Home looks pretty good from up here, especially at this price.
It’s one of Sydney’s most iconic (and quintessential) experiences. Heading into The Rocks, gearing up and stepping out onto the 102-year-old steel structure that this city is so famous for. You’re treated to a historic account on the way up, followed by 360-degree panoramic views and the photo opportunity of a lifetime. Of course, we’re talking about climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must-have experience. (Image: Destination NSW)
If you’re lucky enough to have conquered the summit with BridgeClimb Sydney , you’ll know this feeling well. But for some Sydneysiders, whether it’s due to inflation, budgeting or simply a gnarly cost-of-living crisis, it’s an activity that’s only ever been witnessed on the morning commute.
But that’s all about to change thanks to an exclusive new discount deal. Starting from 1 June and running until the end of August 2025, BridgeClimb Sydney is offering residents of the NSW capital city up to $100 cashback for booking a guided climb.
That’s right – not only will you gain lifelong memories, you’ll get money straight back into your pocket for taking on the 1,332-step ascent. To put this incredible offering into perspective, that’s up to 30 per cent off the original price, depending on what day and climb you book.
Save on a special Vivid Sydney Climb this year. (Image: Destination NSW)
Looking for unforgettable experiences at Vivid this year? The special Vivid Sydney Cashback deal is also available, albeit with a slightly lesser return on investment. Book a climb between 23 May and 14 June and Sydney locals will get $50 cashback per person when doing the Vivid Climb.
Am I eligible?
Like all good things in life, there are a few T&Cs that apply. Firstly, to qualify for the Sydneysiders Cashback reward, you must live in the Greater Sydney postcode area. This covers suburbs from the Blue Mountains all the way to the Sutherland Shire, up to the Central Coast and down to Wollondilly. All eligible postcodes are listed on the BridgeClimb Sydney website.
Postcodes across Greater Sydney are eligible. (Image: Destination NSW)
You’ll also need to be at least 16 years old or more and book directly through BridgeClimb for a daytime experience. Only select climbs are covered, including the Summit Day Climb, Summit Insider Day Climb and the Mandarin Climb. The deal is also not valid in conjunction with any other current deals or special offers.
As part of the cashback deal, guests will need to provide proof of identification to validate their residential address. Accepted forms of ID include a NSW driver’s license (physical or digital) or a NSW photo card. This is a strictly confidential process, and personal information will not be shared.
Make sure you meet the cashback prerequisites before booking. (Image: Destination NSW)
Claims can be made up to 90 days after your scheduled climb date, but must be booked online for a maximum of two guests per booking. Once everything has been approved, you’ll receive a BridgeClimb Prepaid Digital Mastercard, valid for up to 12 months. The best part? You’re welcome to reschedule your booking as many times as necessary, up to 14 days prior to the original climb.
So, Sydneysiders – what are you waiting for? It’s time to get out there and experience your city like a tourist, without the hefty price tag.
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.
Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.
Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.
1. Gosford’s glow up
Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.
Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.
Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.
Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.
Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.
2. Newcomers to the dining scene
Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.
The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.
Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.
Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.
Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.
3. New Central Coast experiences
Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.
It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.
Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.
Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.
For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.
4. Central Coast accommodation
Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.
There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.
Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.
In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.
To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.
5. Shopping on the Central Coast
Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.
For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.
Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.
Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.
Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.
For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.
