by Gabby Bracken (@gabrielle_kiera)
Sydney is a big place with so many things to do and places to see. However, if you’re like me and have moved here alone, away from friends and family, it might be a tad scary and a lot lonely. I’m here to give you 10 different activities you can do on your own that will get you out of the house and out into this beautiful city.
1: Take a Ferry Ride
Whether you’re hopping on to go to a specific location or simply taking a scenic ride around the harbour, the ferry is a fantastic way to travel from place to place in Sydney. With 9 different ferries and 36 docking points, taking a ferry can be a relaxing experience where you get to see Sydney from a completely different perspective than you would catching a train or bus. Opal cards are accepted as payment, and as a student, you can travel from place to place for less than $5. Next time you’re planning a day trip, why not romanticise it a little and jump on the ferry… so long as you aren’t prone to seasickness.
2: Go to the Movies
If you’re a film buff who loves to see the newest releases on the big screen, you’re spoiled for choice in Sydney. Aside from the usual chain cinemas such as Hoyts, Sydney offers a bunch of theatres both indoors and outdoors playing brand-new, box-office hits and old classics. A personal favourite of mine is The Dendy in Newtown. It’s a two-level cinema that has an old-school feel and is the perfect place for film lovers as it plays a lot of indie films and limited releases that don’t make it to mainstream cinemas. Before the warmer weather is over, there’s a range of outdoor cinemas as well to check out. Between Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park, Sunset Cinema in North Sydney, and Mov’in Bed at Barangaroo, you’ll have plenty of options to watch your favourite flicks under the stars.
3: Go On a Coastal Walk
There’s something so special about living on the coast. I, for one, never get tired of walking with a view of the ocean, and there are plenty of set walks to do in Sydney. Walk the Bondi-Coogee trail and pass by beautiful beaches and scenery along the way. The Spit to Manly walk has breathtaking views (although you’re going to have to climb some stairs to get to them), and keep an eye out on the Federation Cliff walk, as you may spot some whales during the migration season. Even if walking isn’t your thing, most of these trails are beginner-friendly and trust me, your camera roll will thank you for walking them.
4: Stroll Through the Royal Botanic Gardens
Open between 7am-6pm every day, come take a look at Australia’s oldest botanic garden. This heritage-listed, 30-hectare botanic garden is a work of art that will leave you in awe. It’s free entry, and it’s a place to spend hours just soaking in the sights. There’s a selection of cafes and eateries located in the gardens, and with a view of Sydney Harbour, it’s a fantastic space to make a day of it and enjoy some me-time amongst the flora.
5: Go to the Beach
Sydney is well known for its picturesque beaches, and once you visit them, you can see why. With over 100 beaches in Sydney, you can find everything from peaceful bays and secret coves to packed surf destinations and tourist favourites. Why not take the time to check out each one? From Bronte to Manly, Palm to Balmoral, and arguably the most well-known, Bondi, you’re completely spoiled for choice when it comes to beach days. Each beach offers stunning views, and many offer activities such as canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling and surfing. With plenty of cafes and kiosks surrounding the many beaches, it’ll be no hard task to set up camp for the day and spend time by the ocean. Just remember to slap on that SPF 50+.
6: Check Out as Many Cafes as Possible
We live in Australia; therefore, we arguably have some of the best tasting coffee in the world. Take advantage of that. You’ll be sure to find a cafe on every corner you turn, and almost all of them will serve you a delicious-tasting coffee, meal, or sweet treat. Study, read a book or simply sit and take in life and how wonderful it can be. Be sure to make a list of your favourites, too, so you can bring friends and family and share your new cafe spots with them. Take yourself out on a coffee date and indulge in all of Sydney’s great cafes.
7: Walk Across Sydney Harbour Bridge
If you’re hardcore and can handle the heights, by all means, book a package to climb up and over the arches. However, if you’re a chicken like me and want your feet to stay firmly on the ground, then fortunately, there is another way to cross this Aussie landmark. There is a walkway that is accessible from either side at the Rocks and Milson’s Point, where you can walk across the bridge and take in the sights of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. The best part: it’s 100% free to access and walk across it. It’s a great way to see the stunning views of the harbour whilst being safely on land.
8: Go to a Museum/Art Gallery
With over 30 different museums and art galleries, you’re free to immerse yourself in Sydney’s culture. Visit the Art Gallery of NSW to view classic Australian and European pieces, to modern and contemporary art. The Museum of Contemporary Art celebrates the work of modern-day artists and shows off the beauty of art in a way that everybody can appreciate and admire. White Rabbit Gallery is a charitable gallery that features the works of over 700 Contemporary Chinese artists, with over 2000 works in the collection. The range of museums, such as The Museum of Sydney, Powerhouse Museum, Maritime Museum and Australian Museum, offers a deep dive into Australian history with millions of curated pieces and entertaining exhibits.
9: Leave the House to Study
Studying can be tricky, especially if you’re stuck in your own home that is chocked full of distractions. So why not leave the house and head somewhere else to do your TAFE work? There are plenty of options in the city that are study-friendly. Obviously, the library is a great spot, but personally, my favourite is a cafe. I can order a drink and a snack, put my headphones on, zone out and do my work. Some great places I recommend are the cafe at Dymocks Sydney City and Chinatown Country Club, as you can have a browse at their merchandise after studying hard (and maybe buy yourself a treat or two). However, there are plenty to choose from and find which you like best. Most of these places offer charging ports, and some even offer Wi-Fi. Take a trip and spend your time out of the house next time you’re studying for an assessment.
10: Head to the Markets
There are heaps of weekend markets in Sydney for you to visit. From Paddington to Bondi, Glebe, to The Rocks, plus many, many more all over the city. Delivering fresh produce, delicious pastries, pre-loved pieces and handmade works of art, you can spend hours wandering from stall to stall, checking out everything the markets have to offer. If you’re in the mood for seafood, check out the Sydney Fish Market at Pyrmont’s Blackwattle Bay. Pick up stunning bouquets of flowers at Carriageworks in Redfern. With most markets being close in distance, check a few out the next Saturday you have off.
If you’re solo in Sydney, there are still a multitude of activities and places to see. And the best part: once you’ve been living here a while and made a few friends, you can invite them to join you on your adventures. There’s never a dull moment in this beautiful and bustling city, so get out there, explore, and see what you can discover!
Featured image: A Sydney ferry across the harbour in front of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Photo: Gabby Bracken
