The ultimate guide to Sydney, Australia
There are so many things to do in Sydney that limiting the list is a challenge. Sydney has been my home for nearly five years after I moved up to New South Wales from Melbourne. The harbour city never ceases to amaze me with its gorgeous weather, sparkling waterways and endless sandy beaches. It truly is one of the world’s most photogenic cities.
So what are some of the absolutely unmissable activities and areas to explore when visiting Sydney?
The best things to do in Sydney, Australia
Things to see and do in Sydney’s CBD
Stroll around Circular Quay
The jewel in Sydney’s crown is undoubtedly the wow factor of the postcard-like views of Circular Quay. More than once, I’ve heard audible gasps of wonder from first time visitors to the city as the airport train pulls into Circular Quay station and the harbour comes into view.
This area gets ridiculously crowded with tourists which can be frustrating, however there’s a reason so many people flock here. With the white sails of the Sydney Opera House on one side and the iconic arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the other, Circular Quay really is unrivalled for views of Sydney.
Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
For a leisurely stroll and more Sydney Harbour views, a walk around the New South Wales heritage listed Royal Botanic Garden is a much-needed escape from the faster pace of the CBD just streets away. A visit to the garden is totally free and there are also free guided walks available to those who want to dive a little further into the plants in the gardens. Keep an eye out for some of Australia’s unique wildlife, too. Kookaburras frequent the area.
Tour the Sydney Opera House
One of the most iconic performance venues in the world, the white sails of the Sydney Opera House are instantly recognisable. Take a guided tour through the Opera House and learn the stories and history that makes this UNESCO World Heritage site so special. Finish your explorations with a glass of bubbles at the famous Opera Bar which is a favourite summer hangout of Sydneysiders.
Walk or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
There are two ways to experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge depending on your appetite for adventure and your budget. One is the quite pricey, but once-in-a-lifetime Bridge Climb, where you’ll be strapped in and scaling the arch on the bridge itself. The second is a more leisurely stroll at your own pace as you walk across Sydney Harbour from The Rocks to Milsons Point on the Northern end. Either way, you’ll get stunning views of the harbour on a good day.
Enjoy beautiful architecture at the Queen Victoria Building
The Queen Victoria Building (or the QVB) is one of Sydney’s most impressive heritage buildings, first operational in the 1890s and restored in 1986. The building is located opposite Sydney’s Town Hall on George Street and is easily spotted with a large statue of Queen Victoria at the entrance. The building is a functional shopping centre and also offers high tea at The Tea Room QVB for those wanting to feel a little fancy whilst they take in the views.
Explore the historic Rocks area
Strolling through Sydney’s most historic area is an absolute must do on your Sydney itinerary. A great way to discover this area is to take a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide who can explain the area’s history to you. This area is perfect to explore the little laneways and enjoy lunch at an historic pub with harbour views, like at the Glenmore Hotel. The Rocks is also home to a few excellent cafes and great markets on the weekends.
Take a ferry ride
Sydney’s historic green and yellow ferries are an institution at Circular Quay and are a super enjoyable day out (as well as being a functional public transportation system). Taking a trip is easy and tapping your credit card at the ferry terminal as you get on and off again is all you need to do to buy a ticket. Some of Sydney’s most popular ferry trips from the main ferry terminal at Circular Quay go to places like Manly, Watson’s Bay, Darling Harbour, Cockatoo Island and Cremorne.
Take in glorious harbour views from Observatory Hill
One of Sydney’s best kept secrets is the gorgeous picnic destination on Observatory Hill. Home to the Sydney Observatory, which was built in 1859, this park is utterly perfect for a lazy afternoon spent on a picnic blanket. From here, you can watch the ferries chug back and forth with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and North Sydney in the background. It is exceptionally pretty around sunset, as the city lights start to twinkle.
Get artsy at the MCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art is located in the Circular Quay area and it is a great spot to take in a bit of culture. It’s a great free activity in Sydney, as there is no admission fee charged (with the exception of the major summer exhibition each year). The museum is also home to many works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and houses over 4000 Australian art works.
Get up close and personal with the dinosaurs at the Australian Museum
The Australian Museum is located right opposite Hyde Park on the way from the city up to King’s Cross. It is a wonderful attraction and even better is that it is free to enter and explore. The kids section on level two is a fabulous rainy day option and I’ve taken my toddler there on many occasions when we’ve wanted to get out of the house in bad weather. The dinosaur exhibit is also amazing with a T-Rex autopsy and plenty of huge skeletons to amaze your little ones (and you).
Things to see and do in Darling Harbour and surrounds
Have a seafood lunch at the Sydney Fish Market (Pyrmont)
If rows and rows of fresh seafood makes you salivate then you will absolutely want to add the Sydney Fish Market on your list of things to do. Located in Pyrmont, about 25 mins walk from the QVB this market is perfect for a casual seafood lunch in a picturesque setting. If you’re eating outside, though, watch out for the seagulls who have been known to steal food right off people’s plates!
Sea Life Aquarium
One of Sydney’s most iconic attractions, particularly for families is the Sea Life Aquarium at Darling Harbour that is home to two Dugongs and a remarkable walk-through shark tunnel. In recent times, the aquarium has also added two pengiun exhibits – one of which comes with a cute little boat ride through the snow to see them in their natural habitat.
The aquarium is easily accessible via ferry or you can simply walk down from the CBD towards Darling Harbour.
Autralian National Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is a great all-rounder of a Sydney attraction. There are things to do for little kids, like a water playground, dress up area and lego room but there is also plenty to interest other visitors such as the a fleet of vessels that can be boarded and explored. A real highlight is getting to board and wander through a submarine, HMAS Onslow. If you have little kids, please note that there is a height restriction to board the ships of 90cm so very young children may not be able to experience this part of the museum.
Things to see and do in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
Enjoy an Aussie pub with a difference at Watson’s Bay Hotel
Watson’s Bay Hotel is a favourite with tourists and locals alike, with the trendy pub being a staple in Sydney’s summer for many. Taking a ferry from Circular Quay to Watson’s Bay is just the start of the fun. Splash out on a seafood lunch of prawns and oysters (or some more traditional pub fare if you prefer) and wash it all down with an Aperol Spritz followed by a stroll along the cute little waterfront. The hotel also offers accommodation, so why not extend your stay here overnight?
Swim in an ocean pool
Sydney and New South Wales are famous for their iconic ocean swimming pools with undoubtedly the most famous being the extremely Instagrammable Bondi Icebergs pool. But these seaside swimming pools can actually be found dotted all along the coast with other lovely swimming spots found at Bronte, Coogee, Maroubra, Dee Why and South Curl Curl to name a few.
Take a stroll on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Track
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Track is an utterly gorgeous scenic walk but be warned – it gets very very busy. It is definitely worth braving the crowds, though, because this spectacular stretch of coastline is the stuff dreams are made of. The entire walk takes 2-3 hours and is six km one-way. To avoid some of the Bondi crowds, start your walk from the Coogee end. Stop as many times as you like along the way to have a swim, grab a coffee and enjoy the scenery. Each year, crowds flock in around November to see the Sculpture by the Sea open air exhibit where sculptures are installed along the walk.
Things to see and do on Sydney’s North Shore
Have a beach day at Balmoral
Sydney is famous for beaches and there are so many to chose from. My favourite is the unassuming, but picture-perfect Balmoral Beach on the lower North Shore. The sheltered bay is flat and perfect for those who want to swim without having to contend with the surf. There’s plenty of sand and grass for a picnic and buses go direct from the city to within walking distance of the beach.
Take in a different harbour perspective at Bradfield Park
For those game enough to venture to Sydney’s North Shore, there’s much to explore. A great spot for a picnic and harbour views is the gorgeous under-bridge setting of Bradfield Park where locals picnic and stroll along the waterfront. This angle affords a really nice, different perspective of the Sydney Opera House and also in the area is the scenic North Sydney Olympic Pool where you can swim laps under the shadows of the Harbour Bridge.
Visit the iconic Taronga Zoo
Take a ferry across from Circular Quay to spend a wonderful day exploring Australia’s second-oldest and most picturesque zoo, Taronga. The zoo is located in Mosman on the northern side of Sydney Harbour and the views are spectacular.
It is a great day out for families, but to be honest I’ve enjoyed visiting it just as much as my toddler has. Definitely make sure you are there to sea the seal show, in my opinion it is the best part of the Zoo. Another favourite is the tiger enclosure, which is like stepping into the Sumatran jungle. I also really love seeing the chimpanzees swing from the trees and interacting with each other. Whilst this will probably already be on your list if you’re travelling with kids, believe me when I say Taronga Zoo is worth visiting for people of any age.
Things to see and do on the Sydney fringe
Experience Newtown, Sydney’s most unique neighbourhood
Located on the outskirts of the city, Newtown is famous for being a little quirky and the place to go if you’re looking for a raging good time. With plenty of vintage clothing stores, vinyl record shops and pubs galore, this vibrant suburb is always a good night out. There’s always plenty of great people watching opportunities on offer here, so grab a local beer (the Young Henry’s Newtowner can be found on tap in most pubs) and enjoy.
Enjoy some local produce at the Carriageworks Farmers Market
One of my favourite Sydney activities rolls around every Saturday with the weekly Carriageworks Farmers Market. The produce market features seasonal fresh produce from around New South Wales and it is a true delight to experience. Set against the backdrop of the former Eveleigh Railway Workshops (now known as Carriageworks), this vibrant covered market is always bustling and full of yummy goodness.
Have a very Instagrammable brunch
Sydneysiders LOVE brunch. We go utterly mad for it. It’s hard to go wrong in Sydney, and there’s something for most tastes. The Grounds of Alexandria has been famous for a long time, serving up brunch in a picturesque garden setting – though be warned, it is always busy here. My other favourites are The Winery for a great bottomless brunch, Brewtown in Newtown or The Grounds of the City (run by the same people as the Grounds of Alexandria).
Party on Oxford Street
Sydney’s Oxford Street is the home of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras each year. The famous parade runs up the iconic rainbow district of Sydney, filling the city with colourful and unique floats and costumes. Having walked in the parade in 2019, I can safely say that it is an incredible night and an unforgettable experience in Sydney. You can walk up Oxford Street starting from around Hyde Park. This area is also absolutely pumping in the evening with a huge number of nightclubs and gay bars open until late at night.
Further afield…
Get out of town on a day trip
Sydney is a great base with so many things to do, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t venture a little further outside the CBD. There are so many great day trips from Sydney to choose from, but if you’ve only got time for one then it is hard to go past the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains region for amazing landscapes. Other favourite day trips include the Southern Highlands, Palm Beach, the Royal National Park, the Hawkesbury River region, Kangaroo Valley or Berry.
Where to stay when visiting Sydney, Australia
Sydney has a fabulous array of things to do across the sprawl of the city and the city fringe. The CBD is obviously a winner for convenience as you’ll be close to many of the sights and within good proximity to ferry, train and tram transport options to get around the broader city.
There are so many accommodation options in Sydney to choose from, but I would always recommend a room at the Shangri-La if you are after iconic views of Sydney Harbour. Alternatively, the Ovolo is a wonderful and pet-friendly choice. And if you want something really unique, consider spending a night at Taronga Zoo doing their Roar and Snore program – it is a once in a lifetime experience!
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