sydney tourism activities

21 experiences you can't miss in Sydney

Nov 3, 2023 • 13 min read

Take time to walk the streets of Surry Hills in Sydney's inner north © visualspace / Getty Images

Sydney is one of those cities that grabs your attention long before you get to experience it.

Bodyboarding at Bondi Beach, zipping under the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a ferry or catching a show at the incredible Sydney Opera House are just a few of the incredible  Sydney experiences you’ll want to tick off on your big trip Down Under.

And once you’ve tackled those, it’s time to explore what else the city has to offer. Here are the best things to do in Sydney, whether you’re visiting for the first time or the tenth. 

1. Dine on delicious meals delivered with exemplary Sydney hospitality

Sydney's dining scene has never been more inventive and exciting. Restaurants serving food from across the globe, often with a uniquely Australian twist, can be found in every pocket of the city.

Okay, it may be a little faddish and perhaps a bit too obsessed with big-name chefs, but it wouldn't be Sydney if names weren't being dropped. Thankfully the food scene manages to balance style with substance.

Fine dining restaurants such as  Quay and Oncore by Clare Smyth stand out as world-class on every front – from the views and the service to the exquisite menus on offer.

Other Sydney hotspots – no less incredible in terms of quality dishes and top-notch hospitality – include NOMAD , Mr Wong , Cafe Paci , Long Chim  and seafood pioneers Saint Peter . However, a takeaway Sri Lankan or a cheap noodles night with BYO wine could just as easily be your Sydney dining highlight.

2. Walk, cycle, or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydneysiders love their giant coathanger, which opened in 1932. The best way to experience this majestic structure is on foot; stairs and elevators climb up the bridge from both shores, leading to a sidewalk on the eastern side (the western side is a bike path). Get the train to Milson's Point Station and walk back towards the city to enjoy the most spectacular viewpoint. Climb the southeastern pylon to the Pylon Lookout or ascend the arc on the popular BridgeClimb experience .

Planning tip:  You can now book a trip with a First Nations storyteller who'll share their perspective on the city and country while you look over Sydney’s magnificent harbor from on high.

3. Tour backstage at Sydney Opera House

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this  eye-catching building is one of Australia's most iconic landmarks. Visually referencing a yacht's sails, it's a soaring, commanding presence that comprises five performance spaces for dance, concerts, opera and theater.

You can wander around the outside to your heart's content but the best way to experience the interior is to attend a performance. Taking a guided tour is also highly recommended (and available in several languages). There are a variety of tours on offer including backstage tours, a food-focused tour and one that zones in on the architectural talent that created the building.

4. Body-board, learn to surf or watch the Icebergs at Bondi

Bondi is one of the world’s most famous beaches, with consistently good waves and warm sea temperatures. It’s also a great place to learn to surf – Let's Go Surfing is a well-established surf school based in North Bondi, offering lessons catering to practically everyone. There are classes for young surfers (nicknamed locally as grommets) aged 7 to 15, adults, and women-only classes are also available.

Alternatively, you can book a private tutor between a couple of people – prices are lower outside the summer peak. Whatever you do, be respectful of other surfers and swimmers – Australians are pretty forgiving but not on the water, so pay attention to the etiquette of local surfers.

Planning tip:  In the cooler months, you can forgo the water and dine with epic views while watching winter swimmers take the plunge.

5. Explore secluded beaches and dramatic views from Watsons Bay

Located east of the city center and north of Bondi, Watsons Bay was once a small fishing village. Heritage cottages are still scattered amongst the suburb’s narrow streets but they now command a much steeper price. It's a lovely day trip by ferry from Circular Quay, and you can explore South Head and have a leisurely lunch at Doyles on the Beach  or sunset beers in Watson’s Bay Beach Club beer garden.

On the ocean side, The Gap is a dramatic clifftop lookout. On the harbor side, closer to Watsons Bay ferry, you'll find the sheltered  Camp Cove beach to take a dip.

Detour:  If you’ve forgotten to pack your swimsuit, Lady Bay Beach is a clothing-optional nudist beach on the west side of the bluff just before you arrive at Hornby lighthouse.

6. Ride the ferry to historic Cockatoo Island

Studded with photogenic industrial relics, convict architecture and art installations, fascinating UNESCO-listed Cockatoo Island (Wareamah) opened to the public in 2007 and has regular ferry services, a campground, rental accommodation and two cafes. Information boards and audioguides explain the island's time as a brutal convict prison, a shipyard and a naval base.

A spooky tunnel passes clear through the middle of the island, and you can explore the remains of the old prison. During WWII, most of the original sandstone buildings were stripped of their roofs and converted into bomb shelters. Solitary confinement cells were unearthed here after being filled in and forgotten in the 1890s.

Planning tip:  A range of tours can be booked at the visitor center, from straight-up heritage tours to ghost tours and convict prison tours.

7. Join a female-focused street art tour

There are a number of tours exploring Newtown’s street art and murals, or you can do it yourself with Google Maps and an app. However, Local Sauce has developed a self-guided tour that goes the extra mile and puts the spotlight on female artists who are often overlooked, starting from Redfern station.

As well as covering the artists behind the works, they provide recommendations for cafes where you can re-caffeinate along the way. Their street art and food tours also take you to some top Newtown eateries.

8. Get thee to a drag show

Sydney is Australia’s self-professed LGBTIQ+ capital, so don't miss the chance to take in a drag show. Since RuPaul popularized the art of drag on the hit show Drag Race , a more mainstream audience has discovered the subverting performances of drag queens and kings. Now, popular queens can command queues around the block.

In Sydney, you can dine out while enjoying a show or head to a bingo, trivia or competition night with a drag theme. The city's Inner West and Eastern suburbs are where you’ll find most of Sydney’s LGBTIQ+ venues, from the Universal nightclub on Oxford Street to the more alternative Bearded Tit in Redfern.  

9. Stumble across Aboriginal rock art 

It may come as a surprise to stumble across an ancient art form in such a modern city, but Sydney is built on top of a giant gallery of Aboriginal art. Until recently, not much attention was paid to it and many works were covered over or destroyed.

Today, with dot paintings from distant deserts being celebrated, Sydneysiders have started to wake up to the treasure trove in their own backyard. Look for rock art by the original custodians of this place on the headlands around the harbor, on the coast and in nearby national parks such as Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park .

10. Admire the Art Gallery of New South Wales

With its neoclassical Greek frontage and modern rear, this much-loved institution plays a prominent and sociable role in Sydney society. Blockbuster international touring exhibitions arrive regularly, along with special events.

While the permanent collection has a substantial amount of 19th-century European and Australian art, the highlights are the contemporary Indigenous gallery in the basement and the collection of 20th-century Australian art, with some standout canvases by the big names of the local painting scene.

11. Deep dive into the White Rabbit art gallery

Considered by many to be Sydney's best contemporary art gallery, White Rabbit  is tucked away behind the Central Park development in Chippendale. It's the project of billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson, who has amassed one of the world's largest collections of cutting-edge, contemporary Chinese art (works produced since 2000).

The gallery has so many pieces that only a fraction can be displayed at one time. You'll find art here that is edgy, funny, sexy and idiosyncratic. An on-site cafe does specialty teas and dumplings.

12. Shop Sydney’s Victorian-era arcades

Sydney’s city shopping is concentrated around George Street and Pitt Street, spilling into arcades and side streets from there. Among the many glimmering places to indulge in some intense retail therapy, there are several ornate Victorian-era arcades to admire while you browse. 

The magnificent Queen Victoria Building (QVB for short) takes up a whole city block and boasts nearly 200 shops, including well-known international brands across its five levels. The building itself is a High Victorian neo-Gothic masterpiece – undoubtedly Sydney’s most beautiful shopping center.

Check out the wrought-iron balconies, the Byzantine copper domes, the stained-glass shopfronts, the mosaic floors, the replica crown jewels, the ballroom, the tinkling baby grand piano (available to play) and the hyper-kitsch animated Royal Clock, featuring the Battle of Hastings and an hourly beheading of Charles I. Nearby, the Strand Arcade is home to a host of Aussie designers as well as an old-school branch of JB Hi-Fi in the basement selling electronics, DVDs and vinyl.

13. Catch one of Sydney's spectacular festivals

Sydney's nocturnal calendar kicks off with a spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display over the harbor and doesn't calm down for months. As soon as the Sydney Festival' s myriad openings and events finish, the lights come up on the biggest party of them all – the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras  from late February to early March.

Winter brings fashion, literature,and film festivals to Sydney, with opening nights, cocktail parties and literary soirées, plus the spectacular Vivid Sydney  from late May to mid-June lighting up the town with projections and lights. Spring is football finals time – whether it's rugby or Aussie Rules, try to get to a night game for the friendly atmosphere and epic crowds.

14. Kayak to a secret beach

A hidden jewel not far from Manly , magical Store Beach can only be reached by water. Hire a boat or kayak from Manly Kayak Centre , then cruise around (it’ll take approximately half an hour to 45 minutes) to the sheltered 200m (656ft) cove beach fringed by trees. The views of the bushy North Harbour give the impression you’ve left the city entirely.

As this is a breeding ground for little blue penguins, access is prohibited from dusk, when the birds waddle in to settle down for the night. Visitors are also implored to leave the beach in the same condition they found it (or better). Take snacks, sunscreen and plenty of water.

15. Hike the coastline around Manly and North Head

This marvelous coastal walk has two major components: a 10km (6.2 miles) western stretch between  Manly and Spit Bridge, and a 9.5km (5.9 miles) eastern loop around North Head. The western section traces the complex harbor coastline through upmarket suburbs and then a spectacular section of unspoiled Sydney Harbour National Park . It emerges in Clontarf and winds its way to the Spit Bridge. 

The eastern loop is known as the North Head Circuit Track, and the walk takes 2½ to 3½ hours. Make your way through the bush to the spectacular Fairfax Lookout on North Head. From the lookout, walk the Fairfax Loop and then head back via Australia's Memorial Walk and WWII gun emplacements to the Bluefish Track, which descends spectacularly to Shelly Beach . From here, you can return to Manly Beach via picturesque Fairy Bower Beach. Either download a map or pick one up from the information center near the wharf.

16. Learn more Aboriginal history and knowledge at the Royal Botanic Garden

Southeast of the Opera House, this garden was established in 1816 and features plant life from around the world. Within the gardens are hothouses with palms and ferns, as well as The Calyx , a striking exhibition space featuring a curving glasshouse gallery with a wall of greenery and temporary plant-themed exhibitions. Grab a park map at any of the main entrances to the gardens.

The garden includes the site of the colony's first paltry European vegetable patch, but its history goes back much further than that. Long before the convicts arrived, this was an initiation ground for the Gadigal people; book ahead for a tour with a First Nations guide sharing their knowledge of Indigenous bush foods.

17. Make a day trip to Palm Beach and Pittwater

Long, lovely Palm Beach is a crescent of bliss that's famous as the setting for the cheesy TV soap  Home and Away . The 1881 Barrenjoey Lighthouse punctuates the northern tip of the headland in an annex of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The suburb of Palm Beach has two sides – the magnificent ocean beach and a pleasant strip on Pittwater, where the calmer strands are suitable for young kids.

From here, you can get ferries to other picturesque Pittwater destinations, including other park sections. To get to the lighthouse, you've got two options on foot – shorter stairs or a winding track – for the steep hike to the top, but majestic views across Pittwater and down the peninsula are worth the effort. It’s also a perfect spot for whale watching in winter.

18. Go for a run or a horse ride around Centennial Park

Scratched out of the sand in 1888 in grand Victorian style, Sydney’s biggest park  is a rambling 189-hectare (467-acre) expanse with wide formal avenues, ponds, statues and a labyrinth. The park is busy in the warmer months with joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers and horse riders.

You’ll also find an equestrian center offering trail rides for kids and adults. Prior riding experience is not required, but bookings are essential. If a pony ride isn't their thing, children will also love the adventures to be had at the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden . 

19. Discover the colonial history of The Rocks

Australia's convict history began in the district known as The Rocks, with a squalid canvas shanty town on a rocky shore. Its raucous reputation lives on in atmospheric lanes lined with historic buildings, with more than a few still operating as pubs.

Sure, the place is overrun with tacky, overpriced koala-soft-toy stores and tourists, but there's a great museum and art gallery here as well. A popular old Rocks pub with rooftop views of central Sydney, The Glenmore is a top stop for a meal or drink. When it all gets too much, head through the Argyle Cut to the revitalized port area of Walsh Bay .

20. Skip along the Bondi to Coogee Clifftop walk

The simply sensational 6km (3.7 miles)  Bondi to Coogee walk leads south from Bondi Beach along the clifftops past the inlets at Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly, interweaving panoramic views, patrolled beaches, sea-fed baths, waterside parks and plaques recounting Aboriginal history and stories.

The trail begins at the end of Notts Ave and spits you out at the north end of Coogee Beach, where you have a choice of three ocean pools to swim in if the waves at the beach are ferocious. Pack a picnic, plenty of water and your swimsuit.​

21. Get a taste of the high life at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia 

A 2.5km (1.6-mile) walk from Sydney’s central business district, in the well-heeled enclave of Rushcutters Bay, Sydney’s historic Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is the home of the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race . If you want to experience some local Sydney life, the members-only sundeck cafe here serves enormous portions of fish and chips with a glass of Riesling – all while gazing upon multi-million dollar yachts. Visitors can sign in for the day.

This article was first published Aug 9, 2021 and updated Nov 3, 2023.

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22 Best Things to Do in Sydney

By Sophie Davies

No matter how you spend your days, it's hard not to be happy in Sydney, where the people are forever relaxed and the sun is forever shining. Flaunting gold-sand ocean beaches, glittering harbor pools, and an epic coastline backed by lush green parks, Sydney has natural wonders aplenty. It also offers heritage architecture, fascinating art galleries and museums, stylish shops, and destination dining. Since there is so much to do, we have sifted through it to compile a list of non-negotiable activities, from the city's most iconic beaches to the special culinary experience of going for yum cha with friends. Whether you're in town for a few days or a full week, this list will help you fill every hour with the best the city has to offer. These are the best things to do in Sydney.

Click the link to read our complete Sydney destination guide .

Editor's note: Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hours and accessibility of many places are fluid and subject to change. We advise you to contact businesses directly for updated safety guidelines and hours of operation before visiting.

Bondi Beach Arrow

Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach sports a sweeping, kilometer-long curve of golden sand, between two headlands, lashed by surf waves. What makes this Eastern Beaches wonder even more unusual is that it’s an urban affair, combining swimming and surfing with big-city buzz. This is heaven for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers. It’s also the starting point for the scenic 6-kilometer Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk . Even on crowded summer weekends you’ll find a spot on the shore or lawns fringing the beach (there are barbecues at the northern reserve). People love jogging barefoot on the sand or along the street art-lined esplanade. Bondi’s hip boutiques on Gould Street offer stylish shopping.

Sydney Opera House Arrow

With its sweeping sails, the iconic Sydney Opera House is the symbol of the city, set front and center on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point. This jaw-dropping arts center also hosts plays, dance performances, classical concerts, and contemporary music gigs by major names such as Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Björk, New Order, Paul Weller, and Lorde. It’s home to eight flagship arts companies, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, indigenous Bangarra Dance Theatre , Bell Shakespeare, Opera Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, Australian Ballet, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Try to catch a show.

Yum Cha at Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Restaurant Arrow

Going for yum cha is a Sydney tradition, with locals and visitors alike savoring delicious Chinese treats. Meaning “drink tea” in Cantonese, the ritual involves dining on lots of little dim sum delicacies, from seafood dumplings to spring rolls to pork buns, teamed with fragrant Chinese tea. Usually served piled high in bamboo steamers by wait staff wielding trolleys, these sensational snacks evolved in Hong Kong , but have translated perfectly a continent away. One of the city's top yum cha destinations is in Sydney Fish Market, where Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood Restaurant beckons. Consider Chinatown in Haymarket as well, which hosts classic, old-school restaurants Golden Century and Marigold, both popular yum cha haunts, especially for Sunday lunch. 

Surry Hills Arrow

With its tree-fringed Victorian terrace houses, sociable bars and cafés, and stylish independent stores, Surry Hills is a magnet for creative types and one of the inner city’s most charming neighborhoods. Visitors will get a sense of how Sydneysiders live here, whether that’s sipping matcha lattes at cafés such as the iconic Bills , sinking a craft beer at a pub, or just walking the dog. For a culture fix, head to the Brett Whiteley Studio , once home to the rebellious late Australian artist. It’s easy to stroll around Surry Hills, which is part of its appeal.

Hannah Towey

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Steph Koyfman

Wylie’s Baths Arrow

Coogee’s Wylie’s Baths is a large, heritage-listed ocean tidal pool with sweeping sea views. It's a five-minute stroll south of Coogee along the coastal walkway , and has a welcoming café on its upper tier with changing rooms alongside. Wylie’s, in addition to nearby Bondi Icebergs and Murray Rose pools, can be chilly, as they’re ocean or harbor dips. All get crowded on warm weekends.

Art Gallery NSW Arrow

Sydney’s premier art destination, the Art Gallery of New South Wales—aka Art Gallery NSW—was established in 1871 and holds court in the leafy Domain near Hyde Park . Its huge classical building is home to a vast collection of fine Australian and international art, including colonial and 19th-century Australian works and European old masters, as well as contemporary creations. It's free to visit the permanent collection of this public gallery, but specific shows are ticketed. The expansive collection covers all media, drawing over a million visitors a year to this major Australian gallery.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Arrow

The iconic 6-kilometer Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk takes in five beaches and two bays, and is one of Sydney’s most scenic seaside walks. With its string of sensational beaches , stunning ocean views, and fairly easy, enjoyable trail, it’s a Sydney must-do. To shorten the journey, stroll from Bondi to Bronte and back. Fitter folk can continue south three kilometers to surf beach Maroubra, or stroll to Coogee and back again in a day. Stop off and relax at parks, rock pools, and cafés along the way.

The Rocks Arrow

Sydney’s oldest colonial neighborhood, the Rocks, is a warren of atmospheric sandstone warehouses, quiet courtyards, and cobbled alleys on the western side of Circular Quay. The birthplace of modern Sydney, this was where the First Fleet of British colonists and convicts stepped ashore in 1788. Enjoy spectacular views of Sydney Harbour Bridge looming over this historic district, and Sydney Opera House opposite. The oldest remaining building is 1816-founded Cadmans Cottage, beside the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA ), a handy starting point for a walk around the area’s 19th-century buildings, heritage pubs, cafés, shops, and galleries.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Arrow

Dubbed "The Coathanger," Sydney Harbour Bridge is an incredible feat of design. The world’s largest steel through arch bridge, opened in 1932 after years of planning, it’s a vital artery, linking Sydney’s CBD (Central Business District) beside Circular Quay with the North Shore. It’s free to walk or cycle across it—with separate paths on the east and west sides, respectively—affording bird’s-eye views of the Opera House , Luna Park, and the harbor below.

White Rabbit Gallery Arrow

One of Sydney’s insider secrets, the White Rabbit Gallery showcases contemporary Chinese art. White Rabbit is a must-see for anyone excited by modern art, especially the dynamic, influential Sino scene. The White Rabbit’s compact, white-walled, four-story space is the perfect size for an enjoyable visit. A serene teahouse on the ground floor, hung with pretty birdcages, serves Chinese and Taiwanese teas, dumplings, and scones. The adjacent gift shop sells stylish souvenirs drawing on the gallery’s shows. Signature buys include black and patterned staff aprons, and figurines of a girl with a white rabbit.

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Arrow

Australia’s oldest botanical garden, founded in 1816, is a leafy, 74-acre oasis adorned with ornamental plants, rolling lawns, and ancient trees, with a mix of native and international species. Admire the flora and fauna or just enjoy this verdant spot for a picnic, stroll, or serene time-out. You’ll find fabulous flowers, plant-packed conservatories, and historic sculptures dotting the grounds. For local attractions, check out the Australian Rainforest Garden, Australian Native Rockery, or the Bicentenary Garden, and the rare, recently rediscovered Wollemi Pine.

Manly Beach Arrow

One of Sydney’s most famous surf spots, Manly Beach is a huge sweep of golden sand backed by pretty pine trees. It’s actually three beaches in one—South Steyne, North Steyne, and surf-friendly Queenscliff, stretching almost two kilometers—and is the first of the city’s Northern Beaches which run from here up to Palm Beach. Take the iconic half-hour Manly Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf for its fantastic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge , Sydney Opera House and city skyline (especially if you bag a seat outside), and on arrival, hit either the family-friendly harbor beaches on both sides of the wharf, or head down The Corso, a short pedestrian street across the peninsula, to oceanfront Manly Beach.

Bangarra Dance Theatre Arrow

Australia’s leading First Nations performing arts company, Bangarra, is beloved for its powerful dance performances, combining indigenous moves, songs, and stories drawn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. All the dancers are classically trained, but have indigenous roots, leading to a striking fusion of movement styles that will delight lovers of contemporary dance. Bangarra is the real deal, offering a uniquely Australian take on dance you won’t see elsewhere. Expect mesmerizing choreography, compelling theater, and distinctive design and soundscapes.

Taronga Zoo Sydney Arrow

Taronga Zoo occupies some of the city’s best real estate, ideal for snapping giraffes backdropped by the Sydney Opera House and sparkling harbor. Getting there is half the fun: take the scenic 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, then soar by Sky Safari cable car (free with zoo tickets) up to the main entrance. Once inside you’ll have a wild time, meeting over 4,000 animals from Australia and around the world. You’ll find amazing animals from gorillas to zebras at Taronga Zoo, but don’t miss the Australian indigenous species.

Cockatoo Island Arrow

A UNESCO World Heritage site, rugged Cockatoo Island combines colonial convict history with industrial shipbuilding heritage. Pick up an island map from the visitor center and explore. For a small fee, 90-minute, self-guided audio tours offer insight into Cockatoo’s layered past; you also can book ticketed guided tours online, including private convict precinct tours and lower Island, shipyard and night-time haunted history tours for groups. Spending time here is memorable and moving, so plan for at least half a day.

Sydney Living Museums Arrow

Sydney Living Museums is an inspiring collection of 12 of the city's best museums , historic houses, and gardens across the city and surrounding countryside. Changing exhibitions span everything from design and architecture to archeology, convict life, and street photography. Sydney Living Museums’ popular events celebrate living history, drawing inspiration from the permanent collections. Check the website for free guided tours for museum ticket holders. The Sydney Museums Pass will give you savings on entry.

Golden Age Cinema and Bar Arrow

Travel back to a bygone era at the retro-chic Golden Age Cinema and Bar, a glamorous, intimate cinema with a handy watering hole attached. Set in the heritage-listed, Art Deco Paramount Pictures building in Surry Hills , it was once the film company’s screening room, but has been lovingly restored. Launched in 2013, Golden Age screens classic, cult, and contemporary new-release movies, with a penchant for independent films, creative feature pairings, and documentaries.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia Arrow

Sydney’s major modern art venue, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) occupies a prime harborside spot in the Rocks , overlooking the ferries at Circular Quay. The MCA Collection is devoted to contemporary Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander artists, from sculpture to painting, photography, video art, and installations. One floor hosts changing displays from this impressive archive of over 4,000 pieces, while two other levels present temporary exhibitions by international and local talents. With killer views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House , the fourth-floor, semi-alfresco MCA Café serves a tempting breakfast and lunch menu, with drinks and wine.

Carriageworks Farmers Market Arrow

One of Sydney’s best produce markets, the weekly Carriageworks Farmers Market, takes place every Saturday morning. It's held in a cavernous, covered, open-air hanger in the historic former rail yards in Eveleigh, opposite Carriageworks arts center. Shop for seasonal, local produce at this respected farmers market, which hosts stalls by farmers and artisan producers from across New South Wales state. Organic and biodynamic food also stars. Stalls change, but look out for tasty vegan sausages from Suzy Spoon’s Vegetarian Butcher. You’ll find top quality meats, truffles, and wine, too.

Camp Cove Arrow

Camp Cove is the Sydney beach of your dreams. A skinny arc of golden sand backed by private beach houses and lapped by gentle turquoise water, it’s only 262 yards long, but makes up for its small size in charm. Swim out a little way to glimpse the Sydney skyline in the distance; there’s something surreal about bobbing in the sea while admiring the city's lofty skyscrapers.

The Intersection Paddington Arrow

Named after its location at the corner of Paddington’s Oxford Street and Glenmore Road, the Intersection is a hot shopping district. Clustered on and around two of Sydney’s chicest retail strips, it’s home to the best Australian fashion designers in town, alongside airy cafés and galleries. Find it halfway along main drag Oxford Street, opposite historic Victoria Barracks. What’s memorable at the Intersection is the critical mass of stylish showrooms in close proximity, yet you’re not trapped in a lifeless mall. Check out all your favorite Australian labels.

Australian Museum Arrow

Australia’s first public museum, founded in 1827, celebrates the astonishing flora, fauna, and cultures of Australia and the Pacific. The mammoth building exhibits a smorgasbord of natural history and ethnography in a prime corner near Hyde Park . The permanent collection houses more than 21 million cultural and scientific objects. Kids will love the Wild Planet exhibit, which includes stuffed kangaroos and koalas, or check out the dinosaurs or unusual wildlife of Surviving Australia . If time is flying, just tackle 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum , a landmark display in the Westpac Long Gallery, or learn more about Aboriginal heritage in the First Nations galleries.

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16 iconic Sydney attractions everyone has to see at least once

Kristie Lau-Adams

Travel Journalist

20 December 2023

Some of the most magnificent landmarks on Earth arrive as must-see Sydney attractions.

The sails, the Coat Hanger, the shimmering harbour — it all comes together to create one of the world’s most recognisable scenes. Sure, Sydney offers much more than its tourist traps, such as impeccable dining experiences , hard-to-find yet achingly hip bars , breathtaking coastal walks  and dreamy day spas to unwind in , but the most iconic Sydney attractions are must-experiences at least once in your lifetime. We’ve narrowed down the best of the best to create your ultimate Sydney bucket list.

1. BridgeClimb Sydney

Don’t let the mandatory onesie deter you. Grabbing a shot of oneself, arms outstretched, atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge  is a cherished moment for every visitor. BridgeClimb Sydney  facilitates the adventure, offering a series of experiences.

Conquer the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Sydney Harbour Bridge climb has attracted familiar faces over the years including Prince Harry, Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Oliver and Kylie Minogue, perched 134 metres above the harbour to marvel in the city’s beauty. Choose from 2.5-hour to 3.5-hour small group tours or if you’re keen on getting up there alone, or with a special somebody, go for a private experience complete with post-climb dining options.

Marvel at the breathtaking harbour views from above. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Sydney Opera House Tour

Arguably the most famous of all Sydney attractions, the Sydney Opera House is captivating from every angle – including inside. There’s a range of Sydney Opera House tours and experiences  that take you behind the scenes of whatever you’re into.

Take in the iconic views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. (Image: Destination NSW)

In awe of the sheer craftsmanship? The Architectural Tour is a great pick. Fascinated by the arts? The Backstage Tour has your name on it. The in-depth experiences shed a whole new light on the attraction’s brilliance, providing a newfound appreciation for one of the world’s most unique structures.

3. Sydney Harbour Cruise

It’s beautiful to gawk at but getting out on the glistening harbour is one of the most enchanting Sydney attractions you’ll ever experience. Soothing waters are surrounded by standout structures including big guys like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Kirribilli House and Taronga Zoo  as well as palatial properties and dramatic headlands.

Hop on a Sydney boat tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

There are a bunch of reputable operators offering delightful full-day or half-day Sydney cruises as well as lunch and dinner experiences. Investigate Captain Cook Cruises , Magistic Cruises  and Sydney Harbour Boat Tours .

Cruise past the iconic Sydney Opera House. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Raging Waters Sydney

The former Wet’n’Wild Sydney is alive and kicking as Raging Waters Sydney , the city’s biggest water-based amusement park. Retaining the former park’s drawcards including its signature wave pool, Sydney’s ultimate 62-acre sunshine-friendly fun zone features more than 40 slides and attractions as well as a dedicated area for bubs.

Tackle the waterslides at Raging Waters Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)

Some of the tallest and fastest water rides in the world can be found inside this Sydney attraction, making it worthy of a bucket list destination for adventure-seekers of all ages.

It’s a guaranteed good time. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Luna Park Sydney

While we’re on the hunt for heart-racing fun, add Luna Park Sydney  to your must-visit list. Its giant beaming face on the northern side of the harbour was constructed in 1935, just three years after the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened to traffic, so it’s deeply embedded in the city’s history.

The Luna Park Ferris Wheel lights up the harbour at night. (Image: Destination NSW)

Additionally, some of the buildings within this Sydney attraction are so cherished that they’re officially protected by the National Trust. What also makes this place unique is while you’ve got to pay for the rides, park entry to Luna Park Sydney is free so you can soak up its magic on a shoestring.

It’s the perfect day out with your family. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Sydney Tower Eye

Those afraid of heights will have to muster some courage for this one. The Sydney Tower Eye  registers as the southern hemisphere’s second-tallest observation tower, making it one of the most extraordinary Sydney attractions. Jump into one of its lightning-fast elevator rides to the Observation Deck, positioned 250 metres above ground, to spy soaring views of the entire city and beyond.

Make it to the top of the second-tallest observation tower in the southern hemisphere for sunrise. (Image: Destination NSW)

Feeling extra brave? Grab a ticket to SKYWALK, a 60-minute outdoor guided walk off the top of the building. The more timid can also indulge at Infinity, serving a la carte and tasting menus, and Bar 83, built with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Get 360-degree views of the entire city. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. The Sydney Ferry

Could there be a more scenic public transport network? The Sydney Ferry system operates throughout Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River, transporting visitors right across the city. It’s a budget-conscious way to soak up some of the city’s most beautiful vistas as 38 wharves are open.

Pass beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge onboard The Sydney Ferry. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sniff out Freshwater , travelling the Manly ferry service, to experience the fleet’s oldest continually serving vessel. The more modern RiverCat, HarbourCat and SuperCat varieties also offer memorable modes of transportation across Sydney’s iconic waterways.

The Sydney Ferry zips its way around Sydney’s iconic waterways. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Bondi Beach

It’s the beach so famous it demands its own reality TV show. Bondi Beach is one of the most iconic Sydney attractions , luring visitors from around the globe to its golden sand and aqua blue surf.

Take in dreamy coastal views at Bondi Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s plenty to explore along the stretch, from the Instagram-friendly Bondi Icebergs Pool at the southern end and cultural centre of Bondi Pavilion, to all the boutiques, bars and eateries scattered within the suburb’s bustling streets and the cafe culture of the northern end. No matter where you cruise to, Bondi Beach’s hypnotising waters play the dreamiest of backdrops.

Surf and play at Bondi Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Eat Street in Parramatta

The thriving commercial capital of Sydney’s west is home to Church Street, otherwise known at Eat Street , and some of the most delectable international dishes found in the city. Choose from Greek souvlakis, Italian carbs, Vietnamese Pho, Chinese noodles, ribs, tapas, burgers, waffles and more as you tour this Sydney attraction during the day and long into the night.

Bond over pizza at Mama and Papas on Eat Street, Parramatta. (Image: Destination NSW)

Art installations and plenty of al fresco dining make for atmospheric feasting conditions no matter your cravings. (Hot tip: Skye Suites Parramatta  is an excellent place to bed down while in town)

There are plenty of dining options, including the Bay Vista restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

10. The Rocks Market

Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 5pm, George and Playfair Streets in The Rocks come alive with The Rocks Market . Selling everything under the sun since it first launched more than 30 years ago, the Sydney attraction offers stall after stall of food, artworks, clothing, homewares, jewellery and more.

Split up via category, it serves as streamlined retail therapy as live music and entertainment bring further good vibes. It’s undoubtedly one of Sydney’s best markets  but also a longstanding domestic standout.

Score a handmade treasure from the stalls at The Rocks Market. (Image: Destination NSW)

11. Barangaroo Reserve

Acknowledging Aboriginal culture and Australia’s First Nations people, Barangaroo Reserve  is a relatively new must-experience compared to the other Sydney attractions on this list. Launching as public parklands in 2015, the six-hectare space features 75,000 native plants and offers cultural tours to educate visitors on how sacred the land really is.

Nawi Cove is surrounded by ancient sandstone. (Image: Destination NSW)

Pack a picnic or just wander around the grounds as views of Sydney Harbour elevate the destination to dazzling heights. A network of cycling and walking trails also provide picture-perfect activity for the extra active.

Take in dazzling views of the harbour as you stroll around Barangaroo Reserve. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bondi isn’t the only iconic Sydney beach suburb. The city’s surf culture thrives in the northern beaches, led by Manly, a Sydney attraction  that attracts thick crowds daily. And if the sun’s out, visitors swarm Manly Beach as well as its neighbouring gems including Shelly Beach, Fairlight Beach and Little Manly Beach.

Capture a magical sunrise over Queenscliff and Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)

Once you’re done lying horizontally, hit the energetic mecca of bars, cafes and restaurants  that line the streets between Manly Wharf and Manly Beach, plus trendy boutiques selling one-of-a-kind designs and treasures.

Relax by the water at Fairy Bower Pool, Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)

13. South Head

The scale and sheer beauty of the Tasman Sea and Sydney Harbour are perfectly encapsulated at South Head located in Watsons Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The Hornby Lighthouse is perched on a cliff at South Head, Watsons Bay. (Image: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW)

Home to extraordinary natural wonders including giant cliffs, historical relics, blue-on-blue vistas, essential fish and chips and the odd bout of whale watching if you time your whale-watching visit right , South Head is a marvel in every sense. The red and white striped Hornby Lighthouse , the third lighthouse ever built in NSW, is a non-negotiable selfie stop.

South Head features one of the finest coastal walks in Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)

14. Cockatoo Island

Stepped in history, Cockatoo Island  housed convicts in the 1800s but before then, it was a meeting place for First Nations people. Since the early days, it’s been used as a shipbuilding and repair facility, educational facility for children and more.

Explore the historical landmarks at Cockatoo Island. (Image: Destination NSW)

One of the most enriching Sydney attractions to add to your itinerary, the island is now filled with artefacts for visitors to explore as well as a distinct aura that floods you the moment you step onto the land. It’s almost as though its haunted by the fascinating characters of its past. Guided and self-guided tours help to decode its magic.

Cockatoo Island looks magical at night. (Image: Destination NSW)

15. The Strand Arcade

Luring the most fashionable from as far back as 1892 when it first opened its doors, The Strand Arcade  is a beautiful shopping complex in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The Victorian-style arcade helped cement Sydney as a retail destination and is now heritage-listed. Its original shopfronts are stunningly recreated as exact replicas.

You’ll find boutique stores inside the Strand Arcade. (Image: Destination NSW)

As for the stores, expect the finest of indulgences including premium Australian brands like Dinosaur Designs, Rebecca Vallance, Scanlan Theodore, Haigh’s Chocolates and Aesop.

Marvel at the heritage-listed Strand Arcade. (Image: Strand Arcade)

16. Harry’s Café de Wheels

No visit to Sydney is complete without a visit to Harry’s Café de Wheels  at some stage of the day (or very late at night). The Woolloomooloo institution has been dishing up flaky pastries with potato mash and mushy peas, and hot dogs, since 1936 when it opened as a caravan out the front of the suburb’s naval docklands.

Drop by Harry’s to try the famous pies. (Image: Destination NSW)

Over the years, high-profile names have sampled its spoils including Frank Sinatra, Elton John and Richard Branson. Its success has spawned several offshoots right around the city.

Harry’s Café de Wheels is a local institution. (Image: Destination NSW)

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.

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The 52 best things to do in Sydney in 2024

From classic Sydney bucket list items to quirky secrets from locals – this is the only Harbour City guide you'll need

We might be a little biased, but in our humble opinion, Sydney's got it all. Can you think of many other cities in the world that rival its natural beauty , rich heritage and history that dates back thousands of years, and its creative , culinary and cultural offerings by world-class pros. In fact, there's so much to see, do, sip and ponder here, you could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. Worry not, dear reader – we're making it simple for you.

Our team (including Food & Drink Editor  Avril Treasure  and our Sydney Editor Alice Ellis ) sifted through every good time the Big Smoke has to offer and put together a Sydney bucket list for the ages. Whether you're a new arrival or a born-and-bred local, this 2024 Time Out Sydney round-up of the city's must-do activities will let you experience Sydney from every angle.

After all those great activities you're bound to be thirsty. We suggest you head to one of the best pubs in Sydney right now .  

Need somewhere to stay check out sydney's best airbnbs , or sydney's best hotels ..

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The best things to do in Sydney

1.  Explore the inner workings of the Sydney Opera House

• Things to do
• Walks and tours

What is it?   It's a chance to step inside Australia's most iconic building, granting you access to (almost) every corner of this architectural wonder.

Why go?  You'll get to explore the theatres (providing there isn’t a show in session) – from the majestic Concert Hall to the quaint Drama Theatre. You’ll be regaled with the secrets and stories that go on behind the curtain. There's even an immersive experience that celebrates the past, present and people of our city's most famous building.

Don't miss:  As well as entertaining all the musical aficionados, the Opera House caters to the foodies of Sydneytown with their ' Taste of the House ' tour. 

2.  Seek out the hidden oasis that is Wendy's Secret Garden

• Lavender Bay

What is it?  This secret garden, with full views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, is part public, part private land at the foot of artist Brett Whiteley’s home in Lavender Bay.

Why go? For years, the land was tangled, overgrown and strewn with rubbish, but when Whiteley died in 1992, his widow, Wendy, channelled her grief into creating a place of enchantment. Sydneysiders come to escape the busier parks and enjoy a picnic in the hidden oasis.

Don't miss: The chance to snap a pic of Sydney Harbour surrounded by towering fig trees and native plants. 

3.  Ride the iconic Manly Ferry

What is it? Locals use it every day on their commute to work, but the Manly Ferry voyage is an impossibly beautiful treat.

Why go? While the motors chug soothingly, enjoy the scenery of Sydney Harbour as it glides by, taking you past the bridge, Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and harbourside beaches such as Shark Beach and Camp Cove out to one of the city’s most popular beachside suburbs, great for bars, restaurants, shopping and snorkelling.

Don't miss: We suggest you hop off and explore part or all the Manly to Spit walk for spectacular views of the north and south headlands.

4.  Paddle under the Coathanger with Sydney by Kayak

• North Shore

What is it?  A sunrise kayak tour with glorious photo opportunities that’ll make your hungover friends incredibly jealous. 

Why go?  Instructor Laura Stone and husband Ben run weekly dawn tours that make the most of Sydney Harbour before most people turn over on their pillow and hit snooze. The harbour water is velvety smooth, and the kayaks are very stable so you don’t need to work hard to paddle around Luna Park and into position as the sunlight hits Sydney Opera House. 

Don't miss:  Flat whites never tasted more satisfying than when you're bobbing under the bridge, paddle under arm and wrangling a camera for that perfect Instagram shot. 

5.  Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

What is it?  A chance to scale the world-famous 'Coathanger'.

Why go?  Yes it's pretty spenno, and yes it's very touristy, but it really is a breathtaking sight, beholding the Sydney Harbour in all its majesty. If you're short on time, the express climb is a little shorter and takes you up the inside structure so that you are surrounded by hand-riveted steel and feel a little like you’re inside the ribs of a metal skeleton. However, if you can we recommend you go all-in with the latest addition to the BridgeClimb's offering: scaling the full arch of the Harbour Bridge from end to end.

Don't miss:  This is an incredible experience at dawn or dusk, as the day's first rays and final embers light up the horizon.

6.  Discover the hidden gem that is Wattamolla Beach

• Attractions

What is it? Deep within the Royal National Park is a sandy oasis that has to be seen to be believed. You can take a swim in the emerald waters of the creek-fed lagoon, which is also a great spot for snorkeling, or simply lay back against one of the cabbage tree palms with a good book. If you’re a budding shutterbug, the Wattamolla Waterfall may well rank as one of the most photogenic natural wonders anywhere in the Greater Sydney region and that's really saying something.

Why go? While this beach is popular with locals in the know, its location, very much off the beaten track of the city and harbour beaches, flies under the radar of most. 

Don't miss: Be sure to take the short bushwalk to Providential Lookout to snap some dramatic shots of the rugged sea cliffs. What makes this little slice of paradise extra impressive is that you’ll also find great facilities here, thanks to the well-equipped picnic area, so bring along some snags and grill up some lunch on one of the public barbecues.

7.  Encounter the wildest locals at Taronga Zoo

What is it?  A not-for-profit zoo with harbourside views featuring 4,000 animals from koalas and echidnas to giraffes and elephants.

Why go?  You're guaranteed sightings of many Australian animals, plus threatened species. The zoo runs talks and animal encounters daily – and even glamping sleepovers. 

Don't miss:  Taronga Zoo boasts some of the best harbour views in the city, and as you walk along its wide, snaking paths you’ll spot the Bridge and Sydney Opera House as often as you spot the wildlife.

8.  Expand your mind at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

What is it? The harbourside MCA is the go-to venue for cutting-edge art on a local and international level.

Why go?  The Museum of Contemporary Art often hosts exhibitions by huge international artists, including heavyweights like Anish Kapoor, Yoko Ono and Grayson Perry. 

Don't miss:  The MCA has a rooftop café and sculpture terrace with superb views of Circular Quay, including the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. 

9.  Drink in panoramic views at Bar 83, Sydney's highest bar

What is it? Perched 83 storeys above the streets of the CBD, this quirky, retro-futurist cocktail lounge is the highest place to drink in Sydney, located on the second-to-highest floor of Sydney Tower.

Why go? The views of Greater Sydney from the Golden Bucket are simply jaw-dropping, stretching all the way to the Pacific horizon in the east, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park in the north, the Blue Mountains in the west, and Cronulla in the south. You won't find vistas as impressive as these anywhere else in the city.

Don't miss: Because you're sure to work up an appetite gazing at all those delicious views, why not book a table at Sydney Tower's refurbed revolving restaurant, Infinity , one floor above Bar 83?

10.  Visit cultural institution the Art Gallery of NSW

What is it?  One of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions holding significant collections of Australian, European and Asian art. And now it has the huge new addition of the Sydney Modern section.

Why go?  The gallery presents nearly  40 exhibitions annually, and there are workshops, talks and film screenings each week – most of which are free to access. 

Don't miss:  The aforementioned new Sydney Modern building. It's seriously up there with the most impressive modern art galleries in the whole world.

11.  Swim with sharks at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

• Wildlife centres
• Darling Harbour

What is it?  The only cageless shark diving experience in Sydney. You can join a colony of grey nurse sharks on a 30-minute diving experience in Darling Harbour.

Why go? Though the grey nurse sharks range from one to three metres long in the tank, they’re placid creatures and do very little other than give you a curious side eye as they swim by. The biggest benefit of diving with them at the aquarium, rather than in the open ocean, is the guarantee of seeing so many sharks in one spot. Don't miss:  The colony of king and gentoo penguins who also call the aquarium home. 

12.  Swim at the oh-so-grammable Bondi Icebergs Pool

• Sport and fitness
• Bondi Beach

What is is? It’s the most photographed ocean pool in Australia – at Sydney’s most famous beach . The 50-metre saltwater pool a popular spot for sunbathers and a bottleneck spot on the Bondi to Coogee walk.

Why go? The baths have been a landmark of Bondi for 100 years, and it’s only $9 for casual entry – giving you access to the pool and sauna.

Don't miss:  If you're splashing out, it's worth heading upstairs to Icebergs Dining Room for a cocktail and bowl of crab risotto with the best view in town.

13.  Hang ten at Bondi Beach with Let's Go Surfing

• Bondi North

What is it? Surfing a wave at Bondi should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you’re rusty with a surfboard, book in for a class at Let’s Go Surfing.

Why go? The school prides itself on the popular two-hour beginners’ course, which goes through the essentials of water safety (including Bondi’s dangerous rips), paddling and how to catch a wave. Each lesson starts on the sand, so you can ask embarrassing questions without fear. 

Don't miss:  After your lesson, head to one of North Bondi's excellent cafés like Porch and Parlour or Harry's Bondi . 

14.  Go on a bush foods tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens

What is it? A one-hour guided tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens where you'll learn about the Indigenous history of the land. You’ll learn about how the Gadigal people lived and worked with the seasons before the area was colonised.

Why go? Stingless bee colonies, climbing Moreton Bay fig trees and juicy Davidson plums are just a few of the natural wonders you’ll see (and taste) on this tour of Sydney’s harbourside horticultural oasis. You’ll walk by some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks as you trail around the fringe of the city looking back out to the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie's Chair and the Harbour Bridge.

Don't miss:  You’ll also learn about the deep connection to seasonality – when wattles are in bloom you’ll know that whales are migrating, while stingless bee colonies act as natural barometer. 

15.  Sample the best Marg in town at Cantina OK

• Cocktail bars
• price 2 of 4

What is it? Sydney's ittiest-bittiest tequila bar, somehow squeezed into a repurposed carport down a CBD laneway, and Time Out's 2020 pick for the best place to drink in the city .

Why go? Its Margarita is, without doubt, the best available in Sydney, and dare we say, the whole of Australia. The secret? A shaken 50/50 blend of Mexico-made tequila and mezcal, poured over shaved ice and finished with orange oil. 

Don't miss: If your experience of tequila (and its cousin mezcal) is slamming a nasty, eye-watering shot in the pub, allow the smooth-as-silk varieties here to change your mind about this all-too-often underrated spirit.

16.  Marvel at contemporary Chinese art at White Rabbit

• Chippendale

What is it? The state-of-the-art, four-floor gallery brings together 21st century Chinese art, with a rotation of four key exhibitions throughout the year. Founder Judith Neilson created the self-funded non-profit gallery to house her epic collection of post-millennial Chinese art. And entry is always free. 

Why go?  White Rabbit is known for putting on bold and sometimes confronting exhibitions. 

Don't miss:  Refuel with a plate of dumplings and toothsome tisanes at the in-house tea room. 

17.  Catch an STC show at the Walsh Bay arts precinct

• Dawes Point

What is it? Home to the Sydney Theatre Company, the Wharf Theatres occupy Pier 4/5 on Hickson Road in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct . Many of STC's productions are staged here but it's also where its offices and rehearsal studios are housed. The entire facility recently underwent two years of upgrades, making it one of the most cutting-edge theatre spaces in Australia.

Why go? The city's flagship theatre company, currently under the artistic direction of visionary theatremaker Kip Williams, is without question one of the most important theatre companies in the world. You cannot call yourself a cultured Sydneysider until you've seen one of this company's incredible productions.

18.  Pull an all-nighter at the Abercrombie

• Restaurants

What is it?  A multi-level heritage-listed pub slash nightclub slash  cocktail bar  slash wine bar and shop on Broadway.

Why go? After closing in 2014, the Abercrombie reopened in December 2022  as several venues under the one roof (an actual party palace), and with a 24-hour licence. Take that, lockout laws!

Don't miss: Casa Rosa, their  cocktail bar and terrazza rooftop that's all about dancing on the tables through to the early morning. Think DJs spinning Italo-disco tunes, Italian-inspired cocktails, and Mediterranean-style dining. It's on level 2.

19.  Take an Indigenous walking tour of Dharawal National Park

What is it?  Sixty minutes from Sydney’s CBD, Dharawal National Park has stunning scenery and until recently public access to the bushland was restricted. Now you can enjoy guided tours of the park every second Saturday of the month.

Why go? Guiding the way will be an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger, who will share local knowledge about flora and fauna, as well as Dreamtime stories that connect Indigenous Australians to the area.

Don't miss:  Enjoy a short bushwalk and then picnic at Minerva Pool – a sacred women’s place for the Dharawal People (only women and children may enter the pool). 

20.  Sip a world-class cocktail at Maybe Sammy

What is it? This small but mighty cocktail lounge isn't just one of Sydney's best watering holes. It's been the highest-ranking Australian bar on the prestigious 50 Best Bars in the World list four years on the trot.

Why go? Yes, the mixology skills here are a cut above, but where Maybe Sammy really rules the roost is with its incredible hospitality. The bartenders are chatty but not obnoxiously so, attentive but not smothering, playfully sassy but not crass. And every carefully crafted cocktail has some kind of playful sleight of hand that adds a little bit of magic to your order. 

Don't miss: The signature cocktail menu is packed with fruit-forward crowd-pleasers that are sophisticated and complex but never challenging. 

21.  Watch the sunset from the Hornby Lighthouse

• Watsons Bay

What is it? On the leading edge of the South Head, you'll find one of Sydney's cutest lighthouses overlooking the calm waters of Camp Cove.

Why go? With the vast expanse of the mighty Pacific Ocean to the east and stunning city views to the west, a visit to this beautiful corner of the city is bound to leave you awestruck. You can make a day of it too, by taking the South Head trail from Watsons Bay. It's an easy amble, and you can reward yourself for that lill' bit of cardio with a drink or two at the Watsons Bay Hotel afterward.

Don't miss: If you're travelling in from the city, catching the ferry from circular quay to the Watsons Bay terminus is a must. Not only will it get you to your destination swiftly, but it'll also treat you to a whistlestop stickybeak tour of the bougie harbourview residences that line the foreshore.

22.  Crawl Sydney's best craft brewery bars

What is it?  Sydney has developed a thriving craft brewery scene, ever since  Young Henrys came along in 2012.

Why go? The Australian beer landscape is now truly world class, and while we’re pretty darn spoiled for choice when it comes to places to drink craft beer in this city, there’s something special about going straight to the source. So leave the car keys behind and set aside an afternoon to make tracks to these excellent establishments pouring the top brews in town.

Don't miss: The Marrickville brewery circuit. Although there are craft breweries dotted around Sydney, from the south and up to the Northern Beaches, inner western suburb Marrickville has a strong concentration of top picks – from Grifter , to Batch ,  Hawke's ,  Philter , Wildflower , Sauce Brewery , Stockade and relatively new entry, Mixtape . You can easily make a whole day of it in this single suburb.  

23.  Experience game-changing seafood at Saint Peter

What is it?  A neighbourhood shrine to seafood that's become an international dining destination for fish fanatics.

Why go?  Young gun chef Josh Niland is doing revolutionary things with the ocean's finest: dry-aging, using eyeballs to make chips and making pure magic out of offal. 

Don't miss:  Head in for lunch if you want to catch the almighty sea urchin crumpets or sea urchin brioche doughnuts – served depending on availabilty.

24.  Get a dose of perspective at the Sydney Jewish Museum

• Darlinghurst

What is it? The Sydney Jewish Museum is a beautifully and respectfully curated space that humanises history and invites visitors to look at the present with new understanding. There is a misunderstanding that the Sydney Jewish Museum is only meant for Jewish people to visit, or only of interest to WWII buffs. In reality, the museum makes history accessible through the lens of the Jewish experience, and in doing so, gives us new perspective. 

Why go? It doesn't just keep important Jewish history alive; it reminds us about the potentially world-shattering danger of prejudice, hate and marginalisation of any group of people. It's one for the whole family.

Don't miss: The Reverberations: A Future for Memory exhibition . Thanks to AI, you can have a one-on-one, interactive conversation with the now-deceased ‘Happiest Man on Earth’ Eddie Jaku and other Holocaust survivors at this extraordinary experience.

25.  Cool down with scoop of gelato at Cow and the Moon

What is it?   A humble Enmore gelateria that defeated competitors from 22 other countries (yes, including Italy) and took out the title for world’s best gelato back in 2014.

Why go?  In case you didn’t quite process the words written above: World’s. Best. Gelato. You’ve got 26 flavours to choose from every day, including sorbets.

Don't miss:   The mandorla affogato is the one that wowed the judges, but the strawberry balsamic panna cotta is a dazzler, too.

26.  Watch a cult indie flick at Golden Age Cinema

• Surry Hills

What is it? A boutique, 60-seat cinema in Surry Hills where you can catch the latest indie releases as well as cult film screenings, attend weekly movie trivia nights and hang out in the golden age-inspired basement bar. 

Why go?  The building was constructed in 1940 as the offices of Paramount Pictures. Two vintage projectors remain on the premises, although the new cinema uses a digital projector.

Don't miss: High-quality cinema snacks are offered in the adjoining bar – expect the finest choc-tops in Sydney. 

27.  Splurge on a decadent degustation at Quay

• price 4 of 4

What is it?   Peter Gilmore’s inventive Australian dining institution, and a long time feature on Time Out's list of Sydney's top restaurants

Why go?   Whether you opt for six or ten courses, you’ll be looked after by a superlative service team that doesn’t miss a beat, taste native ingredients at their peak along the way and soak in peerless dress-circle harbour views that really put the ‘special’ in special occasion.

Don't miss:   Gilmore is also the executive chef at Bennelong , the bar and restaurant under the sails of the Opera House across the water. It’s the perfect pre-or-post-show feed.

28.  Discover the Japanese flora at the Auburn Botanic Gardens

What is it? Tranquility might not be the buzzword that springs to mind when you think of the Western Sydney suburb of Auburn, but it’s the right descriptor for this 9.2-hectare oasis, bursting with lush greenery and exotic flora.

Why go? The gardens are broken down into themed areas that include a Japanese garden, complete with a pond, waterfall and ornamental bridges. Past the Japanese garden is the Reflection Pool, then the scented garden, the sunken rose garden, a billabong, native rainforest and a playground that has full wheelchair accessible equipment, including a liberty swing.

Don't miss:  Seek out the fauna reserve and aviary where you can commune with peacocks, Cape Barron geese and red-necked wallabies. Each year the Gardens also host a major flora festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival in August. 

29.  Sample a next-level cocktail at PS40

What is it? Part bar, part laboratory, this sleek watering hole in the CBD boasts one of the most extraordinary cocktail menus in the city. Each creation defies conventional explanation, fusing flavour and theatre in perfect sync. 

Why go? PS40 co-owners Michael Chiem and Thor Bergquist have applied a jaw-dropping level of forethought and ingenuity to their craft. No bar commits to reinvention with more conviction than PS40 and that any idea or theme is just an excuse to let these gifted imaginations run totally free.

Don't miss: If you're not in the mood for booze, PS40 also manufactures its own bespoke line of sodas.

30.  Take a sunrise swim at Bronte Baths

What is it?  Built into the rocky cliffside, this ocean pool is popular with early risers for salty laps and Instagram pics of the sunrise. 

Why go? The waves at Bronte Beach can get a little hairy for less experienced swimmers, but here you can enjoy the best of both worlds with a protected saltwater pool that has waves crashing at the walls. 

Don't miss: Try to get here before 7am – watching the sun breach over the ocean’s horizon from this vantage point is pretty special.

31.  Try the eponymous signature dish at XOPP

What is it? The Darling Square-based little sister to the legendary and dearly departed late-night Chinese restaurant Golden Century, this buzzing diner is a must for anyone who considers themself a lover of Cantonese cuisine.

Why go? While the restaurant that inspired it fell foul of the lockdowns, XOPP has remained true to its legacy, with a menu that heroes live seafood and swift (if sometimes stern) service.

Don't miss: The pipis in XO sauce, the signature dish at Golden Century that inspired its spin-off's name (say each letter slowly, one at a time) are likely to be one of the best things you've ever tasted. Yes, that's a big call, but we're yet to be proved wrong.

32.  Go whale watching or hiking in the Royal National Park

What is it? It's 26 kilometres of national park with stunning coastline walks, secluded beaches, natural rock pools and rock formations that are Insta-worthy. Why go? Whether you want to swim, trek, picnic, swim, bike ride, swim or just GTFO of Sydney for the day, the Royal National Park will provide an outdoors, adventure-filled day away. Tread with caution at hot spots like the Figure Eight rock pools, and watch some from a distance (cough,  Wedding Cake Rock , cough).

Don't miss: Whale watching season runs from May to November and the Royal National Park is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures on their migration. 

33.  Get the best caffeine fix in town at Single O

What is it?  These coffee pioneers were the first in Sydney to extol the virtues of bean provenance and production. In the 18 years since they first opened, they've firmly cemented a reputation as Sydney's ultimate utopia for coffee enthusiasts.

Why go? Come for the coffee, but stay for the impressive range of gourmet brunch options, many featuring a laundry list of native ingredients like  saltbush, strawberry gum, macadamia, kangaroo and Davidson’s plum .

Don't miss: When in Rome, drink coffee like the Romans do. Don't mess around with a flat white – it's Single O's espresso game that really stands it apart, so make sure you order the strong stuff.

34.  Take a ferry to Cockatoo Island

What is it?  It's the largest island in Sydney's harbour and set at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers. It's been a film set, a jail, a shipping yard and home to some exceptional arts and culture festivals. 

Why go?  Because it has so much history. Before 1839, when a prison was built to house convicts from Norfolk Island, it was covered with red gums and was almost certainly an Aboriginal fishing spot. The island had a brief stint hosting an industrial school for girls and a naval training ship for boys. However, the island was mostly used for shipbuilding and repairs. Today, the island is run by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, which runs different types of tours.

Don't miss: There are campsites, glamping packages, apartments or heritage holiday houses to choose from if you want to extend your trip to the storied island. 

35.  Stroll past hidden beaches on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk

What is it?   This easy, breezy 1.8km walk rewards visitors with stunning views of the harbour for not a lot of effort.

Why go?  Along the way you’ll catch views of the Harbour Bridge and Shark Island, as well as historic Strickland House, a heritage-listed Victorian Italianate mansion built in the 1850s.

Don't miss: You’d also be wise to pack swimmers and sunscreen, as you’ll pass by a number of idyllic harbour beaches.

36.  Try Sydney's best fish burger at Charcoal Fish

What is it? Seafood savant Josh Niland's first foray into the fast-casual market is still thoroughly anchored to his low-to-no-waste philosophy. A fish and chippery this venue is not. It shares more DNA with the charcoal chook joint (hence the name), so expect rotisserie barbecues and open flames.

Why go? Niland is one of Australia's most dynamic and innovative culinary trailblazers, but you won't have to fork over a fortune to taste the fare at this accessible facet of his food empire.

Don't miss:  The Murray cod fish burger is the signature hero on his streamlined menu. Dry-aged for 7 days before blistering up on the barbie, you'll find elements from just about every part of the fish in this burger. Don't let that put you off – Niland's genius is in transforming parts of the animal that almost always end up in the bin into morsels of next-level deliciousness.

37.  Browse Australian boutiques at Strand Arcade

What is it? When it opened in 1892, the Strand Arcade was regarded as the very latest in shopping-centre architecture. It's still one of the most beautiful thoroughfares to visit today. 

Why go?  The narrow, multi-level shopping arcade houses premium Australian fashion designers, including Jac+ Jack, Lover, Sass & Bide and Dion Lee. Plus, you can find vibrant and distinctive jewellery from local brand Dinosaur Designs and natural beauty products at Aesop. 

Don't miss: The very dapper hat collection at Strand Hatters. If you came to Australia without sufficient head protection, staff will sort you out with a stylish Akubra, Brixton or Panama. 

38.  Discover Sydney's coolest speakeasy, the Baxter Inn

What is it?   The watering hole that kick-started our ongoing love affair with hidden cocktail bars and forever raised the (figurative) bar in Sydney’s bar scene.

Why go?  Even now, after all these years, making your way through the dark tunnel and down the stairs at the back of the laneway is still a little bit of a thrill. And the service remains nothing less than impeccable.   

Don't miss:  The jaw-dropping collection of whiskies now stretches to more than 1,000 labels, and the bar is now open 4pm-3am every single night, so let the good times roll.

39.  Go on a spooky ghost tour at the very haunted Q Station

What is it? Situated on the North Head just south of Manly, Sydney's former quarantine station is now a hotel and corporate retreat. But try telling that to the many ghosts that supposedly roam its grounds. Q Station's ghost tours are hugely popular and pepper your scares with some fascinating local history.

Why go? If you weren't interested in learning about the quarantines of yore before 2020, you might be now. Q Station was on the frontline of the last global health emergency in 1918, and the rich history of this heritage-listed site offers a fascinating lens on the experiences of the past year.

Don't miss: Of all the ghoulish stops on the Q Station ghost tour, one is feared above all others: the gravedigger's cottage. Some seriously scary experiences have been reported within its walls, and this creepy dwelling is said to have Sydney's most haunted bathroom . 

40.  Go to true-blue Aussie pub the Unicorn Hotel

What is it? It’s the most resolutely Aussie joint in town. There’s no room for cultural cringe, because at the Unicorn they have a deep and enduring love for Australiana.

Why go?  Get amongst the Jatz crackers and French onion dip, or a proper free-range, hormone-free schnitzel. They cook it right – a very hot pan to get that crisp, caramelised shell, and a liberal hand with the seasoning.

Don't miss: There’s also darts, pool and live DJs will provide a good old fashioned disco soundtrack for Saturday night boogie. 

41.  Enjoy a drink with a world-class view at the Opera Bar

What is it? Of any bar in the city, few can boast a view as iconic as the Opera Bar. But that's not the only reason to go here. There are multiple venues to sample, live music and DJs most nights and unbeatable people-watching opportunities. 

Why go? Beauty and convenience don’t always go hand in hand, but Opera Bar is a glam exception to the rule. It manages to be both one of the most enviably located bars in the city as well as its most advantageous spot for a pre-show drink.

Don't miss:  The neighbouring venue, House Canteen, is an all-day diner serving baked goods in the morning and a pan-Asian menu from lunch until late.

42.  Find the freshest of eats at the Carriageworks Farmers Market

• Eveleigh Until 28 Dec 2024

What is it?   This weekly market is a Sydney institution, providing the freshest seasonal produce from the best growers and producers from around NSW.

Why go? It’s imperative that you do not eat before you visit the Carriageworks Farmers Markets. You’ll want to save maximum belly space for your personal version of The Bachelorette where you decide who gets your dollars and what delicious produce gets to come home with you.  You can spend a whole lot of money if you want to here, but equally, you could just grab a kombucha on tap and find a chair for some of the best dog-watching in the city.

Don't miss: Maybe you like something soupy and savoury first thing? In that case, go for the pho stand for a traditional Vietnamese start to the day. There’s a bibimbap stall that will even replace the rice with shredded cauliflower if you don’t believe in cheat days. Or opt for a classic bacon and egg roll if you're a creature of habit, from Farmer Rod’s Free Range stall. 

43.  Taste Sydney's best scrambled eggs at Bills

• price 1 of 4

What is it? It takes a chef of rare skill to perfect a complex dish, but a true genius in the kitchen to elevate a dish to legendary status that essentially has just one main ingredient. People queue down the street every weekend to get a taste of these light-as-a-feather, pillowy eggs, and for good reason.

Why go? Surry Hills, and Sydney in general for that matter, is far from short on brunch options but Bills is widely considered to be the OG venue for brekkie in the city. And it's not just the scrambled that they nail here – the corn fritters are another tried and true crowd-pleaser.

Don't miss: If you can manage your timing just so, try and snag a seat at one of the outdoor tables. Not only will you get some grade-A people watching along Crown St, but you can also enjoy being the envy of everyone still waiting in line.

44.  Dare to bare all at Obelisk Beach

What is it? One of Sydney's few legal nude beaches, so if you're feeling the au naturale vibe, then shed some layers here. You'll need to park up the hill and walk a fair way to get here – it's at the bottom of a long series of steps, and as far as beaches go, she's a small one. But it's worth it for the gorgeous views of Camp Cove and Parsley, Watsons and Vaucluse Bays in the distance.

Why go?  While going Full Monty in public isn't for everyone, there's something undeniably liberating about taking to the harbour waters in just your birthday suit. The stunning Sydney views are just the cherry on top.

Don't miss: If stripping off at Obelisk piques your interest, why not pay a visit to one of Sydney's other nude beaches ? There are five near the city where getting your kit off is permitted.

45.  Beat the clock at the Cipher Room

• Games and hobbies
• Erskineville

What is it?  One of the best escape rooms in Sydney; there are three rooms to choose from, and in each room you have to solve a series of puzzles in the allotted time in order to escape.

Why go? The Cipher Room is a labour of love for its co-creators, Newtown locals Marise Watson and David Vella. Game designer Marise spent a year researching escape rooms around Australia and in New York before creating Espionage. Husband David is the builder who put together the room’s ingenious bits and pieces by hand. Don't miss:  The Cipher Room’s scariest challenge, set in a haunted toy shop filled with creepy dolls. It's like stepping into a horror movie in the best way possible.

46.  Eat dinner by the beach at Sean's Panaroma

• 4 out of 5 stars
• price 3 of 4
• Recommended

What is it? A beachside restaurant that’s built its name on serving exceptional food made from locally sourced ingredients in a perfectly unpretentious, sun-bathed setting.

Why go? With its quaintly colourful decor, ocean views and distinctly friendly team, Sean’s has been playing host to magical mealtimes since it opened in 1993. Few things are more quintessentially Sydney than eating a plate of perfect fresh seafood after a dip in the ocean.

Don’t miss: Honestly, you could come for the bread alone, but it’s worth coming hungry so you have room for a famous Sean’s dessert. The menu changes with the seasons, but you won’t be disappointed.

47.  Take a day trip to TV famous Palm Beach

What is it?  Palm Beach is the ideal Australian package. Located one hour away from Sydney’s CBD on the Northern Beaches, this hot spot is perfect for a relaxing day trip away from the commotion of the city. 

Why go? Fans of Home & Away may recognise the location as Summer Bay, but Palm Beach is so much more than Alf Stewart's favourite fishing spot – there is calm water on one side for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, and big waves on the other for surfing. Plus, you can walk to the lighthouse on the hill, which is a great spot for whale watching. 

Don't miss: The cheapest way to get there is by the L90 bus from Wynyard Station for $6 - $10 with an Opal card.

48.  Stop and smell the flowers in Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden

What is it? In a city that’s far from shy about showing off its natural beauty, it’s a surprise that one of its prettiest corners may well be one of its best-kept secrets. Adjacent to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydney’s north, there’s a whopping 123 hectares of wildflower gardens surrounded by Sydney sandstone bushland. Every plant found here is native, although not necessarily local – these colourful blooms have been sourced from across Australia, including 18 threatened species of flora.

Why go? The gardens were first planted in 1968 as a sanctuary for Indigenous plants and animals. Today, in addition to their array of floral delights, the gardens also feature running paths, fitness areas, picnic spots, and the charming, heritage-listed Caley’s Pavillion and patio. There’s also a wildflower nursery where you can pick up some beautiful Australian plants to take home.

Don't miss:  While you're in this part of Sydney, make time to enjoy the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Some of the most stunning trails close to the city can be found here, but the rocky falls at America Bay has to rank as its most breathtaking corner.

49.  Ride the Ferris wheel at Luna Park

• Milsons Point

What is it? Aside from the toothy grin of its distinctive front gates, this multicoloured Ferris wheel is the most recognisable feature of Sydney's oldest theme park.

Why go?  For more than eight decades, Luna Park has surprised and delighted the fun-seekers of Sydney. But it's not resting on its laurels. Sure, you'll still find some old-timey rides and vaudevillian aesthetics, but the park is also undergoing a major upgrade currently, to bring it into the 21st century, including the construction of several new attractions.

Don't miss: While it's easy enough to catch the train over the Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point, we recommend taking the ferry. It's almost as quick and you'll be rewarded with some choice photo ops as you approach Luna Park's wharf.

50.  Queue for a banh mi at Marrickville Pork Roll

• Marrickville

What is it?  The phrase ‘hole-in-the-wall’ is thrown around all the time, but this teensy Inner West sandwich shop specialising in Vietnam’s greatest edible export really, truly is.

Why go? Sydney’s best banh mi  is a topic of fierce debate, but Marrickville Pork Roll is always a part of that conversation. Waiting in the never-ending queue is like a rite of passage, but thankfully they pack the fluffy rolls with cold-cut pork, pâté and pickled veg so fast you won’t be waiting long.

Don't miss:  Should you find yourself in the city, you can get your hands on one of these bad boys at their second location in the thriving Darling Square precinct, as well.

51.  Seek out the secret seaside tunnel at Queenscliff Beach

• Queenscliff

What is it? Affectionately known as the ‘Manly wormhole’, it was in fact industrious fishermen – and not natural erosion – that chiseled this 40-metre channel through the rock of Queenscliff Head more than a century ago. Connecting Queenscliff and Freshwater beaches, the tunnel is still the most direct route between the two seafronts without cutting through the suburban streets.

Why go? While it may be a bit of a challenge scrambling over the rocks of the headland north of Manly Beach to find it, your efforts are soon rewarded with a close encounter with Sydney’s rich history and a view of Freshwater Beach that’s hard to beat, especially if you time your visit to coincide with sunset.

Don't miss: While you're in the neighbourhood, why not make a day of it? After all, Queenscliff Beach is Time Out's official pick for one of the best beaches in Sydney .

52.  Come for dinner and jazz at Hubert

• 5 out of 5 stars

What is it? This sexy, subterranean French-inspired restaurant has earned its name as a Sydney institution. 

Why go? This is as close as you’ll get to a 1950s Parisian dining palace without leaving the country. Descending the deep red staircase is like stepping back in time, and with live jazz and Martinis this good, it’s very hard to step back.

Don’t miss: Happy hour runs daily from 5pm until 6pm, with $8 duck liver parfait and $6 gin and tonics a failsafe order. If you’re pushing the boat out, go for a $12 Negroni and a $18 burger that’s so perfectly formulated, you’ll consider ordering two.

More great things to do across the globe

The best things to do in the world right now

Music, art, food, nature and the year’s biggest parties—these are very best things to do and see right now, anywhere in the world.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sydney

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Sydney the oldest, biggest, and most beautiful of all Australian cities, lies amid a seductive intermingling of land and sea. Glide along the glittering harbor on a ferry, see the white sails of the Opera House gleaming in the sunshine, admire the graceful arch of the Harbour Bridge, and you'll see why this is one of the world's top cities.

It's hard to imagine this vibrant state capital of New South Wales was once a convict colony. In 1788, it was at Sydney Cove where Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet, established the first British colony in Australia. Today, you can explore Sydney's fabled history in the narrow, cobbled laneways and historic buildings of the Rocks, and learn about the Gadigal Aboriginal people, the traditional custodians of this land, on guided tours and at the city's excellent museums.

Sydney still fizzes with the adventurous spirit of its settlers. Climb the harbor bridge, surf the green-barrel breaks at Sydney's golden beaches, or fly over the city on a scenic tour. And the adventures don't end in the city. Wildlife-rich wilderness areas surround the city providing appealing day trip possibilities .

Discover all the best places to visit in this famous harbor city with our list of the top things to do in Sydney, Australia.

See also: Where to Stay in Sydney

1. See the Sydney Opera House

2. the sydney harbour bridge, 3. stroll around the rocks, 4. hop aboard a harbor cruise at circular quay, 5. spend a day at darling harbour, 6. smell the roses at the royal botanic garden sydney, 7. shop 'til you drop at the queen victoria building, 8. zoom up the sydney tower eye, 9. bask on sydney's beaches, 10. bike or walk around barangaroo reserve, 11. go wild at taronga zoo, 12. wander along george street, 13. enjoy a picnic in hyde park, 14. admire the masterpieces at the art gallery of new south wales, 15. visit st. mary's cathedral, 16. explore macquarie street & the state library of new south wales, 17. enjoy yum cha in chinatown, 18. find vintage treasures and colorful street art in newtown, 19. check out kings cross, where to stay in sydney for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to sydney, sydney, australia - climate chart, more exciting adventures near sydney.

One of the world's great icons, the Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the star attraction on the glittering harbor. This graceful building, shaped like shells or billowing sails, perches on a finger of land surrounded by water.

You have several options for visiting the Sydney Opera House . Snap a photo while gliding by on a harbor cruise, relax at one of the restaurants, stroll around its exterior, or take an organized tour of this magnificent structure. Inside, you'll find theaters, studios, exhibition rooms, a concert hall, and a cinema.

Book a Sydney Opera House Guided Walking Tour to learn about the history and get a behind-the-scenes look at this famous building. This is a flexible ticket that allows you to join any one of the tours throughout the day, departing every half hour from 9am to 5pm.

Avid photographers should head to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for one of the best photo opportunities.

The Sydney Opera House just emerged from an almost $300-million "Decade of Renewal." Among the many improvements is a renovated Concert Hall — try and catch a show here when you visit.

Author's Tip: If you happen to be in Sydney in late May or early June during the Sydney Vivid festival , stop by at night to see the white sails lit up with colorful digital art.

Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney, New South Wales

Nicknamed the "Coathanger," the Sydney Harbour Bridge is another Sydney icon. Supported by massive double piers at each end, it was built in 1932 and remains the world's largest steel arch bridge .

You can drive over it, cruise below it, chug over it on a train, or photograph it from afar. But one of the best ways to appreciate this marvel of engineering, and soak up the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, is on a climb to its 135-meter-high summit.

Scaling the bridge is one of Australia's top outdoor adventures, and you can choose from a range of different tours. Sydney BridgeClimb takes groups on an approximately 3.5-hour climb to the top of the outer arch. Tours run throughout the day, beginning with a dawn climb and ending with a night climb. You can also choose from different types of climbs, including an Indigenous storytelling experience and a climb right across the arch to the other side — the bridge connects the harbor's north and south shores.

Guided ascents of the bridge with BridgeClimbSydney include a pre-climb prep talk, safety gear, and a photo on the summit. Along the way, you'll learn all kinds of entertaining stories about the history of the bridge. One of its most famous workers was Paul Hogan, aka Crocodile Dundee, before he became famous.

To learn more about the fascinating history of the bridge's construction, visit the museum in the southeastern pier.

Address: 5 Cumberland Street, Sydney, New South Wales

Want to soak up a bit of Sydney history? Take a stroll around The Rocks . Located on a tongue of land protruding into Sydney Harbour, the Rocks historic area was once home to the Gadigal Aboriginal people. Later, it became the country's first site of European settlement.

The Rocks was named for the rocky coast on the west side of Sydney Cove where the convicts pitched their tents. Today, more than 100 heritage sites and buildings jostle along the narrow streets, including Sydney's oldest surviving house, Cadmans Cottage , built in 1816.

The first stop should be a visit to The Rocks Discovery Museum . Here, you can learn about the area's fascinating transformation from traditional Aboriginal lands to convict slum to tourist hot spot. You can also join a 30-minute free guided tour at 1pm and 1:30pm daily.

Afterward, wander around the narrow, cobbled streets. Pick up some souvenirs at the gift shops, buy handcrafted goodies at the market stalls (Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays), and admire Aboriginal and contemporary art in the galleries. You'll also find plenty of atmospheric little restaurants and cafés here.

Guided tours run the gamut, from Aboriginal heritage walks to photographic excursions, and if you're looking for unusual things to do in Sydney, you can book a nighttime ghost tour.

Address: 66 Harrington Street, Level 6, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney is famous for its sparkling waterfront setting, and one of the most popular things to do in Sydney Harbour is a sightseeing cruise. Most harbor cruises depart from Circular Quay in Sydney Cove, which is also home to the city's main ferry terminal.

Short on time? Book the two-hour Sydney Harbour Coffee Cruise , which takes you past all the harbor highlights and to some of the most scenic places in Sydney, including the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Fort Denison. Learn fascinating facts about the key sights along the way, and keep your camera ready — you'll have plenty of photo ops.

Prefer to spot some wildlife during your tour? During the annual winter whale migration, the Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise takes passengers out past Sydney Heads to view these magnificent creatures.

If you don't have time for a harbor cruise, you can still see some of the top sites on a ferry ride around the harbor. Ferries depart from Circular Quay to prime spots, such as Manly , Watsons Bay , and Taronga Park Zoo .

Author's Tip: From Circular Quay, you can easily walk to other top Sydney tourist attractions . Head south along the waterfront promenade to the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and a short walk to the north leads to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Rocks historic area. To the west, the free Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in an Art Deco building, displays cutting-edge, and often controversial, exhibitions.

Darling Harbour has something for everyone. Packed with tourist attractions, this waterfront precinct on the western side of Sydney's CBD is a hub for tourists and locals alike. You'll find everything here, from shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues to museums, a zoo, an aquarium, and an IMAX theater.

Families will love Madame Tussaud's; the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo; and the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, which contains the world's largest collection of Australian marine creatures. The SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Entrance Ticket is a great way to get ahead of the crowds.

Nautical-minded history buffs can board a replica of Captain Cook's ship, the HMB Endeavour , at the Australian National Maritime Museum. And while you're wandering around, keep an eye out for colorful artwork along the Darling Harbour Street Art Trail .

Younger children will love the carousel, playgrounds, and water park. An IMAX and 9D theater, harbor jet boat rides, simulated flights, and racing car adventures round out the exciting attractions.

Seeking a tranquil patch of green? Slip into the Chinese Garden of Friendship , and sip tea among the willows and koi ponds.

As well as offering a one-stop shop of Sydney attractions for families, Darling Harbour also hosts an exciting line-up of events, from art exhibitions and film festivals to music concerts at the Aware Super Theatre .

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Chill out at The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney in Farm Cove. A visit to this tranquil oasis is one of the many relaxing things to do in the city for free — especially if you're in need of a nature fix — and it's only a short stroll from the Sydney Opera House.

Established in 1816, the gardens are Australia's oldest botanic garden . They encompass 30 hectares of themed gardens with towering trees, palm groves, orchids, ferns, succulents, tropical gardens, rainforest plants, herbs, and Oriental gardens.

Garden lovers will be in heaven. The Palace Rose Garden blushes with around 1,800 roses. The Glasshouse Latitude 23 and Fernery brims with tropical foliage, begonias, and orchids; and the Cadi Jam Ora - First Encounters Garden tells the story of the Gadigal people, the land's traditional custodians, and explores the relationship between people and plants.

Aboriginal cultural tours and guided walks are offered, as well as events such as bush tucker morning teas and picnics.

Wondering what's nearby? Surrounding the gardens is the Domain , a popular event venue, with open green space and sports areas. And while you're visiting the gardens, you can enjoy views of Government House , the official residence of the governor of New South Wales.

Address: Mrs Macquarie's Road, Sydney, New South Wales

If shopping is high on your agenda, head to the Romanesque-style Queen Victoria Building ("QVB"). Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's worth a visit just to admire this beautifully restored building and its colorful stained-glass windows and mosaic floors.

A high central dome surrounded by 20 smaller domes crowns this elegant building, which was originally built as a market hall between 1893 and 1898. After decades of neglect and even plans for demolition, this grand sandstone building was restored to its original state in the early 1980s.

Today, more than 200 high-end shops line its light-filled galleries. Australian stores include R.M. Williams, Lorna Jane, and Haigh's chocolates, as well as many Aussie designer boutiques, and you'll also find homeware stores, gift stores, and galleries.

Feeling peckish? The Tea Room QVB hosts a popular High Tea under crystal chandeliers.

You can access the QVB from Town Hall Station through underground arcades.

If you want to learn more about the history of this magnificent heritage building, sign up for a 45-minute QVB History Tour .

Address: 455 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales

Soaring above the city skyline, the 309-meter-high Sydney Tower Eye is the city's tallest building and one of its great landmarks (other than the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, of course). This golden spire-topped turret rises from the busy Centrepoint shopping mall.

Zooming up the Sydney Tower Eye is one of the popular things to do in the Sydney CBD for tourists. Express lifts whisk visitors to the observation deck at the top, or to SKYWALK, an alfresco glass-floor viewing platform, the perfect spot for sightseeing. While you're up here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Sydney and its surrounding suburbs, or enjoy a bite to eat at one of the revolving restaurants or the café.

Also on offer is a 4D cinema experience, which provides an overview of the city's major icons.

Address: 100 Market Street, Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney is famous for its beautiful beaches . Tucked around the harbor are many sheltered coves with calm water and sugary sands.

You don't need to venture far from the CBD to find an inviting stretch of sand and sea. Iconic Bondi Beach is less than a 15-minute drive from the city, with great surf, a buzzing café scene, and a cosmopolitan vibe. For fantastic ocean views, take the coastal walk along the cliffs from Bondi to Coogee Beach .

If you're traveling by public transport, Cronulla is the only beach accessible by train from the city, and Manly Beach is only a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay . Here, you can swim in the surf or the netted ocean pool, take a surf lesson, or stroll along the beachfront promenade and stop in at the excellent shops and restaurants.

Farther north of the city, surfers will find some fantastic breaks at Collaroy , Dee Why , and Narrabeen . Swimming is enjoyable at most Sydney beaches — especially during the summer months — but you should always stay between the red and yellow flags.

Barangaroo Reserve is an excellent example of a successful urban renewal project. Named after the influential female Indigenous leader at the time of European colonization, the area was transformed from an unsightly container terminal and opened to the public in 2015 with a commitment to sustainability and enhancing community wellbeing.

With more than 75,000 native trees and shrubs, as well as walking and cycling tracks, this 22-hectare waterfront precinct is a lovely spot for a stroll or bike along the harbor. You'll also find shops, restaurants, and event and exhibition space here.

One of the most popular things to do at Barangaroo is the Wulugul Walk . This scenic waterfront promenade skirts the six-hectare re-created Sydney Harbour headland at the reserve's northern end and extends for two kilometers between Walsh Bay and Darling Harbour .

Along the way, you can admire an evocative series of public art installations. Keep an eye out for shell wall , a 22-meter-tall vertical panel on the side of a building at the reserve's southern gateway, created by two of Australia's leading Indigenous artists. You can learn about the area's rich Indigenous heritage on an Aboriginal cultural tour .

In 2023, a new recreation space opened in Barangaroo as part of the planned Harbour Park open space on Sydney's foreshore. Bring the kids here to bounce around in the play area and challenge each other to a game of handball. Parents can work out in the outdoor gym or relax in the shady sitting areas.

Barangaroo is only a four-minute walk from Wynyard station, and you can also catch a ferry direct to the new Barangaroo Wharf.

At Taronga Zoo , you can see all your favorite animals, as well as spectacular city views. Nestled on a point along the north side of the harbor, the zoo inhabits prime Sydney real estate in the posh suburb of Mosman, and it's one of the top things to do with kids in Sydney .

Here, you can enjoy close-up encounters with iconic Aussie wildlife and other animals from around the world. Highlights include the African Savannah exhibit, Tiger Trek, chimpanzees, and gorillas.

Daily keeper presentations and animal shows add to all the fun. Feed the giraffes, meet the Asian elephants, get up close to a cuddly koala, or make friends with a meerkat. Another bonus: Entertaining shows are included with your entry ticket, including a Seals for the Wild presentation and a Free Flight Birds show.

The zoo's lively events calendar includes "Roar and Snore" overnight zoo stays and a summer concert series. You can purchase a Sydney Taronga Zoo Entry Ticket in advance, which includes a ride on the Sky Safari gondola.

Want to stay longer? Book a room at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga . This unique eco-retreat on the zoo grounds gives you after-hours viewings of some of the animals, as well as all kinds of other perks.

From the city, buses to the zoo depart from Wynyard. Better still, hop aboard a ferry at Circular Quay .

Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales

Bustling George Street, in the heart of the city, is Australia's oldest street. Once a nameless track trodden by convicts fetching supplies of water, it's now one of the city's major traffic arteries. It's worth exploring to feel the pulse of this vibrant city and browse the shops.

You'll see a mix of architectural styles here. Gleaming high-rise office blocks brush shoulders with historic buildings. A highlight is the elegant Romanesque-style Queen Victoria Building replete with graceful domes, stained-glass windows, and high-end stores.

Nearby, the Sydney Town Hall (1869) is a major city landmark sporting a medley of architectural styles (it's been compared to a richly decorated wedding cake). Another architectural standout is the neo-Gothic St. Andrew's Cathedral , completed and consecrated in 1868.

Need a shopping fix? You'll find plenty of high-end shops in the Queen Victoria Building , and designer boutiques and jewelry stores line the Victorian-style Strand Arcade . If you're looking for more accessible name brands, Pitt Street Mall , one block east of George Street, is one of the city's major shopping precincts.

Named after Hyde Park in London, Sydney's Hyde Park is Australia's oldest park . It's a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city and a lovely spot for a picnic. Sprawling lawns, shady picnic spots, flowers, fountains, and fig trees provide a welcome escape, and the park offers prime people-watching - especially at lunch when city workers come here to kick off their shoes.

Several monuments and memorials punctuate this popular 16-hectare green space. The park's bronze Archibald Fountain (1932) commemorates Australia's alliance with France during WWI, and the Art Deco Anzac War Memorial (1934), in the southern half of the park, honors its victims.

At the north end of Hyde Park, in Queens Square, are three fine Georgian buildings, masterpieces of the convict architect Sir Francis Greenway: Hyde Park Barracks , St. James' Church , and the Supreme Court . Built by convict labor in 1817-19, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks was restored to its original condition in 1975-84 and now houses a museum on the history of Sydney, portraying the lives of the first involuntary "settlers."

On the east side of Hyde Park is the Australian Museum , with the largest natural history collection in the country.

Address: Elizabeth Street, Sydney, New South Wales

Official site: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/facilities/parks/major-parks/hyde-park

Surrounded by beautiful parklands, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the country's most distinguished art museums. The building dates from 1885 and houses spacious, light-filled galleries and Grand Courts, with collections ranging from works by European masters and Asian artists to evocative contemporary art from around the world. The gallery also houses one of the largest collections of Aboriginal art in Australia .

Currently, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is undergoing a transformation and expansion -The Sydney Modern Project - which includes the addition of a brand new sustainable building, a public art garden, and a grand forecourt, as well as restoration of the historic building. Once completed in late 2022, the museum will occupy double the exhibition space, flowing between indoor and outdoor spaces, and will continue to be a major destination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

After admiring all the masterpieces, you can relax at the café or restaurant, or browse the gallery gift shop.

Address: Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney, New South Wales

Official site: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/

Facing Hyde Park, St. Mary's Cathedral (1868-82) is a symbol of the spiritual beginnings of the Catholic Church in Australia. This striking landmark, in neo-Gothic style, is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney.

Topped by twin spires, the building was modeled on Lincoln Cathedral, and its imposing façade reflects the design of Notre-Dame in Paris. Inside the cathedral, intricate stained-glass windows cast beautiful patterns of light. Christmas is an especially evocative time to visit, when the cathedral is adorned with lights and decorations.

Location: St. Mary's Road and College Street, Sydney, New South Wales

Official site: http://www.stmaryscathedral.org.au/

Stretching from Hyde Park in the south to the Sydney Opera House in the north, Macquarie Street was once Sydney's most fashionable street. Governor Macquarie commissioned the construction of many of the colony's grand public buildings along this strand, some designed by convict architect Francis Greenway. Impressive sandstone residences soon followed, with verandas to capture the beautiful views of the surrounding parklands and Sydney Harbour.

In 1816, the completion of Sydney Hospital on Macquarie Street encouraged doctors to set up offices nearby. However, the hospital's capacity exceeded demand, and legislative offices moved into some of its buildings. Today, Parliament House occupies the hospital's northern wing and is open to the public when the New South Wales Parliament is in session.

A top attraction on Macquarie Street is the State Library of New South Wales , the oldest library in Australia. Among its jewels are the journals of Captain Cook and Joseph Banks , as well as Captain Bligh's log from the Bounty. The permanent and temporary exhibitions here are always worth visiting, and you can relax with a snack in the café or pick up a quirky Australian souvenir at the gift shop.

You'll also find The Mint on Macquarie Street in the southern wing of the former hospital. It's now home to a library, central courtyard, and café.

Official site: http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/

Inhale the fragrance of sizzling Szechuan spices, shop for Chinese specialty items, or feast on authentic Asian cuisine at Sydney's Chinatown. Framed by lion gates at each end, this small district lies in the pedestrian zone of Dixon Street, between Darling Harbour and Central Station.

Yum cha is a popular pastime here, and the Friday night market is a feast for the senses, with everything from dim sum and Vietnamese pho to teppanyaki. On the first full moon after January 21, the streets of Chinatown come alive during the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Near Chinatown, Paddy's Markets at Haymarket is a Sydney institution from Wednesdays through Sundays, with hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce, bargain fashions, and souvenirs.

Address: Dixon Street, Haymarket, New South Wales

Fashionistas, take note: fun and funky Newtown is a hot spot for vintage treasures and thrift store shopping. You'll find this hipster-packed inner-city suburb about a 10-minute drive from the city center.

One-of-a-kind pieces cram the racks in the best boutiques here. Favorites include The Wilde Merchant selling everything from retro tees to workwear and Japanese pieces, while Storeroom Vintage displays rare music tees and other hand-picked gems from the 70s to the 2000s. Stitch Up Sydney specializes in collectible band tees and designer sneakers. Real King Vintage also sells vintage T-shirts, as well as sportswear and preloved goodies from top brands like Tommy Hilfiger Nike, Carharrt, and Polo Ralph Lauren. Is Western wear and Americana more your jam? Head to Route 66 .

After hitting all the hottest vintage shops, fuel up with a snack at one of the area's eclectic restaurants and cafés — you'll find everything here from Turkish cuisine and Thai food to Italian trattorias. Then polish it off with an award-winning gelato from Cow & the Moon — their Mandorla Affogato flavor once won the "best in the world" award.

Newtown is also famous for its vibrant street art . Start with the "I have a dream" mural on King Street, and keep your eyes peeled. You'll find other murals popping from the walls on Lennox Street, Mary Street, and Bedford Street to name a few.

Author's Tip: About a five-minute drive from Newtown, the Markets at Glebe is one of the best places to find deals on designer vintage treasures — from pre-loved designer clothing, shoes, and accessories to hand-crafted jewelry and cutting-edge creations from new local designers. The markets are open every Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

About two kilometers east of the CBD, Kings Cross is Sydney's multi-faceted red light district and the city's nightlife hub . If you're interested in experiencing an edgier part of the city, this is a great place to visit. You can also catch a play at one of the theaters.

Called "The Cross" by locals, it has an intriguing, Bohemian past. The area was an artistic quarter around 1920, until it evolved into a popular haunt for beatniks during the 1950s and later, hippies. During the Vietnam War, the area started its slow slide to depravity when large numbers of American troops came here on "rest and recreation" leave. You can find out more about the area's spicy history on a guided walking tour.

Despite the area's less-than-savory reputation at night, it wears a different face during the day. Backpackers from the many hostels in the area huddle at hip cafés . Boutique hotels shelter fashionistas, and foodies come here to dine at the trendy restaurants.

To find Kings Cross, look for the large Coca-Cola billboard, at the intersection of William Street and Darlinghurst Road. It's a famous Sydney landmark and is often referred to as the "Gateway to The Cross."

For first-time visitors to Sydney, a fantastic base for sightseeing is The Rocks , the city's historic district. Spectacular harbor views, heritage-listed buildings, museums, shops, galleries, and cute courtyard cafés make this a great place to stay. From here, many of Sydney's top tourist attractions are within easy walking distance, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Also a short stroll from here is Circular Quay, the departure point for harbor cruises and ferries. Here are some highly rated hotels in the area :

Luxury Hotels :

• Deluxe hotel options include the harborfront Park Hyatt , one of the country's top hotels; The Langham, Sydney ; and the Four Seasons ; all with stunning harbor views.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Near Wynyard Station, the Little National Hotel Sydney offers affordable, compact rooms with comfy beds.
• For families and travelers seeking apartment-style accommodation, Sky Suites Sydney is a top choice, with studios and one- and two-bedroom suites.
• The 90-room boutique Ovolo 1888 Sydney Harbour occupies a heritage-listed old wool store and factory. Bold, contemporary interior design contrasts with the historic building.

Budget Hotels :

• For cost-conscious travelers, The Australian Heritage Hotel and The Mercantile Hotel offer affordable rooms in a superb location.

In contrast to the regular and spacious layout of the younger Australian cities, Sydney is a complicated maze of one-way streets and narrow lanes. Public transport or tours are highly recommended for first-time visitors.

• See the Sights: For the best introduction to the sights of Sydney, book a Sydney and Bondi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour , which stops near the major sights in the city center, around the harbor, and Bondi Beach. Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours, and you can hop on and off the bus as often as you please.
• Save Money : Planning to visit several Sydney tourist attractions? Save money on admission by purchasing a Sydney Attractions Pass . You can choose from a combination of two, three, or four attractions, such as WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Sydney Tower Eye, and more.
• Take a Day Trip : Just a short drive outside the city is some spectacular mountain scenery. If you have time for just one day trip, take the Blue Mountains Nature and Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney . This small group tour provides pickup and drop-off from your hotel, lunch, entrance fee to the Featherdale Wildlife Park, and a guide.

One of the most beautiful cities in Australia, Sydney is surrounded by plenty of enticing day trip destinations. The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains has some of the best hikes in Australia ; the beautiful Hunter Valley is a hot spot for foodies; and Canberra , the nation's capital, is only a three-hour drive away.

More on Australia

What to Do in Sydney

The 22 best highights in sydney.

Latest update: August 8, 2023

In a nutshell: our Sydney highlights

• Sydney Opera House : Sydney’s iconic landmark and typical postcard motif of the city.
• Harbour Bridge : you have a great view of Sydney from the largest steel arch bridge in the world.
• The Rocks : In this hip district you will find trendy bars and restaurants as well as cool museums.
• Manly Beach : Our favorite beach in Sydney, more laid-back than the famous Bondi Beach.
• Birdcage Alley : Cool street with empty birdcages – a great photo motif!

These were our top 5 sights in Sydney. Do you want to find out more? Then just read on and check out all our highlights in Sydney.

Buy tickets for Sydney sights online in advance

Sydney is a very popular destination for a city trip. Therefore, it is almost inevitable that there will be queues in front of the ticket counters at the top attractions. To avoid waiting in line, you can buy tickets for the most popular highlights in advance.

For these Sydney must-sees, it’s worth buying tickets online before you go:

The most important attractions of Sydney on a map

Finding your way around Sydney can be a bit confusing at first, so we’ve created a handy sightseeing map for you, featuring all the most important sights and attractions.

Click here to download the map for easy access

Sydney Opera House

Every list of the most beautiful sights in Sydney has to start with the Sydney Opera House.

And with good reason: The Sydney Opera House is the most frequently photographed building in all of Australia, the landmark of Sydney , and probably one of the most famous buildings in the world. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

The opera offers several one-hour guided tours in small groups during the day. The regularly scheduled tours are held in English.

We really enjoyed ourselves on the tour – it costs A$43 and takes visitors through all the different auditoriums while introducing them to the exciting history of the Opera’s construction.

The easiest way to book a tour is online:

Book a guided tour of the Opera

Our tip: With a bit of luck you’ll be able to buy discounted last-minute tickets to one of the performances after the tour, subject to availability. There’s no guarantee, but your odds are pretty good.

Harbor cruise with a view of the Opera House

We think the Opera House looks the most impressive when viewed from a distance. For the best views , we’d recommend the Harbour Bridge or taking a harbor cruise .

There are several harbor cruises that pass the Opera House. Here’s a selection:

Sydney Harbour: Tall shop lunch cruise Sydney Harbour: 3-hour lunch cruise with live music In the evening: 3-hour harbor cruise with 3-course dinner

Our tip: If you were planning a trip to Manly anyway (see attraction #19), you’ll pass the Opera House on the ferry ride over. So if it’s just the view you’re after, there’s no need to book a harbor cruise.

depends on the selected tour or performance

view on Google Maps

official website

Harbour Bridge

Harbour Bridge is one of the most prominent sights in Sydney , and you should definitely check it out.

Completed in 1932, the magnificent structure spans the full breadth of Sydney Harbour with a length of just over 500 meters and a width of 49 meters. It’s already an impressive sight during the day, but it’s even more stunning when it lights up at night.

While it’s a popular tourist attraction, it’s also a regular traffic and pedestrian bridge, so you can cross it for free and enjoy the breathtaking view of the harbor and Sydney Opera House on the way.

Even higher up on the Pylon Lookout

If the view from the footpath isn’t enough for you, then you can also climb to the top of the southeastern bridge tower. Once you’ve climbed the 200 or so steps, you’ll be treated to one of the most beautiful views of Sydney !

Admission costs A$19, payable only by credit card. Cash payments aren’t accepted.

Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney Tower is the tallest building in the city. Its striking architecture stands out from miles away.

The view from the top is phenomenal. On clear days, you can see as far as the Blue Mountains from the Tower Eye observation deck at a height of 251 meters.

The entrance to the Sydney Tower Eye can be a bit hard to find. It’s located inside Westfield Shopping Centre. Take the entrance at the corner of Market Street and Pitt Street where you’ll find an elevator that goes straight to the entrance to the Tower Eye on the 5th floor.

Our tip: Book your tickets in advance. An online ticket costs A$24.80, which is much cheaper than the A$31 charged at the door.

Book a ticket for Sydney Tower Eye

By the way: There’s a revolving restaurant at the top of the tower, offering stunning a 360° view of the city. Admission to the tower is free if you have a restaurant reservation.

Make a reservation at the Sydney Tower Eye restaurant  

Also on the 5th floor is an excellent food court where you can enjoy a tasty and affordable meal before or after your visit.

Mrs. Macquarie's Point

Mrs. Macquarie’s Point is located at the northeastern tip of a peninsula just outside the Royal Botanic Garden.

It’s named for the name of the wife of the former Governor of New South Wales in the early 19th century, who was so enamored with the view that a stone bench – Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair – was carved for her here, where she would sit for hours gazing out onto the harbor.

We can totally understand why! This lookout point is the perfect place to get a picture of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in a single shot.

Dudley Page Reserve / Dover Heights

If you’re looking for a time out from the concrete jungle with a spectacular view , then head out to Dudley Page Reserve in the eastern coastal suburb of Dover Heights. Locals gather here in the evening for picnics, a game of cricket, or their daily workout.

There are no cafes or restaurants here, not even water fountains, so don’t forget to bring an ample supply of water, especially in the summer.

It’s basically a huge flat green area with no trees, and hence no shade. That means it’s almost entirely deserted during the day. But that’s okay, the view is best in the evening anyway. Plan your trip around sunset to line up some spectacular shots of the Sydney skyline.

To get there, take the T4 to Bondi Junction station. Then catch the 380 bus towards South Head Cemetery. Get off at Military Rd opp Weonga Rd, and you’ll be standing right in front of Dudley Page Reserve.

Our tip : Combine your visit to Dudley Page Reserve with a trip to Bondi Beach. It’s just a few stops from Bondi on the 380 bus, so you can spend the day at the beach and then head to Dover Heights an hour before sunset.

Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden expands just behind the Opera House and is the ideal spot for a picnic or a quick break from sightseeing.

Give yourself enough time to explore the gardens – there’s a lot to discover!

Our personal highlight were the cockatoos all over the park, just going about their day, completely unperturbed by all visitors. You’ll have the best odds of seeing the cockatoos if you plan your visit for the morning or early evening.

At the entrance to the park is the historic, Neo-Gothic Government House , which has been the official residence of the Governor of New South Wales for over 150 years. You can visit Government House for free as part of a guided tour, available every 30 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:30 am to 3 pm.

Important: Bring your passport, you’re going to need it at the entrance.

Hyde Park is a green oasis right in the center of town – the perfect spot to take a break from all the sightseeing, or perhaps even a picnic. Its dense canopy of trees offers some much-needed shade from the summer sun.

The locals obviously agree. Around lunchtime, the park fills up with Sydneysiders (as Sydney residents are known) enjoying their lunch break.

At the north entrance of Hyde Park is St. James’ Church , the oldest church in Sydney. Be sure to take a look inside, it’s really worthwhile.

Just across from the church is the Hyde Park Barracks . The former convict quarters have been refashioned into a living history museum. It’ll give you a pretty good sense of how the deported convicts were treated during Sydney’s early settlement period.

Further down in the southern part of Hyde Park you’ll find the ANZAC Memorial . You can visit the war museum commemorating the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps for free.

The harbor district The Rocks is the birthplace of Sydney. Once the dingy domain of soldiers and sailors riddled with taverns and brothels 200 years ago, its modern-day incarnation is much more sanitized with markets, galleries, museums, and pubs characterizing the quarter nowadays.

Take a stroll down Playfair Street, whose historic workers’ terraces now house boutiques and cafes, or join a guided tour of the neighborhood for a hearty dose of background information and anecdotes.

Book a guided tour of The Rocks

The Rocks Market sets up on George Street every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. There are over 200 stalls selling jewelry, souvenirs, clothes, and lots of trinkets.

Another interesting place to visit here is Susannah Place Museum . You can see what life in this neighborhood was like for workers in the 1840s, including a colonial goods store.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is ground zero for tourism in Sydney . The whole area was extensively redeveloped in the run-up to the 2000 Olympic Games.

If we’re being honest, we weren’t all too keen on Darling Harbour. It’s just way too touristy for our liking. But it’s certainly a nice place for a sightseeing stroll .

Darling Harbour may also be a good place for you to stay in Sydney – it’s very central, all the major sights are nearby, and there are plenty of hotels.

Besides hotels and restaurants, it has all the same classic attractions as every other global city these days: a SEA LIFE Aquarium with 650 different species of aquatic animals, a WILD LIFE Zoo, and a Madame Tussauds.

So if you’re ever cursed with a rainy day in Sydney, Darling Harbour is a decent enough bad-weather alternative with these attractions.

You can pre-purchase tickets for all three Darling Harbour highlights online:

Book tickets for SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Book tickets for WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Book tickets for Madame Tussauds Sydney

If you want to visit all three attractions, or even just two of them, a combination ticket is real bargain.

You can choose from Sydney Tower Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, WILD LIFE Zoo, or Madame Tussauds at a greatly discounted rate of A$65 for two attractions or A$75 for three.

Book a combination ticket for 2, 3, or 4 attractions

Bonus tip for kids: The Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour is a real highlight for children. Admission to the permanent exhibit is free.

Paddington and Surry Hills

Paddington and Surry Hills are two of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Sydney. The two neighborhoods border each other directly and are among the hippest areas in Sydney today. You’ll find several galleries, bookstores, boutiques, and cafés there.

Just don’t expect to find any major tourist attractions in Paddington or Surry Hills. The neighborhoods are a sight in their own right with their semi-detached Victorian houses and pretty little stores.

Visiting Paddington is even more worthwhile on Saturdays. From 10 am to 4 pm, you can wander through Paddington Market and shop for clothes and souvenirs.

Sydney was a bit too polished for us in many places. Even the hipster havens of Paddington and Surry Hills seemed way too neat and tidy.

Where was the cool part of town where things are a bit more offbeat and rough around the edges? After searching high and low, we finally struck gold: Newtown was exactly what we were looking for!

Newtown is located off to the southwest of the CBD and Surry Hills. Take a walk down King Street for an eclectic selections of quirky stores, second hand and vintage boutiques, and lots of restaurants and bars.

And if you’re into street art , then Newtown an absolute must-see, there’s so much more here than in any other part of Sydney.

Chinatown & Paddy's Markets

If you head south from Darling Harbour, pretty soon you’ll find yourself in the heart of Chinatown. As you enter Dixon Street, you’ll be greeted by the typical gate that marks the entrance to every Chinatown in Western cities.

Even the street signs here are bilingual. There are countless stores selling traditional Chinese trinkets, and above all plenty of opportunities for excellent Chinese food .

Friday evenings are the best time to visit. The Chinatown Friday Night Market sets up shop on Dixon Street from 4 pm to 11 pm, so you can stroll through its stalls and indulge in the delicacies on offer.

At the southern end of Dixon Street is Paddy’s Markets , a huge indoor complex of stores and flea markets, where you can find pretty much anything under the sun: clothes, fruit and vegetables, soap, spices, sunglasses, towels, cooking pots, shoes, handbags, jewelry, souvenirs, knick-knacks, you name it.

Bondi Beach

If you’ve seen enough of the city and want to spend a day at the beach for a change of pace, Australia’s most famous surfer beach awaits.

The eastern suburb of Bondi is bustling with water sports enthusiasts, families, and lots of beautiful people on the beach. That’s right, Bondi is all about seeing and being seen.

The restaurant at the southern end of the beach has the most beautiful view . Bondi Icebergs is actually a clubhouse for the local swimming club, but it’s open to visitors. Treat yourself to an ocean-view lunch above the seawater pool.

Bondi is the perfect place to get your feet wet if you’ve never been on a board before and want to give it a shot. You can take a 2-hour crash course here.

Book a surfing course at Bondi Beach

The only way to get to Bondi Beach is by bus. First, take the T4 train to the Bondi Junction terminus. Then take the 333 or 380 bus and get off at Bondi Beach.

The 333 bus originates at Circular Quay in the center of Sydney, so if you want, you can go the whole way by bus. It just takes a little longer.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

If you go to Bondi, make sure to do the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. We personally liked it better than Bondi Beach itself.

The six-kilometer coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee runs right along the seafront, with one spectacular view chasing the next .

If you don’t want to hike the full distance, you can just walk to Bronte Beach . That’s only about 2 kilometers. Keep an eye on the sea if you’re here anytime between May and November: You might be lucky enough to spot a humpback whale migrating along this part of the coast.

Of course you can also go the other way around and start at Coogee Beach. If you head out north from there in the early morning, you should make it to Bondi Beach by noon. Spend the afternoon at the beach and leave for the lookout point in Dover Heights about an hour before sunset as the crowning moment of an amazing day.

To get to Coogee, take the T4 train to Bondi Junction and then take the 353 bus to Coogee. Get off at “Arden St opp Coogee Bay Rd”.

Manly Beach

The most beautiful beach in northern Sydney is Manly Beach. Like Bondi Beach, it’s also popular with surfers, but Manly Beach has a much more laid-back atmosphere and village-like feel. Overall, we preferred Manly to Bondi.

Between the ferry terminal and Manly Beach you’ll find plenty of places for shopping, dining, and coffee. Just like the main beach, everything in the suburb of Manly is a bit more chill and less crowded than in downtown Sydney or Bondi.

If the sea is too rough for swimming, head for one of the two seawater pools instead. Queenscliff Rockpool is located at the northern end of Manly Beach.

The picturesque Fairy Bower Sea Pool is only about a five-minute walk from Manly Beach. Just head down the Marine Parade at the southern tip of the beach. The pool is easy to spot once you get there.

Manly also has plenty of smaller beaches if you’re looking for something a bit more subdued.

Our tip: There’s a really pretty bay just a few minutes southeast of Manly Beach: Shelly Beach. The beach is great for families, but the walk itself is already worthwhile.

A short walk from the ferry terminal is Little Manly Beach, another great spot for kids . The beach sheltered by a cove with virtually no currents. There’s a fenced off area in the water for added safety and a playground for when your little ones have had enough off the sea.

To get there, take the direct ferry service from Circular Quay to Manly. It’s super-convenient and offers spectacular views of Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as an added bonus.

Queen Victoria Building

Located just a few meters from Sydney Tower is the Queen Victoria Building. Inside is a mall, but not just any mall: This historic building from 1898 is a real Victorian shopping gem .

The building was almost demolished around 1950, but fortunately there was a huge public outcry in Sydney once the demolition was announced, and the plan was quickly abandoned.

In 1986, the building was restored and now shines in new splendor as one of Sydney’s architectural highlights . Don’t forget to bring your camera because the building has an astonishing array of beautiful photo opportunities in store for you.

Of course, you can also go a huge shopping spree in the most city’s most exclusive shopping center. More than 180 stores and boutiques await.

Birdcage Alley / Angel Place

Birdcage Alley is a very cool photo spot . The small backstreet in the heart of the Central Business District is officially known as Angel Place.

Suspended above the street is an assemblage of empty birdcages , kind of like a surreal mobile. The installation was created by the artist Michael Thomas Hill , who dubbed his work “Forgotten Songs”.

The empty birdcages are supposed to symbolize the bird species that were native to the region before the city of Sydney was built.

You’ll hear different species of birds chirping from hidden loudspeakers . The bird songs change depending on the time of day and the biological rhythms of the individual avian species.

So be sure to take a detour into the tiny alley for a short reprieve from the constant thrum of the urban jungle. If you close your eyes and listen intently, you can almost imagine yourself being transported back in time to a different type of biotope.

Spice Alley

For delicious food , consider a detour to Kensington Street.

Just a few years ago, Kensington Street was in a sorry state. Every other building looked like it was about to collapse if the wind turned the wrong way.

Fortunately, things have turned around dramatically. Many of the quaint little houses have been restored, with plenty of brand-new buildings sprinkled in between.

Since 2015, Kensington Street has made a name for itself as a paradise for foodies , attracting flocks of hungry locals and tourists alike.

We really fell in love with Spice Alley, a vibrant open-air food court featuring a panoply of eateries serving delicious pan-Asian street food , including dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, all at relatively affordable prices.

Sydney Fish Market

The fishing industry is a huge deal in Sydney, so it’s no surprise that the city is home to the world’s third largest seafood market . Located in Blackwattle Bay, just a few minutes walk from Darling Harbour, Sydney Fish Market serves up the spoils of the sea in all shapes and sizes.

Primarily a haven for wholesalers, many of the market stalls also cater to the general public . If seafood is your thing, you’re in for a real treat ! You can feast on a cornucopia of fresh fish, sashimi, seafood, and even oysters.

Australian Museum

Founded in 1827, the Australian Museum was the very first museum to open in Australia. It’s located on the fringes of Hyde Park and houses one of the world’s most significant natural history collections .

If you’re interested in natural history, zoology, paleontology, or anthropology, the Australian Museum has you covered. The main focus is on Australia’s unique wildlife , with a few sections devoted to Aboriginal history and Polynesian culture.

St. Mary's Cathedral

At the fringe of Hyde Park stands St. Mary’s Cathedral, built of sandstone. Built in 1868, the cathedral is one of the most beautiful Neo-Gothic buildings in the world .

Its full name is Cathedral Church and Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Mother of God, Help of Christians. That’s quite a mouthful, but if you just say St. Mary’s, everyone will know what you mean.

The best time to visit the cathedral is just before sunset , when the light of the setting sun hits the stained glass windows, creating a beautiful effect.

If you have the time, stick around until nightfall. The outdoor lighting in the evening is really pretty. And if you happen to be in Sydney around Christmas, the light projection displays on the church’s facade are absolutely spectacular!

Taronga Zoo

We usually aren’t big fans of zoos, but Taronga Zoo definitely deserves a spot on our list of Sydney’s top attractions .

The zoo in northern Sydney offers its animals and visitors an incredible view . The giraffes probably have the best view of Sydney’s skyline .

Almost 4,000 animals from different climate zones all around the world live at Taronga Zoo. On nine different trails you’ll come face-to-face with giraffes, reptiles, tigers, wombats, monkeys, koalas, and many birds.

Speaking of, the Sky Safari cable car also offers a fantastic bird’s eye view of the zoo. It’s already included in the admission price.

The zoo is huge, so you should plan at least half a day for your visit. If you have kids, you can easily spend the whole day at the zoo.

The best way to get to the zoo is to just take the F2 ferry from Circular Quay, conveniently payable by credit card or Opal Card. One of the main entrances to the zoo is located right by the ferry dock.

Tickets cost A$51 and are also available online:

Book a ticket to Taronga Zoo

General travel tips: The best way to see Sydney’s sights

Before we get to our 22 favorite attractions in Sydney, here are a few general travel tips to help you make the most of your time in Sydney.

#1: Choosing the right area to stay

Sydney is a vast and sprawling city, so choosing the right neighborhood to stay is essential.

If your number one priority in Sydney is sightseeing, we recommend booking a hotel in the Central Business District (CBD). That way, you’ll be within walking distance of Sydney’s major attractions with the best public transport connections to the rest of the city.

Check out our post on where to stay in Sydney for in-depth information on choosing the best neighborhood for your stay , with specific hotel tips for every budget:

Where to stay in Sydney: The best areas

#2 Getting around: Public transport in Sydney

The most convenient way to get around in Sydney is by public transport. There’s an extensive network of trains , a metro line, light rail, buses, and even ferries that stop near all the major sights .

Prices are relatively cheap compared to most major European and American cities. Your fare is determined by a combination of different factors: the type of transport (bus, light rail, train, etc.), the number of kilometers traveled, and the time of day (it’s more expensive during rush hour).

If that sounds really complicated, don’t worry, there’s no advance math requirement – the ticketing system does all the work for you. That’s actually the best part: You’ll never have to buy a ticket for public transport in Sydney. If you have a credit card that supports contactless payment, you can just use it tap on and tap off before entering/exiting a station or vehicle.

The fare is simply charged to your credit card at the end of each journey. That’s all! No paper tickets, no broken vending machines, no heated arguments with ticket inspectors because you bought the wrong ticket. Everything’s taken care of automatically in Sydney.

What’s more, there’s a daily fare cap of A$16.30 per day (or A$8.15 on weekends). That means no matter how much you travel, you’ll never pay more than that amount per day.

For that to work, each passenger will need their own credit card. If anyone in your group doesn’t have a contactless credit card, you can buy an Opal Card at one of the stations, including the airport, or from a licensed vendor (e.g. a 7-Eleven) in Sydney.

The Opal Card is a top-up travel card for public transport in Sydney. It basically works the same way as a credit card, you just tap on and off every time you travel. Just make sure there’s enough money on your card to cover your fare.

#3: Save time and money with a Sydney city pass

A Sydney city pass can save you a lot of money if you’re planning on doing a ton of sightseeing. What’s more, it also includes fast-track admission to many of the attractions, which can save you a lot of time you’d have wasted waiting in line otherwise.

We chose the Sydney Explorer Pass from Go City for our visit. It lets you to pick a certain number of attractions you want to visit at a considerable discount compared to paying for each one individually.

There are two other options available: The Sydney Flexi Attractions Pass , which is similar to the Go Sydney Pass, but with a slightly different line-up of available attractions, and the Unlimited Attractions Pass , which is the perfect choice for real sightseeing hounds, allowing 3 or 7-day access to all included attractions for a flat fee.

What else can you recommend to see and do in Sydney?

That wraps up our list of the 22 best sights in Sydney! Have you been to Sydney and do you have any tips to share? Then we’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Sydney   Travel Guide

20 Best Things to Do in Sydney, Australia

Sydney's famous beaches are some of the city's most popular attractions for visitors and Sydneysiders alike. Although they can get crowded on warm Aussie days, beaches like Coogee, Bondi and Manly cannot be missed. If you'd rather take to

• All Things To Do

Sydney Harbour Sydney Harbour free

Many visitors say that Sydney Harbour's 150 miles of shoreline and expansive waters make it the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and they just might be right. Blue water laps up to sandy shores over which landmarks like the  Royal Botanic Garden  and the  Sydney Opera House preside. Another iconic site, the  Sydney Harbour Bridge , towers above the harbor's waters. But for the best view of Sydney Harbour, travelers must pay a visit to  Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, which sits at the tip of one of the area's peninsulas.

For even more picturesque views, try taking a ferry at sunset when the sky comes alive with an array of colors. Overall, former visitors rave about the harbor, noting that the ferry rides are scenic (especially the popular Circular Quay to Manly route) and that there are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore nearby. The harbor's attractions also come alive during Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations (think: massive fireworks displays), and in May and June when Vivid Sydney, a festival of light, music and creativity, takes place.

Sydney Opera House Sydney Opera House

U.S. News Insider Tip: While an up-close selfie with the Opera House is a must, a relaxing and less-crowded way to admire the iconic landmark and its surrounding harbor is by grabbing a refreshing drink at outdoor, harborside Opera Bar. – Leena Tailor

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the sailboat-inspired structure – submitted during an international design contest held in 1956 – features more than 1 million tiles on its four roof shells, and six theater and music venues with top-notch acoustics. Bold purple carpeting and sweeping views of  Sydney Harbour  and the  Sydney Harbour Bridge  also await visitors in the Sydney Opera House's foyer, while a picturesque boardwalk – complete with a trendy bar – sits outside.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Sydney Harbour Bridge free

The Sydney Harbour Bridge stands next to the  Opera House  as one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Lovingly called the "Coat Hanger" by locals, this towering structure is the world's largest steel arch bridge. And while you can capture stunning pictures of the bridge from one of Sydney Harbour 's ferry boats, for an unforgettable experience, sign up for a bridge climb through  BridgeClimb Sydney . Ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, the bridge climb provides visitors with panoramic views of the harbor, the Sydney skyline and the Opera House.

Although some former visitors complained of the high price tags, many said a bridge climb is the best way to experience this iconic attraction, calling it a must-do experience. While climbs are offered throughout the day, travelers recommend scheduling a climb at twilight, which will give you three different views – daylight, sunset and nighttime – in one. If you're afraid of heights, reviewers suggest you still consider the experience as staff are well-trained to help you overcome your anxieties.

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Manly Beach Manly Beach free

At first glance, Manly Beach, which is located about 10 miles northeast of downtown Sydney, may be just as crowded and active as other area beaches like Bondi and Coogee . However, this sprawling shoreline draws tons of praise from beachgoers, in part because of its proximity from the city and prime surfing waves. Those who are hoping to swim, though, may want to venture elsewhere since these waters are known for their rough waves. If you're not a surfer, you'll find other worthwhile activities at Manly, including scenic walks and hiking trails in the area.

Within the immediate area, visitors can enjoy all sorts of amenities, including restaurants and cafes, bush walks, playgrounds, barbecue areas, shops and public restrooms and showers. Most Sydneysiders and visitors prefer getting to Manly by way of the Circular Quay to Manly ferry. (Manly Wharf sits about six blocks from the beach.) There are also "fast ferries," which get visitors to Manly from Circular Quay in about half the time of the regular Manly Ferry (though it'll cost you more). Various buses will also get you to the area, though there is no direct bus route from Sydney. Four public parking lots – which offer up to two hours of free parking – are available near the beach as well. For more information about Manly Beach's activities, boutiques, eateries and events, visit the neighborhood's  website .

The Rocks The Rocks free

Earning its name from the sandstone rocks that line  Sydney Harbour , this neighborhood is as quaint as it is cool. Its cobblestone streets and 19th-century buildings are oh-so charming, but the shops, pubs, restaurants and galleries are fun and very au courant. Plus, its prime location next to attractions like the  Sydney Opera House  and the  Sydney Harbour Bridge  makes this trendy area extremely convenient for tourists.

Though the neighborhood offers plenty to explore any day of the week, on Saturdays and Sundays, the popular Rocks Markets run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Along with food stalls, there are also artisans selling everything from jewelry to candles to stationary at the Markets. Some prior visitors caution that the market items can be a bit pricey, but others loved the range of artisan items. Other visitors simply enjoyed soaking up the lively atmosphere of live music and free yoga.

Taronga Zoo Sydney Taronga Zoo Sydney

Fancy a selfie with a dingo and meeting a koala followed by a sleepover with the animals at an eco-retreat overlooking Sydney Harbour ? Taronga Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers. The nonprofit is home to more than 5,000 animals from more than 350 species. What's more, ticket sales go toward saving wildlife. As well as beautiful creatures like Sumatran tigers and Asian elephants, visitors can also get up close to world-renown Australian animals like kangaroos.

Seeing animals is only the beginning, with the zoo offering a multitude of fun and interactive add-on experiences. Guests can meet a koala for AU$12.50 (around $8), hang in the dingo enclosure for AU$69.95 ($47) or get an adventurous bird’s-eye view of the animals with the high ropes course at Wild Ropes Treetops Adventure, which costs AUD$36 ($24) for anyone 8 and older with discounts for children. The 2023 debut of the new Nura Diya Australia experience meanwhile has a quarter-mile walking trail that meanders through four landscapes, including Koala Country and Kangaroo Count. Visitors can then check into the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, which has animal-themed rooms, some of which overlook animal enclosures.

Darling Harbour Darling Harbour free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Darling Harbour makes the perfect central base to explore the sprawling city and offers hotels ranging from mid-budget chains like Holiday Inn to upscale hotels like Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. – Leena Tailor

Darling Harbour is a pedestrian district filled with a number of entertaining things to do. For instance, there's SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Chinese Garden of Friendship . Multiple kid-friendly attractions and the city's convention center are also found here, not to mention some delectable cafes and restaurants.

Coogee Beach Coogee Beach free

Though it's a bit smaller than its better-known northern counterpart  Bondi , Coogee Beach is the quintessential spot for those looking to soak up some sun and swim in Sydney's famous waters. Snorkeling is also a popular pastime here, and the scenic, nearly 4-mile Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a must. Plus, the eateries along the shore give beach bums several places to refuel.

Thanks to its less crowded atmosphere, picturesque setting and calmer waters, beachgoers (especially those traveling with children) raved about their time at Coogee, calling the beach gorgeous and even saying they prefer the spot over popular Bondi Beach. According to recent visitors, the food is also top-notch and the Bondi to Coogee walk is "spectacular."

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Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains

U.S. News Insider Tip: The weather can vary drastically between central Sydney and the Blue Mountains, so wearing layers is useful. Comfortable footwear is a must, especially if you’re planning to enjoy any of the walking trails. – Leena Tailor

Nature lovers will fall in love with the Blue Mountains, which are 70 miles west of Sydney (about a 90-minute drive or a two-hour train ride). The area is home to charming mountain towns, street art walks, glowworm caves, apple orchards, wine tours, wildlife safaris, gardens and more than 87 miles of walking tracks sprinkled with beautiful waterfalls, trees and plants.

Australian National Maritime Museum Australian National Maritime Museum

No harbor city would be complete without a maritime museum, and Sydney's is one of the best. Here, you can view exhibits about everything from fish X-rays to the history of Indigenous sailors, but that's just scratching the surface. The standout at this maritime museum is the ships docked in  Darling Harbour . All are open to museumgoers to board and explore. Notable vessels include the HMAS Vampire, a destroyer ship; the HMAS Onslow, a submarine; and the Akarana, an 1800s racing yacht. The museum's guides offer a wealth of knowledge about each of the docked ships, which were a highlight for many recent visitors.

Families that have visited the Australian National Maritime Museum praised its diversity of activities for kids. Inside, children can participate in an array of activities and themed arts and crafts projects. And because of the abundance of exhibits offered, many previous museumgoers felt ticket prices were justified.

Royal Botanic Garden Royal Botanic Garden free

Founded in 1816, the sprawling Royal Botanic Garden abounds with bright and colorful flora and fauna. The park is broken into multiple areas, including the Australian Rainforest Garden and the Palm Grove, which is home to the tallest tree in the gardens, a Queensland kauri pine. Another popular area is the Palace Rose Garden, which houses thousands of roses and is a well-known Sydney wedding venue. Recent visitors also said the view of the Harbour Bridge is another highlight here.

According to some previous travelers, a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden provides a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city, but walking shoes are a must since the grounds are large. Food from the property's four restaurants and cafes also receives high praise (but watch out for preying birds). Recent visitors were also thoroughly impressed that the gardens are free to visit. Walking tours can also be done for free by using maps on the attraction's website .

Bondi Beach Bondi Beach free

Bondi Beach is best known for its gnarly waves, which make it one of the top surfing destinations in the world. But if you're not ready to hang 10, don't fret. Bondi (pronounced "bond-eye") is also nice for strolling, sunbathing and swimming. Despite its popularity (and its plentiful souvenir shops and surf and fashion boutiques), Bondi maintains an alternative, edgy feel.

Almost universally, visitors said the 5-mile trek to Bondi from downtown Sydney is a must and that the beach is one of the most beautiful in the world. To claim a prime spot on the sand, arrive early: beachgoers say Bondi gets incredibly busy. Many former visitors also recommend setting aside time for one of the region's coastal walks. Both the Bondi to Coogee walk and the Bondi to Bronte walk offer superb water views and relaxing spots for picnics.

Mrs. Macquarie's Chair Mrs. Macquarie's Chair free

In 1810, Governor Lachlan Macquarie commissioned a bench for his wife, and the city's convicts carved Mrs. Macquarie's Chair out of a sandstone rock overlooking  Sydney Harbour . To this day, the landmark remains a top attraction thanks to its location, which provides picture-perfect views of the  Sydney Opera House  and the  Sydney Harbour Bridge  within a single frame.

It's not surprising, then, that visitors rave about the photo-ops here. Although it can get crowded at times, many say it's well worth the visit, especially for special events like the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks show and the Australia Day Harbour Parade. Several also recommend arriving in the morning to get the best lighting for your photos.

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Hyde Park Barracks Museum Hyde Park Barracks Museum free

Considered one of the world's most significant convict locations, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once used to house convicted men and boys brought to Sydney from Great Britain. After Great Britain stopped transporting prisoners to Australia in 1840, convicts were moved to Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour and the former barracks were converted into the city's Female Immigration Depot. The Hyde Park Barracks Museum also served as a hostel for orphan girls fleeing the Irish Potato Famine and an asylum for elderly women before shutting its doors in 1886. After its closure, the historic building lay in shambles until an extensive restoration began in 1975. Now the property operates as a museum and archeological treasure.

According to recent visitors, the museum's interactive exhibits successfully paint an informative picture of what life was like as a convict in Sydney. Upon entering the museum, you'll be given a sanitized iPad and headset (though you're encouraged to bring your own) featuring audio performed by actors. As you make your way through the museum, the iPad can detect your location and offer information on what you're seeing (there are no informational placards, only visual displays). Sessions start every half-hour and run for 90 minutes. The audio guide is recommended for visitors 8 and older, however an audio guide and activity trail is available and suitable for kids aged 5 to 10.

Art Gallery of New South Wales Art Gallery of New South Wales free

Situated in the same park complex that houses the  Royal Botanic Garden  and  Mrs. Macquarie's Chair , the Art Gallery of New South Wales spans two buildings and features a variety of indigenous, colonial and contemporary art collections. Everything from photography and Pablo Picasso paintings to aboriginal art and Tang dynasty ceramics can be found here. Additionally, several free artist talks and demonstrations are held throughout the year.

Recent museumgoers said the Art Gallery of New South Wales is a must-see, with a great collection and excellent exhibits. Popular pieces include the museum's indigenous paintings and iconic European works. The free tours, free entry and superb views are also a hit with past visitors, although many have noted that it can get crowded.

Chinese Garden of Friendship Chinese Garden of Friendship

Located in Darling Harbour , this gem of a garden is a little breath of fresh air in the city. The Chinese Garden of Friendship was built as a symbol of friendship between Sydney and the city of Guangzhou in China's Guangdong province (sister cities of sister states), to mark Sydney's bicentennial in 1988. Recent visitors called it a serene and beautiful place to relax.

Designed and built by Chinese landscape architects and gardeners, the walled garden follows the Taoist principles of "Yin-Yang," the opposing yet complementary and balanced forces, and "Wu-Xing," the five elements or phases – wood, fire, earth, metal and water. As you wander, you'll encounter waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways. Daily tours, included with admission, are a great way to learn about the garden.

St. Mary's Cathedral St. Mary's Cathedral free

Though the cathedral that stands today is not the original, it sits on land where the first Catholic chapel in Australia stood beginning in 1821. The St. Mary's you see today was constructed starting in 1868, with work continuing until 1928. In fact, its spires were not added until 2000. The Gothic Revival-style cathedral is home to gorgeous stained-glass windows and a crypt with a stunning mosaic floor depicting the Creation, as well as bishops' tombs and occasional special exhibits.

Recent visitors called the cathedral a beautiful and impressive place to see, noting its architecture and stained-glass windows as highlights.

Queen Victoria Building Queen Victoria Building free

From shopping and dining to history tours, the Queen Victoria Building opened in the heart of Sydney's central business district in 1898 and has grown into a major shopping destination boasting leading Australian fashion like Country Road and Anna Thomas as well as global favorites like Calvin Klein. Jewelry, lingerie, footwear and skincare stores are also on-site, as well as an Aboriginal art gallery.

When visitors tire of shopping, there are restaurants, cafes, a chocolate shop, wine bar and tea room to rest at, as well as quick-bite options like McDonald's.

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Cockatoo Island (Wareamah) Cockatoo Island (Wareamah)

The largest island on Sydney Harbour , Cockatoo Island was once a meeting place for Sydney's Indigenous First Nations People, but was later used to house convicts, build and repair ships, and also became the site of education institutions for children. Known by the area's native people as Wareamah, the island now features landmarks, structures and heritage objects that offer visitors a peek into its diverse history.

Various tour s are available, focusing on topics like the prisons, the island's history, the island's ghosts (only for adults) and the World War II ship building. (Note, these all have fees.) Travelers preferring to take a self-guided tour can take an audio tour from the visitor center for AU$6 ($4) or check out the free Talking Object Tour, where travelers can use their mobile devices to "talk" with different objects. Past travelers loved that the self-guided tour was easy, informative and interesting. There's also orienteering courses, lawn games and a harborside basketball court to keep both adults and kids entertained.

Carriageworks Carriageworks

Carriageworks is a popular arts precinct located in Redfern, an inner suburb of Sydney. Built in the 1880s as part of the Eveleigh Railway Workshops, it became a locomotive workers' hub in the 1900s and was one of the first places to exercise equality when hiring Aboriginal workers.

Since being reshaped into a cultural attraction in 2007, the multiarts center has become the largest of its kind in Australia and aims to reflect social and cultural diversity. In doing so, the center has a First Nations program that encompasses music, markets, workshops and performances, and Solid Ground, which provides education and training for local indigenous youth.

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Sydney City

Sydney is stunning. There’s no doubt that sparkling  Sydney Harbour makes it an attractive destination, but there’s lots more going for it than just natural beauty. Take in the smooth sandstone of colonial buildings, enjoy entertaining theatre, visit world-class museums and indulge in gourmet delights.

How to spend the perfect long weekend in Sydney

Discover how to spend the perfect long weekend in Sydney. Surf at the birthplace of Australian surfing, shop at boutiques and then hit the town with fantastic restaurants and live music.

Places to visit

Around sydney harbour.

Hugging the edge of Sydney Harbour you’ll find some of the city’s oldest areas as well as one of the newest.

• Sydney Harbour

• Circular Quay

• Darling Harbour

Central Sydney

Follow Sydney’s main strip, George Street, straight through its vibrant centre packed with shops, restaurants and bars.

• City Centre

• Chinatown & Haymarket

East of the City

Cross over to the other side of the CBD to discover Sydney’s grittier side and plenty of late night entertainment.

• Kings Cross

• Potts Point & Woolloomooloo

Things to do

Enjoy outdoor adventures, historic sites, quirky galleries and lots of family fun.

Eat & drink

Discover delicious restaurants, cosy pubs and cool bars in Sydney City.

Events in Sydney City

Sydney New Year’s Eve

Vivid Sydney

Lunar New Year

Accommodation Activities Events

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20 Exciting Things to Do in Sydney with Kids

C az and I both grew up an hour north of Sydney and visited the city countless times as kids, and now with our own children, we’ve discovered there are even more things to do in Sydney with kids.

It’s a city that keeps on giving, and you’ll never run out of things to do, even though we keep going back to our favorite spots.

Sydney is one of the world’s top tourist destinations for a reason and whether you have toddlers or pre-teens, you’ll find there’s something for everyone in this city.

If this is your first time visiting Sydney and you’re not sure what to do with your kids, below are my top suggested activities for families that we love to do with our family!

Disclaimer: Our weekend getaway to Sydney was in partnership with Destination NSW , though all thoughts, ideas and opinions in this guide are our own. To get all the details on things to do in Sydney with kids check out their official website Sydney.com  

Things To Do In Sydney With Kids

There are our top things to do in Sydney with kids

1. Explore Circular Quay

If this is your first visit to Sydney as a family, the best place to start is in Circular Quay.

The Quay is the main transport hub of Sydney Harbour and it’s here that two of Australia’s most famous landmarks reside: the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Even though we’ve been many times, we still like to wonder around and take our “I was here” photo in front of these famous structures and feel the pulse of the city.

There’s probably no other pace that will jolt you awake from your jet lag and have you saying to yourself ,“Hey, I’m in Sydney!”

On any given day, especially a sunny day, Circular Quay is a great place to walk about or just sit and watch the ferries come and go.

I f you want to step inside and experience the interior of the Sydney Opera House, consider taking a 1-hour tour . 

Being a busy transport hub you’ll also find many outdoor cafes and restaurants lining the harbour, so if you skipped breakfast you can grab a quick bite here!

Top tip: The Sydney Attractions Flexi Pass will save you money if you plan on visiting multiple attractions in Sydney with your kids!

2. Do The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

We never get tired of doing the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, it’s one of our favorite free things to do in Sydney with kids. I’m frequently asked from travelers what to do in Sydney – my first answer is always the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.

This stunning 1 km coastal walk starts from the Bondi Promenade and ends at Bronte Beach. It’s the perfect way to spend a gorgeous morning in Sydney.

If you can get your kids to rise early, either grab breakfast at your hotel or head straight to Bondi and enjoy  breakfast at the family friendly Bill’s Cafe.

This walk usually takes us two hours with the kids as we like to take photos and admire the stunning views of cliffs, bays and rock pools.

There’s a kiosk (cafe) at Tamarama Beach if you need to rest or grab a coffee and bite to eat. 

At Bronte Beach, our kids like to play on the playground towards the back of the picnic ground. Don’t forget your swimmers if it’s warm – the Bronte baths are a good spot for the kids.

To get to Bondi, either catch the train from Central Station to Bondi Junction, then a bus to Bondi Beach.

Or buses 333, 380, 381 (to Bondi) and 378 (to Bronte) stop near the walk.

3. Go Wild at Taronga Zoo

It would be hard to find a better setting for a zoo in the world than Taronga Zoo , situated right on Sydney Harbour in a natural bushland setting.

Taronga is the first zoo we ever visited as kids growing up, and enjoy taking our own kids now who love to see the wide variety of animals from around the world, shows, keeper talks, and animal encounters making it a great whole family outing.

Taronga is just 12 minutes from Circular Quay by ferry  which offers amazing views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Get entrance tickets to Taronga Zoo here.

4. Catch the Ferry to Manly

You can’t visit one of the best harbour cities in the world and not get out on the water!

We love jumping on the ferry at Circular Quay and visiting Manly on the Northern Beaches.

The short ferry ride is a great and cheap way to experience Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the city skyline, Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Botanic Gardens. 

In Manly, walk down the palm tree-lined Corso, hit the promenade on the beach for an ice-cream, or walk around to picturesque Shelly Beach. 

Time your return ferry trip back to the Quay to coincide with sunset behind the harbour bridge.

5. Take The Kids to Darling Harbour – Playground Fun for Kids

You can spend an hour or half a day at Darling Harbour, a lively harbourside precinct that’s just a 10-minute walk from the CBD or quick ferry ride. It offers activities for all the family.

We like to just wander around the Darling quarter and enjoy the free and paid entertainment.

Our kids love the large playground featuring slides, swings, a flying fox and climbing ropes. And the historic carousel is always a hit.

Darling Harbour is also home to Sea Life Sydney Aquarium , the Wildlife Park , and IMAX theatre.

For eating and drinking, there are ample waterside restaurants and cafes overlooking Cockle Bay and the playground.

For a cheaper bite to eat there’s also a food court in the Harbourside shopping centre.

6. Get Your Thrills at Luna Park

The enormous smiling face at the entrance to Luna Park  is an iconic symbol of the city .

We have fond memories of visiting this amusement park from our own childhood so it was fun to take our own kids for the first time recently.

‘Just For Fun’ is their tagline and we certainly had fun as a family taking on the big slides in Coney Island, riding the wild mouse, and smashing into each other on the dodgem cars. Jump on the giant Ferris Wheel for spectacular elevated views of Sydney harbour!

Luna Park is on the northern side of the harbour at Milsons Point. Jump on a train or ferry from Circular Quay, or do as we did and walk across the Harbour Bridge!

7. Have A Picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens

In my opinion, the Royal Botanic Gardens are one of the most impressive gardens in the world, certainly from a location standpoint. 

You cannot beat the serenity of the city and harbour views from these gardens, and spending an hour or so here is a relaxing and free way to enjoy one of Sydney’s top spots.

We like to pack a picnic lunch, or grab some take away from one of the shops at Circular Quay, and enjoy a casual lunch with plenty of room for the kids to run free.

If you have time walk around the gardens to admire the many different types of plants and city views.

You can also take a free self-guided walking tour. Be sure to check out Mrs Macquarie’s Chair which has one of the best vantage points in Sydney looking back over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

8. Take A Day Trip to Cockatoo Island

A short ferry ride from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour brings you to Cockatoo Island , Sydney Harbour’s largest island.

What was once an island covered with red gums and frequented by the sulphur-crested cockatoos which gave the island its name.

It has served as a prison, a reformatory, and shipyards, with its prison buildings now recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

We enjoyed the 45-minute Convict History Tour to learn about the fascinating history of its days as a convict prison between 1839 and 1869.

And our kids loved the self-guided Convict Clues Challenge with activity booklet and pull-out map, running in and out of the ruins and dancing in the old mess hall.

Cockatoo Island is a unique place to visit to learn about local history and also offers a different perspective of Sydney Harbour.

The cool thing about this island is that you can even camp or sleep in a heritage house on the island!

9. Walk Across Sydney Harbour Bridge

You can pay $200+ each to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge , recommended once in your life, or for a MUCH cheaper option, do what we like to do and simply walk across for free and take in the same panoramic views on a lower level.

Start from The Rocks District at the southern end and take the gentle 1.4km stroll across the bridge to Milsons Point at the northern end.

Either walk back or catch a train from Milsons Point Station to Circular Quay Station, or a ferry.

Whilst walking across the bridge you can also visit the Pylon Lookout  where you get fantastic views plus 3 levels of exhibits to learn about the history of the Bridge.

10. Hang Out on the Beach

Sydney’s beaches are famous and a must for free things to do in Sydney as a family (besides the cost of getting there).

From the Northern Beaches to the Eastern Suburbs you have many great beaches to explore.

Our favourites include Bronte and Coogee in the eastern suburbs – and you must visit famous Bondi Beach at least once.

Manly, Freshwater, and Palm Beach are our favorite of the northern beaches.

11. Learn to Surf at Bondi Beach

You can’t get any more Australian then  learning to surf at Bondi Beach , Sydney’s iconic beach.

If you’ve got pre-teens looking to surf for the first time, Bondi is perfect for any beginner as the beach faces south and the waves are quite shallow, so you are protected and the surf is not so wild.

Let’s Go Surfing  is the only learn to surf company in Bondi and are the best people to show you how to glide across the ocean.

Check prices and availability for surfing lessons in Sydney here !

12. Relax In The Chinese Gardens of Friendship

We’ve walked past the Chinese Gardens many times but never ventured inside until recently, so glad we did.

We were impressed by the tranquility of this oasis in the middle of Darling Harbour and the city with waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways – it’s not just another garden city, but like a secret garden.

Collect a self-guided map from the front desk. Our kids loved discovering all the zodiac statues scattered throughout the gardens. And be sure to finish up with tea and a bite to eat at the Teahouse.

13. Check Out Powerhouse Museum

We’re not typical museum people and it takes an interactive museum to keep our engagement.

The Powerhouse Ultimo Museum is one of the best for kids and adults alike with a hands-on approach to learning!

It seems like there’s always a new exhibit on show here. On our last visit, we enjoyed the Art of the Brick , which involved the use of over a million lego bricks to create more than 120 large scale sculptures of DC Comics superheroes and supervillains (now over).

There are permanent exhibitions, like Experimentations (experiment with heat, light, chemistry, electricity and movement), Locomotive No. 1 (brings to life the age of steam travel), and Wiggles World.

Note: Powerhouse Ultimo Museum is temporarily closed as it’s undergoing a $300 million renovation! It’s going to look amazing when it reopens in 2027.

14. Go For Afternoon Tea!

You’ve got to treat yourself every once in a while and as a family, and we loved indulging with a high tea when we visited Sydney.

We had high tea at the Langham Hotel, which was famed as the birthplace of the traditional Afternoon Tea direct from London, but it no longer offers afternoon tea in Sydney.

That’s not a problem though as there are many places that offer afternoon tea! The Tea Room in QVB is a popular option for families as they have a specific child-friendly menu.

They also have vegan and gluten free options, so we’ll definitely be back there next time we’re in Sydney.

If you’ve never had a high tea experience, they tend to feature home-made cakes and pastries, savoury sandwiches and tarts and freshly baked scones as well as a selection of teas. 

Our kids loved it as it was like pretending to be at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland! Though we didn’t shout “CHANGE PLACES” as it was a little too luxurious for that kind of chivalry!

15. Go to the Top of Sydney Tower

No trip to Sydney would be complete without going to the top of Sydney Tower , the city’s tallest free-standing structure standing at 309 m (1,014 ft) above the CBD.

It has an observation deck with awesome views of the skyline.

If you have older kids, then for an extra cost you might consider an unforgettable Sydney Experience – The Sydney Tower Eye Sky Walk !

This walk sits 268 metres above the city streets looking through a glass floor. This adventure is not for the faint hearted!

16. WILD Life Sydney Zoo

While we love Taronga Zoo, it’s primarily home to exotic animals from around the world, such as giraffes and elephants. If you’re visiting Australia from abroad, you might be interested in seeing some of our native wildlife instead.

At WILD Life Sydney Zoo, you can see cuddly koalas and bouncing kangaroos, as well as wallabies, platypus, and salt water crocodiles – this is the Aussie Big Five!

You can even meet the koalas and have your photo taken with them.

If you’re not wildlifed out, head across the road to Aquarium Wharf to see sharks and dugongs, as well as other native marine animals to Australia.

Get your entrance ticket for WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo here!

17. Take a Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

One of our favorite national parks is only an hour’s drive from Sydney and is easily visited on a day trip.

The Blue Mountains are a vast and rugged landscape made of steep sandstone cliffs, gorges, and miles of eucalyptus forests.

It’s also well known for its bush trails, which pass through ancient trails used by aboriginal people for thousands of years.

Don’t miss out on a chance to visit Echo Point for views of the famous Three Sisters rock formation.

Check out this day trip to The Blue Mountains from Sydney!

18. See the Submarines at The Australian National Maritime Museum

Museums can be a hit or miss with kids, and we weren’t sure that a maritime museum would be that exciting for kids, but not the Australian National Maritime Museum!

This maritime museum is interactive and immersive. You can board former navy warships, such as Destroyer: HMAS Vampire (with a name like that, what kid would say no?) and the historic 1874 Tall Ship: James Craig.

You can even board a real-life submarine, the HMAS Onslow!

Get your entrance ticket to the Australian National Maritime Museum here!

19. Take A Tall Ship Cruise of Sydney Harbour

The Sydney Tall Ships are a unique experience to have in Sydney and are not only thrilling and exciting, but a step back in time!

It was a real history lesson for our kids, who were able to board a life-sized 1850s-style wooden heroic ships which would have been used to transport British and Dutch trade many years ago.

Think billowing sails, ropes and rigging. Our kids loved pretending they were in Pirate of the Caribbean!

Not only did we get to see Sydney Habour and all its landmarks, but the added thrill of climbing the mast helped me conquer my fear of heights!

Check out Sydney Tall Ship experiences here !

20. Take A Workshop at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

If your kids are creative and enjoy creating works of art like our girls, then you’ll want to check out the educational programs on offer at Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.

From Art Play sessions to workshops, they hold many events throughout the year designed for kids and families to unleash their creative outlets.

Check out the what’s on calendar to see what classes they have on during your visit.

Oh, and even if you don’t attend a class here, be sure to come by at nighttime to see the building lit up in a multi-colored light show! If you like light displays, don’t miss the annual VIVID festival held in Sydney each May.

How to Get to Sydney CBD From The Airport

To get into the city of Sydney when you first arrive at the airport:

• Hop on the Sydney Airport Link Train , which takes 15 minutes. Get yourself an Opal Card  which is a smart card you top up so that you can pay your fares on trains, buses, ferries and light rail.
• Catch an Uber. The airport link is expensive, so sometimes an Uber works out to be about the same price and is more convenient. You can do a price estimate through the Uber app before you request it to double check.
• Take a shuttle : It’s cheaper than the train and much more convenient. See more here. 
• Private Transfer: if there is a group of you, a private transfer may be a good option.

Once you’re in the city, I suggest you book your accommodation in the Sydney CBD so you’re centrally located to make the most of your visit, and several of Sydney’s highlights can be taken in for free or cheap simply by walking around.

Fun Things to Do with Kids in Sydney video

More sydney travel tips.

Need more inspiration for visiting Sydney? Check out these other helpful guides…

• 10 Day Trips from Sydney, NSW
• 5 Best Accommodation in Sydney CBD
• What to do in Sydney in 48 hours
• 18 Free Things to do in Sydney
• Is this one of Sydney’s Best Beaches?

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Do you have any tips on things to do in Sydney with kids? Please share in the comments below!