Sydney, Australia is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, and when I landed here many years ago I thought it was the best city I’d ever seen in terms of what it has on offer. If you’re thinking of things to do in Sydney for a birthday then there are plenty of things to do to make a birthday unforgettable here.
I’ve tried to include some popular birthday activities but also some slightly less well known ones to offer a mix. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, you can get it all in Sydney. Here are some of the best things to do in Sydney for a birthday celebration.
1. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
First off we have a very popular tourist type activity but anyone who is visiting Sydney or even living in Sydney should do this at least once. What better activity to try on a birthday.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Australia, and climbing to the top of the bridge is unforgettable so you will always remember it if it’s for a special occasion. With breathtaking views of the city and harbour, this adventure is sure to be a highlight of anyone’s birthday regardless of other plans. You can choose from a range of climb options which range from a 90 minute climb to a 3.5 hour climb. You can also go for a daytime, twilight, or night climb.
2. Hot Air Balloon ride over Camden Valley
A hot air balloon ride is quite the high flying activity and it should create a lifetime long memory so it will be worth it, providing the person you’re going with doesn’t have a huge fear of heights! It is a very safe and stunning way to see 360 views of the Camden Valley, which is around an hour South West of Sydney.
It is usually a sunrise activity when the weather is calm so be prepared to get up early but at least it does save you from having to climb a mountain to get those views. The activity is usually priced at around $300 AUD so it is not cheap but it often involves breakfast too which is the ideal way to bring you back down to Earth.
3. Go on a beer bar crawl in Sydney’s Inner West
Sydney’s inner west area has some of the best craft beer breweries available in Australia so if you’re planning a birthday activity with the boys in Sydney then this is a great spot to tour around and sink some ‘frothies’ as the locals call them.
You can either arrange the tour yourself which might need a bit more organisation or alternatively you can get a paid guided tour with a designated driver and a full beer tasting experience.
4. Explore the Blue Mountains
In my opinion this is one of the best places to see around Sydney and in New South Wales. Annoyingly everyone else also thinks so too, so try to avoid weekend afternoons if you want a little more peace. The Blue Mountains are a stunning natural wonder located around 1 hour’s drive East from Sydney so this can be a pretty cheap birthday activity.
With rugged cliffs, deep valleys, high waterfalls and amazing rainforest, this World Heritage-listed area is fantastic for hiking but also just to take in some nature. You can go via a guided tour to the Blue Mountains or explore the trails on your own but be careful not to step too far off the marked tracks as many people get lost here. You will come back to Sydney feeling fulfilled and recharged after a city-free day of nature.
5. Go on a whale watching tour
Sydney is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching, and there are plenty of tours around the coast that are available to take you out into the open sea. You’ll have the chance to see humpback and southern right whales up close, as well as dolphins, seals, and other marine life. Not only that but the coastline and fresh air out at sea adds more to the occasion for a birthday.
6. Enjoy a sunset cruise
A sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour is a romantic and relaxing way to celebrate your birthday. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the city skyline as the sun sets over the water. There’s a lot of options here on different types of cruise but most will involve dinner and drinks but you can choose the length of it which will obviously push the price up.
Besides the above there’s also plenty of good restaurants you can try out in Sydney for a birthday. Here’s a few of my top Sydney restaurant picks
- Thai Pothong, Newtown
- Farmhouse, Kings Cross
- Fish at The Rocks, The Rocks
- Bon Vin Restaurant, Darlinghurst
- Chaco Ramen, Darlinghurst
There are more than enough birthday ideas here to make anyone’s birthday in Sydney a memorable one.
See also things to do in Melbourne for a birthday.