Looking for things to do in Sydney? Look no further! This guide has everything you need to know about the best attractions, events, and experiences in the city. Start planning your itinerary now!
Engaging in bodyboarding at the renowned Bondi Beach, swiftly cruising beneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on a ferry, or enjoying a performance at the magnificent Sydney Opera House are merely a selection of the amazing experiences in Sydney you should consider for your extensive journey to Australia.
After you’ve experienced these, the opportunity arises to discover additional attractions the city presents. Below are the best things to do in Sydney, applicable whether it’s your initial visit or your tenth.
Discover the Sydney Opera House from the inside
The chance to journey behind the curtain of Australia’s most emblematic structure is accessible, granting entry to generally closed spaces to the general public.
You can head to the stage entrance and navigate the Opera House’s stages and dressing chambers. You will uncover the mysteries and tales from the background, from mechanisms to stage props. A VR journey lets you experience the sensation of sharing the stage with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Beyond serving as a haven for music fans, the Opera House also presents a ‘Taste of the House’ excursion for culinary devotees in Sydney tours.
Explore the secret garden called Wendy's Secret Garden
This clandestine garden, situated at the base of artist Brett Whiteley’s residence in Lavender Bay, merges both public and private territories and displays expansive vistas of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Guests flock to this locale to relish a tranquil picnic in the concealed haven and find solace away from Sydney’s bustling green spaces.
Take the chance to snap a picture of Sydney Harbour, framed by towering fig trees and indigenous flora.
Experience a ride on the iconic Manly Ferry
The Manly Ferry voyage is a popular mode of transportation for locals during their daily commute to work, offering stunning views along the way.
During the boat ride, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sydney Harbour, including landmarks such as The Sydney Harbour Bridge – a steel through arch bridge, Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and harbourside beaches like Shark Beach and Camp Cove. The boat takes you to one of the city’s popular beachside suburbs, which offers a variety of entertainment options like bars, restaurants, shopping and snorkelling.
We recommend exploring the Manly-to-Spit walk, which offers breathtaking views of the north and south headlands.
Kayak under Sydney's iconic Coathanger Bridge
It is a sunrise kayak tour with excellent photo opportunities that will make your friends jealous.
Instructor Laura Stone and her husband Ben offer weekly dawn tours on Sydney Harbour, allowing participants to experience the water’s calmness and the kayaks’ stability as they paddle around Luna Park and position themselves to witness the sunlight hitting the Sydney Opera House.
Try a flat white while enjoying the unique experience of being under a bridge with a paddle and a camera ready to capture the perfect Instagram shot.
Visit Taronga Zoo to see unique wildlife
The zoo is a non-profit organisation located by the harbour, and it houses around 4,000 animals, including koalas, echidnas, giraffes and elephants.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of Australian animals, including threatened species, at this zoo. The zoo provides daily educational talks, opportunities to interact with animals, and overnight stays for glamping.
Visitors to Taronga Zoo can enjoy sweeping views of the city’s harbour. They can see the Bridge and Sydney Opera House while exploring the zoo’s extensive pathways alongside various wildlife.
Discover Wattamolla Beach, a hidden gem
Deep within the Royal National Park lies a stunning sandy oasis. The lagoon, fed by a creek, offers a refreshing swim and excellent snorkelling. Relax under a cabbage tree palm with a book, or capture the beauty of the Wattamolla Waterfall with your camera. This waterfall is renowned for its photogenic qualities and is truly a sight in Greater Sydney.
This beach is popular among locals and is located away from the well-known city and harbour beaches, making it more open.
Visitors are encouraged to take a short bushwalk to Providential Lookout, where they can capture stunning photos of the rugged sea cliffs. This picturesque location offers excellent facilities, including a well-equipped picnic area and public barbecues, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch.
One can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
An opportunity to climb the world-renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Sydney Harbour is a breathtaking sight. You can take an express climb if you need more time. It takes you up the inside structure and surrounds you with hand-riveted steel. It feels like being inside a metal skeleton. But if you can, we recommend the full arch scaling of the Harbour Bridge.
This experience is particularly stunning at dawn or dusk when the sun’s first and last rays illuminate the horizon.
Visit the Bar 83 bar for superb views
This unique cocktail lounge is located on the second-to-highest floor of Sydney Tower, offering spectacular views of Sydney from 83 storeys above the CBD.
The Golden Bucket offers panoramic views of Greater Sydney, showcasing 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. These vistas are unmatched within the city.
When visiting Sydney Tower, consider booking a table at the refurbished revolving restaurant Infinity, located one floor above Bar 83, to enjoy a meal after taking in the panoramic views.
Go to the Art Gallery of NSW
It is one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions, housing essential collections of Australian, European and Asian art. Additionally, it has recently expanded with the Sydney Modern section.
The gallery presents almost 40 exhibitions annually, and workshops, talks, and film screenings are available each week, most free to attend.
One should pay attention to the new Sydney Modern building, con sidered one of the world’s most impressive modern art galleries.
Surf at Bondi Beach with Let's Go Surfing
Surfing a wave at Bondi is a popular activity many should consider adding to their bucket list. If you need a refresher on surfing, you can book a class at Let’s Go Surfing.
The school offers a highly regarded two-hour beginners’ course that covers water safety, paddling and wave catching. The lessons begin on the sand, providing a comfortable questioning environment.
After your lesson, you can visit one of the excellent cafés in North Bondi, such as Porch and Parlour or Harry’s Bondi.
Experience shark swimming at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
The cageless shark diving experience in Sydney tour is unique, as it allows you to join a colony of grey nurse sharks for a 30-minute diving experience in Darling Harbour.
The grey nurse sharks at the aquarium are calm creatures and typically swim by with a curious glance. Diving with them at the aquarium offers the advantage of seeing numerous sharks in one location. Additionally, visitors should attend the colony of King and Gentoo penguins who reside at the aquarium.
Swimming in the Bondi Icebergs Pool
The ocean pool is located in Sydney toue, Australia, and is known for being the most photographed pool in the country. It is a popular destination for sunbathers and a busy spot along the Bondi to Coogee walk.
The baths at Bondi have been a landmark for 100 years and offer casual entry for $9, providing access to the pool and sauna.
The Clubhouse Sessions at Icebergs offer a live music experience for swimmers every Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
Take a bush foods tour at the Royal Botanic Gardens
The one-hour guided tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens provides information on the Indigenous history of the land, including how the Gadigal people lived and worked with the seasons before the area was colonised.
This tour of Sydney’s harbourside horticultural oasis offers the opportunity to see and taste a variety of natural wonders, including stingless bee colonies, Moreton Bay fig trees, and juicy Davidson plums. You’ll pass famous landmarks such as the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and the Harbour Bridge.
In addition, you will also gain knowledge about the strong correlation between seasonality and the migration of whales, as well as the role of stingless bee colonies as a natural barometer.
See contemporary Chinese art at White Rabbit
The gallery is a state-of-the-art, four-floor space that showcases 21st-century Chinese art. It features four key exhibitions that change throughout the year. Judith Neilson, the founder, established the gallery as a self-funded non-profit to display her extensive collection of post-millennial Chinese art. Admission is always free.
White Rabbit is known for hosting bold and occasionally challenging exhibitions.
Be sure to visit the in-house tea room to enjoy a plate of dumplings and flavorful tisanes.
Join an Indigenous walking tour in Dharawal National Park
Dharawal National Park, located sixty minutes from Sydney’s CBD, offers stunning scenery and was previously inaccessible. However, guided tours of the park are now available every second Saturday of the month.
An Aboriginal Discovery Ranger will accompany you on your trip, providing information about the local flora and fauna and sharing Dreamtime stories that have cultural significance to Indigenous Australians in the area.
Visitors can partake in a short bushwalk and picnic at Minerva Pool, which holds cultural significance as a sacred women’s space for the Dharawal People. Please note that only women and children are allowed to enter the pool.
Enjoy a tasty meal at the Imperial Hotel's Drag'n'Dine
This neighbourhood pub, located in the setting of the iconic Aussie film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, is a vibrant LGBTQIA+ venue in Sydney.
Sydney is known for its drag scene, and the city is home to talented and creative performers who can be found at ‘the Impy’.
One can enjoy a dinner and show at the popular Drag’n’Dine experience at the Imperial. However, it is essential to note that the menu is quite bold.
Catch an STC show at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
The Wharf Theatres are iconic buildings at Pier 4/5 on Hickson Road in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. They are home to the Sydney Theatre Company and host many productions. The facility also includes offices and rehearsal studios. Recently, the entire facility underwent two years of upgrades, making it a state-of-the-art theatre space in Australia.
The city’s flagship theatre company, currently under the artistic direction of Kip Williams, is internationally renowned and considered one of the most crucial theatre companies globally. Seeing one of their productions is a significant cultural experience for any resident of Sydney tour.
The venue also includes a restaurant with views of the harbour and The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf. It recently reopened after being renovated, including expanding its outdoor terraces over the harbour waters.
You can enjoy a world-class cocktail at Maybe Sammy
This cocktail lounge in Sydney has consistently been ranked as one of the top bars in the world for four consecutive years.
Sammy is known for its exceptional hospitality. The bartenders strike the perfect balance of being friendly and attentive without being overwhelming. The cocktails are expertly crafted with magic that adds to the overall experience.
The signature cocktail menu offers a variety of fruit-forward options that are both sophisticated and complex.
Try the best Margarita at Cantina
Sydney’s smallest tequila bar is located in a repurposed carport in a CBD laneway and was chosen as Time Out’s best place to drink in the city in 2020.
There is a reason to go to this place. They have the best Margarita in Sydney and maybe even Australia. The secret to its greatness is a 50/50 blend of tequila and mezcal from Mexico. It is shaken, poured over shaved ice, and then finished with orange oil.
If your previous encounters with tequila and mezcal have been limited to unpleasant shots, give the smoother varieties found here a chance to change your perception of this often-overlooked spirit.
One can observe the sunset from the Hornby Lighthouse
Located on the leading edge of the South Head, a charming lighthouse in Sydney overlooks the peaceful waters of Camp Cove.
There are two reasons to go: the Pacific Ocean and the city views. This corner of the city is breathtaking. You can also take the South Head trail from Watsons Bay, an easy walk. Afterwards, you can have a drink at the Watsons Bay Hotel.
The ferry from Circular Quay to the Watsons Bay terminus is highly recommended for those travelling from the city. This route provides a quick way to reach your destination and offers a glimpse of the upscale harbour-view homes that line the foreshore.
Explore Sydney's top craft brewery bars
Sydney has seen the growth of a vibrant craft brewery scene, starting with Young Henrys in 2012.
Visiting Australian breweries is an excellent opportunity to experience the world-class beer scene. With numerous craft beer locations, it’s worth visiting these establishments and enjoying the top brews they offer.
Be sure to check out the Marrickville Brewery circuit. With a high concentration of craft breweries in the inner western suburb of Marrickville, you’ll find top picks such as Grifter, Batch, Hawke’s, Philter, Wildflower, Sauce Brewery, Stockade, and the relatively new entry, Mixtape. This single suburb offers plenty of options for a full day of brewery hopping.
Catch a cult indie film at Golden Age Cinema
It is a boutique cinema in Surry Hills with a seating capacity of 60. It offers the latest indie releases, cult film screenings, weekly movie trivia nights, and a basement bar with a Golden Age-inspired ambience.
The building was constructed in 1940 to serve as the offices of Paramount Pictures. Two vintage projectors are still on the premises despite the new cinema utilising a digital projector.
Visitors can enjoy high-quality cinema snacks at the adjoining bar, including the finest choc-tops in Sydney.
Enjoy fantastic seafood at Saint Peter, known for its high-quality
It is a neighbourhood shrine to seafood that has gained international recognition as a popular dining destination for seafood enthusiasts.
Chef Josh Niland is known for his innovative techniques in cooking seafood, including dry-aging, utilising eyeballs for chips, and creating delicious dishes with offals.
If you’re interested, consider having lunch to try the sea urchin crumpets.
Try the luxurious tasting experience at Quay
Peter Gilmore’s restaurant is considered the best in the city, according to Time Out’s 2019 pick for the top restaurant.
Visiting this place is highly recommended. You will receive excellent service and have the opportunity to taste fresh local ingredients while enjoying breathtaking views of the harbour.
Gilmore is the executive chef at Bennelong, which is located at the Opera House and serves as a bar and restaurant.
It is an excellent option for a meal before or after a show.
Try Cow and the Moon for gelato
The Enmore gelateria won the world’s best gelato title in 2014, beating competitors from 22 other countries, including Italy.
It would be best if you went because they have the world’s best gelato. They offer 26 flavours every day, including sorbets.
The mandorla affogato and the strawberry balsamic panna cotta are two notable dishes.
Have a drink with a great view at Opera Bar
The Opera Bar is a bar in the city with an iconic view. It offers more than just a view. There are multiple venues to explore, live music and DJs most nights, and great people-watching opportunities.
Opera Bar has a beautiful and convenient location, making it an excellent spot for a pre-show drink.
Make sure to notice the nearby venue, Opera Kitchen, which features a food hall with a pasta bar, single O coffee, and an Italian bakery.
Explore Japanese flora at Auburn Botanic Gardens
Tranquillity is an accurate description of the 9.2-hectare oasis in Auburn, a Western Sydney suburb, which is filled with lush greenery and exotic flora.
The gardens are divided into themed areas, including a Japanese garden with a pond, waterfall, and ornamental bridges. Next to the Japanese garden is the Reflection Pool, followed by the scented garden, sunken rose garden, billabong, native rainforest, and a wheelchair-accessible playground with equipment, including a liberty swing.
Visitors should pay attention to the fauna reserve and aviary, where they can observe peacocks, Cape Barron geese and red-necked wallabies. Additionally, the Gardens annually hold a significant flora festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival, in August.
One can take a sunrise swim at Bronte Baths
This ocean pool, built into the rocky cliffside, is a popular spot for early risers to swim and take pictures of the sunrise.
Bronte Beach offers a unique experience with its protected saltwater pool and the crashing waves at its walls. It may be challenging for less experienced swimmers due to the strong waves.
It is recommended to arrive before 7 a.m. to witness the beautiful sunrise over the ocean from this location.
You can whale watch or hike in Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is a 26-kilometre national park with beautiful coastline walks, secluded beaches, natural rock pools, and rock formations worthy of being featured on Instagram. It is an excellent destination for swimming, trekking, picnicking, bike riding, or simply getting out of Sydney for the day. Be careful when visiting popular spots like the Figure Eight rock pools and admire some attractions from a distance, such as Wedding Cake Rock.
Whale watching season occurs from May to November, and the Royal National Park is a prime location to observe these magnificent creatures during their migration.
Get your caffeine fix at Single
These coffee pioneers in Sydney were the first to emphasise the importance of bean provenance and production. Over the past year, they have established themselves as the go-to destination for coffee enthusiasts in Sydney.
Visitors are encouraged to visit various gourmet brunch options, often including unique native ingredients such as saltbush, strawberry gum, macadamia, kangaroo, and Davidson’s plum.
When in Rome, drinking coffee like the locals is recommended. You are advised to try Single O’s espresso, as it is known for its intense flavour.
Go to Cockatoo Island by ferry
The largest island in Sydney’s harbour is where the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers intersect. Throughout its history, it has served as a film set, a jail, a shipping yard, and a host for arts and culture festivals.
People visit because the island has a rich history. Before 1839, it was a fishing spot for the Aboriginal people, covered in red gums. It was later used as a prison, industrial school, and naval training ship. Shipbuilding and repairs were the main activities on the island. The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust manages the island and offers various tours.
If you want to extend your trip to the storied island, various accommodation choices are available, including campsites, glamping packages, apartments, or heritage holiday houses.
Explore hidden beaches along the Hermitage Foreshore
This 1.8km walk offers visitors stunning views of the harbour with minimal effort.
During your journey, you can enjoy stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Shark Island and pass by the historic Strickland House, a Victorian Italianate mansion built in the 1850s listed as a heritage site.
It is recommended to bring swimwear and sunscreen as there are several beautiful harbour beaches along the way.
Try Charcoal Fish for Sydney's best fish burger
Seafood expert Josh Niland has opened a fast-casual restaurant that aligns with his low-to-no-waste approach. This place is different from your typical fish and chip shop. Instead, it takes inspiration from charcoal chicken joints featuring rotisserie barbecues and open flames. The name reflects this connection.
Niland is a dynamic and innovative culinary trailblazer in Australia. You can experience his delicious food at an affordable price at this accessible facet of his food empire.
The Murray cod fish burger, made with dry-aged fish cooked on the grill, is the signature dish on the menu. It incorporates various parts of the fish, showcasing Niland’s creativity in utilising all parts of the animal to create a delicious meal.
You can try a unique cocktail at PS40
This establishment in the CBD combines a bar and a laboratory, offering a unique cocktail menu that is highly regarded in the city. Each drink blends flavours and performance, creating an extraordinary experience.
PS40 co-owners Michael Chiem and Thor Bergquist have demonstrated exceptional creativity and attention to detail in their craft. The bar is known for consistently reinventing itself and embracing new ideas and themes.
PS40 also manufactures its line of sodas for those not interested in alcohol.
Sydney's Baxter Inn is a famous speakeasy to explore
It is a watering hole that initiated our ongoing interest in concealed cocktail bars and permanently elevated the standard in Sydney’s bar scene.
Visiting this place is still exciting, even after all these years. The service is always excellent.
The collection of whiskies has expanded to over 1,000 labels, and the bar is now open from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. every night.
Go on a haunted ghost tour at the Q Station
The former quarantine station on North Head in Sydney is now a hotel and corporate retreat. However, many ghosts are said to haunt the grounds. The ghost tours at Q Station are popular and offer a mix of scares and local history.
Visiting Q Station provides an opportunity to learn about the quarantines of the past, particularly during the global health emergency in 1918. The site’s rich history offers insight into the past year’s experiences.
One notable stop on the Q Station ghost tour is the gravedigger’s cottage, known for its eerie atmosphere and reported paranormal activity. It is said to have Sydney’s most haunted bathroom.
Visit the Unicorn Hotel, a famous Australian pub
The Unicorn is a distinctly Australian establishment that embraces and celebrates Australia without any cultural cringe.
Several appealing options include Jatz crackers with French onion dip and a high-quality, ethically sourced schnitzel. The schnitzel is cooked perfectly, with a crispy and caramelised exterior, and is generously seasoned.
Additional activities include playing darts and pool and enjoying live music from a pianist for Friday night entertainment.
Shop at Strand Arcade for Australian boutiques
The Strand Arcade opened in 1892 and was considered a cutting-edge shopping centre. It remains a beautiful destination to explore even today.
This narrow, multi-level shopping arcade contains premium Australian fashion designers such as Jac+ Jack, Lover, Sass & Bide, and Dion Lee. Additionally, you can discover vibrant and distinctive jewellery from the local brand Dinosaur Designs and natural beauty products at Aesop.
If you are in Australia and need head protection, take advantage of the collection of stylish hats at Strand Hatters. The staff will gladly assist you in finding the perfect Akubra, Brixton or Panama hat.
Get fresh food at Carriageworks Farmers Market
The weekly market in Sydney is well-known and offers fresh seasonal produce from top growers and producers in NSW.
Visiting the Carriagework Farmers Markets is a must. Don’t eat beforehand so you have room to try all the delicious produce. It’s like your version of The Bachelorette, choosing which items to buy. You can spend a lot or enjoy kombucha and watchdogs.
If you like something soupy and savoury for breakfast, try the pho stand for a traditional Vietnamese option. The bibimbap stall offers a cheat day alternative with shredded cauliflower instead of rice. Farmer Rod’s Free Range stall has a classic bacon and egg roll for those who prefer familiar choices.
Ride the Ferris wheel at Luna Park
The multicoloured Ferris wheel and the distinctive front gates are recognisable features of Sydney’s oldest theme park.
Luna Park has been entertaining Sydney residents for over eighty years. However, the park is still active and is undergoing a significant upgrade to modernise its offerings. This includes adding new attractions alongside the classic rides and vintage charm visitors love.
When travelling to Milsons Point, it is advised to consider taking the ferry instead of the train over the Harbour Bridge. The ferry is nearly as quick and offers picturesque views as you arrive at Luna Park’s wharf.
The Blue Mountains
Looking for things to do in the Blue Mountains? While many people may take the train from Sydney to Katoomba, you may not realise just how many amazing places there are to see and do! The Blue Mountains are full of attractions, lookouts, shops, and places to eat, and there are accommodation options in the Blue Mountains.
If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a day trip from Sydney that you’ll love.
Although the Blue Mountains tours in Sydney are accessible to everyone, thanks to direct rail links to Sydney Central Station, we recommend you hire a car to make the most of your trip. Many places in the Blue Mountains are challenging to access by public transport.
There's a queue for banh mi at Marrickville Pork Roll
The phrase ‘hole-in-the-wall’ is often used, but this small sandwich shop in Inner West specialises in Vietnam’s popular food.
Sydney is known for its popular banh mi options, with Marrickville Pork Roll being a consistent part of the conversation. Despite the long queues, they efficiently serve fluffy rolls filled with cold-cut pork, pâté, and pickled vegetables.
If you are in the city, you can find one of these items at their second location in the bustling Darling Square precinct.
Try Bills' scrambled eggs in Sydney
It requires a chef with exceptional skill to master a complex dish, but a brilliant chef can elevate a dish to legendary status using just one main ingredient. People eagerly line up every weekend to savour these fluffy and delicate eggs, and it’s easy to see why.
Surry Hills and Sydney generally offer an extensive range of brunch options. Bills are widely recognised as the pioneering venue for breakfast in the city, and in addition to their known scrambled eggs, their corn fritters have proven to be popular.
If you can time it right, try sitting at one of the outdoor tables. Not only will you have a great view of people on Crown St, but you’ll also be the envy of everyone still waiting in line.
The Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley tour in New South Wales is more than just a world-renowned wine and food scene. The region offers a wealth of activities and more than 150 wineries. Imagine a horseback ride amongst some of the country’s oldest vineyards or a picnic amidst stunning scenery. For those seeking an aerial panorama, hot-air balloon flights are popular. Art lovers can indulge in painting classes accompanied by wine tasting. Other unique activities include Segway tours and visits to rejuvenating wellness centres. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or tea lover, looking for a romantic getaway, attending a bachelorette party or just looking for a family holiday with a pastoral backdrop, the Hunter Valley promises a worthwhile adventure for all.
Discover the hidden seaside tunnel at Queenscliff Beach
The 40-metre channel, affectionately known as the ‘Manly wormhole’, was created by fishermen over a century ago to connect Queenscliff and Freshwater beaches. It remains the most direct route between the two seafronts without going through the suburban streets.
Visitors may find navigating the rocky headland north of Manly Beach challenging. Still, their efforts are rewarded with a close encounter with Sydney’s historical significance and a breathtaking view of Freshwater Beach, especially during sunset.
While in the neighbourhood, consider making a day of it by visiting Queenscliff Beach, which is recognised as one of the best beaches in Sydney by Time Out.
FAQ
What are the must-see attractions in Sydney?
Can you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Yes. The BridgeClimb offers tours at different times of the day—sunrise, daytime, sunset, and night—for breathtaking views.
