A vibrant, cosmopolitan city, Sydney has an inexhaustible range of activities and culture to explore. Once you’ve already toured the Opera House, climbed the Harbour Bridge, and surfed Bondi Beach, you may want to turn to the quirkier side of Sydney for entertainment. There are numerous activities that can take you a bit off the beaten path.

James from the SkyScanner blog has been kind enough to put a list of five suggestions for those visiting Sydney in search of something a little outside of the usual tourist circles. Check out these wonderful Sydney vacation ideas below.

Take a unique whiff of Sydney’s underground on the Tank Stream Tour, which leads you through the old sewer system running underneath Sydney. The Tank Stream was the original fresh water supply for colonial Sydney, running from swamp near Hyde Park to Sydney Cove. Before Sydney flights were available, Captain Arthur Phillip had to travel for quite some time to find the perfect location for his new settlement. The Tank Stream is why Sydney is located where it is today, and is a fascinating and unusual sight for history buffs.

The Old Government House in Parramatta Park is a 212 year old Georgian mansion, inhabited by the Governors of the city until 1855. At night, take a haunted tour by candlelight through these eerie halls and learn more about the history of paranormal encounters in various locations of the house. Debrief over a friendly supper in the dining room, with chicken sandwiches, wine, and a few invisible guests lurking over your shoulder.

For travellers craving fresh air after long flights to Australia, Sydney’s waterways can be the perfect solution. Instead of taking a sedate Sydney Harbour cruise, you can hire a sea kayak and paddle your way to the Middle Harbour beaches. If you’re comfortable in a kayak you can explore on your own, or you can take a guided tour from Sydney Harbour Kayaks and learn more about the local flora and fauna as you chat with fellow kayakers.

Feel like a badass as you roar around town on the back of a Harley Davidson. Whether you ride in a sidecar, a trike, or a regular motorbike, you can have your very own biker chauffeur to shuttle you about if you sign up for a Harley Davidson Tour. A number of different itineraries are offered, ranging from a Sydney pub crawl to nature excursions in the Blue Mountains.

Those tired of hostel life might be ready for some different types of bunkmates. Taronga Zoo offers a “Roar and Snore” program, giving you the chance to have a sleepover with the elephants and lions. Crisp linens, modern tents, and a roast dinner are provided for your comfort, as well as showers in the morning, meaning you won’t have to rough it even though you’re out with the beasts.