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.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
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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.
Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.
The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.
If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.
Savour the summer dining scene
Pop into Fred’s After Hours.
The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.
Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.
Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.
Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.
And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.
Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.
Dive into ocean pools
The ocean pools beckon.
Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.
Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.
Experience local arts and culture
See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.
Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.
Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.
Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.
Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere
Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.
The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).
If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.
Get into nature
Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.
Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.
If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.
The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.
If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.
