Most tourists arrive in Sydney with some version of the bucket list, like climbing the Harbour Bridge, exploring Bondi Beach, hiking the Blue Mountains, dining somewhere with skyline views and so on. They’re iconic experiences for a reason, and they’ve earned their spot in every ‘things to do in Sydney’ list and postcard rack.
But Sydney also has a soulful side that is packed with experiences that rarely make the ‘must-do’ list, despite being just as enriching. That’s where the reverse bucket list enters. It is not a list of things to avoid, but alternative Sydney activities you didn’t know you could do — equally beautiful, more budget-friendly, always rewarding and lesser known.
Harbour Lunch Cruise: A Refreshing Take on Waterfront Dining
Dining at a rooftop bar or luxury restaurant overlooking the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the skyline is the kind of Sydney moment many travellers dream about. But for those looking for that same visual magic with a more immersive experience, a Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise offers a beautiful alternative. Instead of sitting beside the water and admiring the scenery, you glide through it— with a gourmet meal to enjoy as the boat cruises past the iconic harbour attractions.
Pylon Lookout: A Scenic Alternative to the Harbour Bridge Climb
The Harbour BridgeClimb will always be one of the most sought-after experiences in Sydney, especially for adventure lovers. But for a quieter, more budget-friendly version with equally impressive harbour views, head to the Pylon Lookout. Inside the enormous pylon is a museum, rich with photographs, engineering history and artefacts and the ‘lookout’ atop offers you a similar harbour spectacle without the hefty price or safety harness.
Bronte and Tamarama Beach: Bondi’s Less-Crowded Sisters
Bondi Beach is Sydney’s golden gem, equally loved by locals, tourists and even celebrities. But just a coastal walk away from Bondi, lies Bronte and Tamarama beaches—smaller, laid-back and beloved by locals. Bronte’s rock pools and its grass by the beach make it perfect for a leisurely swim and picnic, while Tamarama (aka ‘Glamarama’) is glamorous, chic and photogenic. Both offer Sydney’s coastline feeling without the selfie queues. You could also explore Gordon’s Bay for a similar charm.
Spit Bridge to Manly Walk: Bondi-Coogee’s Wild Cousin
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is obviously the most famous coastal walk in Sydney. But if you want an off beat, rugged, less tourist-trailed adventure, the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk offers 10km of clifftop bushland, hidden beaches (like the Castle Rock Beach and Reef Beach), indigenous rock engravings, and elevated harbour views. With lesser crowd and more wildlife (Blue Tongue Lizards, Rainbow Lorikeets, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, Laughing Kookaburras and even little penguins), it’s an honourable addition to the reverse bucket list.
Observatory Hill: Opera Bar’s Peaceful Sunset Rival
Opera Bar is deservedly famous! Nothing beats the experience of drinking right at the water’s edge with the Opera House behind you and the Harbour Bridge just a glance away. But if you’re craving a little breathing room with your golden hour, Observatory Hill (a free experience) offers a quieter vibe. Its grassy slopes overlook the harbour, giving you uninterrupted Harbour Bridge views and an open sky that transforms into golden hues.
Locals come here with tea, snacks and a blanket, letting the breeze and soft whispers replace the clinking Opera Bar atmosphere. It’s a romantic and gentle sunset experience without the crowd.
So, Sydney doesn’t ask you to choose between its bucket list moments and its quieter treasures, it simply rewards those who are curious enough to look beyond the obvious. “Seek and you shall find”, right? So yes, climb the Bridge, dine at luxury restaurants and walk the world-famous coastlines. But sometimes, sprinkle in a few of these reverse bucket list experiences too. They offer something that the biggies can’t: space to breathe and time to feel.
