Things To Do In Sydney

1 km
from city center 1 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

The Sydney Opera House, a famous tourist spot in Sydney, is a performing arts centre situated in Bennelong point. Symbolic of the city, it is a must-visit for people who have a taste for great architecture and design. Considered to be one of the masterpieces of world architecture, it stands out beautifully with its sail-shaped rooftop, attracting tourists worldwide. With almost 40 shows a week, visitors can plan a day of artistic experience combined with lip-smacking dishes and great drinks from the various eateries and bars in the area.

1 km
from city center 2 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

One of the most popular places to visit in Sydney, Darling harbour ensures its crowd by offering wonderful experiences from exciting water sports to dazzling fireworks. In addition, the harbour is famous for its fantastic collection of restaurants, a string of shopping centres where one can shop to their heart's content and explore an assortment of experiences such as exploring the National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium and Zoo, Chinese garden of Friendship and more.

7 km
from city center 3 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Sydney is known for its beaches, and none is more popular than the Bondi. Stretching for almost 1 kilometre on the coast of the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, it is perhaps Australia’s most famous beach, owing to its golden shoreline, laidback beach culture and waves that make it a haven for surfers. Some of the major things to do at the beach include enjoying the sunrise at Ben Buckler point, snorkelling, surfing and taking a swim in the Bondi icebergs, among others.

2 km
from city center 4 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic landmark of the city that connects the North Shore Sydney with the CBD. Built in 1932, the combination of the bridge, the Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House has become the most popular portrait of Sydney. It is the tallest steel arch bridge in the world.

1 km
from city center 5 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Located next to the iconic Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney are a massive green space found close to the hustle and bustle of the city’s CBD. Spanning about 30 hectares, these gardens provide a tranquil setting to enjoy a picnic and some fresh air as you are treated to scenic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Harbour.

1 km
from city center 6 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

The Rocks is one of the oldest suburbs of the city, which is also considered to be the birthplace of present-day Sydney. Seated by the harbour, it boasts a rich cultural history and is home to some of the first pubs of Australia, original settlements and much more. One can enjoy a laid-back holiday here, learning the city's history while also exploring some of the major attractions here, such as the Cadmans Cottage, the Sydney Observatory, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Rocks Market and many others.

4 km
from city center 7 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Located in the suburbs of Mosman, Taronga Zoo houses almost 5000 plus animals and birds from more than 350 species, many of which are endangered, such as the Sumatran tigers, koalas, regent honeyeaters and platypuses, among others. The park is spread over 52 acres and includes various exhibitions and enclosures. It takes about 3 hours to explore the entire zoo, and there are even fun activities on offer as well, such as obstacle courses and the city's only cable car.

0 km
from city center 8 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Built-in 1898, Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is an architectural marvel built in the Romanesque Revival style, housing some of the best and up-scale shopping brands. The interiors of the building are equally spectacular and look down upon more than 180 stores where you can shop for fashion, jewellery, art, homewares and much more. Worry not when tired; the place also has fine dining where one can relax, dine, drink, and continue shopping again!

1 km
from city center 9 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

The oldest park in Australia, Hyde park spreads over 16 hectares and is the perfect place for relaxing alone or having a fun picnic with loved ones. With picturesque walking trails, ample shade and lush greenery, Hyde park attracts large crowds ranging from kids to elders. The Archibald fountain, ANZAC War memorial, Memorial pond and many statues of significance are some of the park's main attractions. The park is also home to various festivals and events around the year, which usually calls for fun and frolic!

0 km
from city center 10 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

The Sydney Tower is the tallest structure in the city and forms a prominent part of Sydney's skyline. Featuring a shopping centre, restaurants and entertainment facilities, the prime attraction of the tower is the Sydney Tower Eye, an observation deck 250 metres above the ground, granting visitors an unforgettable view of Sydney’s cityscape.

2 km
from city center 11 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Located in Milsons Point, Sydney, Luna park is an amusement park for children and adults. The park has everything from thrill rides, roller coasters, and slideshow games to family rides, including a wide range of places to eat and drink. In addition, Coney island has a wide range of activities to do with family and friends for a great day out. From regular shows showcasing the talents of various performers to multiple events organised throughout the year, Luna Park has something for everyone.

1 km
from city center 12 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

With a rich history of Chinese immigrant settlements in the 1800s, Chinatown in Sydney, located near Darling harbour, is one of a kind and the place to go to for anything Chinese or Asian. With various night markets and live music nights, the place comes to life during Asian festivals, especially during the Lunar new year. A town of its own, China Town has various attractions, including the Capitol theatre to experience various events, the Chinese Garden of Friendship filled with serene and lush greenery, eateries and teahouses offering authentic and scrumptious Asian delicacies and specialty stores for every kind of shopping.

1 km
from city center 13 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Circular Quay is an absolutely buzzing place. From cafes, restaurants and little shops to street performers dazzling the onlookers and tourists rushing for harbour cruises, it's quite the place to be. Offering spectacular views of both the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is a vibrant neighbourhood that attracts many tourists due to its close proximity to many major attractions in Sydney.

1 km
from city center 14 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Situated on College Street, Darlinghurst, the Australian Museum is the country's oldest standing museum, globally reputed for its natural history and anthropology collections. The museum offers a variety of learning experiences, some of which include the history of Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, climate change, sustainability, life science and earth science. One can also see the magnificent and jaw-dropping dinosaur models and fossils here, an interesting attraction for many.

1 km
from city center 15 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Located in Ultimo, the Powerhouse Museum is one of the four branches of the Museum of Applied Arts and Science, focusing on various areas such as technology, arts, communication, media and much more. Founded in 18979, the museum is home to more than 5,00,000 objects, most of which are displayed throughout, including some of the oldest innovations such as the Whitbread Engine, Catalina Flying Boat and Strasbourg Astronomical Clock. There are also multiple informative events and workshops conducted throughout the year, so checking their website before visiting will help in planning accordingly.

0 km
from city center 16 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Considered to be very important for the Catholic community, St. Mary’s Cathedral has a very high religious significance and is also the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney. The cathedral has around 3000 people visiting it on a daily basis and is located close to Hyde Park. The cathedral also offers a free guided tour at 2 PM every Sunday.

4 km
from city center 17 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cockatoo Island, has a rich and deep cultural history and breathtaking views of its surroundings. That being said, apart from the learning experiences, the island also offers ample number of activities to its visitors, some of which include taking a relaxing ferry around the island, participating in guided tours about the island's history, exploring the various heritage buildings, and staying overnight in a camping ground. Or one can have a laidback day out, experiencing the island's beauty and strolling around. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk around the island, and with the help of a guidebook, the island is all yours to explore!

0 km
from city center 18 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Located close to the Queen Victoria Building, Cantina OK is a popular micro-mezcal mecca in Sydney. In its quest to serve everything handmade, Cantina serves only the best hand-sourced, imported and handmade agave spirits. It is essentially a piece of Mexico in the middle of Sydney. The bar has a very cosy and arcadian ambience which is best for a laid-back yet fun evening of drinking delicious margaritas. With polite and knowledgeable staff who knows what will suit you the best, any mezcal fan will head back to Cantina for more!

1 km
from city center 19 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Exploring the spectacular beauty of marine life at its best in Sea Life Sydney Aquarium for 2 hours is one of the best things to do if underwater life is something one might truly enjoy. Home to more than 4000 marine species, the aquarium also does a wonderful job of conserving endangered species in Australia. Apart from observing the marine life, there are multiple other experiences to try, such as private dining with your loved ones, shark dives, virtual reality tours, learning about rescues and enjoying the penguin exhibit, among others.

31 km
from city center 20 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Located within the Royal National Park, Wattamolla is a popular picnic area attracting tourists regularly. The place attracts large crowds, so it is best to go early or during the weekdays if crowds are not preferred. Situated right next to a lagoon, the beach is a spectacular site to relax with loved ones and click aesthetic pictures for the gram. The attractions around Wattamolla beach are the Wattamolla Falls, Wattamolla Dam and Providential Point, which is a viewpoint for whale watching. There are a limited number of barbeques for public use, so it is up to the visitors to get them early, and visitors are also asked to bring their own cooking and drinking water.

21 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Considered to be one of the best ferry rides in the world, taking the Manly ferry is a must-do for every visitor in Sydney. The ferry takes people between Circular Quay and Manly, and the ride lasts for about 30 minutes. The reason it is so famous is the route it takes, which passes through many of the iconic attractions in Sydney, including Sydney Opera House, Kirribilli House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo, Mosman, Bennelong Point and Sydney Harbour National Park and many others. The ferry has four stops – Darling harbour, Manly beach, Parramatta and Meadowbank.

0 km
from city center 22 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Bar 83 is easily one of the finest bars in Sydney, located on the 83rd floor of the famous Sydney Tower. With classy décor and breathtaking views of the city, it is the place to go if one likes to have a relaxing evening with great food and drinks. However, the bar has a minimum spend policy of AUD 30 and 1.5 hours time limit, so visitors are advised to be mindful of that and plan the visit accordingly.

2 km
from city center 23 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

A private gallery featuring Chinese art, White Rabbit Gallery boasts four floors of beautiful Chinese work collected by Judith Neilson on his visits to China. The gallery changes its work every six months, making it a new experience twice a year. Home to more than 2000 artworks, they are pretty contemporary and unique, making it a paradise for people who love art. The gallery's ground floor is a beautiful tea house serving a wide range of Chinese teas and snacks.

49 km
from city center 24 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

A protected national park in Maddens Plains, Dharawal National Park offers several beautiful trails for hiking of varying difficulty. Some of the most famous trails with spectacular views include the Jingga walking track, Minerva Pool walking track, Maddens Falls walk, O’Hares Creek Lookout, Appin MTB trail and others. Since Dharawal is an aboriginal land, some sections have rules and restrictions to look out for, such as only women and children being allowed to enter the water. Knowing all these before going on a hike there is a must to avoid conflicts. For first-timers, it is advised to take short and easy trails for convenience.

0 km
from city center 25 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

For people who love cakes and desserts, Lorraine’s Patisserie is the place to go. Founded by Lorraine Godsmark, one of the best pâtissier in Sydney, she has laurels to her name for her deliciously crafted tarts and cheesecakes. Some of the must-try here include the varieties of mascarpones, cheesecakes and brownies that melt in one’s mouth. A humble and cosy café, their menu has wonderful delicacies that will make one want to keep coming back.

8 km
from city center 26 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

A heritage-listed lighthouse on the edge of South Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, the Hornby Lighthouse is a spectacular sight to look at while surrounded by even more spectacular views. The nearby area also has a beautiful trail to walk along with in a picturesque location, serving as a great place to hang out with friends and family. The lighthouse is also a great location to whale watch during winters. Some other attractions nearby include Camp Cove, Lady Bay and Watson’s Bay.

3 km
from city center 27 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Not known to many, Wendy's Secret Garden overlooking Lavender Bay has a melancholic story behind its stunning beauty. After her husband, Brett Whiteley passed away, Wendy began working on a garden to cope with her loss which eventually became the secret garden. The garden is filled with native and exotic trees and plants, which eventually became home to a wide variety of birds. The garden, filled with lush greenery, is a scenic spot suited for picnics with loved ones and an escape from the city's noise for great relaxation. It also serves as a stunning spot for harbour views and has beautiful trails for peaceful walks around the garden. The garden also provides spaces for all kinds of events.

2 km
from city center 28 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

For people who love theatre, Sydney Theatre Company is a great place to look out for Australian performing arts. Having three theatres located across Sydney, the Sydney Theatre Company has played an instrumental role in the development of theatre in Sydney. The theatre offers ticketed and free entries for various events, and one can learn all things related to the theatre when coming here. Australian plays, performances of international literature, musicals and dance shows are some of the many events people love experiencing here. Checking their website for ongoing and upcoming events of interest will prove helpful in planning an artistic visit to this lively place.

29 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Imagine Kayaking through the sunrise by the peaceful waters of the Australian harbours. Sounds wonderful? Now imagine the same with a cup of hot coffee. That is what one can experience while sunrise kayaking, an experience everyone should try while in Sydney. With spectacular views of many iconic places in Sydney, Sydney can be viewed through a different lens early in the morning, surrounded by water with clear blue skies before the city wakes up for the day. Many touring agencies, such as Sydney harbour Kayaks and Sydney by kayak, offer this experience for a lifetime and a heart full of memories.

18 km
from city center 30 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Established in 1977 and sprawling over 9.7 hectares, Auburn Botanic Gardens boasts lush greenery, a waterfall, two lakes and beautiful bridges. In addition, the garden has a native and a rainforest garden, a scented garden, and a sunken rose garden. It also has an animal reserve, an aviary, an amphitheatre, a playground, and a community picnic garden with a number of BBQ spots and tables, and chairs. With plenty of shade and space, the Auburn Botanic Gardens is an ideal picnic and hangout spot for recreation with near and dear ones.

7 km
from city center 31 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

A popular holiday location, Bronte Baths is a public rock pool located south of Bondi beach. Constructed in the 1800s, it is a beautiful bath suitable for a splash spree and sunbathing during weekends and holidays. Offering the best ocean views, it attracts a lot of crowds and is usually packed during the weekends. However, there are shallow parts of the pool where one can sit, relax and enjoy the stunning view of Bronte beach while also clicking a picture or two to show off.

31 km
from city center 32 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Situated in the south of Sydney, true to its name, the Royal National Park treasures some of the most precious gems of Australia, which are truly sites to marvel at. For people looking for camping in the park or just a fun and adventurous day out, the park has excellent experiences to offer everyone. Some things to do in the park include visiting the figure 8 pools, rowing through the hacking river, hiking up to the Curracurrong falls, and trekking across some beautiful trails there – the Coast track, the forest path, and the providential point walk.

33 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

A track of 2.2 kms, the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, a coastal walking trail, is located in the Sydney Harbour National Park, between Hermitage foreshore Reserve and Nielsen Park. Considered to be one of Sydney’s best coastal trails, it serves as a beautiful activity to view the Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Shark Island and the grounds of Strickland House. The trail passes through spectacular surroundings and takes about one hour to complete. Several pretty hidden beaches along the way serve as great picnic spots.

1 km
from city center 34 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

A renowned museum in Sydney for a collection of over 4000 contemporary artworks, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) features multiple exhibits of immersive art that keep changing every now and then. The MCA is popular for its collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, showcasing the history and story of Australia's first people. Some of the major and early collections of the museum include the Ramingining collection, Maningrida collection, Arnott's collection and Smorgon collection.

1 km
from city center 35 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

One of Australia’s famous art museums, with over one million visitors every year, the Art Gallery of NSW has both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Visitors can view, listen and read about the story behind it for an immersive experience, not to mention their free guided tours. With Australian and International art on display, the museum has over 30,000 artworks with a rich history. The museum also provides eating and drinking options along with a gallery store to carry back memories home.

0 km
from city center 36 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

A luxurious bar, the Baxter Inn is known for being the whisky cellar of Sydney, offering a wide range of Whiskeys for the perfect weekend binge drinking. With dim lighting and amazing music, the regulars can attest to the fantastic hospitality of this bar. Baxter also has a wide range of craft beers and wines as well, so it is safe to assume everyone will find something to drink.

0 km
from city center 37 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Built in 1892, the Strand Arcade is a Victorian-styled retail shopping centre located in the Sydney CBD - a paradise for shopaholics. It offers a wide range of shopping, including but not restricted to fashion, health and wellness, technology, homewares, jewellery and art. There is also a good selection of speciality shops in the arcade, all in one location. There are also some great cafes to stop by and grab a quick bite and refreshing brew.

3 km
from city center 38 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Open just on Saturdays, Carriageworks Farmers Market is a platform for farmers around New South Wales to bring in their fresh produce for people to purchase. People can even chat with the farmers to learn how the plants are grown and sourced organically to understand their food better. Products for sale include fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, spices, condiments, flowers, meat, loaves of bread and wine. Lastly, make sure to plan the visit with an empty belly because the market is filled with delicacies that are hard to resist.

6 km
from city center 39 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Located in the neighbourhood of Mosman, New South Wales, Obelisk beach is one of the few legal nude beaches in Sydney. One needs to walk down a bit to get to this beach, and yes, the not-so-easy walk is greeted by the serene beach, which is less crowded than most other beaches in Sydney. The beach offers splendid views of Camp Cove, Parsley, Vaucluse Bays and Watsons, which is nothing but a sight to marvel at. With good food, drinks and sunscreen, Obelisk Beach will serve as a great picnic spot to relax and rewind.

31 km
from city center 40 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Perched on the end of Sydney’s Northern beaches, Palm beach is a popular suburb in the city. Given its scenic location, it is a common spot for filming, and one can spot celebrities every now and then. The neighbourhood has multiple other beach-hopping beaches, including Palm Beach, Mona Vale beach, Bilgola beach, Whale beach and Paradise beach. Other main attractions to visit and experience here are the Home and Away set locations, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Bible Garden, and Tony Henry’s standup paddling. There are multiple trails along the beach for a pleasant hike that one shouldn’t miss as well.

18 km
from city center 41 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is one of the hidden gems in St. Ives, which offers a peaceful spot for people to relax away from the chaos of everyday life. Sprawling over 123 hectares of land, the garden offers a wide range of activities for children and adults. The garden also has short and long trails for people who love hiking, a wildflower nursery where one can purchase plants and spaces for special events and get-togethers. It also serves as a beautiful picnic spot for families with BBQs and tables for a fun day out.

12 km
from city center 42 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Queenscliff tunnel, also known as Manly's Wormhole, is a small yet beautiful tunnel which most tourists can easily miss. It was dug by the local fishermen in the 1900s to avoid the rocks around the beach. However, care should be taken that the area is not fenced or guarded; thus, one should always be careful. Though short, it is a bit challenging as it has a lot of rocks and puddles to cross, and it is best suited to visit the tunnel during the day. Once the end of the tunnel is reached, one will be greeted by a magnificent view of the Freshwater beach. The view, coupled with the sunset, is a fantastic experience.

6 km
from city center 43 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

The Vaucluse House is a heritage museum in Vaucluse, New South Wales. Formerly a residence of William Wentworth, the house was renovated and refurbished to make it into Australia's first official house museum. Built in the gothic revival architectural style, the house has been preserved in its historic style along with the original gardens and woods it was designed with. Visitors can explore the interiors, kitchen, garden, and other grounds maintained beautifully and experience the native wildlife around the area. Step inside the house to experience the architectural marvel of the 19th-century design filled with beautiful paintings, housewares and artifacts.

44 out of 44
things to do in Sydney

Street Art of Newtown is a must-visit for people who love indulging in art. Street art, graffiti art, name it, and one can find it here. What’s more? The art here speaks of stories of politics, real-life events, memories and much more. It will take more than half a day to look at all the artwork, but one can take a tour in even a couple of hours if there is no time to spare. A walking tour with the help of a guide would be best suited if one wants to know more about the artists and the story behind the artwork.