When librarians help readers find their next book, they rarely start from scratch. Instead, they ask what you’ve already enjoyed. If you liked that, there’s a good chance you’ll like this. Same mood, different story.

As a couple of librarians who like to travel, I’ve applied that philsophy to my home city.

If you’ve already been to Sydney, you’ve probably done the classics. The Opera House. The Bridge. Bondi. Maybe the ferry to Manly. They’re excellent first chapters. But on a second or third visit, you don’t need a re-read. You need a recommendation or two.

So think of this as Sydney reader advisory for return visitors. If you liked that experience last time, try this one next. Same city, same harbour, just a slightly different shelf.

If you like X, try Y

If you liked Bondi Beach → take the ferry to Watsons Bay

Bondi is about surf culture and spectacle, newspaper wrapped fish and chips on the grassy hill. There is nothing quite like Bondi Beach, and it is absolutely worth the trip. Just make sure you swim between the flags and obey the signage. Stong rips, blue bottles, and yes, sharks are no joke in Sydney waters. Watsons Bay keeps the water, the views, and the fish & chips, but swaps crowds for calm. Watsons Bay is one of those smaller, neighborhood beaches were you will mostly find locals and travellers in the know.

You get:

A harbour swim that’s more float. Because you’re not on the ocean side, there aren’t the strong waves, perfect for those new or not-so-strong swimmers.
An easy coastal walk out to Hornby Lighthouse, where the city suddenly feels far away
One of the prettiest ferry rides you’ll get.

It’s still a beach day, just quieter, and better suited to a return visit.

If you liked the history in The Rocks → take a ferry to Cockatoo Island

There’s a reason why The Rocks is so touristy, it mixes great pubs with harbour views and Sydney’s colonial past. It is one of those Sydney spots that warrents a revisit. I’ve been in Sydney for a number of years now, and I always find this area has something new to officer. However, if you want something different, Cockatoo Island, one of Sydney’s UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, lets you wander straight through it.

Here, the history is:

Industrial, layered, and sometimes uncomfortable
Paired with some of the best harbour views in the city from the ferry
Easy to explore at your own pace, with cheap, self-guided audio tours on offer

And yes, they do have a cafe on the island

If you liked the Sydney Opera House → try Kirribilli and Luna Park

Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Nothing really can be swapped out for the Opera House. And yes, you’re 100% right. But if you’ve seen the Opera House up close, run your hands over some of the 1,056,006 tiles, taken one of the tours, you might be ready for something different. tkae the short, 10 minute ferry ride just across the harbour to see the House from a completely different view and take in another Sydney icon, Luna Park.

Here, experience the harbour differently:

Walk the Kirribilli foreshore for postcard views of the Opera House without the crowds
Stop for a café that looks back at Circular Quay
Continue on to Luna Park for its grinning face, Art Deco details, and that sense of old Sydney fun

Same icons, different angles. And yes, the ferry ride still counts. As bonus, you get to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge from a different view too!

This phohot of the Opera House was taken through one of the tiny windows in the Souther Pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

If you liked the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb → try the Southern Pylon Lookout

Speaking of the Harbour Bridge…If you’ve done the BridgeClimb for both the adrenille and bragging rights, there is a different (and cheaper) way to experience the Bridge the next time you’re in Sydney. The Sothern Pylon Lookout is history and perspective. I always loath to use one of those ‘hidden gem’ or ‘only locals know’ tags for anything these days, but this is one where the moniker fits. The Pylon Lookout at the Sydney Harbour Bridge generally costs around $19 to $30 AUD for adults, offering a much more affordable, 360-degree view of the harbour. Tickets are available on-site to climb the 200+ stairs and also includes access to a small museum and the historic lookout.

With the cheaper pricetag you get:

A big climb (and and opportunity to relive your BridgeClimb experience from a distance)
Million dollar Harbour views harbour views
Exhibitions about how the bridge was built and why it matters

It’s the nerdy version of the same experience, and honestly, that’s a compliment. Fun fact, there used to be a cafe at the Lookout complete with resident cats! Who says cat cafes are a new idea?

If you liked the Sydney Tower views → try Observatory Hill

Sydney Tower gives you height. Observatory Hill gives you context. This is one of those spots that vistiors and local alike come time after time. It’s a space to take a moment to soak in the Emerald City. You’ll see the water, Darling Harbour, and the city skyline, the Birdge and so much more. If you can, grab a lunch, a patch of grass and just stop. Espcially if you can schedule it just as the sun goes down and the lights come on. This is one of those magial moments you’ll reflect on again and again. (you can thank me later)

Harbour, bridge, and city all in one frame
A view that rewards sitting still
Especially good late afternoon, when the light starts to soften everything

It’s a reminder that sometimes the best views don’t involve elevators.

Ideas for a 2nd (or 5th) visit

Looking for more? Here are a couple of pins to add to your Google map for next time:

Royal Botanic Gardens Aborginal bush tucker tours - for a deeper understanding of place, long history and the connection with Country and food. Link.
Glebe foreshore walk - for flat, peaceful harbour wandering. Link.
Gadigal Station - recently named one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, because sometimes the infrastructure is the attraction. Link.
A craft beer crawl around the Harbour - mix local history and local brews with this DIY pub crawl. Link.

Final thoughts

Once you’ve visited a city and done your bucket list must-do items, the question can often be, ‘well, now what?’ Yes, you can go back to those big ticket ones again. No one is going to begrudge you for going back to Bondi Beach, it’s iconic for a reason. Heck, I’ve lived in Sydney for 10+ years now and still get excited when I go see something at the Opera House. But if you want to stretch your experience a little further, we hope this list gives you ideas for your next visit.

Sydney second time around: if you liked that, try this