Older Australians prefer to age in place.
Thanks to modern healthcare advancements and home care services in Sydney, seniors today can reside in their own homes much longer than ever before—they don’t have to uproot their lives and move into aged care facilities.
But just because seniors are choosing to stay in their own homes doesn’t mean they don’t want to remain active. Cooking, fishing, gardening, swimming, volunteering and many other activities empower older people to get out, explore and create new memories with their families and communities.
Fortunately, there is an abundance of activities for seniors in Sydney that are fun, accessible and easy to find. Sydney is one of the most prominent and historic cities in the world, which means it has something to offer everyone no matter their age.
With that in mind, here are some of the most popular activities for seniors in Sydney, including easy-to-plan day trips, ideas for ‘staycations’, and fun daily activities that can typically be found around the local community.
Day Trips: Have an Adventure
1. Whale Watching & War History
Where: North Head
About: Less than two miles from the suburb of Manly, North Head is renowned for its panoramic views of the harbour, ocean and Sydney City. Natural cliffs and native scrub envelop this popular branch of Sydney Harbour National Park, where visitors can spot whales during migration seasons (June–July and August–October) and explore military relics from World Wars I and II—including artillery batteries and former barracks.
Accessibility: Pathways are flat, paved and stair-free, and two asphalt carparks have accessible parking spaces. Fairfax Walk is an especially leisurely stroll, though seats and rest points are available throughout the area.
2. The Ultimate Trophy Home
Where: Elizabeth Bay House
About: No expense was spared during the construction of the Elizabeth Bay House. Built in the 1830s for colonial secretary Alexander Macleay, the historic estate is perched on the northern side of Potts Point high above the bay. Its magnificent colonial build features winding staircases, elegant dining rooms, underground cellars and other areas brimming with 19th Century furnishings for guests to explore—making it one of the most essential activities for seniors in Sydney who appreciate architecture and Australian history.
Accessibility: Visitors can meander the grounds on their own or ask on-site staff for a tour. The lower floor of the home is accessible to people with limited mobility, and informational videos about the estate are subtitled. Check out the museum’s website to learn more about accessibility.
3. A Burst of Colour
Where: Royal Botanical Garden
About: Australia’s oldest botanical garden unfurls just 30 hectares from the Sydney Opera House. An oasis in the heart of the city, the Royal Botanical Garden surrounds its guests with a kaleidoscopic collection of unusual cultivated plants, brilliant flower beds and horticulture displays bursting with colour and purpose. Getting around on foot is easy, but there are also private buggy tours and guided walking tours highlighting the garden’s rich heritage and most iconic sights.
Accessibility: The garden is just a five-minute walk from the city centre. Its wide paths are flat, paved, and wheelchair-friendly, and there is a community wheelchair available for use within the Garden free of charge. Visit the Royal Botanical Garden’s website to learn more about accessibility.
4. Picnic in the Forest
Where: Cumberland State Forest
About: As Australia’s only metropolitan state forest, Cumberland sprawls across 40 hectares of land in the Hills District just half of an hour from the central business district (CBD). This beautiful hidden gem is a pleasant refuge from the buzz of the city, with its native forestry and diverse wildlife providing the ideal backdrop for a picnic or barbecue out in nature. The forest even features a wheelchair-friendly Sensory Trail, which prompts visitors to touch, hear and smell their way along an accessible route.
Accessible: In addition to the Sensory Trail, Cumberland State Forest boasts multiple picnic and barbecue spaces, including accessible areas that are close to the on-site visitor centre, cafe and nursery. View the forest’s brochure for more information.
5. An Ideal Spot for Twitching (Bird Watching)
Where: Centennial Parklands
About: The varied range of environments tucked into Centennial Parklands aren’t just pretty to look at: they’re also home to more than 120 species of birds, making the area an exceptional place to spend the day twitching. Wetlands, urban forest, and native and exotic plantings stitch together a vibrant patchwork across the Parklands, which stretch across a total of 360 hectares just 5 km southeast of Sydney’s CBD. All told, Centennial Parklands encompasses three unique parks, and self-guided walks along Grand Drive Circuit in Centennial Park are truly some of the most scenic activities for seniors in Sydney.
Accessibility: Visitors can request tours with Parkland Rangers, rent pedal cars to wheel around, and have picnics in eight free barbecue areas. Click here to view a map of the parklands, which includes information about accessible parking and restrooms.
6. Art, Science and Ancient Cultures
Where: Chau Chak Wing Museum
About: Located at the University of Sydney campus in Camperdown—and built on Gadigal land—the Chau Chak Wing Museum is an intimate, completely accessible institution. Rotating exhibitions showcase artworks and artefacts from contemporary and ancient cultures, whisking visitors away through themed collections such as indigenous art and Egyptian mummies. Guided tours are available, but guests who opt for self-guided exploration can download the museum’s Smartify app and listen to audio guidance while they look around.
Accessibility: The museum has lift access to all levels. Complimentary lockers and free WiFi are available, and visitors can borrow a wheelchair, fold-out stools and Enchroma glasses from the front desk. Click here to learn more about accessibility at the museum.
7. Waterside Lunch
Where: Chowder Bay
About: The historic military buildings of Chowder Bay are now home to vibrant cafes and restaurants, which are perfect for an afternoon lunch next to the water. Nestled between the harbour and a backdrop of natural bushland, Chowder Bay is a popular spot near Sydney Harbour National Park that’s renowned for its sun-splashed beaches, spacious grassy sprawls and sparkling harbour views.
Accessibility: Chowder Bay is located along the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk, a picturesque 4 km path that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete (though wheelchair use is not recommended). On-site facilities include restrooms, parking and shady picnic areas overlooking the water.
8. Sunny Coastal Stroll
Where: Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
About: Bondi sets the benchmark for strolls along the coast. Iconic beaches, parks and cliff tops provide an idyllic framework for the dedicated Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, where paved pathways invite visitors of all ages to mosey along the coastline just minutes from Sydney CBD. This particular walk checks in at 4 km and can take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, but it can also be broken down into shorter, more manageable distances. Picnic shelters, barbecue stations and restrooms along the route offer ample opportunities to rest and soak up the scenery.
Accessibility: The promenades, parks and beaches at Bondi and Bronte are fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Several sections of the coastal walk contain stairs and steep hills. Visit the Hello Bondi website to learn more about Bondi Beach accessibility.
Staycations: Become a Tourist
1. Guided Sightseeing & Walking Tours
About: There is no shortage of sightseeing ventures in NSW, and guided tours can be one of the best activities for seniors in Sydney who don’t mind putting on their tourist caps. Whether on wheels, on foot, or a mix of both, a sightseeing outing is a terrific way to spend the day while visiting illustrious landmarks and perhaps learning a few new tidbits about Australia’s history and culture.
Accessibility: Excursion details vary, but many trips include comfortable transport, refreshments, and hop-on-hop-off opportunities with built-in restroom breaks. Be sure to confirm details with the tour provider before booking a time.
About: No one needs to be sold on the merits of Sydney Opera House—it’s one of the most renowned venues in the world. Of course, the calendar is packed with performances and concerts for people of all ages. But visitors can also enjoy numerous other fun and interactive offerings at ‘The House’, including specialty tours and creative classes that could be excellent activities for seniors in Sydney.
Accessibility: Accessibility entry to all theatres makes the Sydney Opera House an inviting destination for seniors and people living with disabilities. The venue’s commitment to ‘barrier-free access’ includes wheelchair and companion seating locations, as well as aids for guests who are visually and hearing impaired. Click here to learn more about accessibility.
About: Auburn Botanical Gardens offers a whole lot of ‘something different’ just 20 km west of Sydney CBD. Unique environments string together a tapestry of colour and discovery, including a riverside ecosystem, an Australian rainforest, scented gardens and a Ryoan-ji style Japanese Garden. Visitors can explore vibrant horticultural and fauna attractions, peek in on numerous native animals (Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Red-necked Wallabies, Swamp Wallabies, Emus and Common Wombat), and catch a second wind while relaxing in picnic areas peppered with free-to-use communal barbecues.
Accessibility: Flat, easy-to-navigate pathways make Auburn Botanical Gardens mostly accessible, and elevated boardwalks allow for effortless gazing upon the sights and animals. If you have additional questions about accessibility, contact the NSW National Trust Centre.
About: The question isn’t what’s on at Darling Harbour—the question is what isn’t on. This bustling destination seemingly has it all, from fireworks shows and bottomless brunches to harbour cruises and freebies that are designed with the whole family in mind. The Chinese Garden of Friendship, in particular, is one of the best activities for seniors in Sydney because it offers a slice of serenity that is hard to find elsewhere. The entire space exudes a sense of peace thanks to a design that balances elements of water, plants, stone, and architecture, meaning every step along its winding pathways is bubbling with colour and purpose.
Accessibility: Access to Darling Harbour is mostly level from surrounding streets, but there are several lifts located around the area for ease of access. In the garden, pathways and pavilions in the lower portion are accessible for wheelchairs, buggies and prams. Click here to learn more about The Chinese Garden’s accessibility; click here for information about Darling Harbour’s accessibility.
5. Watsons Bay
About: A calm and protected cove, Watsons Bay has become a famous oceanside attraction for its soft-sand beaches and panoramic views of the sea. Fresh seafood restaurants and numerous different walking trails make the area a very popular destination, but a trip to Hornby Lighthouse is an especially pleasant venture for seniors in Sydney. The iconic red-and-white striped tower—which was erected in 1858 following the wrecking of the Dunbar at the foot of South Head—touts magnificent views of the harbour and Pacific Ocean, and in the winter, spotting whales is almost a guarantee.
Accessibility: Hornby Lighthouse is accessible via the South Head Heritage trail, a simple walk from Camp Cove at Watsons Bay. Visit the lighthouse’s web page, which has instructions for getting more details regarding accessibility.
Need more activities for seniors in Sydney?
Sydney is a big city with plenty to offer, but sometimes, the best activities for seniors can be found right around the corner. Here are some more fun ideas to consider while researching activities for elderly individuals in Sydney:
Recreation
- Community events and local festivals
- Trivia gatherings
- Board games
- Sports (Pickleball, table tennis, bowling, miniature golf, croquet)
- Aqua fitness
- Dance classes
- Hobby groups
- Walking groups
Education
- Music lessons
- Sewing classes
- Sketching and painting classes
- Cooking workshops
- Computer classes
- Gardening classes
- Courses on popular topics such as history, photography and languages
Relaxation
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Senior social clubs
- Luncheon clubs
- Movies at the cinema
- Guided meditations
- Aboriginal and multicultural groups
Additional Resources
