishfinder Fishing Charters

If deep sea fishing is your game, head for the ocean with Fishfinder, where you are sure to find plenty of snapper, morwong and kingfish. Fishfinder will pick you up from any harbor wharf, or you can get on board the Avalon IV at Palm Beach at the top of the northern beaches peninsula. Fishfinder's flybridged powercat, rods, reels, tackle and crew are all available for hire. And there is plenty of fish in the sea.

Kurnell to Cape Baily Walk

Perhaps the place of most historical significance in the whole of Australia, this walk begins where James Cook first set foot on 29 April 1770. The coastal scenery is quite dramatic, as the ocean pounds the sandstone cliffs creating some spectacular formations. Your route leads you past Cape Solander, Tabbigal Gap, Blue Hole Gorge and Long Nose Point to Cape Baily. This moderately strenuous walk is almost 10 kilometers and has some steep sections. There are no refreshment stops along the way. You should retrace your steps to The Discovery Center to catch a bus to Cronulla Station.

Cronulla Beach Walk

Much longer than the beaches at Bondi or Coogee, the walk along the length of Cronulla Beach takes at least an hour and a half. An easy walking track winds round the cliffs, past rock pools and hidden coves to Green Hills in the North. The finish rewards you with fabulous views southwards across the water to the Royal National Park. For the really energetic, a walk to the other end of the beach to Pimelwi Rocks, gives an excellent view of the historic Captain Cook's landing place.

Warwick Farm Racecourse

Warwick Farm is the Australian Jockey Club's second racecourse. It has a country charm and is popular with families and regular racegoers who enjoy picnicking on the grass under the trees. There are meetings on Saturday and Wednesday and the main race of the year is the Chipping Norton Stakes. Warwick Farm has all betting facilities and is situated 30 kilometers south west of the city. The course favors smart gallopers who are close to the lead at the home turn.

South Cronulla Beach

Picture hundreds of surfers from the western suburbs leaping on the train with their boards en route to the conveniently located Cronulla Station. While the options also include North Cronulla, Elouera and Wanda Beaches, South Cronulla remains the most popular and accessible destination. It offers a fifty-metre ocean pool, children's pool and shady park nearby. Beach inspectors patrol daily from October until the Anzac Day and from May to September there are lifesavers who volunteer.

CarriageWorks

CarriageWorks was built to house the history of Australia's rail networks. Earlier it was the meeting place of Gadigal tribe-the traditional owners of the land. With a gallery, theater, exhibition space, rehearsal rooms it has become a hub for upcoming artists to showcase their talent. The shows include photo exhibitions, orchestra, solo dance performances and drama. It has various exhibition rooms, with large sitting capacity, available for hire and is the ideal place for art lovers to hang out.

Sydney Mounted Police Stables

Sydney's mounted police force is even older than the Canadian Mounties! Formed in 1825, their original stables were on the site of Central Railway and in 1907 they were transferred to Redfern. There are 30 fully trained horses here. Mounted Police patrol around inner-city area and parks, control traffic and take part in special operations at large events. Tours of the Stables are available and run for about an hour.

Red Baron Scenic Flights

You will feel just like those magnificent men in their flying machines when you don your goggles and leather helmet, and take a seat in the open cockpit of this classic biplane. A trip in one of these classic planes  of Red Baron Scenic Flights, will provide an unforgettable memory of the scenic city. Flights are also available further afield covering major terrains in the north and south. Real dare-devils can go up, down and flying around on the Aerobatic Thrill Seeker Flight. Not for the faint-hearted.