Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Sydney, Australia

Sydney serves as Australia’s vibrant counterpart to cultural metropolises like New York City, offering a dynamic atmosphere that is lively around the clock. Nestled amidst stunning beaches and mild winters, it is home to over 4 million residents and attracts more than 32 million visitors annually, making it the most sought-after destination within the nation.

The city’s diverse cultural fabric is reflected in its delicious culinary landscape, along with its exceptional shopping districts. Each suburb presents its unique vibe, ensuring that every traveler finds their niche in this tourist haven.

Let us explore the premier attractions in Sydney:

1. Experience a performance at the Opera House

The Opera House is arguably the first attraction that comes to mind when thinking of Sydney and Australia as a whole.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is breathtakingly beautiful and is particularly captivating when illuminated at night.

With an array of performances and events taking place regularly, visitors can also opt for guided tours of the Opera House or indulge in exquisite dining options available on-site.

2. Walk around Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a renowned recreational precinct adjacent to Sydney’s central business district, offering stunning river views and an abundance of dining and entertainment options.

This vibrant locale features numerous attractions, including the tranquil Chinese Garden of Friendship with its delightful teahouse, the Carousel, the National Maritime Museum, and the picturesque Dockside Pavilion.

The harbor also pulsates with nightlife, housing the bustling Harbourside Shopping Centre (complete with laser tag), an aquarium, and Madame Tussauds, among many others.

It is advisable to allocate an entire day to fully appreciate this iconic Sydney destination.

3. Discover the city with a free walking tour

The “I’m Free” walking tours provide an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with Sydney.

Led by passionate volunteers, these tours offer rich insights into the city’s attractions, revealing the history and significance of various sites.

The tours operate three times daily, and the knowledge gained during the experience serves as an excellent foundation for further exploration of the city.

4. Explore the iconic Paddy’s Markets

These markets have been a staple in Sydney for more than 150 years.

Paddy’s Markets, the largest in the city, boasts over 1,000 stalls located between Haymarket and Flemington.

Visitors can find an array of reasonably priced souvenirs, trinkets, and unique items, accompanied by a lively atmosphere and delectable food options.

5. Enjoy Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most celebrated beaches, frequented by both locals and international celebrities.

The locale is perpetually bustling, yet remains comfortably inviting, creating an exhilarating ambiance.

The surrounding suburb features exceptional shopping and dining experiences.

Bondi Beach is listed on the Australian Heritage List and is renowned for hosting the Guinness World Record for the most extensive swimsuit photo shoot, featuring 1,010 women in bikinis.

6. Scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge

This iconic structure is one of Sydney’s most recognizable landmarks and is among the few bridges worldwide that are open to climbers.

Participants are equipped with necessary safety gear and prepared for the ascent alongside a group and a knowledgeable Climb Leader.

The views captured during the climb are extraordinary, providing a unique perspective of this engineering marvel! Further details can be found here.

7. Dine at Circular Quay

Circular Quay is celebrated for its exceptional gourmet dining experiences, highlighted by breathtaking views of the sapphire waters of Sydney Harbour.

Notable options include ARIA, Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, Yayoi Garden, and Tapavino. For those on a budget, Banh You Vietnamese Street Food, City Extra for burgers, or the weekly meal deals at the Ship Inn are excellent choices.

8. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens, established in 1816, are the oldest of their kind in Australia and the first scientific institution in the nation.

Having recently marked its bicentennial, the Gardens celebrated through various popular commemorative events.

A range of guided and self-guided tours are available, and the Choo Choo express provides a quick, scenic option for navigating the Gardens.

Visitors can learn about Australian botanical history while enjoying the stunning plant diversity. The Royal Botanic Gardens are located just a short walk from Sydney’s CBD and the Opera House, attracting over 5 million visitors each year.

9. Experience Australiana with a Home and Away tour

Home and Away, one of Australia’s most cherished television exports, has been consistently airing since 1988, making it the second-longest-running drama series in Australian television history; it can be viewed on Channel 7 from Monday to Thursday at 7 PM for 45 weeks each year.

The series has been distributed to 80 countries worldwide and is especially adored in the United Kingdom.

Set in the fictional Summer Bay and primarily filmed in Palm Beach, fans of the show will likely recognize the various magnificent backdrops, and there is a chance to observe shooting if you visit during production. Palm Beach is renowned for its stunning scenery, characterized by crystalline waters and pristine white sands, making it an excellent retreat for relaxation.

10. Get an adrenaline rush at Luna Park

Luna Park is notable for its whimsical entrance, providing a quirky photo backdrop.

Adventurers seeking thrills will enjoy a variety of amusement park rides, particularly the Wild Mouse rollercoaster.

Moreover, for those seeking a romantic dining experience, Luna Park offers the unique opportunity to dine in a ferris wheel carriage on Sundays.

The park also features a Coney Island-themed area inspired by the original Coney Island in the US, offering classic funhouse attractions, games, and a mirror maze.

11. Explore the picturesque seaside town of Manly

Manly is a charming beachside suburb, easily accessible via a scenic ferry ride from Sydney’s city center.

This destination is extremely popular, attracting approximately 8 million visitors annually, and is ideal for an array of beach and water activities such as beach volleyball, jogging, kayaking, scuba diving, and surfing.

In addition, Manly boasts an array of delightful al fresco dining options, a quaint museum, a marine sanctuary, and even opportunities for shark diving! Engaging guided walking tours led by knowledgeable residents are also available.

12. Take a cruise or ferry around Circular Quay and Darling Harbour

Cruising past the Opera House while taking in the spectacular water views is an exquisite way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Various sightseeing cruises are on offer, many of which include catering; however, budget-conscious travelers can enjoy the same stunning views via public transport, with trips from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour costing under $4.

13. Go museum hopping

As one would anticipate from Australia’s largest city, Sydney boasts numerous world-class museums that provide captivating insights into the city’s history, culture, and global art collections.

The Australian Museum features a notable natural history exhibition, allowing visitors to learn about Australia’s unique wildlife without the associated dangers.

Another great choice, the Powerhouse Museum, focuses on science, design, and innovation, with engaging displays that range from steam engine technology to life in the 1980s and even a captivating dancing robot.

The Hyde Park Barracks Museum is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a poignant reflection on the city’s convict past.

It serves as a striking reminder of the difficult realities faced by early settlers while also showcasing the resilience of humanity throughout history.

14. Discover Sydney’s vibrant nightlife

Sydney consistently ranks as one of the premier nightlife destinations in the southern hemisphere, and it is easy to understand why.

In particular, Oxford Street (the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community) features numerous venues catering to diverse audiences; other notable spots include Chinese Laundry and Home. The Kings Cross area also offers many bars and clubs; however, visitors should exercise caution due to its often seedy nature at night.

15. Experience sports at the SCG

Sports play a significant role in Sydney’s culture, and the passion locals exhibit for their favorite teams is undeniable.

The Sydney Cricket Ground offers a vibrant atmosphere for catching a game with newfound friends from Sydney; the venue hosts various sports events throughout the year, including cricket, rugby, and AFL. Even for those who may not be avid sports enthusiasts, the palpable excitement in the air during a game can be an exhilarating experience, and purchasing souvenirs for sports fans back home is encouraged.

16. Connect with nature at Garigal National Park

Garigal National Park is a protected natural area located in Sydney’s North Shore region.

Just 20 km from the CBD, this beautiful escape offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s busy atmosphere and is a favored weekend retreat for local residents.

The park covers an expansive area of 2,202 hectares, featuring well-known trails cherished by walkers, hikers, and cyclists; the Cascades are especially remarkable.

Visitors can encounter breathtaking scenery and diverse local flora and fauna, alongside 100 recorded ancient Aboriginal sites that include cave art and rock engravings.

17. Combine bar-hopping with history on the Sydney Historic Pub Crawl

Pubs have historically played a central role in Sydney’s societal fabric since the early days of European settlement. This four-hour historic pub crawl guides visitors to four of the city’s oldest pubs while recounting compelling tales regarding the area’s intriguing, often gritty, history, which includes gang culture, brothels, unsolved murders, and more.

Sydney is rich in stories, and this pub crawl serves as an entertaining means of delving into the city’s colorful underbelly.

18. Engage with wildlife at Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is a short ferry ride from Sydney’s central business district yet transports visitors into a wholly different realm.

Well-maintained, the zoo is home to a diverse array of animals and is dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and public education.

A sky-high ropes adventure course affords breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour.

The zoo is expansive but provides an enjoyable travel experience via the zoo train and Sky Safari, ensuring comfort during your visit.

Adventure seekers can even spend the night at the zoo in safari-style tents.

19. Embark on a thrilling ghost tour

Discover another side of Sydney through an engaging ghost tour, exploring the city’s spooky history rooted in its origins as a former convict colony.

Numerous companies offer ghost tours that share true stories of murders, suicides, and hauntings.

One notable tour includes a visit to Quarantine Station, a location historically used to isolate individuals suspected of carrying contagious diseases.

This site is reputed to be one of Australia’s most haunted locations, with tour options featuring an “extreme ghost tour” alongside actual paranormal investigators.

20. Relive nostalgia at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace

The Hayden Orpheum stands as a historical gem in cinema, reminiscent of the picture theatres frequented by earlier generations.

Operating since 1935, this cinema allows visitors to experience contemporary films in a luxurious 1930s setting.

The retro neon signage out front harks back to a bygone era, providing an appealing photo opportunity.

Some screenings even feature a live theatre organ, a rare addition in the modern age of filmmaking, creating a unique and enchanting ambiance for film lovers.

The Picture Palace occasionally hosts themed movie nights; thus, it is recommended to check their schedule for special events.

21. Experience history at Elizabeth Farm

Elizabeth Farm is Australia’s oldest homestead, situated amidst a re-created garden dating back to the 1830s.

This living museum provides unrestricted access, allowing visitors to roam freely and experience the atmosphere of early 19th-century life.

Elizabeth Farm offers insightful engagement with the lives of early European settlers through the historical narrative of the MacArthur family.

Various tours are available, including candlelight tours and family-focused experiences, alongside a lovely tearoom for enjoying traditional Devonshire tea.

22. Enjoy panoramic views from Sydney Tower

The Sydney Tower Eye, the highest point in the city, offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic vistas.

Visiting is a delight at any time, especially just before sunset, allowing guests to appreciate both daytime and twilight views, thus enhancing the visual splendor.

The Tower remains open every day throughout the year, and visitors can also opt for a SKYWALK tour around the outer perimeter.

23. Savor the freshest catch at Sydney Fish Market

Renowned for its excellent seafood, Sydney Fish Market is an ideal choice for those in search of high-quality catches.

Beyond being a gastronomic delight, the Market provides a lively shopping experience, and visitors can partake in behind-the-scenes tours.

A wide range of cafes and restaurants, including a sushi bar and a Chinese restaurant featuring yum cha, can be found on-site.

24. Tour The Rocks

The Rocks area is known as the site of Australia’s first European settlement, steeped in history, having initially served as a convict settlement before evolving into a vibrant working-class district.

This neighborhood houses Cadman’s Cottage, the oldest residential building in Sydney.

The Rocks is also famous for its markets, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Art galleries and excellent dining establishments abound in this historic district.

25. Visit Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island is situated in the heart of Sydney Harbour and is conveniently accessible by ferry.

Sections of the island have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized as part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.

The Australian Convict Sites represent the best-preserved evidence of the transportation and forced labor utilized to establish Australia as a European settlement.

The convict precinct on Cockatoo Island provides a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by convicts during that era.

Historically rich, the island also showcases a captivating maritime past, being utilized as a reform school until 1979.

In addition to its historical significance, the island is a scenic retreat and is a popular destination for camping.

Visitors can also find a giant chessboard outside the Visitor’s Centre.