In the driver’s seat: Take control of six super Sydney adventures
By Jay Chabon
In Sydney there’s lots of seeing and plenty of doing.
And we’re not just talking about the usual tourist attractions (although all of that is pretty cool).
When you want to take it up a notch and take control to indulge your inner sport/secret spy freak or satisfy a need for action and adrenaline, there’s plenty of ways to put yourself in the driver’s seat.
Tread the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground; sail a super yacht or dive with an underwater scooter; feel the power of a fast car; or take to the skies – for real or virtually.
It might just be the ride of your life!
SCG Experience tour
You walk out to the crease and take guard.
The first ball is bowled and you smash it for six, to the roar of the adoring Sydney crowd… At least that’s what it must have felt like for those considered among the nation’s finest batsmen, who have graced the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground (or as we Aussies simply refer to it, the SCG).
Imagine what is was like for The Don, Pup, or Tubby (aka Don Bradman, Michael Clarke or Mark Taylor) in taking their place on the honour roll of our country’s favourite sport come summer (well, traditionally at least; these days you couldn’t get away from cricket any time of the year, even if you tried!).
Take the SCG Experience tour for a behind-the-scenes look at Sydney’s home of cricket – you’ll get to sit in the dressing sheds too.
Plus there’s a look at the neighbouring Allianz Stadium (run down the players’ tunnel just like the footy stars) and the SCG Museum.
America’s Cup Sail – Sydney
Speaking of legendary sporting moments in the nation’s history, who could forget Australia’s 1983 triumph in the America’s Cup?
And if you were a bit too young, or not around at the time, you’ve probably seen and heard the victory footage a thousand times over, and the uttering of the famous quote from then prime minister Bob Hawke.
He suggests Aussies take the day off to celebrate the sporting triumph and that “any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum”.
Head to King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, to set sail as an Explore Sailing crew member on an awe-inspiring America’s Cup vessel.
You can take the helm, work the grinders or sit back and enjoy the sights of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and other spectacular landmarks.
Underwater Scooter Tours
From sailing above to diving below the sea… We’re having a James Bond moment here, with these super-cool underwater scooters.
But lucky for us there’s no bunch of bad guys out to get us behind these nifty aqua motors.
The Underwater Scooter Tours are a fun, friendly way to explore Sydney’s aquatic world.
You can relax, float and watch from the surface or dive below for a closer look at the teeming marine life.
And don’t worry, no secret agent spy skills are required.
The underwater scooter crew will show you how (no experience required, they assure us).
The tours set out from Clovelly and run all year round, with wetsuits to keep you warm in the cooler months.
Sydney HeliTours
Now to the air.
Take to the sky for panoramic views of Sydney in all its glory.
There’s a reason the rich and famous, and the news camera crews travel by chopper.
Because it’s the best seat in the house!
Catch a scenic flight with Sydney HeliTours for a bird’s eye view of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and other city landmarks including the beaches and even the zoo!
Flights leave from the company’s base at Sydney Airport.
Flight simulator
If it’s simply the idea of flying that you’re hankering for, or want to experience the thrill of being behind the controls of a jet airliner, you need head no further than Darling Harbour.
Moonlight as the captain of a Boeing 737, courtesy of the Flight Experience Sydney flight simulator.
You’ll get to take off and land, anywhere you like!
Follow real-life airline procedures or try approaching a challenging runway in bad weather.
The right to utter “this is your captain speaking” sounds pretty cool to us!
Up, up and away…
Sports car
While we’re on the subject of fast and powerful engines, why not take to the road behind a beautiful piece of machinery?
See Sydney in style, cruising from Sports Car World HQ in Rhodes (near Sydney Olympic Park).
Put your pedal to the metal and go all Top Gear around Sydney’s streets (within the city speed limits of course!).
Or ride shotgun alongside a Sports Car World driver.
Ferrari, Lamborghini … the choice is yours.
You can even throw in a dinner in Darling Harbour.
Cue envious stares from jealous onlookers!
Had an “in the driver’s seat” experience in Sydney? Tell us in the comments section below.