Sydney is a great place for a weekend away – the icons never get old and there is always something new to experience. The beauty of the harbour never fades, no matter which season you choose to visit.
On a recent visit, the Go City Explorer Pass created our itinerary offering three very different experiences that promised a weekend complete with learning, sightseeing, and a little splash of adrenaline.
The Go City Pass is an easy way to see and experience some of the city’s highlights and make some savings while creating a fantastic itinerary. There are a range of attractions that are part of the pass most of which require bookings in advance to avoid disappointment. All the details are available on the free app that makes using the pass and creating your itinerary easy.
We share the three activities that we chose for the weekend.
Taronga Zoo – Wildlife with a View
Board a short ferry ride across the stunning Sydney Harbour for about 20 minutes. Conveniently, the ferry docks at the base of Taronga Zoo. Take the bus or walk up the hill to the entrance then simply show your Go City Pass from the app and you are granted all day entry into the zoo. You don’t even have to book for this experience. What sets Taronga Zoo apart isn’t just the array of animals—it’s the prime location – set overlooking the expansive harbour. Picture animals grazing with Sydney’s skyline and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House rising behind them.
Top tips:
- Arrive in the morning to catch all the zoo shows.
- Start your day at the top entrance so you are walking downhill all day.
- Bring your own picnic to graze alongside the animals.
- Don’t miss the giraffe enclosure with the best view in town.
Oz Jet Boat – Adrenaline on the Harbour
Departing from Circular Quay, the bright red Oz Jet Boats can’t be missed. This 30-minute ride takes you for a literal spin around the harbour. Passengers must store all valuables and put on a red rain poncho to keep you dry(ish) during the thrill ride. We idle slowly into the harbour giving way to the yellow and green commuter ferries coming and going. In a split second the pace changes, the skipper hits the throttle and suddenly the city blurs past in a spray of saltwater and squeals. Spins, power-brakes, and sharp turns blend with sightseeing taking in the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, the historic Fort Dennison, Garden Island naval base and a drive by of the home of the country’s Prime Minister, Kirribilli House.
Top tips:
- Leave your phone behind or tuck it safely away in a waterproof casing.
- Consider booking a mid-afternoon ride for a warmer temperature and the chance to dry off.
- Aim for a front-side seat for the best view and lesser chance of getting drenched.
- Book early to secure your preferred date and time.
Sydney Opera House Tour – a leading performance
A tour of the Sydney Opera House is literally a look behind the stage curtain. From the outside, its sails gleam, catching the light; from the inside timber panels curve like waves, acoustic chambers whisper design secrets, and every space is maximised with a story behind its appearance. The guided tour reveals the vision behind the design, the acoustics crafted for perfection, the dramas that played out both on and off stage.
Top tip:
- Book ahead and aim for a late-afternoon slot—it’s often quieter, and you’ll likely catch the Opera House sails glowing as the sun begins to dip.
- Try to get to a show while visiting the box office has affordable tickets available, and you can often nab them last minute.
- Some areas of the tour are not suitable for photography.
The Go City Explorer Pass made it easy to avoid the stress and mess of separate bookings and allows travellers to focus on maximising the time in the brilliant city of Sydney.
If you’re after a weekend filled with unique activity that keeps surprising you—a koala here, a 360° spin there, and a world-class stage—this little pass might just be the ticket.
For all the details on the Go City Explorer Pass in Sydney and more than 25 other cities around the globe.
Disclaimer: The Go City Explorer Pass was provided at no cost by Go City. All the opinions are solely my own.
