This vibrant city shines all year with spectacular events, including the world-famous Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks. Just the mere mention of Sydney is enough to bring up an image of the iconic Sydney Opera House. A popular spot for travelers taking a trip down under, Sydney boasts a unique blend of an impressive skyline, picturesque harbors, iconic architecture, and golden beaches.
Witness the best of this wonderland as you walk up 1,002 steps up the BridgeClimb for stunning views at the top. Meet Australia’s unique fauna at the Sydney Wildlife Zoo, where you can say hi to the sleepy koalas, adorable baby kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, and other animals. You can also take a leisurely boat ride or a relaxing cruise to experience the best of the harbor, go to blockbuster musicals, brilliant theatre, thrilling sports, Vivid Sydney’s festival of light, music and among many other things that Sydney has to offer.
1. Opera House
Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Fantastic place to sit and appreciate the beauty of architecture and modern city life. The Opera bar downstairs has one of the best views in Sydney. Go here for the sunset and sip on a glass of the Opera bar sparkling wine. It gets busy though, so get there early to bag one of the tables on the upper walkway.
I personally love performing arts and saw a play here. Great venue and good value entertainment. Would definitely recommend checking out some of the best performances Sydney has to offer.
Book the Great Opera Hits at the Sydney Opera House ticket online here
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
An amazing place and a piece of architectural engineering creativity rich in history. If you have the time, get the ultimate experience by climbing the bridge. Even if you are scared of heights ‘like me’ you still have to do it, it is a once in a lifetime thing to do when in Sydney. Otherwise, simply walk on it for an incredible view of Sydney Harbour. Well worth the walk across, plus good local area exploring at either end, especially The Rocks or Observatory Hill.
Book the Sydney BridgeClimb Express ticket online here
3. Royal Botanic Gardens
This is a beautiful botanic garden, well laid out, with beautiful and unusual specimen trees and plants! There are special exhibits, such as The Palm House, the very cool and atmospheric fern garden, the rose garden, etc, that all deserve a look and experience.
There is a beautiful, wide paved walkway that takes one around the harbor from the Opera House to “Mrs. Macquaries Chair”, a beautiful breezy walk that takes about 25 minutes each direction. There are many places to eat and a gift shop. The architecture within includes everything from castles to contemporary. There is something for everyone to see and do, and a photographers paradise.
4. Luna Park Sydney
There were lots of good rides for a range of ages. The staff was all super friendly and the whole place has a great carnival feel. While there are no rides that have a real wow factor to them, all the rides are fun and there’s something for everyone. The park has kept true to its origins and has a pleasant, vintage feel to it which sucks you in the moment you arrive. Queues can be quite long on weekends and holidays if you’re looking to maximise bang for your buck, go on a weekday.
Book the Luna Park Sydney Ticket online here
5. Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
One of the best Sydney walks along our foreshores and beaches. If you haven’t done it get moving. Even better if you can pass time by looking at ‘sculptures by the sea’. Start at Bronte end and finish up having lunch at Bondi. There is a great diversity of people from all over the world, surfing, beach, Bondi Icebergs and everything very busy, very full of life. The best way to reach here is by taking big bus pass from Circular quay tourist guide center.
6. Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a fun place to be. There is so much to see and do in the area. There are many restaurants with a wide variety of food and outdoor seating. The kids playground is well designed and provides great entertainment. The convention center, cinema, shops, and numerous museums — Maritime, Sea Life, Wild Life — are here too.
Wild Life Sydney
- 10:00am-5:00pm, daily
- Last admission: 4:00pm
Sydney Sea Life Aquarium
- 10:00am-6:00pm, daily (Last admission: 5:00pm)
- Public holidays: 10:00am-7:00pm (Last admission: 6:00pm)
Sydney Madame Tussauds
- 10:00am-6:00pm, daily
- Last admission: 5:00pm
Sydney Wild Life, Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds
Address: 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Sydney Tower Eye
- 9:00am-9:00pm, daily
- Last admission: 8:00pm
- Please check Sydney Tower Eye Entry Ticket for Scheduled Variations to Opening Times
Book Sydney Attractions Combo Ticket online here
7. Taronga Zoo Sydney
Just a 10 minutes ferry ride from Circular Quay. We saw so many lovely animals, including koala 🐨 My favourite part was walking through the closed off park to see the Kangaroos, Wallabies, and Emus up close. You can make your way through the zoo all the way downhill and at the end of the day, you can ride the cable car (above the animals) back up to the entrance.
Book Taronga Zoo Sydney Entry Ticket online here
8. Sydney Fish Market
Sydney Fish Market is the ultimate best place to come if you are a seafood lover. It really looks like a seafood dream paradise that you can ever imagine. There is a whole range of different kinds of seafood you can choose from and to eat. On top of that, the seafood is just as fresh as you can get right here.
9. Manly Beach
The beach is pure beauty with idyllic turquoise waters and golden sand. There are also frequent lifeguards along the whole beach and safety flags. Nearby is Manly town (just across the road) which has a great selection of gift stores and places serving delicious food.
Reachable by ferry from a harbor near opera in Sydney. Then, you can enjoy the view on the opera building along the way. Board rentals, surfing lessons and no shortage of bars, restaurants and cafe’s close at hand.
10. Royal National Park
There were so many nice areas to explore, with seats, tables and hot plates. And they also provide a great canoeing and kayaking experience with beautiful landscapes. I would suggest to go there a little earlier than usual though, to beat traffic and get the good spots.
11. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Cost: Free
The Art Gallery of NSW is one of the most significant art museums in Australia. They have permanent galleries and rotating exhibitions from their collection.
This place also showcases some traveling exhibitions which help to keep the content fresh and exciting. At present, the Picasso exhibition is on display. You are able to visit by booking a time and day through the website.
12. Chinese Garden of Friendship
Cost: 6 AUD
Such a great, peaceful place right in the middle of the city. The gardens are beautiful, well looked after and it’s a bit surreal to see the buildings in the background.
13. Chinatown Sydney
Excellent place to visit and get some authentic Chinese food in Sydney. Many bubble tea options as well. I would highly recommend the Emperor’s Garden for cream puffs. It is definitely worth waiting in line. Plus you cannot beat 3 for 1$ cream puffs.
14. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
An amazing day trip from Sydney! Only an hour or so by car, depending on where you’re coming from (we live in the Inner West), but it feels like it’s miles and miles away. Stunning views and was really peaceful when we went. The picnic site near West Head Lookout was lovely. We did the Aboriginal Loop and the walk down to West Head beach.
15. Capitol Theatre
Beautiful old theatre, great experience, worth going to a show there. It has been a long time since I attended a musical but it was very good. Busy but organized with a nice traditional theatre feel.
16. Skydive Sydney Wollongong
- Take the plunge and experience 60 seconds of freefall after jumping out of a plane from up to 15,000 ft!
- Try to keep your eyes open so you don’t miss the best views of Sydney’s southern beaches from above
Book Skydive Sydney Wollongong online here
Suzanarama 