10 Amazing Things to do in Sydney Australia

When I was younger and was asked the question, “if you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?”. Australia. Always and forever it has been Australia. So pretty much that first step off the plane was when all of my wildest childhood dreams came true. Although, I was a little disappointed that 42 Wallaby Way is not a real address.

With her endless blue skies, golden sand beaches, New York City vibe and the ever-photogenic Opera House, Sydney really is a dream come true. While living in New Zealand we had the opportunity to visit Sydney several times and I’m excited to share 10 of our favorite things to do in Sydney!

10 Amazing Things to Do in Sydney

Table of Contents

• 1. Visit the Sydney Opera House
• 2. Stroll Along Circular Quay
• 3. Take a Harbour Cruise
• 4. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens
• 5. Visit Hyde Park & St Mary’s Cathedral
• 6. Explore The Rocks
• 7. Visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge
• 8. Stroll the Streets of Downtown
• 9. Hang out at Darling Harbour
• 10. Visit the World Famous Bondi Beach
• Bonus: Vivid Sydney
• Bonus: Homebush Bay Shipwreck

1. Visit the Sydney Opera House

When you think of Sydney, you immediately think of the Sydney Opera House. At least I do. It is such an iconic part of the city.

The Opera House is an incredible work of architecture and one of the most famous man-made structures in the world.

It is interesting to note that there is not just one big opera stage, but in fact, 6 different venues are housed under the sails. 

Things to do at the Sydney Opera House:

• Take an intimate Backstage Tour of the Opera House to learn insider secrets and see what goes on behind the scenes.
• The general Opera House Tour is a more budget-friendly tour and you still get to learn about the fascinating history and magic of the Opera House.
• Book tickets to attend a show under the world-famous sails. To check what is currently showing and to book tickets, go here.
• Make a reservation at the award-winning restaurant, Guillaume at Bennelong. It is a little pricey, but worth a splurge for such a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
• There are plenty of dining options at the base of the Opera House. Grab a Margherita pizza from at the Opera Bar, or steamed banana pudding from Portside.
• Be sure to just walk around and enjoy the beautiful architecture from different angles. Take in the views of the Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay, and take photos on the iconic steps.
• Tip: Weekend parking at the Opera House parking lot is a flat rate of $15 for the day. It is a great central location to park then spend the day exploring the area.

2. Stroll Along Circular Quay

Circular Quay has such a fun energy. This is the main ferry terminal and is the central hub of Sydney.

Stroll around and enjoy one of the many open-air restaurants where you can dine under the glow of the Sydney Opera House at night.

Visiting the Opera House and taking a ferry or Harbour cruise are the main attractions, but here are a few other things to do at Circular Quay:

Things to do at Circular Quay:

• Visit the historic Customs House. This heritage building is rich in history. The museum offers a variety of exhibitions and events. Be sure to stop in to see the spectacular scale model of downtown Sydney. This can be viewed under glass beneath the floor. Get a birds-eye view and spot the miniature iconic Sydney landmarks.
• Take a thrilling ride through the harbour on Sydney Jet. If you’ve never done a jet boat ride, they are so much fun with exhilarating speed and 360 spins!
• Make a reservation at Cafe Sydney for delicious food and unmatched views from their rooftop terrace.
• Try a Self Guided Audio Tour where you can dig deep into the history of the area while going at your own pace. For $20 it’s a cheaper alternative than a guided tour.

3. Take a Harbour Cruise

While you’re at Circular Quay, hop on one of the many boats or ferries and enjoy the picturesque skyline from the water.

There are several different harbor cruise options. We would highly recommend taking a cruise to Manly Wharf to stroll around the cute beachside shops and cafes. 

Best Sydney Harbour Cruises:

• Sunset Dinner Cruise: Watch the city come alive as you enjoy dinner surrounded by the reflection of glittering lights on the water.
• Hop-on Hop-off Harbour Cruise: Starting at only $36, this pass gives you the flexibility to visit 8 different locations within a 24-hour period. It includes stops at top destinations such as Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Watsons Bay, Manly Wharf, and Luna Park.
• Whale Watching Tour: The coast of Sydney is a prime location for spotting whales in action during migration season.
• Tip: Pick up The Sydney Pass that allows you to combine multiple attractions and tours for one low price.

4. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens are one of Sydney’s most visited attractions and the oldest public gardens in the southern hemisphere.

The gardens are centrally located on the waterfront adjacent to the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay and provide an oasis from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Things to do at the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens:

• Take a Free Guided Tour to learn about the plants, wildlife and 200-year history of these gardens.
• Enjoy a picnic under an ancient tree and wander along one of the many paths. Be sure to stop by the rose garden and pavilion.
• Get some exercise while enjoying the scenic views at the Andrew Boy Charleton Pool. This heated outdoor lap pool has 8 lanes and is surrounded with views of the ocean, Opera House, and Botanic Gardens.
• Take a FREE guided tour of the Government House. This historic estate with perfectly manicured gardens resembles a small castle. Tours are offered Friday-Sunday, they are free but tickets still need to be obtained from the gatehouse.
• The Wollemi Pine is one of the rarest tree species in the world. In 1994 one was found nearby in the Blue Mountains and was transported to the Royal Botanic Gardens. You can find it at the roundabout on the east side of the gardens just north of the Palm House.
• Enjoy a delicious brunch on the outdoor patio at the Botanic Gardens Restaurant.
• Located not too far from the Botanic Garden is the iconic Harry’s Café de Wheels. It is famous for its pies, but what makes the Woolloomooloo location extra special is that you can spot Russell Crowe’s penthouse at the end of the wharf.

5. Visit Hyde Park & St Mary’s Cathedral

Hyde Park is a beautiful 40-acre park situated in the heart of Sydney. It is perfect for strolling through and admiring the gardens.

Make a stop at the Anzac memorial, and be sure to take pictures under the dreamy fig tree lined pathway.

Head over to St Mary’s Cathedral to admire the beautiful architecture both inside and out.

The church was built in the late nineteenth century and is one of the most beautiful churches in all of Sydney.

The gothic-style sandstone cathedral is a lovely contrast to the surrounding modern buildings.

Inside you’ll find an exhibit detailing the history of Catholicism in Sydney.

Please note that photography is not allowed inside the cathedral. It is also an active place of worship so be respectful of mass times.

6. Explore The Rocks

On the south end of Harbour Bridge, you’ll find The Rocks District. This is the oldest settled area in Sydney.

This area has a lurid past as it was originally home to a colony of outcast British convicts.

Today it is a vibrant neighborhood with historic homes, charming cafes and cobblestone streets. It is a fun place to just stroll around and explore.

Things to Do and See in The Rocks:

• Take a walking tour to learn more of the fascinating history and secrets of early life at The Rocks.
• If you are visiting on the weekend, be sure to stop by the open market. The market is held year-round Friday through Sunday from 10am-5pm. It is located on the northern end of George Street with 150 stalls filling up the surrounding side streets as well. Find local artisan crafts, jewelry, art, photography, and hand made goods.
• Be sure to stop in at the Rocks Discovery Museum. It is located in a restored 1850’s sandstone warehouse and entrance is FREE. The museum is family-friendly with interactive hands-on exhibits that bring to life thousands of years of history.
• The MCA Cafe is sort of a local’s secret. Located on the 4th level of the Museum of Contemporary Art, this lunch spot offers some of the best uninterrupted views over the Sydney Harbour. The food is delicious and reasonably priced for the area. While you’re there, enjoy the fabulous art exhibitions too!
• Take a short walk up through the Rocks and you’ll discover Observatory Hill, which just so happens to be the best spot for watching the sunset.

7. Visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is not only one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, but is also the tallest steel arch bridge in the world.

The bridge has a pedestrian walkway for visitors to walk, jog, or bike across while taking in the amazing views. 

Things to do at the Sydney Harbour Bridge:

• One of the most popular attractions in Sydney is the Bridge Climb. For thrill seekers, you can join a guided tour to climb to the top of the bridge.
• For the same amazing views at a fraction of the cost, I highly recommend the Pylon Lookout. The cost is only $13 to climb up to the observation deck. It also includes entrance to the museum where you can learn the history of the bridge. 

• Bike the Sydney Harbour Bridge with Bonanza Bike Tours. They offer guided group tours, or for a more budget-friendly option, you can rent bikes starting at $15 for one hour. You can extend the rental time if you want to bike around and explore more of the city.

• Luna Park is Sydney’s most iconic amusement park. Ride the ferris wheel or take a plunge on the “Hair Raiser”, all under the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• Swim in one of the most scenic lap pools located in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge at the Sydney Olympic Pool.

8. Stroll the Streets of Downtown

Wandering the streets with no agenda is sometimes my favorite way to explore a city. Just let the sights, sounds, and smells lead the way and you never know what you’ll discover!

And if you need a place to store your luggage while you wander the streets, Mind My Bag has several locations where you can conveniently and safely store your bags while you explore.

Here are a few places in downtown Sydney that are worth a stop:

Things to Do and See in Downtown Sydney:

The Angel Place birdcage art installation is called “Forgotten Songs”. It is in memory of the birds once heard in central Sydney before they were gradually forced out by European settlement. 

As you walk by, you can hear the song of the birds drifting down through the empty bird cages. The installation is located on Angel Place, an alleyway between George St and Pitt St. It is a unique and unexpected sight nestled in between the buildings.

The Queen Victoria Building is perhaps the most beautiful mall I have ever seen.

Even if you’re not wanting to spend time perusing stores at the mall, it is worth stopping in just to admire the architecture. Especially the incredible staircase.

The bustling night market at Chinatown is open on Fridays from 4-11pm. Pick up some fun souvenirs and knick-knacks, or taste some of the unique foods.

Be sure to try a bowl of hand-pulled noodles at the Chinese Noodle Restaurant. It is located in Burlington center in Chinatown, cash only.

Take an elevator to the top of the Sydney Tower Eye to soak in the 360-degree views of the city. Spot famous Sydney landmarks from the golden observation deck, or take the Skywalk.

In the summer months, enjoy the Moonlight Cinema located in Centennial Park. Bring a blanket and picnic while you enjoy a movie under the stars. Tickets required, check the link for more information.

The Shuttle Bus 555 is a free shuttle that operates seven days a week around Central Sydney. It runs every 10 minutes from Central Station to Circular Quay and back in a loop. You can hop on and hop off to explore more of the city at no cost.

9. Hang out at Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is located a few miles southeast of Circular Quay. It is a fun family-friendly place to stroll around and explore.

Things to do at Darling Harbour:

• Darling Harbour Children’s Playground: One of Australia’s best playgrounds with water features, climbing ropes, and a 21-meter flying fox zip line.
• Imax movie theater: Experience movies and special screenings on the world’s largest movie screen.
• Chinese Garden of Friendship: This is not your typical city garden. This walled garden creates a serene and calm escape from the busy downtown streets. It is a traditional Chinese garden with waterfalls, koi ponds, exotic plants, pavilions, and hidden pathways. There is even a teahouse on the grounds that serves traditional Chinese tea and dim sum. There is a small entrance fee to the gardens.
• Sydney Fish Market: The lively fish market is always crowded and a bit loud, but makes for a fun experience. This is the best place to go for fresh fish, as the majority of fish caught in NSW comes here to be auctioned off.
• Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World: Both are great places to see exotic and native wildlife. However, if you’re looking for the best zoo, I would recommend the Sydney Taronga Zoo on the north shore of Sydney Harbour. 
• Harbourside Mall: The best place to find souvenirs at a great price.

10. Visit the World Famous Bondi Beach

You can’t come to Sydney and NOT go to Bondi beach. It easily makes the list of Top 10 things to do in Sydney. Just a word of caution if you’re traveling with kids, it is known as a topless beach. 

Bondi Beach is a little farther out of town so you will need to take public transportation or drive. Thankfully, Sydney makes it easy to get around with trains, buses, ferry services, Light rail lines, sightseeing buses, and taxi services.

The subways and trains are the cleanest I think I have ever been on. You will need an Opal Card to load funds on for transportation. You can get the card online or at select shops. Once you make it to Bondi there is plenty to do!

Things to do at Bondi Beach

Be sure to take in some or all of the 6-km Bondi-Bronte-Coogee Coastal Cliff Walk. The pathway hugs the coastal cliff and connects Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach.

It also passes by other beaches, such as Tamarama Beach. Also nick-named “Glamorama” beach for the beautiful trendy people that hang out there.

For a unique experience, try swimming in an ocean swimming pool at the Icebergs Swimming Club.

This historic swimming club has been around for 90 years. The name “Icebergs” originates from the early days when this was used for local lifeguards to maintain their fitness in the winter months.

Keep in mind this is ocean water and not a heated pool! It is still a membership club (the junior members are called “Icecubes”, so cute!), but they offer open public swimming in the lap pool and smaller children’s pool. It is closed on Thursdays for cleaning.

Check out the cool murals by talented local artists on the walls along the walkway. 

Bronte Beach offers a free ocean pool, the Bronte Baths. It is similar to the Icebergs Swimming Club, but there is no entrance fee.

Be sure to grab a slice of pizza at Gelbison Pizzeria. It is located on Lamrock Avenue in Bondi. This delicious pizza joint offers a family-style restaurant with beachside seating.

Bonus: Vivid Sydney

And if you ever get a chance to visit during the Vivid Sydney event held at the end of May and beginning of June, you are in for a treat!

The whole city is lit up with neon lights and art installations. It has such an incredible energy and vibe, I’ve never seen anything like it!

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Bonus: Homebush Bay Shipwreck

I recently came across this unique and incredible spot and just had to add it to the list!

Not far from Olympic Park you can spot the remains of several shipwrecks right on the Parramatta River that have become a shipwreck garden.

Several of the boats are overgrown with brush and trees, which make them look like floating flower pots!

Sydney is such a fun city and I hope this list of 10 things to do in Sydney will help you as you plan your trip!

If you’re planning an Australia road trip be sure to check out our guides for Sydney to Byron Bay and Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast!)

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