Five Underwater Experiences to Have in and Around Sydney
Fancy trying out basically the water version of Quidditch?
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When you know your city inside out, things can get a little stale. Summer rolls around and you head to the same rooftop bars, the same full-to-the-brim beaches and crowded parks. But what if we told you there's a whole side of Sydney that you may not have discovered yet; the Sydney which resides beneath the waves. There's a whole underwater world just waiting to be explored, and, summer is prime time.
To help you get acquainted with The Big Blue, we've partnered with the team at Gage Roads Brewing Co, in celebration of the Single Fin summer ale, to bring you five underwater experiences to dive into this season. From sub-aquatic rugby to an underwater scooter tour, we've got you water lovers well and truly covered. So, jump in and get ready to see our harbour city through a watery lens.
Clovelly, Paros Huckstepp.
MEET THE SYDNEYSIDERS OF THE DEEP
Sure, you may come to us to find out what's going on on the surface, but let us introduce you to the happenings going on in Sydney down below. There's a whole other city beneath the glittering water that surrounds us and there are many spots where you can get acquainted with it. All you need is your snorkel (and some flippers if you wanna be a pro). From north to south, you can easily visit the Sydneysiders of the deep. Spy seahorses and weedy sea dragons at Silver Beach in Kurnell; spot the mythical 1.2-metre-long blue groper, Bluey, at Clovelly; or make it a full weekend of exploring to see the tropical species who've descended on the city for summer at The Basin in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Oh, and wherever you go, make sure to pack the SPF 50+; no one wants a snorkel-shaped sunburn.
SWIM WITH SHARKS
If you're keen for an underwater activity with a bit more bite — metaphorically speaking, hopefully — head to the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and swim among a swarm of sharks. This exhilarating experience puts you eye-to-eye with grey nurse and seven-gill sharks — hopefully, they're more like the loveable Bruce from Finding Nemo and less like the savage beast from Jaws. You'll also get to float along with the slow-moving sea turtles, giant stingrays and tons of exotic fish. Both certified divers and newbies can partake in the dive, with fully qualified instructors ensuring your experience is both memorable and safe. After you've finished with your fine-finned friends, tuck into a Single Fin, or two, to calm your nerves.
The experience takes approximately 2.5 hours and costs $239 per person. Book here.
PLAY A GAME OF UNDERWATER RUGBY
Water polo? So passé. It's all about underwater rugby now, a fast-paced, somewhat ruthless, team sport designed to keep you fit and fierce. The rules are relatively straightforward: two baskets sit at the bottom of the pool like goals, and there are two teams of six who must try to get the ball into their respective goals. (We think it's a bit more like underwater Quidditch than rugby.) UNSW runs mixed training sessions every Wednesday on campus or Thursday and Sunday in the deep pool at Revesby — and sometimes even in the ocean at Clovelly or Gordons Bay. The first session is free, all you need to bring is your swimmers and a towel. Jump in, try it out, then reward yourself with an ice-cold brew for all your hard work.
TAKE A SCOOTER TOUR THROUGH GORDONS BAY
No, you won't be zipping around the ocean floor on a Vespa or Razor — this is a different kind of scooter. The underwater scooter, which kind of looks like a hand-held fan, propels you through the sea without you making any real effort. It's like a lazy version of snorkelling or scuba diving — just relax and take in the sights below. And, since the tour takes place in thriving Gordons Bay, there's plenty to see. This protected aquatic reserve is home to an intricate natural tapestry and vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life, including the famous eastern sea blue groper, octopus, cuttlefish, sea turtles, stingrays and even dolphins. Once you've got your aquatic fix, see some fins on dry land and grab a couple of Single Fin to enjoy with your friends.
Tours run for two hours and cost $159 per person. Book here.
JETPACK ACROSS A LAKE
So you won't technically be 'underwater' for this one (unless you're really terrible at using a jetpack), but this aquatic activity will make you feel like that part-fish guy from Waterworld flying across the water as the jetpack blasts you as high as ten metres above the surface. You can also try the jetboard, which will see you channelling those dolphins you may have spotted at Gordons Bay, diving in and jetting out of the water as you please. You'll find all these water jetting experiences at Jetpack Adventures, about 50 kilometres west of the CBD in Penrith.
The experience takes approximately 45 minutes and costs $175 per person. Book here.
Make your next summertime fling a Single Fin. The light-bodied ale is packed with plenty of hoppy flavour to keep you smiling all season.
