Sydney: Things To Do

The icon of Sydney, and one for all of Australia, is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. Designed in 1957 and completed in 1973 at great expense, the sail like roof of this architectural wonder has made it's way into the photos of millions of visitors ever since. Wander around the base, along circular quay and take in spectacular views of the harbour and the bridge.
There are guided tours available focusing on the building itself, or you could book tickets to take in an opera or a vast array of different performing arts shows(cost varies).

Perhaps more iconic than the opera house from a Sydneysiders perspective, the "coat hanger" can be seen from miles around. Completed in 1932, the bridge carries road, rail, cycles and pedestrians. The best views are from Circular Quay, the Opera House, a boat or Observatory Hill Park(see image).
Get up close and personal by walking over - take a train to Milson's point or a ferry to Luna park, then walk back on the eastern side for amazing views of the opera house. You can also climb the pylon for a decent view and some history($19) or do the spectacular bridge climb(See below).

This is where it all began for British settlers in 1788. As such, there is a lot of history in the area. Take a wander around to see historic architecture, interesting views as you clamber up and down stairways, cute tourist shops and cross over to explore Millers point through the Argyle cut, a tunnel hewn from rock.
Several attractions may take your interest(details below)- the rocks museum, contemporary art museum, Cadman's cottage, Susannah place and an archaeology dig site. A lively and worthwhile market pops up on weekends. It's also a good place for a few drinks in the evening and a main area for dining out.

Immediately east of the CBD and the opera house are these wonderful and spacious gardens. There's great views of the city, harbour and opera house, but the garden design, flora and fauna are worth the visit alone. Look out for many bird species, eels in the ponds and a nice garden shop.
If you head up the eastern edge, you can find Mrs Macquarie's chair(see below), great photo opportunities and an open air swimming pool with views of Woolloomooloo.

You have to get on the water at some point in Sydney, and taking a ride on one of the classic ferries adds to experience, gives an insight into the exciting life of a Sydneysider and is the cheapest option(compared to boat tours).
A ride between Circular Quay and Darling Harbour(via Luna Park) is the easiest and takes about 25min.
You will take a ferry though anyway if you plan to go to Taronga Zoo, Cockatoo Island or Manly.
See our Essential Info page for more info.

This area is a tourist magnet that's focused on food view a view and popular attractions. The main walkway makes a loop between a U-shaped wharf and the historic Pyrmont bridge that connects at the top. On the western side is a mall, convention centre, casino and maritime museum. To the south is the IMAX and Chinese gardens. The eastern side is full of restaurants and just north of the eastern end of the bridge is Sea Life, Wild Life and Madame Tussauds. See below for attraction details.

One of the most iconic beaches in the world, it can feel a little overrated if you have high expectations, but it's still a must do. The beach itself is a large sweeping curve with plenty of sand to soak up the crowds. You can swim, surf or take a surfing lesson (see below) - be safe and read up about rip tides and the flag system. Each end of the beach has cliffs - follow south to Coogee on a great walk or north to Watson's bay. Bondi icebergs is an iconic swimming pool you can try. Behind the beach are lots of great cafe's and shops. To get here, take a train to Bondi Junction, then a bus or a 30min walk.

One of the most thrilling experiences in the world, you can strap yourself onto the bridge and climb right to the top to feel like the king or queen of Sydney for a moment. You are hooked on all the time by a cable and are given some training and practice before the climb to get used to the system. Once you start the climb, there's a few steep steps and grated walkways(with views down to the water), but it's fairly easy once on the arch itself. You can't take your camera(or anything else), but you can buy photo's they take with their camera at the top for an extra fee. An incredible and unique experience, if you don't mind heights.

This spot at the end of the peninsula from the royal botanical gardens is famous for it's fantastic views back toward the opera house and harbour bridge. The chair itself was carved from rock in 1810 by the governor for his wife.
There are steps up onto the rock above, or you can step down onto rocks in the water, both giving different vantage points for your photos.

This small free museum tells you the history of the area and people through touch screen videos, artefacts, images and stories. It's focused on the aboriginal culture at the time of colonisation and the development of The Rocks through to the present day. The building is historic in itself, being built from sandstone in the 1850's.

Historic architecture and high end shopping are combined in this stunning building that occupies an entire block in Sydney's CBD. It has been lovingly preserved since being constructed in the 1890's and features a large dome at it's centre, wonderful curving stair cases, stain glass windows and two mechanical clocks - the royal clock(shows scenes of British royal history) and the Australian clock(scenes of Australian history from both Aboriginal and European perspective), both of which activate on the hour. Be sure to check out the displays and tree if here at Christmas time.

Australia's oldest park is modest in size, but has many worthwhile features - Sydney's Anzac memorial, the Archibald fountain, several statues and monuments and a glorious avenue of massive Moreton bay fig trees lined with benches that might just remind you of central park in New York.

The ferry to get there is itself an icon, with incredible views as you sail out towards towards the harbour mouth.
The Corso is the main pedestrianised street that links the ferry wharf to the beach. There are plenty of food options along here, and on the beach side. The beach itself is excellent and good for surfing(lessons available), plus there are many lovely secluded beaches all around Manly waiting to be discovered - try heading south to Shelley beach. The spit to Manly walk(see below)is well known for secluded beaches too. North Head offers walks, the incredible Fairfax lookout and Q station, which has historic and ghost tours of the old quarantine centre.

This is possibly the best walk in Sydney, with stunning coastal views, lovely beaches to discover, swimming opportunities, art and whale spotting.
You can walk either way, but starting in Bondi keeps the sun behind you, and it's approximately 6km long.
To access the walk, car parking is limited, so public transport is best, with buses being the only option from Bondi Junction train station.
Sculpture by sea is a popular art festival that takes place along the walk, for 3 weeks in spring.

The harbour is what makes Sydney special, so taking it all in from a relaxing and interesting cruise is well worth the time.
There are many operators, mostly taken from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. They typically last 1.5hr if just sightseeing, or 3hr if it's with lunch or dinner included. There's usually some commentary and both indoor and outdoor seating.
You can see historic houses(and some worth 10's of millions), historic structures like Fort Denison, many small coves and bays, and sail under the bridge or even out to the ocean.
Tall Ships offers a more interesting vessel for your trip.

This iconic heritage building located in circular quay features historic architecture and a large and regularly updated model of 10km² of the city underneath glass beneath your feet. There are free exhibitions, walking tours, a library and incredible views from Cafe Sydney on the 4th floor.

The country's first museum is effectively Sydney's city museum and features the usual collection of taxidermy, dinosaurs, aboriginal history and an assortment of other collections from world cultures.
It's all presented partly in a historical building and partly in newer extensions(it's currently closed for more renovations).
Their displays are fascinating for all the family and it's certainly a worthwhile visit.

Sydney's premier art gallery houses an extensive collection that includes traditional Australian, aboriginal and Torres strait islander, contemporary, Asian and pacific art, amongst much more. The gallery is also a space for exhibitions, film, performances, lectures, and more. It has recently opened an extension that doubled the exhibition space size.
Some events and exhibitions require a paid ticket.

Opened in 1882, Sydney's most prominent religious building is a favourite amongst photographic minded travellers, both inside and out.
Tickets to visit the crypt are $5.

Sydney's zoo is extensive, well designed and happens to occupy an incredible location upon a hillside looking over the city, which gives rather strange but unique images of a modern Sydney behind giraffes and elephants
To access the zoo, take a ferry from circular quay. You can enter the zoo at the bottom, but it's far more spectacular to take the cable car up to the top of the hill and take in the views as you go - it's also easier on your feet to start at the top and work your way down.
Highlights are the elephants, tigers, chimps and giraffes.

This "hidden gem" at the southern end of darling harbour(and close to Chinatown) is a delightful and peaceful space to get away from the bustle of the city. Wander along meandering pathways, discover secluded spaces, meet the fish and pretend you have been transported to china. They also have an onsite restaurant serving dumplings and tea.

This heritage listed park is full of old school amusement park fun. It's full of fairground rides, hot dogs, games and a feeling of escapism that takes you back a few decades.
There are wonderful views from it's perfect spot beside the harbour bridge. Consider going in the evening to see it all lit up and when you can sometimes get discounted tickets. The Ferris wheel, wild mouse, hair raiser and the old school rides and slides in the Coney Island fun house are the highlights.

One of Australia's best and most popular aquariums, Sea Life Sydney is packed full of top exhibits ranging from sharks, to turtles, dugongs and penguins.
Located in Darling harbour, next to Wild Life and Tussauds, it can get pretty popular, so plan your visit well and consider booking online.

Right in Darling Harbour is this small zoo that showcases Australian wildlife. You'll see kangaroos, koalas, crocs, wallabies and Tasmanian devils, along with some lesser seen animals such as the cassowary or platypus.
They also offer more unique experiences such as breakfast with the koalas or a photo with a koala (not holding, which is not allowed in NSW).

You will be able to see this observation tower fairly often as you walk around the city, with it's golden top and giant westfield sign, but your view of it may be obscured slightly by all the tall towers that have sprung up around it since it was built - as your view out will be (see image). It's still the tallest structure though and a good place to get an overview of the city and harbour, the bridge, and the suburbs beyond from the 250m high vantage point.
It's a circular structure, so you get 360 views and there's an outdoor "adventure" walk you can pay extra for.

If having a bit of fun looking at and taking selfies with waxwork models of celebrities is your thing, head down to this place where you find a whole host of famous people who have been recreated with measurements taken from the person themselves to ensure an accurate representation. Immortalised people include actors, sports people, superheroes and historical figures, many with scenes set up for good photos opportunities.

This historic shopping arcade is the only one left in Sydney. It was constructed in 1891 and offers the sort of experience you can gain in other arcades around Australia, with a mix of food and boutique retail options that may take your fancy.

This free museum occupies a magnificent building in a magnificent spot - right on the harbour side in circular quay and next to The Rocks.
You can find a changing collection of contemporary art, a store and a café with an incredible view from the 4th level. They also have events with lectures, studios and workshops, etc.
Fees apply to their major summer exhibition.

*CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT. This wonderful museum combines history and science within a grand building. You'll find steam engines, trains, the Strasburg clock, airplanes, motorbikes and exhibitions on space travel and the environment. That's just the big objects - smaller ones almost lend the museum to becoming a design museum, with furniture, ceramics and all sorts of unusual items.
Suitable for adults and children, with plenty of activities for kids to do.

Here you can explore various ships that are docked in Darling Harbour, including a replica of Captain Cook's ship, The Endeavor, a destroyer war ship called HMS Vampire and a submarine. Inside, there are various temporary and permanent exhibits, which include more boats, history, the navy and stories of the people related to Australia's oceans.

Two hours west of Sydney are the world heritage listed Blue Mountains - a spectacular region that thwarted early settlers for so long with the difficulty of passing over them. Now you can head up there by car or train to take in incredible views over the "three sisters" rock formation, ride a cable car or the inclined train, hike, or visit historic Katoomba or caves.
You could spend a few days here, but a day trip is possible. Take a train from the city then use the hop-on-hop-off bus.

One of the best walks in Sydney, this goes from the spit bridge, along the northern shore of Sydney harbour for 10km, through bush and past many secluded beaches, until you reach Manly.
There are spectacular views, aboriginal rock art, a variety of habitats along the way. It's a well maintained track and accessible to most and you can walk in either direction.
To get to the bridge, take a bus from the city. At the end, you can take the Manly ferry to return.

In the heart of the Rocks is this terrace of four houses built in 1844. They are kept in a historical manner so the guide can explain how people lived in various time periods over their history. You can only see inside via a tour and usually at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm only and with numbers limited, so book ahead if you can.

A world heritage site, this small island west of the city centre is full of history. Originally a colonial prison, the site later became acquired a dry dock and became the royal navy's dockyard.
An unusual element of the island is a tunnel running right through the middle of it. There are many industrial buildings, the governors house and fantastic photo opportunities, including good views back to the harbour bridge.
There are tours available and you can even stay overnight in a campsite(it's otherwise uninhabited).
There is no access bridge, so take a ferry from Circular Quay.

Built in 1858, this historical building is principally an observatory for astronomy, but it also features the remnants of an old fort and is a time ball, weather station, flagstaff and signal station.
As it sits atop a hill, it also has great views of the harbour, including the harbour bridge.
It is open for free as an astronomy museum, or you can book and pay to take either a day or a night tour that lasts 2 hours an includes a look through the telescope if weather permits, or a planetarium show otherwise.

Built on the site of the original governors house, this museum tells a bit of the history of the city of Sydney and the different stories from over the years via video, models and various permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are elements suitable for children too.

A world heritage listed site, Hyde Park Barracks was originally built to house convicts, but then served as an asylum, immigration depot, law courts and government offices.
The museum is newly updated and utilises an audio tour experience which automatically activates when you enter an area to tell the stories of the building.

This is an open air archaeological site in the heart of the rocks that provides a great insight into the history of the area through the remains of convict era housing. It used to be a car park before being excavated and now the site is partly cantilevered over by a youth hostel.
Some of the finds are in the on site education centre(for pre-booked tours) and others can be found in The Rocks Discovery Centre(see above).

The reading rooms and library are in general nice to explore however the exhibitions are likely to be the main draw for you. These are often changing and usually relate to history, photography or art. The building itself is architecturally magnificent and located along a row of public buildings on Macquarie street.

There are many walking tours available in the city.
There is a free walk in the CBD in the afternoon and the rocks in the evening here.
A Rocks historical tour during the day here.
Another Rocks tour, plus a couple of interesting inner city tours available here. Architecture walks here. Aboriginal cultural tours in the botanic gardens and here. There are also bike tours, food tours, photography, ghost tours, pub tours, etc - you name it, they have it.

Sydney's Chinatown is fairly good by world standards and second only to Melbourne in Australia. Dixon street is pedestrianised and there are a few other streets around it that make up Chinatown, plus Paddy's market, which is fairly large and stocked with all sorts of cheap goods.
Food should likely by your main priority, with lots of options to choose from, including yum cha.

One step further than a selfie outside the Opera House would by the building tour. The next step up is going to see an actual show there. The acoustics were notoriously average, but since a major refit, it's now a world class venue.
Opera is not the only option - comedy, music and theatre are also performed and there are several performance spaces within the building with 2000 different shows a year.

The Sydney Theatre Company put on productions at the Opera House, The Wharf Theatre and Rosyln Packer Theatre(both at Miller's point, next to the harbour bridge and The Rocks).
For the blockbuster Broadway shows, the Sydney Lyric is the place to catch them(Part of The Star complex next to Darling Harbour).
There are also several smaller theatres in nearby suburbs.

The first suburb east of the cbd, 0.5km away and over parkland, is the small but pretty suburb of Woolloomooloo. It's nice to wander around, especially when Jacaranda tress are in bloom (try Cathedral St), and has a finger wharf(pictured), which is mostly private, but features a hotel and restaurants. At the start of the wharf is "Harry's Cafe De Wheels", which is an old and famous place to grab a decent pie. Further along the coast is the naval base which has a free heritage centre to visit.
You can easily walk there, but there is public transport in the form of a bus or a walk up from King's Cross train station.

Known mainly for it's nightlife and backpackers, this area also has a small square with the interesting shaped El-Alamein fountain and lots of good places for a drink.
You can enjoy a comedy club, night clubs, cabaret, the SBW Stables theatre or you can take a "crime and passion" tour to find out more about the history of this infamous area. Not too far away is historic Elizabeth Bay House that may be of interest.

From May to November, Humpback and Southern Right Whale's migrate along the coast of Australia past Sydney. You can see them from the shore on the Bondi To Coogee walk, North head in Manly, and other places. To get closer, you can take a tour from Manly or the city on vessels with ample viewing decks. The tours take around 2 to 3 hours and usually include basic drinks(bar drinks extra) and offer a free return trip if whale's are not spotted.

If you've never surfed before, Sydney is a good place to try. The waves can vary in size(check on the day) but are often just right for a beginner. There are many surf schools available but Bondi and Manly are the most popular locations. They are used to people with no experience, so you are always in good hands.
It can be a tiring experience, but when you finally catch a wave, you'll feel triumphant at doing so.

There are a few spectacular outdoor pools in Sydney that are an attraction in themselves. They are really photographic, so you've probably seen them before, but why not get in and have a swim? The following are good options: -
Andrew(boy) Charlton - East of the botanic gardens
Bondi Icebergs - At the southern end of Bondi beach
North Sydney Olympic - Next to Luna Park and the bridge
Bronte baths - In Bronte, which is just south of Bondi
Fairy Bower Sea Pool - South of Manly beach

Whilst the valley itself is beautiful and offers many attractions, it's the wine tours that attracts people the most. There are dozens of wineries you can visit. Take a tour to get the most out of it and allowing you to have a drink without driving.
To get the the valley, you can take a train then a bus or taxi, which takes around 3 hours. Alternatively, there are tours that depart from Sydney itself.

Botany bay is a massive harbour south of the city that's surrounded by suburbs and industry. Kamay Botany Bay National Park is split between the northern and southern heads to the harbours opening. Public buses go to both.
At the south is Kurnell, where Cook first landed and has a discovery centre and walks. Free entry with $8 car parking.
The north has La Perouse, where you will find an exhibit about the disappearance of a French fleet, tours to the fort on bare island and many walks around the headland. Free entry, $15 for the island tour.

One of the biggest fish markets in the world, you can visit early to try and experience the wholesale fish auction with a behind the scenes tour, or just wander around and pick up some seafood to eat outside whilst watching the boats (and seagulls) come and go.
You will find several seafood and other types of outlets such as a deli, café, gift shop, wine shop, restaurants, fishing supplies, etc.

The beautiful purple colours of the Jacaranda trees are a familiar feature throughout Sydney, but there are a few locations where rows or groups of them cluster to form a spectacular and almost fantastical vision.
Photographers and Instagram hungry tourists may want to seek out these locations to get some nice snap. They bloom from mid-October and throughout November.
Please be careful though - some people stray dangerously into the road to get a shot and it's becoming a real problem.

On the southern head at the mouth of Sydney harbour is a trail around the national park that takes in beaches, a lighthouse, gun emplacements and harbour views. You may be able to spot whales from the lighthouse. The walk is easy and only takes 30min to 1hr, but you may also want to include The Gap Lookout, Green point reserve and Watson's Bay area in general.

Built in the 1820's using convict made bricks, this is Sydney's oldest church. Located next to Hyde park, it's a modest but pretty structure that was originally intended to be a court house. It's spire once protruded above the city but the church now finds itself dominated by the surrounding skyscrapers.

This heritage listed building consecrated in 1878 has an impressive architectural design to it's façade and a wonderful gold leaf star filled ceiling on the interior. Tours are available that include a small museum.

There are many stunning unbroken stretches of walking paths around the harbour and along the coastlines of Sydney: -
- The Circle Walk explores west of the harbour bridge.
- Cremorne point offers an easy 3km circuit.
- Bradley's head sticks out beyond Taronga zoo and can be followed back to Middle head and on to the spit bridge to head to Manly. From there, you can head north along the coastline.
- On the south shore, you can walk from Rushcutters bay park(near kings cross) all the way to Watson's bay and south head where you can then head south to Bondi and beyond.

Sydney's newest museum is part of Sydney University and brings together 3 collections, including the impressive and large Nicholson collection.
Thousands of artefacts from ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian history are together with paintings, Australian natural specimens and fist nations peoples art across 18 different exhibitions.
The university itself, with it's impressive sandstone buildings are worth a visit too - tours available. Getting here involves a short drive from the CBD, a bus or a 20min walk from Redfern station.

There are plenty of sporting opportunities in Sydney. Rugby is the most popular sport, with several teams. AFL, Soccer and cricket are also well supported. The list is much longer though - horse racing, sailing, basketball, motorsport, etc.
The biggest stadium is Stadium Australia, that hosted the Olympics in 2000.
Click here for one off events to look out for in Sydney including the Sydney to Hobart yaught race on boxing day, the city2surf running race, Sydney marathon and the NRL grand final.

Discover tales and artefacts of crime and cops in this old water police station and courts. The holding cells are from the 1890's and all the history is on display through mug shots and crime scene photos(gory details included), stories of historic crimes and a collection of seized daggers, pistols and other weapons.

The official office and residence of the governor of NSW can be visited on a tour of the ground floor state rooms of this beautiful and historic building that's positioned perfectly within gardens on a small hill behind the Sydney Opera house.

Currently under construction, Sydney's new IMAX will be featuring the biggest screen in the world and is suitably located amongst the other tourist attractions in Darling Harbour. As well as the latest blockbusters, there are a series of films(mostly documentary) that have been produced specifically for the screen size that is so big, it fills your entire vision.

If casino's are your thing and you don't mind losing a bit of cash on blackjack, poker or roulette whilst you have a bit of fun, head to Australia's second biggest and Sydney's only casino(soon to be followed with a second "high roller" casino). You'll also find several restaurants and bars, plus hotels and the Lyric theatre.

This fairly new water park features 30 rides, slides and attractions which provide a great day of fun for both kids and adults.
It's located far away from the city centre and is not easily accessed by public transport - it takes around 1.5hr using a train then a taxi.

This public park is a not so secret slice of secluded parkland right on the harbour shore and featuring fantastic views of the harbour bridge when the foliage breaks allow, meandering pathways, sculptures and a hidden fairy house.
Access via a short walk from Milson's point or North Sydney train stations.

There are several historic houses collected together under "Sydney Living Museums". Beside Elizabeth Bay House(mentioned under King's Cross, above), there is Elizabeth farm, Meroogal, Rose Seidler House, Rouse Hill Estate and Vaucluse House, which are spread around Sydney, some quite far away.

Described as Australia's biggest multi-arts centre, this former railyard and blacksmiths that is now a no-holds-barred, ambitious and thought provoking arts space - check out their programme of "what's-on". They also hold a farmers market on Saturday mornings.

This museum tells the story of Australian bank notes across history from federation to the current era through a permanent exhibition. They also have temporary exhibits, guided tours and activities for children during school holidays.

There's not so much to see here except that the building itself is a lovely colonial building and the sister wing of the former "Rum hospital" that houses the NSW parliament. You can wander the rooms and look at various displays.

Here you can learn about the history of Jewish culture and religion in Sydney, and the holocaust, through various exhibits.
Located in Darlinghurst, it's a 15-20min walk from the CBD or 8min from King's Cross metro station.

Along the shore at Circular Quay, you will find dozens of bronze plaques embedded in the ground between the Opera house and cruise terminal, each one dedicated to an Australian writer, or an international write of particular note.