visit sydney adventure

Ultimate Sydney Itinerary for 2 to 5 Days

Australia’s oldest city was founded by the British in the late 18th century as a penal colony, but trust us, a lot has changed since then! We’re here to help you nail out your Sydney itinerary with the best the city has to offer.

Sydney is Australia’s most iconic travel destination. The capital of New South Wales is bustling, busy, and full of famous tourist attractions, museums, and beaches.

There’s so much to fit into a Sydney itinerary, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

Our Sydney trip plan gives you three full days to explore, starting with the popular Sydney Harbor and moving out to the beaches and coastline.

Of course, you can spend much longer than three days, so we’ve added a few of our favorite day trips too!

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Australia (Travel Guide)

Ultimate Sydney Itinerary

Table of Contents

If it’s your first time in the city, then the first day of your Sydney itinerary has to begin in the most famous area.

If you’ve flown in from anywhere (yes, Sydney is remote!), you’ll probably have spent your first day in bed.

Get your first proper morning in the city off to a good start with a substantial Aussie breakfast and some coffee in Circular Quays.  

Sydney Explorer HOHO Bus

This has always been one of my favorite ways to see a city. Although not always the cheapest option, you get to stay above ground and on the top of the double-decker buses you get a perspective of the city you cannot find elsewhere.

They take you to the best places the city has to offer and I have some amazing city visits by utilizing these buses in many cities in Europe and the United States.

Take advantage of the Ultimate Sydney Arrival Package or the Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour to maximize your time in the city.

Day 1: Sydney Trip Plan

Explore the harbor area.

Once you’re fueled up on smashed avocados and flat whites, it’s time to explore the Harbor Area.

Many people don’t know that Sydney Harbour is actually a naturally occurring landmark and boasts being the most beautiful natural harbor in the world.

Although there are over 150 miles of shoreline the most popular areas are the landmarks of the Royal Botanical Gardens and the beautiful Sydney Opera House.

Furthermore, you may take a ferry ride across the harbor to enjoy some great restaurants that are situated right on the beach.

This is an efficient way of navigating the harbor because it contains more than 30 mi.² of water and is much more convenient than trying to walk around the shoreline.

With so many spots to stop and visit around the harbor, make sure to give yourself ample time to explore.

Top recommended tours :

• Experience the Real Sydney with our Signature Tour
• Sydney 6 Hour Private Tour
• Hidden Sydney Walking Tour – Stories, Food & Coffee

Royal Botanic Gardens

While it’s still morning (that means before it gets hot!), take the chance to stroll through the fresh air and open spaces of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Located right on the edge of the water, next to the Opera House, it’s a lovely place to take in the city’s skyline and admire plants from around the world.

The 74 acre Royal Botanical Gardens were founded in 1816 and house some of Sydney’s most beautiful green spaces.

The park is grouped into 18 different spaces that include spectacular flora such as the Succulent Garden, and Palace Rose Garden, to name a few.

The park hosts several events throughout the year and the gardens are very popular as a wedding venue. You can pack a picnic just watch out for the birds.

The local foul have been helping themselves to picnic food for years and are not wary of people. Even at that though, it’s a lot of fun, especially for kids, to see these beautiful birds come so close and act so spry.

The park that holds the gardens is free and has many trails and walking paths that take you some amazing displays of flowers and plants.

To top it all off, you get some pretty amazing views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge from the various lookouts in the garden. This was a highlight for us and it shouldn’t be missed.

Top recommended tours:

• Aboriginal Heritage Tour at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
• Private Sydney City Tour: The Key Attractions
• Half-Day or Full-Day Private Guide Hire From Sydney

Sydney Harbor Bridge

Sydney Harbor Bridge is one of the most impressive feats of engineering you’ll find in Sydney.

You can walk all the way across this iron and steel monster from the harbor to the other side of the river in around 20 minutes.

A better option though, is a Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure and a thrill, join a tour that takes you right up into the high supports of the bridge for epic views over the harbor.

You are harnessed up and led to the top of the bridge, so it’s not great if you’re scared of heights, of course. Book in advance for the best time slots.

• Sydney Private Tour featuring Wilderness, Wildlife, Waves, Waterfalls and Wine
• BOHO BLITZ: best of Sydney’s charming inner city neighbourhoods 1 day!
• Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast

Pylon Lookout

Of course, the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re scared of heights or traveling on a tight budget (it’s not cheap).

Another less expensive option is to head to the top of Pylon Lookout, which is found at the harbor side end of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Pylon Lookout offers incredible views over the harbor, and for a much more modest entrance fee.

• Sydney by Night | The Original Luxury Private Night Tour
• 30-Minute Sydney Harbour and Olympic Park Helicopter Tour

Sydney Observatory

While you’re by the bridge, it’s always worth taking a look around the intriguing Sydney Observatory, located on the hilltop next to the bridge.

The observatory is now a science museum, but it dates back to the mid 19th century. The grassy areas around the observatory offer fantastic views over the Sydney Harbor Bridge too.

• Chinese Garden General Admission Ticket
• Sydney Bike Tours

The narrow streets and historic buildings clustered around the harbor and the bridge are known as The Rocks. For a first time Sydney itinerary, this area is a must-visit.

For starters, it’s one of the oldest areas in the city, and much of the architecture is very Victorian in design.

Secondly, it’s home to The Rocks Market, an open-air market packed with local craft stalls and fantastic food stands where you can fuel up after a long morning.

• The Rocks Walking Tour: the Original Guided Walking Tour of The Rocks
• The Rocks Pub Walking Tour
• Sydney Photography Tour in the Historic Rocks Area

Spooky Night Tour of The Rocks

The Rocks is made up of the original city center that was colonized by the British that first arrived in 1788. The area is known for its dark past as it was built specifically for the convicts being sent over from Britain.

If you messed up in Britain, you were put on a boat to a far off place to pay your penance. People were sent to Australia for crimes as petty as stealing a loaf of bread.

We decided that a wander on our own wouldn’t give us the atmosphere we were looking for so we joined up with I’m Free Walking Tours for a night tour of The Rocks.

We started at the famous Cadman’s cottage, the home of the man that guarded the port. Today his house sits inland, but when the colony was first established, it sat right on the water.

From there we spent a solid hour and a half touring the most famous and not so famous areas of The Rocks district.

She told us the history, shared the stories of how it grew and then declined. She told us stories about some of the people that lived here which gave a fascinating insight into what it was like for these people to arrive in a new land.

We were not spared the gruesome stories of murders, lynchings and ghosts that accompany the area either.

Lastly, we were told of the efforts to preserve the area, how it was almost demolished to build high rise apartments and then how it became a protected area of Sydney.

The area has a lot of charm and most of the buildings are preserved in their original appearances.

Museum of Sydney

Spend your afternoon learning more about the city’s history and culture by visiting the excellent Museum of Sydney.

This is the premier museum in the city, so take your time browsing through the exhibits and galleries inside.

• Kayak to Goat Island in Sydney Harbour with Local
• Shark Dive Xtreme at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
• Virtual Room – 45-min Immersive Time Travel Adventure for 2+ Players

Sydney Opera House

This structure is by far the most recognizable, featured on travel sites, postcards, and magazines. It is the icon of Sydney and Australia.

We recommend the 90-minute tour where you will not only learn about the soaring roof peaks and how the building was made, but also the individual venues that house much of the entertainment that visits Sydney.

You won’t have to wait to see a show in order to appreciate the wonderful Sydney Opera House. If you can, try and coincide your visit to Sydney with a trip to a performance at the Sydney Opera House.

There is also a five-star restaurant attached to the opera house that is rated as one of the world’s best for its cuisine offerings. Just be sure to get your reservation in early and try to make it at sunset if you can.

That way you are guaranteed to have one of the most breathtaking views that Sydney has to offer.

There are shows and events all through the year here, but of course, you will need to try and secure tickets in advance.

Grab dinner and a few drinks in the harbor area before enjoying a performance at the iconic Opera House to round off the first day of your Sydney trip plan.

• Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour
• Sydney Attraction Pass Including Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
• Sydney Opera House Tour and Tasting Plate Dining Experience

Paddy’s Market

In an attempt to beat the rain, we hopped on the metro and made our way towards one of Sydney’s most popular markets, Paddy’s.

This market reminded us of a lot of the markets you can find in Asia and Mexico with stall after stall of vendors. You can buy just about anything you may or may not need here.

The market is generally open Wednesday – Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

Day 2: What to Do in Sydney

Start the day with a classic Aussie breakfast again; today is going to be another action-packed addition to your Sydney trip plan.

On day two of your Sydney itinerary, you’ll be heading towards the coast, where you’ll be exploring the famed Bondi Beach.

Get to know Sydney on this 1/2 day tour : Sydney Half Day Luxury Private Tour – Morning or Afternoon Avail

Bondi Beach

Sydney is known for being a coastal city, so there’s no way you can plan a Sydney itinerary without a visit to Bondi Beach, the most famous beach of them all.

The great thing is, it’s less than half an hour by public transport from the harbor area to Bondi. Get here in the morning so you can see the surfers out on the waves.

This is one of the most legendary surfing beaches in Australia. If you’re a surfer, you might want to spend the day riding the waves at Bondi Beach instead of continuing the rest of the second day of the Sydney trip plan!

Bondi Beach can be compared to South Beach in Miami. It is all glitz and glamor and according to the bus tour, the place to see and be seen in Sydney.

The beach itself is quite beautiful though and it felt really nice to walk on the beach in the sunshine and then browse through the various shops that lined the main drive.

• Surfing Lessons on Sydney’s Bondi Beach
• Private Sydney City and Bondi Beach Half Day Tour
• Palm Beach and Pittwater Kayak Tours

Bronte Baths

Enjoy Bondi Beach and visit the nearby Bondi Markets to grab a few snacks or drinks before walking along the coast towards Bronte Beach.

You can find the beautiful Bronte Baths, a public swimming pool carved from the rocks that’s kept topped up by the ocean.

• Bondi Beach Walking Tour with Optional Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
• Bondi Beach and beyond
• Private Sydney city to Bondi Coast Tour with Waterfront Lunch

Coogee Beach

From Bronte Beach, continue walking along the coast to reach Coogee Beach. This is the end of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Pathway, which you will have been following.

Coogee Beach is by far the most popular place to spend a lazy day in Sydney. The beautiful sand and placid water make the perfect stress free outing for everyone, young and old.

Coogee Beach is a short ferry ride from Sydney Harbour and is very visitor friendly.

One of its biggest draws is the sprawling boardwalk that houses many beach themed shops and has some of the most delicious cafe food to be found in all of Sydney.

You’ll be able to sit and enjoy a drink or a meal while you look out over the beautiful beach. It doesn’t get more relaxing than that.

Coogee can be quieter than Bondi (it’s not quite as famous), so take some time to relax on the beach, Aussie style.

• Kiama Coast, Bush, Beaches and BBQ Lunch Small Group Tour
• Sydney Six Beaches Trike Tour
• Sydney Harbour, Northern beaches and National Park

Darling Harbor

Catch the bus back to Sydney’s city center, and you can freshen up before enjoying a relaxed evening at Darling Harbor.

At this waterfront area, you’ll find plenty of places for drinks, cocktails, and great food, for a great end to day two of your Sydney trip plan.

• Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charters on Sydney Harbour
• Private Catamaran Hire on Sydney Harbour
• Sydney Harbour Secrets 3-Hour Cruise

Sydney Fish Market

You may a bit apprehensive because of all the talk about it being a tourist trap, but the Sydney Fish Market is a must during your time in the city.

It’s exciting to go in and be able to choose from a vast selection of fresh fish and the prices were very reasonable.

You can opt to buy the fish and take it home to prepare yourself if you’d like, or you can have it prepared for you on-site and enjoy it the way the fishmongers cook it.

We recommend you do both to fully experience the fish market.

Day 3 : Things to do in Sydney

It’s the third day of the Sydney itinerary, and again, it’s good to get a big breakfast and an early start.

Today, you’ll be exploring the northern coastline of the city with a visit to Manly Beach!

• Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride: 30 Minutes
• Sydney Speed Boat Adventure Harbour Tour

Take the Ferry to Manly Beach

Manly Beach is located on the northern shoreline of the city; it’s another of Australia’s most iconic beaches.

Getting here is all part of the experience because you can take a ferry ride along the river. Jump on the ferry at the harbor and cruise downriver in style.

The ferries are fantastic: they’re cheap, yet offer excellent views of the city (who needs an expensive river cruise?).

• Sydney’s Tall Ship Sailing Adventure on James Craig
• Romantic Sailing on Sydney Harbour
• Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

Manly Beach

Once you’ve reached Manly, head straight to the beach. Soak up the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, take a swim to cool off, or just sit back and relax.

Locals claim that Manly is where Australian surfing began, so yes, you can surf here too!

• Sydney Scenic Flight by Seaplane
• Private Helicopter Flight Over Sydney and Beaches for 3 – 30 Minutes
• Private Sunset Helicopter Flight Over Sydney and Beaches for 3 – 30 Minutes

North Head Sanctuary Loop

From the beach, you can take a stroll along the coast. First, head south to Shelley Beach. From here, you can join the North Head Sanctuary Loop.

It’s a lovely walk around the peninsula that forms the northern head of the entrance to Sydney Harbor. The views are beautiful; you can see right out across the Pacific and back towards the city.

• Manly Snorkel Trip and Nature Walk with Local Guide
• Guided Kayaking Eco Tour through Sydney’s Middle Harbour
• Wollongong Tandem Skydiving from Sydney

The Rocks Pub Crawl

Take the ferry back to Sydney Harbor when you’ve explored Manly, and get ready for your last night out in Sydney.

A great place to spend your last evening will be The Rocks, the area you already explored on day one. This time, though, you can visit all the pubs and bars the area is known for – for a great end to your Sydney itinerary.

• Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour with Drinks and Dinner
• Drink & Discover Secret Bar Walking Tour

Days 4 and 5: Day Trips From Sydney

While you will need more than 3 days to see the best of Sydney and the surrounding area, it is worth planning at least one day for day trips.

Blue Mountains

If you have only one extra day in Sydney, you have to visit the Blue Mountains . Located just an hour inland from the city, this is one of Australia’s most spectacular outdoor areas.

Head to the Three Sisters Lookout, where you’ll see the deep gorges below you and the iconic rock formations that give the area its name.

You can ride the Scenic Skyway across the canyon or take the scenic train into the valley.

• All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Tour in a Luxury Mercedes Sprinter
• Blue Mountains Day Tour Including Breakfast in the Aussie Bush
• Blue Mountains Private Tour from Sydney

Hawkesbury River

Escape the city by taking a trip to the Hawkesbury River, a worthy addition to any Sydney trip plan.

This beautiful area is surrounded by peaceful, outdoor scenery and is bordered by a national park on one bank.

Take a boat ride, drive from one small town to the next, or enjoy some great hiking!

• Walking with Wombats Day Tour: All Inclusive
• Full Day Sub-Tropical Rainforest Canyoning Adventure from Sydney
• Small-Group Hunter Valley Wine and Cheese Tasting Tour from Sydney

Take the highway south from Sydney, and your first stop will be Jervis Bay . This beautiful seaside community is home to what the locals claim is one of Australia’s best beaches.

That’s a huge claim, but when you see the beach for the first time, you might just agree. Spend your day relaxing on the soft sands or get active and enjoy the snorkeling because the water here is crystal clear.

Top 5 tours in Jervis Bay:

• Jervis Bay Whale Watching Cruise
• Jervis Bay Dolphin Watch Cruise
• Hiking The Castle in the spectacular Budawang Mountain Range
• Jervis Bay Passage Cruise
• Fishermans Paradise Eco-walk

Where to Stay in Sydney

When it comes to accommodation in Sydney, your options are really endless. You can find a place to stay on any budget, but of course there are a few that stand out above the crowd.

• Best Luxury Option: Radisson Blue Plaza Hotel
• Best Mid-Range Option: IBIS Sydney Darling Harbour
• Best Hostel: YHA Rocks

If You Have a Campervan…

If you are driving a campervan around Australia, like we did, and would rather stay in your van than a hotel, this is the best option for you.

We wanted to stay in our van, but we needed to make sure we were close enough to public transportation so we wouldn’t have to worry about driving our van into the city and paying loads of money for parking.

This wasn’t an easy task. Luckily, I stumbled on a website that touted the Lane Cove River Tourist Park is the place to camp within the city limits of Sydney.

After some research, I learned that the campsite is literally in the suburbs of Sydney, near North Ryde.

The subway stop was a 10-minute walk from the campground and would have you smack dab in the CBD in 30 minutes.  Metro tickets cost us $6 each for a return that lasted all day. You can’t really beat that.

The campground itself was set in a nice area with plenty of wildlife roaming in, out and around the grounds. The amenities were good and for a $39AUD per night powered camping site, you couldn’t go wrong.

We enjoyed our time at the campground and would recommend it to other camper vanners looking for a place to stay and park in Sydney.

Enjoy Your Trip to Sydney!

Sydney is one of the most enjoyable cities in the world. It is easy to navigate and there are many options for getting from point A to point B.

With so much to do in one place, it’s not hard to fill your itinerary. The food is amazing and the locals are very friendly. The atmosphere is truly wonderful.

There is plenty to see and do in the heart of the city and so much more to do on the outskirts of town that Sydney is definitely a vacationer’s dream destination.

More on Australia:

• 25 Top Things to Do in Australia (On Your First Visit!)
• Ultimate Sydney to Melbourne Drive Itinerary
• 30 Epic Things to Do in Melbourne
• Backpacking in Australia: 8 Week Recap & Travel Tips
• Should I Rent a Jucy Campervan in Australia?

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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The Only Guide You Need to Sydney — Great Eats, Idyllic Beaches, and Luxury Hotels Included

Visit Sydney for an unforgettable adventure. Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this Sydney travel guide.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Famously photogenic Sydney is Australia's largest city and the capital of New South Wales, the country's most visited state.

The traditional home of the Gadigal people of the Eora Aboriginal Nation, Sydney has evolved from a humble British penal colony founded in 1788 to a thriving port city.

Today, nearly half of Sydney's residents, known as "Sydneysiders," were born overseas. The city’s rich cultural makeup is now reflected in its diverse food scene, where just about every major international cuisine is represented in increasingly creative ways.

Among the city's most recognizable attractions are the iconic Sydney Opera House, with its distinctive white "sails," and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, affectionately known as the "coat hanger." But there is plenty more to love about this showstopping waterside metropolis.

Sydney's moderate climate and variety of beaches and parks make it ideal for outdoor activities, and an ever-expanding roster of luxury hotels offer plenty of options to lay your head at the end of each day.

Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) UTC/GMT +10 hours From approximately October through March — Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) UTC/GMT +11

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, with opposite seasons to the Northern Hemisphere. Among the best times to visit Sydney for weather are the months of October and November (late spring) or March and April (early autumn) when temperatures are comfortable and the humidity is lower.

The peak times for tourism and the warmest weather are the summer months of December through February. Crowds peak between Christmas and the end of January during the summer school and university holidays. Naturally, prices are higher during this season, but it's ideal  beach weather, with popular festivals and events including the month-long Sydney Festival in January, and the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade in February.

The low season — May through August — is chillier and prices are lower. It's still a pleasant time to be in Sydney, and the excellent Vivid Sydney festival lights up the city with creative energy in May and June. The Sydney Film Festival is held in June, and the Bondi Festival in July

Currency: Australian Dollar AUD

Language: English

Calling Code: +61

Electricity: The plug is Type I, with three flat pins in a triangular pattern. Australia uses 220-240 volts (U.S. is 120 volts), so a converter may be needed for certain devices.

Sydney's long-running obsession with artisan coffee makes it easy to find a perfect brew. Some claim the flat white (espresso with steamed milk and only a thin layer of cream) was first served in Sydney.

In general, visitors will find that prices are high in Australia compared to the U.S. (outside New York City, at least), including in Sydney. However, tipping is not customary or expected in Australia where tax and service are included in the bill by law, and minimum wages are higher than in the U.S. For excellent service in restaurants, taxis, hotels, and tours, you may wish to add 10-20 percent as a "thank you."

Retailers that sell alcoholic beverages in Australia are called "bottle shops," and a standard glass of beer is called a "schooner." Smoking is banned in all indoor public spaces and certain outdoor areas, including beaches, national parks, and public transport stops.

Sydney has some of the world’s best tap water; plastic bottled water is available, but frowned upon.

Currently being redeveloped into Australia’s premier destination for all things seafood, the Sydney Fish Market (due to open in 2024) remains operational, featuring seafood retailers, restaurants, and cooking classes.

The Opal card can be used on all public transport, including trains, ferries, buses, and light rail.

Sydney Buses : Buses connect all areas of the city, including those without rail or ferry transport. NightRide services replace most train routes between midnight and 4 a.m.

Sydney Trains : Six of Sydney’s eight trains run through the city center, including the line to Sydney Airport. The main terminus for local and regional trains is Central Station at Railway Square. Maps and timetables are available at Transport NSW.

Regional Trains : Departing from Central Station, regional trains and coaches service destinations that include the NSW South Coast, Blue Mountains, and Central Coast.

Sydney Light Rail : Sydney’s three light rail lines run through the city center, providing easy access to Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and beyond.

Sydney Ferries : From Circular Quay ferry terminal in the CBD, ferries offer a scenic and convenient option for traveling to Manly Beach, Taronga Zoo, and attractions beyond.

River Ferry : The river ferry travels up the Parramatta River, from Circular Quay to Parramatta, with stops that include Sydney Olympic Park.

Taxis and Ride-share Services : Silver Service taxis offer premium rides, and Uber and Ola operate ride-sharing services in Sydney.

The Langham, Sydney

Address: 89-113 Kent St., Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9256 2222

Set in the heart of The Rocks district among historic cobbled streets, this romantic property features an indoor pool, spa, and several dining venues. Some rooms even offer expansive terraces and views of the harbor or city skyline. Pets also receive five-star service, with dog walking and pet sitting available.

Capella Sydney

Address: 35-39 Bridge St. Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 9071 5090

Sydney’s first major hotel opening of 2023, Capella has transformed the CBD’s historic Department of Education building into one of the city’s finest luxury hotels, its golden sandstone facade now complemented by the elegance of 192 guest rooms and suites across eight levels. Anchored by three ground-level food and beverage offerings, including signature restaurant Brasserie 1930, the hotel also gives guests exclusive access to its dreamy Auriga Spa. 

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Address: 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia Phone: +61 2 9331 9000

Located on the historic Finger Wharf in Sydney’s inner Eastern Suburbs, this luxury hotel embraces color and convenience in equal measure, with a long list of complimentary perks such as breakfast, the first round of sunset drinks, all-day snacks, and self-service laundry. Even the in-room minibar is included. An attractive range of perks are on offer at the brand’s similarly modern Darling Harbour outpost, The Woolstore 1888.

InterContinental Sydney

Address: 117 Macquarie St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9253 9000

Reopened in 2022 following a major refurbishment, this elegant hotel set in the Circular Quay area’s former Treasury Building isn’t only worth staying in for its superb Sydney Harbour and Royal Botanic Garden views. Freshened up with a palette of soothing marine tones, its 509 rooms and 28 suites are chic, complemented by a club lounge and an array of new drinking and dining options.

Ace Hotel Sydney

Address: 47-53 Wentworth Ave., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 8099 8799

The urban-cool hotel brand’s first property south of the equator, the 18-story Ace Hotel Sydney opened in 2022, occupying a historic former brick factory on the eastern fringe of the CBD. A warm color scheme plays into the property's nostalgic vibe and gives a sense of coziness to its 257 rooms, replete with ochre-toned carpets paying homage to the Australian outback. Edgy art pops in public spaces — among them a rooftop bar and restaurant Kiln, which boasts stellar Sydney skyline views.   

Pier One, Sydney Harbour

Address: 11 Hickson Rd., Walsh Bay NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 8298 9999

Right on Sydney Harbour near the southern pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this dog-friendly hotel offers a front-row seat to the action on the harbor as ferries and yachts zip past at close range. A major renovation completed in 2019 celebrates the historic building’s heritage with its stylish maritime theme. The hotel’s 189 rooms include the luxe Admiral Suite, complete with a private deck and a freestanding tub with water views.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Address: 199 George St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9250 3100

Conveniently located in the CBD at the gateway to The Rocks and Circular Quay, this 517-room hotel has also been freshly renovated; its uncluttered, contemporary-classic upgrade playing a chic supporting role to superb city and Sydney Harbour views. The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney also has a gym, outdoor pool, and an Endota Spa. Dining options include a decadent afternoon tea served at the property's modern Australian signature restaurant, Mode Kitchen & Bar.

Lankan Filling Station

Address: 58 Riley St., Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia Phone: +61 2 8542 9936

This casual Sri Lankan restaurant is beloved for its fragrant curries, spicy sambals, and signature hoppers — a type of bowl-shaped pancake, perfect for dipping. Book ahead for the crab curry feast on the last Sunday of every month, served with a lip-smacking selection of sides. Walk-in tables are available.but it’s worth making a reservation to avoid disappointment.

Address: 23-33 Mary St., Surry Hills Sydney NSW 2010 Phone: +61 2 8204 0800

Fine dining fueled by fire is the name of the game at Firedoor, one of just four Sydney restaurants awarded three hats (Australia’s version of the Michelin star) in 2023. A five-course, daily-changing affair, the menu could feature anything from kangaroo to coral trout, with top-shelf Australian produce cooked to perfection using only a wood-fired oven, grill, or wood-burning hearth — there is no gas or electricity in the kitchen. The drinks list is also infused with smoky flavors

Address: 268 Oxford St., Paddington, Sydney NSW 2021, Australia Phone: 0423 015 032

As its name suggests, this lively bistro located above a neighborhood bottle shop celebrates pork in every way, with a menu revolving around an entire Berkshire or Duroc pig broken down into an array of French-inspired dishes. However, a raft of other proteins — from seafood to duck — are also featured on the daily-changing menu, complemented by a French-leaning wine list. It's open Thursday through Sunday (lunch on weekends only), and reservations are recommended.

Address: 1 Temperance Ln., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9062 8565

A delicious fusion of Latin flavors and Australian produce, this moody, subterranean restaurant carries Mexican food into date-night territory with its menu of share-style dishes, from local salmon ceviche tacos to melt-in-your-mouth NSW lamb shoulder parrilla . Fresh and fruity cocktails are elevated by one of Australia’s largest collections of tequila and mezcal.

Address: 3 Bridge Ln., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9114 7317

Some of the city’s finest Cantonese food isn’t found in Chinatown, but in the heart of the CBD at Mr. Wong. That the 240 seats at this restaurant are rarely bare is testament to its enduring popularity, particularly at lunchtime, when beautifully crafted dim sum are the go-to for foodies and the power-lunching set alike.

Address: Shop 3 2-12 Angel Pl., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 8964 3062

When only pasta will do, tiny, tucked-away Italian diner Ragazzi hits the spot with its daily-changing menu of delectable handcrafted pasta dishes, which might include a perfectly executed spaghetti cacio e pepe or a fragrant conchiglie with mussels, white beans, fennel, and saffron. Snack on starters such as 'nduja and mozzarella croquettes and stay for dolci and a digestivo .

Sydney's National Parks

Sydney is surrounded by some of the state’s most spectacular national parks — notably the coastal Royal National Park to the south and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to the northwest, both laced with walking and biking trails and dotted with Aboriginal rock engravings and remote beaches. To the west is the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park, where hiking trails weave past gushing waterfalls, while Sydney Harbour National Park protects the islands and foreshore of Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Opera House

Address: 110 Elizabeth St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9250 7111

Fresh from a multimillion-dollar renovation to celebrate its 50th birthday in 2023, this unique building hosts music, theater, dance, and opera performances. First opened in 1973, the UNESCO World Heritage Site can also be visited on a range of tours. There are also several dining options here, including the lauded fine-dining restaurant Bennelong.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Address: Mrs. Macquaries Rd. Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9231 8111

The oldest botanic garden in Australia, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney was founded in 1816 and showcases more than 8,600 species from Australia and beyond within its 74 acres of gardens. Restaurants include the recently renovated Botanic House, with picnic boxes also available to enjoy alfresco.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The iconic bridge straddling Sydney Harbour is one of the world's largest steel arch bridges. Admire it from a distance, walk across it for free, or climb it to savor a bird's-eye view of Sydney.

Indigenous Experiences

The story of Sydney goes back tens of thousands of years before British colonization, and visitors will find plenty of opportunities to connect with this rich heritage. Ascend the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an Indigenous storyteller guide on the Burrawa Climb, or step back in time on a walking tour of The Rocks with Dreamtime Southern X. Learn about traditional uses for native plants on an Aboriginal-guided tour of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, or gain more insight into the Australian Museum’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections during a tour with a First Nations guide. All of these activities form part of Discover Aboriginal Experiences, a flagship suite of immersive Indigenous-guided activities.

Museums and Galleries

Sydney is packed with excellent museums and galleries — notably the Art Gallery of NSW, which opened a major extension in late 2022 that has almost doubled its exhibition space. In Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art is Australia’s leading space dedicated to the genre, while the Museum of Sydney preserves the stories of the city’s colonial heritage.

Sydney's Beaches

Ana Alarcon/Travel + Leisure

Bondi might be the best known of Sydney's beaches, but more than 100 strips of sand line the city’s coastline and harbor. Cross Sydney Harbour to dive into popular Manly Beach, and enjoy some of the city's best coastal views on the 3.7-mile Bondi to Coogee walk . Be mindful that Sydney’s beautiful beaches can be deceptively dangerous; stay safe by swimming between the flags on lifeguard-patrolled beaches.

Westfield Sydney

Address: Corner Pitt St. Mall and Market Street Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 8236 9200

Westfield Bondi Junction may be larger, but most visitors will find Westfield Sydney to be a more convenient place to shop for designer and high-street fashion, beauty, sportswear, and tech, with brands such as Chanel, Miu Miu, Nike, and Zara, as well as Australian labels like Aje, Zimmermann, Scanlan Theodore, and Aesop. The sleek shopping center, also home to a handful of dining options, spills out into the Pitt Street Mall retail area.

David Jones

Address: 86-108 Castlereagh St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 133 357

Connected to Westfield Sydney is the flagship store of Australia's leading premium retailer, which first opened its doors in 1927. Browse clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry by international and Australian designers, as well as homewares, food, personal care products, and more.

Address: Oxford St., Paddington Sydney NSW 2021, Australia

In Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, the Paddington end of Oxford Street has long been a go-to destination for Australian designer fashion labels. Its main hub is The Intersection (of Oxford Street and Glenmore Road), home to brands such as Bassike, Camilla and Marc, Dion Lee, Rachel Gilbert, Zimmermann, and more. Other notable boutiques on the strip include Parlour X and resin jewelry and homewares specialists Dinosaur Designs.

Address: 1 Dalgal Wy., Forest Lodge NSW 2037, Australia Phone: +61 2 9049 8885

This artisan produce and dining district, set in the former Rozelle Tram Depot dating to 1904, houses restaurants and food and drink vendors. It also hosts a boutique growers market on Sundays.

Queen Victoria Building

Address: 455 George St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Phone: +61 2 9264 9209

Set in an elegant 1898 building, thi CBD shopping venue includes high-fashion brands like Coach, Furla, and Bally, as well as toys, books, and homewares. Australian brands include Hunter's Cashmere Collection, Cue, and R. M. Williams for handcrafted footwear and accessories. Check out dining venues such as the Tea Room QVB, where you can channel your inner Victorian-era aristocrat over high tea.

The Rocks and Circular Quay : Sydney’s first neighborhood, The Rocks still features cobblestone streets and plenty of colonial-era buildings, among them several characterful pubs. Adjoining this historic area, the buzzy ferry hub of Circular Quay is home to the Sydney Opera House and Museum of Contemporary Art.

Darling Harbour : This waterside neighborhood — home to the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Imax, Madame Tussauds, Australian National Maritime Museum, and a variety of dining and entertainment options — is ideal for families. A number of Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruises depart from here, too.

Central Business District (CBD) : Skyscrapers shoot upwards from the heart of the city, also home to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and the lion’s share of Sydney’s art galleries, museums, theaters, and hotels. Previously not much of a culinary destination, the area’s bars and restaurants are now among the city’s best.

Eastern Suburbs : Stretching from the eastern edge of the CBD to the golden sands of Bondi Beach, Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs are dotted with some of the city's finest restaurants, with key dining and nightlife neighborhoods including Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Potts Point, and Bondi Beach.

Northern Beaches : The scenic 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly, at the southern tip of the city's Northern Beaches, is a quintessential Sydney experience (whale sightings are common during the winter months). Manly is also the dining and nightlife hub of the Northern Beaches, which stretches for more than 18 miles, ending at Palm Beach.

Sydney has a humid subtropical climate, with rain spread fairly evenly through the year for a total annual rainfall of about 47 inches. In general, the weather is mild.

Summer (December-February) temperatures reach the high 70s, with humidity in the 60 to 70 percent range. Autumn (March-May) sees less humidity and comfortable temperatures. In winter (June-August), temperatures fall as low as the mid-40s and rainfall is higher. Spring (September-November) becomes warmer with less humidity than summer.

July is the coolest month, and January is generally the hottest. August and September are the driest months of the year.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month:

January 67°F - 80°F February 67°F - 80°F March 65°F - 77°F April 59°F - 73°F May 53°F - 68°F June 49°F - 64°F July 47°F- 63°F August 48°F - 65°F September 53°F - 70°F October 57°F - 74°F November 61°F - 75°F December 65°F - 78°F

Opal : The city's contactless smart card ticketing system for public transportation in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter Valley, and the Illawarra. Add value to the card and use it to pay your fares (or make contactless payments with your credit or debit card).

AnyTrip : Lets you track public transport vehicles in real time with a live map. It also shows upcoming departures from a variety of stations.

Citymapper : This multimodal trip planner checks nearby departures in real time and finds the fastest route combining metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail, taxi, car share, walking, or cycling.

Transit : Plan a trip with real-time data and next departures from your current location, locate nearby Uber drivers, get pickup time estimates, and book through the app.

Moovit : Combines real-time data from Transport NSW with live information from the user community, giving fastest routes, stops along the way, and alerts when your stop is approaching.

Maps.Me: Download a map of Sydney to use offline. It's particularly handy for walking trails.

Uber : For airport pickup, local rides, or 30-day advance reservations.

Related Articles

My Ultimate Sydney Bucket List

Sydney, Australia is a city that’s got it all – pristine beaches, city life, beautiful vistas, a rich history, iconic attractions, and coastal hikes. I decided to put together my own Sydney bucket list after two uneventful trips there (one cut short due to COVID, the other due to illness). With countless things to do in Sydney, I can’t wait to start ticking each of these off the bucket list. 

Divided into the categories adventure , sightseeing (free or low-cost), attractions (ticketed entry), and food & drink , these bucket list ideas for Sydney will hopefully make my, and your, next trip to Sydney the best one yet! 

My Sydney Bucket List - Adventure

With the Blue Mountains to the west and picture-perfect jagged coasts and beaches to the east, in Sydney you’re never far from an outdoor adventure. 

All Sydney bucket lists should include at least one of these scenic walks, treks, and outdoor adventures!

1. Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach hike

Brisbanites are all jealous of Sydney’s proximity to beaches, and this walk in the Eastern suburbs showcases several of the city’s most beautiful beaches.  Put on your track shoes for this iconic Sydney bucketlist hike that will take you over scenic sandy coves and up over jagged cliff tops.  

The hike from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach is around 6 km, but it’s possible to cut it shorter by dropping off at Bronte Beach or Clovely Beach. Local cafes and grassy parks are never far away on this popular walk, making it family-friendly and easy to complete. Just bring hats and lots of water in the summer! 

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an impressive piece of architecture that provides a magnificent backdrop to the famous Sydney Opera House. Did you know it’s one of the only bridges in the world where you can climb to the top? From the summit, climbers can enjoy unimpeded views of the opera house, Sydney city center, and Darling harbour below.

The price to climb is a bit steep at $198 AUD ($148 USD) for adults, but this adventurous activity is still worth a spot on your Sydney bucket list. The tour is 3.5 hours long, gives you incredible vantage points, you’ll burn some calories, and learn about Sydney history from the tour guide as well. 

It’s worth noting that no loose objects are allowed on the bridge climb (which means phones and cameras). So you’ll have to rely on your tour guide’s photos to commemorate your summit. 

Book your summit through Klook or check out the official website for more information. 

3. Explore the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of the most famous parks in all of Australia – and is located just west of Sydney. The massive park is filled with over 100 hiking trails and dozens of camping grounds. While easiest to explore with your own car, a Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off bus also circles the national park. 

The Three Sisters rock formation, pictured above, is one of the more famous landscapes that visitors can enjoy. Other highlights include the epic Wentworth Falls waterfall, the Grand Canyon trail, and Red Hands Cave where you can see Aboriginal red hand stencils. You’re also guaranteed to meet some of Australia’s favorite locals: kangaroos and wallabys! 

A number of  day-tours  to the Blue Mountains depart from Sydney, making this easy to tick off your Sydney bucket list. 

4. Go Whale Watching (May through November only)

Every year between May and November, one of the longest animal migrations takes place just off the coast of eastern Australia – by humpback whales. Nearly every coastal city, including Sydney, has whale watching tours this time of year for a reasonable price . If you aren’t spending time in any other east-coast cities during your time in Australia, I highly recommend adding whale watching to your Sydney bucket list.

I went on a whale watching tour in Noosa and it was an amazing experience to see such majestic creatures breaching out of the water. We even saw some playful dolphins!

5. Visit Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park is one of the closest parks to Sydney city center where you can escape into the bush while enjoying beautiful ocean views. It’s also a cultural heritage site, home to Aboriginal ochre rock paintings (check out the Mackerel Trail for those). 

For popular loop trails that run 9-12 km long, head to the Warrimoo trails on the southern side of the national park. Many other tracks are not a circuit so you’ll need to take the same path in and out. If that’s not your type of hike, best do some research ahead of your visit. 

Prefer a shorter hike? W Head Rd runs across the entire national park, and ends where some of the best scenery can be enjoyed. Check out the Beach Loop trail or the West Head Lookout trail. Alternatively, enjoy the West Head Lookout just 200 meters from the parking lot! 

6. Watsons Bay and Hornby Lighthouse Walk

This walk is the tamest of all the Sydney adventure bucket list items listed, located on the Watsons Bay peninsula in eastern Sydney. Most of the peninsula is dedicated to be a recreational area, with beaches, parks, a handful of restaurants and cafes, and walking trails. At the end of Watsons Bay is the red and white-striped Hornby Lighthouse, built in the 1800’s. 

Expect great natural views from the walking trails on the peninsula. To the west of Watsons Bay are steep cliffs that drop straight to the ocean, and to the east you’ll be able to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

My Sydney Bucket List - Sightseeing

Sydney has many amazing sightseeing opportunities, which can be experienced for low or no cost. If you’re traveling on a shoestring, be sure to add these budget Sydney bucket list destinations to your list! 

7. Take the Local Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly

Before my first trip to Sydney I asked many other Brisbanites for recommendations on things to do in Sydney, touristy or not. Almost all of them mentioned taking the local ferry to Manly as a top Sydney bucketlist item.

The Circular Quay (pronounced key, not qway) Wharf just next to the Sydney Opera House is where half a dozen different ferries depart for various Sydney harbor destinations. The MFF ferry to Manly takes you to 40 minutes north to a beachy northern-Sydney peninsula. Views along the way include the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, tiny islands, lighthouses, coastal parks, and multi-million-dollar waterfront homes. 

If you’re short on time, pop on the ferry to Double Bay Wharf. I’ve you’re loving the ferry rides, the longest one you can take is from Circular Quay to Parramatta Wharf for 1 hour and 20 minutes! 

8. Photograph the Sydney Opera House from Mrs. Macquarie's Point

Mrs. Macquarie’s Point is a peninsula directly opposite the Sydney Opera house, and is known to have some of the best views of the city. It’s part of the Royal Botanic Gardens so the whole area is a grassy park, and the perfect place to spend time outdoors.

At the end of the peninsula is Mrs. Macquarie’s chair, a large sandstone bench that was carved by convicts for Governor Macquarie in 1810. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a sunset! 

9. Visit St. Mary's Cathedral and Sydney's Hyde Park

These are two Sydney bucket list items I’ve already ticked off the list! I recommend anyone spending time in Sydney city center to visit Hyde Park and the neighboring St. Mary’s Cathedral. 

Hyde Park is like the Central Park of Sydney, and is also known as the oldest park is Australia. The park has many benches and shaded pathways, fountains and statues, and is home to the towering Anzac Memorial, a war memorial with a small museum inside of it.

Next to Hyde Park is the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral, which can be visited for free every day of the week. This massive Gothic-style cathedral with its impressive architecture was built in 1868. The cathedral is famous for its stunning stained-glass windows, massive organ pipes, and several interior altars and chapels. Read more about the features of the cathedral here . 

10. Swim at Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s most popular areas for locals and tourists to spend a day enjoying the Australian sunshine. Bondi (pronounced bon-dai, not bon-dee) is famous for its wide sandy beach where you’re bound to see dozens of surfers in the water any time of day. The Icebergs Club pool shown above is a picture-perfect ocean-fed pool located on the southern side of the beach, which offers  day-passes for only $9 .

Bondi is reportedly home to A-listers like Zac Efron and Hugh Jackman too, so keep your eyes peeled for celebrity sightings! 

11. Visit the Glebe or Marrickville Markets

Who doesn’t love a good weekend market to support small local businesses? Buy everything from books to street food to ceramics to clothing at Sydney’s best markets.

Glebe Market  in the neighborhood of Glebe is a staple Sydney bucket list spot to mingle with the locals, listen to live music, and pick up some cool knick knacks. If you want to stock up on organic produce grown right in New South Wales or try some fresh smoothies and pastries, check out the Marrickville Farmers Markets.

Other interesting Sydney markets include the Bondi weekend market, and the Carriageworks warehouse market.

12. Explore 'The Rocks'

The Rocks is a perfect Sydney bucketlist destination for history buffs, foodies, shoppers, and museum-goers. It’s also the site of the first European settlement in Sydney, when it used to be just a rocky shoreline! The Rocks is now known as Sydney’s historic neighborhood, located near the base of the Harbour Bridge. 

Not-to-miss locations in The Rocks include George Street, which is filled with quaint cafes and boutique shops, and Campbell’s Stores, an old warehouse district now filled with upscale restaurants. To learn more about the region and its history from pre-colonization to the present, head to The Rocks Discovery Museum . Pop into the Glenmore Hotel for some classic Aussie fare or the Australian Heritage Hotel for a pint or a paddle of beer! 

13. Picnic at the Botanic Gardens

Just to the south of the Sydney Opera house lies the Royal Botanical Gardens, a heritage-listed Sydney bucket list destination. The botanic gardens were established in 1818, and have been used as a public recreational site since 1831. As a result, much of the garden design styles and features look straight from the 19th century Victorian era. It’s a perfect backdrop for an outdoor stroll, or to have a picnic with a view of the water and Opera House. 

The Royal Botanic Gardens has plenty of lawns perfect for picnicking. See the full list on their website . Some of them can be booked in advance for larger parties too! 

If you’re prefer to outsource the work of putting together a perfect picnic hamper, you can order a pre-made one for only 80 AUD (60 USD). Check out this  rustic Italian picnic hamper, or a  Southeast-Asian  inspired one by chef Luke Nguyen. The cherry on top is that alcohol can be consumed, if enjoyed responsibly. 

My Sydney Bucket List - Attractions

In this ultimate Sydney bucket list, I’ve divided “sightseeing” from “attractions” based on whether the entry is ticketed or not. Sightseeing to me is what I can do in Sydney on a backpacker’s budget, or for no money at all. Visiting many attractions  means that you’ll likely be spending more money in the “attractions” section. 

14. Visit Taronga Zoo Sydney

Located conveniently close to Sydney city center, the Taronga Zoo is built into a small peninsula opposite the Sydney opera house. Enjoy seeing thousands of resident animals, keeper shows, and interactive exhibits, all with a Sydney harbor backdrop! The zoo even has a cable car to get a different vantage point of both the Sydney and the animals. 

If you have the budget for it, you can book accommodation in the zoo itself at the  Taronga Wildlife Retreat . Here, you can wake up to koalas right outside your window, and take a walk in the garden with friendly quokkas! Learn more about the zoo on their home page , or  book tickets here!

15. Sydney Harbor Cruise

Get even closer to the Sydney Opera house and beautiful views of the harbor by booking some time on a cruise ship or catamaran! This Sydney bucket list experience puts you on the water for unimpeded views of Sydney’s iconic landmarks. 

Cruising around Sydney harbor doesn’t need to break your budget either. Check out this $29 AUD ($21 USD) per person offer for a 90-minute ride. Cost of drinks and snacks excluded.

If you’re visiting during the Vivid Sydney Festival (another Sydney bucket list idea) usually held sometime in the winter months, you’re in for a treat! All round the harbor, including the wharf and the opera house, are part of an immersive light show that showcases art and music. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a catamaran cruise or something similar to give you front-row seats! This one is only $43 AUD per person , and BYO 🙂

Vivid Sydney was  postponed in 2021, and will take place between September 17th and October 9th, 2021.

16. Visit a Sydney Museum

Sydney is home to an array of impressive museums, which are perfect Sydney bucket list ideas to save for a rainy day. Here are my choices for top museums I’d like to visit, including their location by Sydney neighborhood and their entry fee. 

• Art Gallery of NSW – Hyde Park – Free Entry (with the exception of some exhibits)
• Museum of Sydney – Hyde Park – $15 for Adults (open Thursday-Sunday)
• Museum of Contemporary Art Australia – The Rocks – Free Entry (closed Mondays)
• Australian Museum – Hyde Park – Free Entry
• Australian National Maritime Museum – Darling Harbour – $25 for Adults, kids must be taller than 90cm for their safety. On sale on Klook for  $20 AUD
• Powerhouse Museum – Ultimo (just south of Darling Harbour) – Free Entry but  pre-registration  recommended

17. Sydney Tower Eye

The Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest building in Sydney, and a Sydney skyline icon. For anyone trying to get the best views over the city, add this observation deck to your Sydney bucket list! 

The Sydney Tower sits high above the Westfield Shopping Centre in the heart of Sydney. The 309-meter tall building is used as a telecommunications tower, but is also home to two floors of restaurants, and of course the highest viewpoint point in Sydney. 

To experience the Sydney Tower, all you need is a $24.80 AUD ($18 USD) general admission ticket . For visitors looking for a bit of a thrill, for $35 AUD extra you can take part in a  Skywalk , which will take you outdoors on the very top observation level. 

18. Sydney Opera House Performance (or tour the Opera House)

So much of Sydney sightseeing revolves around attaining amazing views of the Opera House. So why not add attending a performance inside of it to your Sydney bucket list? The Sydney Opera House website lists upcoming performances , most of which center around classical music, musical theatre and you guessed it… opera. 

If you want to check out the interior while learning about the history and architecture, consider joining a guided tour. Depending on your preference, you could join an  architecture-focused tour , or a general all-rounder tour . Sign up for an evening tour timeslot if you can, to potentially catch a glimpse of performance practices or backstage set-ups. 

19. Visit the Sydney Zoo

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of Australian critters, don’t miss the epic Sydney Zoo. Sydney Zoo is a more spacious, newer zoo compared to Taronga Zoo. It’s located in Western Sydney, easily accessible from the Great Western Highway. You’ll meet animals from nearly every continent including Asia, Africa, and of course, Australia. There’s even an aquarium on site. 

Tickets are only $40 AUD for adults, $20 AUD for kids, and are cheapest to purchase online . The Zoo offers animal experiences for an additional fee, including interacting with giraffes, camels, lions, and meerkats. 

20. Luna Park Sydney Amusement Park

Luna Park  is a well-loved Sydney icon that will take a spot on the Sydney bucket list of families, thrill-seekers and amusement park fans. This theme park is perfectly situated on the other side of the Harbour Bridge from the Sydney Opera house. 

Once you get past the nightmarish grinning entrance,  you’ll e xperience roller coasters and other big thrill rides, family-friendly rides, and carnival games. If you plan to spend a whole day there, you can fuel up for more at the park’s many food outlets and snack shops. 

Day-passes are only $44 AUD for adults and $34 AUD for kids – Get your tickets online here . 

My Sydney Bucket List - Food & Drink

The Sydney food and drink scene will give all visitors something to look forward to, and add to their Sydney bucket list. Whether you prefer fine dining with incredible views, hole-in-the-wall cafes, Instagramable gems, or international street food favorites, you’ll find delicious options for every meal and every budget in Sydney. 

21. Head to a Rooftop Bar with incredible views

View this post on Instagram A post shared by InterContinental Sydney (@intercontinentalsydney)

Drawing inspiration from the UrbanList , I would add one (or all) of the rooftop bars on their list to enjoy drinks and the outdoors while savoring the city views.

The most eye-catching rooftop bar for me has to be the Panorama Lounge Bar, located 31 levels high on top of the  Intercontinental Hotel  in Circular Quay. Reservations are required, there is dress code, and a minimum $50 spend per person, but overlooking the Opera House and the Harbour bridge makes this Sydney bucket list worthy. Maybe for a special date night?

Another popular option that’s a bit friendlier on the wallet is neighboring  Bar Ombre , where you can splurge on some pizzas while enjoying views of the Harbour bridge. With live music and event nights, I’ll undoubtedly find myself here one day soon. 

22. Eat at The Lillipad Cafe Sydney

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Lillipad Cafe Sydney (@lillipadsydney)

Watching MasterChef Australia while in lockdown was my first introduction to native Australian ingredients. I had never before heard of saltbush, lemon myrtle, pepperleaf, bush tomatoes, or wattleseed. 

The  Lillipad Cafe  in Glebe, Sydney, stars these ingredients by working with local Aboriginal elders to incorporate indigenous flavors into their dishes. Serving everything from tempeh Brekkie Burritos to Kangaroo Burgers, there’s something for everyone here! 

23. Craft Beer & Brewery Hopping

When in Sydney, do as the Sydneysiders and get yourself a pint or two (or ten) at the pub! Like any large city, Sydney is filled with amazing craft beer joints and local breweries sure to please all types of beer buffs. 

I love this list of local gems on  Sydney.com , which breaks down all the best breweries in Sydney by neighborhood. So depending on which section of the city you find yourself in at happy hour, you’ll always be close to a Sydney bucketlist-worthy pub! If you’re interested in a local guide showing you the best of the best, join a  brewery tasting tour  to visit Sydney’s top craft breweries.

24. Eat Sydney's Favorite Meat Pie

A trip to Sydney isn’t complete without a taste of what’s basically the Australian national dish: Meat Pie. These morsels of pastry are “chock-a-block” full of flavor and filling, and are a perfect hand-held meal or snack. 

You’ll find meat pies on every corner in Sydney, but one shop in particular is bucket-list worthy.  Harry’s Cafe de Wheels , or just Harry’s, has been operating in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo neighborhood opposite the Botanic Gardens for over 80 years. Boasting A-list visitors like Elton John, Anthony Bourdain, Frank Sinatra, and fried chicken king Colonel Sanders himself, Harry’s continues to please visitors with his famous “Tiger Pie”, a meat pie topped with mashed potatoes, mushy peas, and gravy. 

See the  Harry’s menu  here – Veggie pies are available too! 

If meat pies get you really excited, head to the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition website , where you can see winners from across Australia of various meat pie and sausage roll categories.

25. Go on a Wine Tour to the Hunter Valley

One of the most famous wine regions in Australia, home to over 150 wineries, is just north of Sydney: The Hunter Valley. A wine tour here is a perfect Sydney bucket list item and a way to  escape the buzz of the city for a while. 

Find a  map of wineries  on the Hunter Valley Wine Country tourism website if you want to do a DIY visit to the Hunter Valley.  Several full-day tours  leave from Sydney as well, which means you don’t need to draw straws for the unlucky DD! 

That's a Wrap...

I hope this list has provided some great Sydney bucket list ideas for your next trip to this eclectic city! 

If you’re looking for current events happening in Sydney, check out the city’s official events website.  

Eventbrite also lists upcoming things to do in Sydney including unmissable ticketed events.

Pin this Sydney Bucket List!

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This is such a great list of things to do in Sydney! I can’t wait to get to Australia and check some of these suggestions off.

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• Things to do in Sydney

If you're looking for the best things to do in Sydney, then look no further because we have Sydney experiences that everyone will enjoy, from whale watching at Darling Harbour and jet boating at Circular Quay, to epic scenic flights and thrilling driving experiences.

With a huge range of Sydney experiences to choose from, there’s an adventure for everyone. Whether it’s an awesome getaway or a bucket list activity – we’re here to make it happen.

•   V8 Experiences
•   Skydiving
•   Helicopter Rides
•   Rally Driving
•   Hot Air Ballooning
•   Attractions
•   Jet Boating
•   Cruises
•   Whale Watching
•   Kayaking
•   Aquarium, Zoo & Animals
•   SCUBA Diving
•   Flying Fox & Tree Adventures
•   Scenic Flights
•   Supercar Drive Days
•   Off Road Racing
•   Jet Pack & Flyboard
•   Escape Room
•   Aerobatic Flights
•   Learn to Fly
•   Flight Simulators
•   Karting
•   Defensive Driving
•   Hiking and Bushwalking
•   Tours
•   Beer
•   Drifting
•   Formula Ford
•   Motorbikes
•   Sailing
•   Surfing
•   Jet Ski
•   Mountain Biking
•   Quad Biking
•   F1 & Racing Simulators
•   Canyoning
•   Abseiling
•   Seaplanes
•   Horse Riding
•   Harley Rides
•   Virtual Reality
•   Fishing
•   Stand Up Paddle Boarding
•   Paintball
•   Golf
•   Segway Tours
•   Theme Parks
•   Gliding
•   Extreme 4x4
•   Skywalk
•   Barista Course
•   Clay Shooting
•   Classic Car Hire
•   4WD Training
•   Ghost Tours
•   Laser Skirmish
•   Rock Climbing
•   Skiing and Snowboarding
•   BBQ School
•   Performance Driving
•   Swimming with Sharks
•   Flying Lessons
•   $0 - $100
•   $100 - $300
•   $300 - $500
•   $500 & Above

The best Sydney experiences for thrill-seekers

Sure, you can go to the Sydney Opera House – culture, sophistication and, well, pretty much everyone else who had the same idea. If you’re up for a more daring adventure, there are plenty of things to do in Sydney that will let you experience fun on a whole new level. If you want to go where few dare to go, do things you never thought possible, talk to us. Don’t just see Sydney, live it like you never have before. Experience adventure and excitement that will take you far and away from your everyday routine. Find things to do in Sydney today, or give yourself something to look forward to later. Soar and dash above crashing waves in a thrilling seaplane or scenic flight experience as you fly over Sydney's world-famous tourist attractions, including the rockpools of Bondi Beach, and The Rocks in Sydney CBD.

If you're looking for a thrilling harbour cruise, we’ve got options to make you yell in excitement and take in the best views. Hang on for dear life in one of our powerful, roaring jet boat rides across the harbourside Circular Quay. Or take in the epic views at a more leisurely pace with kayaking or cruises .

The sky isn’t meant just to be looked at and admired. At Adrenaline, we believe it’s meant to be defied, experienced completely and flown through. Our aerobatics experiences will show you just what a plane is capable of – the spins, twists and dives that will have you yelling for more. If you want to really feel the rush of air on your face, we offer incredible skydiving experiences that will ensure that you never look up at the sky in quite the same way again.

If it’s incredible views you want, tick a helicopter ride or scenic flight off your bucket list. Get a bird’s eye view of sights like Manly Beach (and the beautiful Northern Beaches coastline), Rose Bay, the Hunter Valley region, and the CBD's Sydney Tower. If being thousands of feet up in the air isn't for you, prepare to feel the road, the dirt and get a taster of life as a racing driver. Brace yourself for the twists and turns of rally driving , fly around a race track with V8 driving and hot laps or buckle up for the ride of your life in an off-road race bugg y.

We have adventures for everyone, whether you're a local looking for things to do in Sydney this weekend or a visitor planning your Sydney holiday itinerary. Choose from our range of special offers and the best experiences this awesome part of New South Wales has to offer.

Family fun things to do in Sydney

At Adrenaline, we have the widest range of fun-filled activities and Sydney attractions that the whole family will enjoy! Whether you like to spend time in the great outdoors, or prefer to stay in the comfort of the indoors, you'll be spoilt for choice with our collection of things to do in Sydney in surrounding areas. Family-friendly experiences include:

• A trip to Sydney's WILD LIFE Zoo to witness the iconic Aussie animals like the koala
• Hopping aboard a jet boat for a exhilarating ride across the harbour
• Seeing breathtaking natural sights, from the Royal Botanic Gardens to Sydney Harbour National Park on foot or from the air
• Hiking through the Australian bushland in the unmissable Blue Mountains
• Getting up close and personal for the underwater world at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Sydney's unique gift experiences

Looking for a unique gift experience in Sydney? Luckily for you, Adrenaline has the best gift experiences Sydney has to offer, so you're bound to find one that that special someone will remember forever.

Make it day out to remember with an unforgettable natural spectacle off the coastline of Sydney, with a magical whale watching experience from Darling Harbour, or get out of town for a horse riding tour around Glenworth Valley.

Those with a love of adventure and the great outdoors might prefer a canyoning or mountain biking experience in the Blue Mountains.

Regardless of the type of person, occasion, or budget, we have a Sydney experience they’ll love to try.

Choose Adrenaline for the best experiences around New South Wales

Here at Adrenaline, we offer a range of experiences around New South Wales and around Australia, so nobody has to miss out! The experience of a lifetime is waiting for you right here in Australia, so you don't have to travel across the globe to get your kicks.

Ready to travel beyond Sydney? Check out the awesome range of things to do in New South Wales as a whole. Looking for a daytrip or short break from Sydney? We’ve got plenty of things to do this weekend in locations within easy reach of the Harbour City.

You could head to the adventure lover’s paradise of the Blue Mountains, explore the sand dunes and coastal spots of Port Stephens , or head south to Jervis Bay for some of the whitest sandy beaches in the world.

And don’t forget the skydiving hotspot of Wollongong , the family-friendly coastal towns of the Central Coast and the romantic scenery (and hot air balloon rides ) of the Hunter Valley .

Start planning your next adventure and get ready to make some unforgettable memories with Adrenaline today.

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adventurous things to do in sydney

Are you a thrillseeker? Looking to have some adventures in Sydney? These adrenalin-inducing activities are a great way to see more of the city than just the main sites and are perfect for celebrating a special occasion or just having some fun!

• Thrill-seekers Guide to Sydney

I am a bit of a chicken, so I could not put together this list of adventurous things to do in Sydney without some assistance. I have called in the help of some of my travel writing friends who have provided their first-hand experience of the best things to do in Sydney for thrill-seekers.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Fly over sydney harbour, snorkelling at bronte beach, learning to surf in bondi, scuba diving at bare island, touring the harbour in a jetboat, hiking to ruined castle (via scenic world), horse riding in the blue mountains, indoor sky-diving with ifly downunder, more options for the truly adventurous.

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here .

A Bridgeclimb is actually at the top of my to-do list, and I hope to share my full review with you soon. Until then Kylie is here to help.

Kylie from Between England and Iowa shared her experience on the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb at night

“One adventure unique to Sydney is climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge! The full bridge climb takes around 3 hr 30mins to complete, taking you to a height of 134m/440ft above the harbour!

Before being let loose on the main bridge, you are kitted up with a jumpsuit, harness and any extra weather dependant clothing (waterproofs, fleece jackets etc.) and then practise how to climb correctly on an indoor ‘bridge simulator’.

All bridge climbers wear a headset so the climbing guide can be in constant contact with the group, not only for safety reasons but to point out various landmarks and share interesting facts about the bridge!

There are several tours on offer, including both day and night climbs. If you visit during Vivid Sydney , you’ll be rewarded with great views of the light shows around Circular Quay and at the summit of the bridge is turned into an illuminated retro dance floor!

The climb is suitable for a wide range of ages. It’s not particularly strenuous as it goes at a steady pace with a couple of pauses along the way.  Obviously, there is a height factor involved. However, the guide told us that nervous climbers are usually affected more on the way down rather than on the way up! You are attached to the bridge at all times so there’s no need to worry that you might fall off!

I’ve completed the bridge climb twice, and I loved both experiences. It’s great being able to get so up-close with a globally recognised icon!”

Learn more about Kylie’s read about her experience in a capsule hotel in Sydney .

Cat from Walk My World is a whole lot braver than I am, so let’s hear about her experience exploring Sydney by helicopter. 

“Sydney is a stunningly beautiful city from the ground, but it’s even more spectacular from the air. While you can get a pretty good view from the flight into Sydney if you’re lucky, there’s nothing like taking a helicopter ride to see this incredible city from above.

There’s no speeding along the runway here; it’s straight up into the air in seconds. It’s such a rush flying low above the city and what feels precariously close to some of the city’s most famous icons.

There are plenty of companies offering helicopter rides, and we’d recommend choosing one from Sydney airport which gets you to the heart of the city within minutes. From here you’ll quickly fly over Darling Harbour and get up close to the Sydney Tower before narrowly shooting over the Harbour Bridge.

Our flight circled back around to get that iconic view of the harbour, with both the Opera House and Bridge together, before heading over to Manly beach. You need to take the more extended 30-minute flight to include the beaches, but it was well worth it.

You take in the coast from Watson’s Bay to Maroubra, including the world-famous Bondi Beach. We loved seeing all the tiny surfers waiting to catch a wave, and also got lucky spotting two incredible humpback whales just offshore, (sightings are relatively common between May and October).

We believe that a helicopter flight over Sydney is perfect for almost anyone, even if you are nervous at take-off, once up in the air you will be far too wowed to be scared. It’s that perfect mix of adrenaline rush without being terrifying. It’s genuinely one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had in five years living in the city.”

You can read more of Cat’s advice on this post about planning a 3-week itinerary for your Australian visit.

Ok so if like me you are more comfortable around the water then up in the air the next few ideas might be more to your liking.

Melissa and her family enjoy snorkelling at Bronte, and I think you will too 

“Most visitors to Sydney do the famous beach-side walk between Bondi and Coogee to take in the stunning scenery. But did you know that there’s even more adventure to be had once you get down to Bronte Beach?

Bronte is home to a sizable but shallow tide pool. It’s the perfect place to cool off after the hot walk, and you won’t be the only creature swimming in the pool – the rock-walled pool at Bronte Beach makes an ideal place to snorkel and catch a glimpse of some of Australia’s beautiful tropical fish! Watch yourself closely, though, as we spotted dangerous creatures like pufferfish and even a blue bottle jellyfish among the friendlier species.

Overall the experience was a wonderful adventure for the whole family. This is a great place to teach your kids how to snorkel, as they’ll be able to stand everywhere – just make sure to bring their goggles or kid-size snorkel gear (since it isn’t easy to hire locally) if you don’t have any with you try the local shops at Bondi Junction before you head out.

For visitors of all ages, come prepared with sunscreen, a towel and your snorkel gear – no fins necessary.

One of the most appealing features of snorkelling in the rock pools at Bronte Beach is its easy accessibility. You can get there on foot as part of Sydney’s stunning beach path, or take an easy bus ride from the city centre – we arrived on foot and departed by bus, which was the best of both worlds. It’s incredible to have easy access to such a great snorkelling spot right in the heart of Sydney!”

Follow The Family Voyage on their continued travels on their website or via Instagram @ thefamilyvoyage

If you would prefer to go on a guided snorkelling tour check out this tour located in Shelly Beach in Manly – another fantastic snorkelling spot.

Hayley from A Lovely Planet took her first surfing class in Australia and shares her experience.

I moved to Bondi a few years ago from London, which was quite a change in scenery as you can imagine! I’d tried surfing a couple of times before, in Newquay in the UK, and after a few weeks of watching the surfers at Bondi Beach and I was keen to have another go.

Bondi is one of the most popular beaches in Sydney and can get very crowded, so I wanted to feel confident on my board before I braved it alone, so I decided to take a lesson. If it’s your first time surfing, then it’s advisable to do the same, and ideally, you should be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water.

The lesson was excellent – a reminder of the dangers of the ocean – rips, wildlife and other people, and we were in the water, attempting to stand on our boards. Beginner surfers are best off learning at the northern end of the beach, where the waves are more gentle, and only foam boards are allowed to be used.

Since that first lesson, I’ve bought myself a surfboard and even braved the southern end of the beach! Surfing gives you such an adrenaline rush, and when you manage to stand on the board, however briefly, it’s an incredible feeling. Bondi is such an iconic surfing beach, so if you’re going to try surfing in Sydney it’s an awesome place to start!”

Find out more or book your own Learn to Surf lesson at Bondi Beach

Follow Hayley on Instagram via @alovelyplanet 

Expat and now local Katie is a water baby and tells us about her experiences diving at La Perouse 

“One of the best adventure activities in Sydney is scuba diving and no better place to dive than Bare Island. Easily accessible as a shore dive, this popular dive site in La Perouse is suited for beginners or advanced divers and offers a beautiful look into the diverse species of Sydney’s underwater world. It’s one of the best places to experience Sydney’s marine life- blue gropers, wobbegong sharks, rays, and a wide range of colourful tropical fish are spotted at Bare Island regularly. It’s also known for its colony of weedy sea dragons, beautiful and unique creatures that I have been lucky enough to spot there on several occasions.

If you are a certified diver, most of Sydney’s dive operators offer regular dives to Bare Island- it’s the perfect spot for your next weekend dive. You can also visit as a snorkeler, but diving allows a better look at the wonderful creatures down below.

If you’re looking for additional dive sites in Sydney, other popular locations include Camp Cove, Fairlight, Gordons Bay, and Clifton Gardens. More advanced divers may want to try a boat dive out to one of Sydney’s scuttled shipwrecks, including the Valiant  and the  SS Dee Why.

No matter what your diving experience is, diving in Sydney is one of the city’s best adventure activities and can be done year-round.”

Read more about Katie’s adventures on her site The Accidental Australian

There are several companies offering boat rides in Sydney Harbour. I wanted to see the Opera House from the water, as I think that is a unique angle. I also wanted something different from the usual, boring, slow boat tours. The Jetboat ride was just the experience I was looking for. It was fun, exciting and unique.

The speedboat fits 23 people, and I would suggest it to anyone a bit adventurous. I had a 10-year-old boy sitting next to me with his grandma, and they both had bast. There is loud music playing during the ride, and there aren’t any slow sections, just pure action-packed fun-filled with spins and fast speed. I think it is the best way to do sightseeing.

Thanks to my GoPro, I was able to get some good shots, but I wouldn’t recommend taking a standard camera as you can expect to get quite wet on the ride. The speedboat took us past the Opera House, Harbour Islands (Clark & Shark) , and the suburbs of Rose Bay and Watson’s Bay. We finished the journey after passing Taronga Zoo, and we went under the Harbour Bridge , by Luna Park Sydney as well.

The ride takes approximately 45 minutes and costs around $79, depending on the season. Find out more or book your own ride here .

Read more of Eniko’s travels on her website Travel Hacker Girl .

If you prefer to do your exploring on solid ground, these next two options are among my favourite things to do in the Blue Mountains.

“From the touristy but impressive Scenic World in Katoomba, you can duck your way under the selfie sticks and venture off the boardwalk to stroll through lush rainforests, traverse a massive landslide, and climb a mass of sandstone boulders for views across the Jamison Valley.

This 13-kilometre, full day return hike will challenge and inspire you. It’s hard work, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views across the Jamison Valley to the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary, both along the way and from Ruined Castle itself.

We cheated a little bit, descending into and climbing out of the Jamison Valley via the Scenic Railway (one of Scenic World’s most popular attractions). This comes at a cost, so if you’d prefer not to pay, you can use the Furber Steps and add a couple of kilometres, or the Golden Steps which will reduce the hike by about five kilometres. If you don’t mind paying, the Scenic Railway (or the Scenic Cableway) are well worth the cost and your legs will thank you.

Though it is a hike for fit and agile adventure travellers, fortunately, it’s well signposted, and the trail is relatively easy to follow. Keep your eyes peeled for wallabies, all kinds of birds, and the stunning range of reptiles along the way, especially at Ruined Castle itself. Just be extra careful in the warmer months – where there are lizards, there are likely to be snakes.”

Check out how to get to the Blue Mountains  and start planning your own Blue Mountains itinerary .

Read more about this walk and how you can do it on Neil’s Bushwalking Blog  or  Facebook

Jane from Wicked Walkabout loves exploring the great outdoors and shares her experience going on a horse ride in the Blue Mountains 

‘The Blue Mountains is an easy day trip from Sydney and one of New South Wales’s most famous tourist regions. Well known for the Three Sisters rock formations, waterfalls, canyons, bushwalks and incredible views across the mountain ranges, Horse riding in the Blue Mountains is fabulous. Stunning scenery and excellent horses that are well cared for and a comfortable saddle makes the trail riding at Centennial Glen Stables one of the best we have ever done. My daughter just loved riding with the friendly group, and the horses were all well behaved, which makes this an ideal experience for beginner riders and experienced horse folk.

The centre provides sulky rides (horse and cart) for people who prefer not to be on horseback, and they tag along with the rest of the group. This is something special as we have not seen it offered before. Based in Blackheath, the rides take in some of the best views in the Blue Mountains and the bush. Of all the trail riding we have done in Australia and overseas, this was one of the best. Safety is vital, and the management made sure everyone was on a horse that suited their ability.

It is just over an hour from Sydney so perfect for a day trip out of the city.”

You can find Jane via her blog, Fun Things to do in Melbourne or on her Facebook page, Wicked Walkabout. 

We have plenty more ideas of things to do in the Blue Mountains

And finally one for a rainy day!

Julie faced her fear and went indoor skydiving! 

“I never really understood sky-diving, why anyone would purposely jump out of a perfectly functioning aeroplane. Even the thought of it provokes fear and anxiety. But for chickens like me, I have found an alternative, and it’s exhilarating – and addictive. Indoor skydiving is the current craze to hit in action and adrenaline sports, and it was for this that we found ourselves one cold Saturday morning taking the long drive out through Sydney’s sprawling western suburbs to Penrith at the foot of the Blue Mountains to take an introductory flight with iFly Downunder. A flight with iFly is the closest you will get to the sensation of skydiving without having to take that giant leap out of a plane door. Held aloft by a massive wind generator, flyers are propelled effortlessly skyward by seemingly invisible forces in a 13m glass tube. The technology behind this is quite simple. The environmentally aware among us can rest assured that these particular wind tunnels are rated as the most efficient and greenest wind tunnels in the world, using far less power than others. After watching a short video and receiving some tips for good flying – the top tip: relax – we were kitted out in our flight suits, helmets and perspex goggles and led into the glass tube to wait our turn to fly. I have to admit to a few nervous butterflies in my stomach as I watched those lined up before entering the tunnel. Soon enough, it was my turn, and with a deep breath, I leant into the wind as instructed, and I was flying. It’s as simple as that.  There was no sensation of falling, just the sound and feel of a powerful wind rushing past you as you truly defy gravity.

The introductory package is two flights, each of approximately 50 seconds duration, which may seem short. Still, the experience is intense, and I think it is quite sufficient for an introduction to this sport. On our second flights, the instructor took each of us up to the top of the 13m tubes, a real whirlwind of an experience.”

Follow all of Julie’s future adventures on her website Nomad-Nester

I want to thank all the writers who contributed to this article. Please take some time to check out their websites; they all have lots of great content to help you plan your visit to Australia.

If you want even more danger, you can try one of these. I know I won’t be!

• Dive with the sharks at Sealife Sydney
• A tandem skydive in Wollongong

Have you done anything adventurous in Sydney?

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney? Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help .

Paula Morgan

4 thoughts on “adventurous things to do in sydney- a thrillseekers guide to the city”.

Great list, these are some of my fave activities in Sydney but also a few new ones that I have now added to my list 🙂

What a fun read. Plenty of adventures to be had around Sydney! I’d like to do the bridge climb at night as well as many other things on this list.

I would love to do the Brdige Climb during VIVID

Informative article. I am planning to travel to Sydney next month and I will definitely be going to try these things. I have bookmarked it for future references. Thanks for sharing.

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The 40 Best Things to Do in Sydney, Australia

Are you heading Down Under? Keen to get to grips with Aussie culture? This list of the best things to do in Sydney, Australia has all you need.

“CRIKEY!”—it’s time to explore the world Down Under! Sydney is a vibrant and bustling city full of culture and adventure. From sun-drenched beaches to art galleries, cafes, nightlife, and romantic getaways to action-packed outings, you’ll never run out of things to do in Sydney, Australia. Get ready for a wild ride as you explore this dynamic city.

1. Try an “Inside Sydney” scavenger hunt.

Discover Sydney like never before with an Inside Sydney Scavenger Hunt ! Embark on an epic journey along the harbor, strolling through historic gardens and searching for stars. Explore the Queen Victoria Building, enjoy stunning views from Observatory Hill, marvel at the iconic Sydney Opera House, and wander The Rocks.

This interactive scavenger hunt is the perfect way to uncover Sydney’s culture and history at your own pace. Experience the city like a local and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget.

2. Be on the lookout for reality TV stars at Bondi Beach.

If you’re a fan of the hit TV show  Bondi Rescue , then now is the time to visit the iconic Bondi Beach. You’ll find amazing views, great food, activities, and the chance to meet some of the stars from the show!

Enjoy a day out relaxing on the golden sand or get active with beach sports and swimming, all while keeping an eye out for your favorite lifeguards. Make sure you bring your camera so you can snap a photo with them and get an autograph too!

Bondi Beach is the perfect place for all ages, from families looking for a day out to solo adventurers who want to soak up the sun. If you’re brave enough, take on the waves and show off your surf skills. Just be careful that you don’t end up featured in an upcoming episode of Bondi Rescue!

3. Get Active with the “Hike to Hyde Park” scavenger hunt.

Come join us on our  Hike to Hyde Park Scavenger Hunt ! Our tour will take you along a unique journey through the city, exploring hidden gems, and uncovering Sydney’s centuries of history. 

On this hunt, you’ll explore Sydney’s Town Hall and get lost in gorgeous gardens. To top it off, you’ll hunt for fountains, monuments, and more on Hyde Park’s storied grounds. Don’t miss this chance to explore Sydney like never before.

4. Meet koalas and platypus at the Taronga Zoo.

Sydney’s Taronga Zoo is easily one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. In addition to its impressive collection of animals, it provides unbeatable views of the iconic Sydney opera house.

Visitors to the zoo can get up close to some of Australia’s most beloved animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses. Plenty of interactive experiences (like a capybara encounter) with these unique creatures make it a great place for animal lovers of all ages. Whether you’re looking to observe the majestic beauty of diverse Aussie wildlife or learn more about species conservation, Taronga Zoo is the right place to be.

5. Take a full-day trip to the Blue Mountains.

If you have more than a few days in Sydney, investing in a day trip to the Blue Mountains can be a great addition to your Australian holiday.

The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers stunning panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, rolling hills, and deep gorges. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the ancient rainforest, meander through quaint towns and villages, experience Aboriginal artifacts, and admire natural wonders like bellowing waterfalls.

The most popular way to explore the Blue Mountains is with a guided tour from Sydney. You can easily book tours on trustworthy sites like  GetYourGuide  or  Viator . These tours typically include pickup and drop-off from your hotel, a knowledgeable guide, and lunch.

For those seeking a more independent experience, you can also take the convenient Blue Mountains train line from Sydney’s Central Station to Katoomba or Mount Victoria stations. You’ll have access to plenty of walking trails and tourist spots from here. Self-drive is another option; just be prepared to drive on the other side of the road!

This is the perfect opportunity to explore nature, take in breathtaking vistas, and enjoy some of Australia’s finest outdoor activities.

6. Get to know “Sydney’s Secrets” scavenger hunt.

You probably know Sydney as Australia’s biggest city. But did you know it also has a wealth of secrets waiting to be discovered? Let us show you the hidden gems scattered throughout Sydney’s history with our interactive  Sydney’s Secrets scavenger hunt . Follow the clues, explore the stunning sights, and uncover amazing stories as you experience two hundred-plus years of Australia’s history in one afternoon.

From Queen Victoria’s love life to artwork and cathedrals, you’ll never see Sydney the same way again!

7. Conquer your fear of heights at the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.

Do you have what it takes to join the ranks of celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Oprah Winfrey, and Robert De Niro? These A-listers (plus a whole lot more) have conquered the 134-meter-high Sydney Bridge Climb.

Affectionately known by locals as the “Coat hanger” (although not for the faint of heart), if you’re brave enough to be on top of one of the world’s most iconic bridges, this is one experience worth having. On your journey up the bridge, you’ll get breathtaking views of the harbor and a full history lesson about the engineering marvel.

Plus, with safety-certified guides to lead your way, you’ll feel secure and adventurous all at the same time. Don’t forget to book a photo and video package so you can prove to the folks back home you did it!

8. Drink well with the “Sippin’ Pretty in Sydney” bar hunt.

Embark on a journey that takes you through Sydney’s Central Business District’s rooftops, pubs, and cocktail lounges. Whether you like classic cocktails or modern-day concoctions, there’s a drink for every pallet.

The Sippin’ Pretty in Sydney Bar Hunt  is a guaranteed good time for even the pickiest of drinkers. Get ready to roam in style as you and your party people explore what this thriving metropolis has to offer.

9. Get lost in the Royal Botanical Gardens.

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a wonderland of beauty and discovery. Featuring over 8,000 species of plants from Australia and all around the world, visitors can explore their way through this lush green oasis. With sprawling manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and vast expanses of trees, it’s an ideal spot to relax, unwind and take in the natural beauty.

Take a stroll around the various gardens and explore their history, study their flora, or simply lose yourself in its tranquility. Enjoy a picnic under the shade of its abundant trees or capture some stunning photographs of its many exotic plants and blooms.

10. Enjoy “Merrymaking in North Sydney” scavenger hunt.

Discover the fun-loving side of North Sydney with the  Merrymaking in North Sydney  scavenger hunt. Explore this scenic harborside suburb’s vibrant art scene, and pick up souvenirs at one of the unique gift shops and restaurants, sandy beaches, and green parks! See Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden and learn about its fascinating history or visit Observatory Hill Park for stunning views over the city.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this scavenger hunt will let you experience North Sydney’s magic in a new and exciting way. So come on, join us for a playful day out and explore the best of what this vibrant suburb has to offer!

11. Try your hand at surfing at Manly Beach.

Don’t let the sharks scare you off; Manly Beach is the perfect spot for some surfing fun. With crystal clear waters and stunning golden sands, Manly Beach is  the  place to catch some gnarly waves.

If you’re not much of a surfer, you can always opt to pack a picnic and watch others take on the waves. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, as they are regular visitors here.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, this beach has something for everyone. If you’ve never been on board before or want to improve your skills, you’ll find no shortage of  surf schools  to help get you on your feet.

12. Take a free walking tour of Sydney.

Every traveler should get the lay of the land with a walking tour. Plus, there are many quality free options out there. Sites like Local Tour Sydney offer free walking tours of Sydney and The Rocks o get you started.

Walking tours (self-guided or guided) in Sydney offer the perfect way to explore all the iconic parts of the city. From sightseeing at the Opera House and Botanic Gardens to discovering some of the more unique areas, visitors can get a taste of it all. In addition, many tour guides will provide stories and history about how these places came to be, making it an even richer experience!

Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned traveler, taking a guided tour of Sydney is the best way to get acquainted with this beautiful city.

13. Get lost in beauty at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The  Museum of Contemporary Art Australia  is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore some of the most beautiful works of modern art. As you wander the galleries, take in the stunning architecture, and immerse yourself in a world of over 4,000 unique pieces.

From traditional Japanese prints to the latest digital installations and everything in between, this museum has something to fascinate everyone. Additionally, the MCA provides a range of activities and events, allowing visitors to explore the museum in different ways. Through talks, workshops, performances, and more, you can discover new perspectives on contemporary art and be inspired by its beauty.

No matter when you visit, there’s always something new to experience. Plus, it’s located within the popular Circular Quay district.

14. Learn something new at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Come explore the wonders of Australia’s maritime history and culture at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Journey through time as you learn about First Nations’ maritime heritage and discover stories of Australia’s nation’s military service and involvement in the whaling industry.

The museum galleries have interactive activities and hands-on programs like kayak tours around Sydney Harbour. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a curious landlubber, this museum has something to captivate your attention and ignite your imagination!

15. Hit up happy hour in the Central Business District.

After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing like a  bar crawl  through the Central Business District. From lively craft beer bars, cocktail lounges, wine tastings, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Take advantage of Happy Hours in the area and explore new flavors from all over the world. You can sip your way through unique cocktails or lighten up with cold brews. Spots like  Bar Ombré Rooftop  and  Employees Only Bar  are popular with Sydneysiders (another word for locals) and travelers alike.

16. Dance the night away at Darling Harbour clubs.

Sydney is known for its party scene, and the clubs around Darling Harbour are the place to be. Enjoy dancing the night away with your friends at one of the many vibrant clubs in this iconic harbourside district.

With upbeat music, delicious drinks, and plenty of fun to be had, there’s no better way to experience Sydney’s electric nightlife. Some popular late-night party haunts include  Home The Venue  and  Cargo Bar .

17. Encounter sea life while snorkeling at Botany Bay.

Take a break from the land and put on your sea legs. Experience the wonder of sea life with a snorkeling trip to Botany Bay.

This picturesque bay is home to an array of marine creatures, from majestic turtles and playful dolphins to colorful coral reefs and vibrant fish species. With crystal clear waters, you’ll get up close and personal with these creatures and explore marine ecology from a unique perspective.

18. Take a ferry ride for epic views of the Sydney Opera House.

Take a ferry ride for jaw-dropping views of the Opera House. Whether you’re along for a casual ride or commuting to the Taronga Zoo, you’ll glide past one of Australia’s most famous landmarks.

This ferry ride will let you get up close and personal with breathtaking views of the harbor, skyline, and the fantastic architecture of this world-renowned structure. As you sail along, marvel at how the curves, lines, and colors of the Opera House come alive in the changing light.

If you want to get even more up close and personal with the Opera House, book a reservation at Bennelong, located inside the Opera House. Bennelong is one of the best restaurants in Sydney and boasts a world-class menu that celebrates Australia’s seasonal produce.

Executive Chef Peter Gilmore has crafted a unique wine and dining experience that honors the Opera House’s incredible architecture with each dish. Here you’ll enjoy some of Australia’s finest food and wine while enjoying spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the iconic canvas sails.

19. Get drinks on the Glenmore Hotel’s rooftop.

The Glenmore should be your top choice if you only have time for one rooftop bar. With stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, this luxurious rooftop bar on the roof is a great spot to while away an afternoon or evening.

Enjoy an extensive selection of drinks from Australian wines and beers to exotic cocktails and mocktails, all served with good music, friendly service, and delicious food. Plus, being right across the street from the Harbour Bridge Climb, it’s the perfect spot to refuel.

20. Visit the TikTok famous candy store Sticky.

We all know some of our best travel finds come from TikTok. Well, if you’re looking to indulge in a delectable experience, look no further than  Sticky . 

Here, master candy makers will work with up to 16 kg of molten sugar to fashion custom creations that are as delicious as they are visually stunning. From traditional techniques updated for the modern market and beautiful sweets crafted from your ideas and inspirations, Sticky will surely tickle your taste buds.

Sticky is easy to access with a quick hop on public transport, and is located in The Rocks neighborhood near other popular Sydney attractions.

21. Put on your beret at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is an absolute must-see for art lovers and culture seekers. Here, you can explore a world-class collection of Australian, Aboriginal, and international art in one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings.

Immerse yourself in centuries-old masterpieces from around the globe or take a stroll through the stunning modern art galleries. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking for something unique to do, The Art Gallery of New South Wales will not disappoint.

22. Get your steps in on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.

Take a stroll along the iconic Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk for sweeping views of Sydney’s breathtaking coastline. Start at the world-famous Bondi Beach and make your way along the clifftops, taking in spectacular sights of ocean coves, wide bays, lagoons, and beaches.

Stop at lookouts to soak up the stunning views of the Tasman Sea before making your way down to Bronte and Tamarama beaches, Clovelly Beach, and winding around Coogee Bay. Enjoy an array of activities along the route, including beach stops for sunning or swimming, rockpools for exploring, and plenty of cafes to grab a bite or coffee.

For the adventurous, take on the challenge of the full 12km walk (there and back), or just start at Bondi Beach or Coogee Beach and enjoy a shorter one-way stroll.

23. Snap your best Instagram photos at the Bondi Icebergs.

Any travel guide will tell you to take the plunge and visit one of Sydney’s top Instagram hot spots, the Bondi Icebergs. Located on the famous Bondi Beach, this historic pool has provided locals and visitors with a popular swimming spot since 1931.

The breathtaking views of the ocean make it an ideal location for capturing that perfect Instagram shot. Take a dip in the pool and make sure to snap a few pictures of the spectacular ocean waves and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Whether you’re visiting for a peaceful swim or for an opportunity to up your social media game, Bondi Icebergs should be at the top of your list.

24. Spend a lazy afternoon at Cockatoo Island.

Cockatoo Island is a unique destination for a lazy afternoon of exploration, relaxation, and fun. Located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island is one of Australia’s most important industrial sites and home to many attractions that will keep you entertained for hours. From historical buildings and Aboriginal artworks to bushwalking trails and picnic spots, Cockatoo Island has an activity for every interest.

25. Sip on fine wine in Hunter Valley.

The Hunter Valley wine region is a must-visit destination for all those who desire to experience the finest Australian wines. This picturesque valley offers stunning scenery and an opportunity to sample some of Australia’s finest vintages.

The rich terroir of Hunter Valley is ideal for producing world-class wines. Popular wineries to visit include Tyrrell’s Wines and Briar Ridge. On a visit to the Hunter Valley, you can take part in guided tours of the vineyards, explore the breathtaking landscapes on eco-friendly horseback rides, indulge in gourmet dining experiences, and cozy up in one of the many luxury winery accommodations.

26. Reach spectacular heights on the Sydney Tower Eye.

Experience the awe-inspiring views of Sydney from the highest point in town, the Sydney Tower Eye. This iconic observation deck sits 309 meters above street level.

Soar to new heights and marvel at stunning 360-degree views of Sydney’s glittering skyline, remarkable landmarks, and spectacular shores. Be sure to grab your camera and capture some fantastic shots of the city below.

27. Fill your tummy with authentic dim sum.

Australia is home to a vibrant Chinese-Australian community. Sydney’s Chinatown is one of the city’s top attractions and the best places in the world to experience authentic Chinese cuisine. Visitors can explore the vibrant lanes and alleys, visit bustling markets and sample some tantalizing seafood dishes and steaming dumplings.

Enjoy a feast of traditional dim sum and other Chinese delicacies served up in charming restaurants or take away snacks at the buzzing street food stalls. With its bustling atmosphere, lively music, and tasty dishes, your time in Chinatown is sure to be unforgettable.

28. Go winter whale watching.

If you’re lucky enough to be Down Under during winter, you should take advantage of the opportunity to witness the majestic humpback and southern right whales as they migrate through their breeding grounds.

Spend a day on the coast joining whale-watching tours, spotting these gentle giants, listening to their haunting songs, and marveling at their beauty. Grab a warm coat, your camera, and head off to experience one of nature’s grandest spectacles.

29. Visit jaw-dropping waterfalls in greater NSW .

The waterfalls near Sydney are some of the most spectacular in all of Australia. From cascading beauty to thunderous falls, these natural wonders will take your breath away.

Wentworth Falls is one of the most popular and well-known waterfalls near Sydney. It’s a three-tier waterfall with a total of 187 meters in height. You can enjoy stunning views of the Jamison Valley and the Blue Mountains from its top.

Secondly, Belmore Falls is another popular attraction near Sydney. It has two tiers that are both impressive. In addition, there’s a lookout at the top of the falls which provides stunning views of the surrounding region.

Fitzroy Falls is another waterfall worth visiting near Sydney. The falls are 80 meters in height and feature three tiers. From its top, you can enjoy views of the surrounding bushland and farmland.

Whichever falls you choose to visit, you’ll surely be in awe of their beauty and power.

30. Explore the Royal National Park.

The Royal National Park is Australia’s first national park and the second in the world. It quickly came to be known as the ‘people’s park.’ The park is easily accessible from Sydney, making it popular with locals and tourists alike.

The park boasts a variety of beautiful bush walks, giving you the perfect opportunity to experience nature up close. You can take in stunning views of the coastline and explore a variety of wildlife that inhabit the park. There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained, such as horse riding, cycling, and fishing.

The Royal National Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s also home to some of the continent’s endangered species, which makes it a great spot for wildlife lovers. To get the most out of your experience in The Royal National Park, be sure to explore the many trails and attractions available. You’ll be amazed by what you can uncover!

31. Attend a music festival.

Sydney is home to some of the most fantastic music festivals in the world. With a wealth of international and local talent, these festivals make for an unforgettable experience. One of the most famous music festivals is Vivid Sydney, “a celebration of light, music, and ideas” that takes place each year from late May to mid-June.

Vivid Sydney truly has something for everyone. Its vibrant line-up includes spectacular light shows and projections, impressive performances by local and international musicians, and thought-provoking talks and debates with leading creative thinkers. Whether you’re looking for an electrifying night of music or a deep dive into new ideas, Vivid Sydney is the place to be.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience Australian (and international) culture at its finest.

32. Support your local drag queens on Oxford Street.

From February-March 2023, Sydney was home to World Pride. This colorful city never shies away from supporting our LGBTQ+ siblings. Let’s keep that spirit going and show our support for Sydney’s fabulous drag queens!

Take a stroll down the traditionally queer neighborhood of Oxford Street and join in the fun of supporting local drag queens. From shows to karaoke nights, there are plenty of opportunities to spread love and acceptance while having an amazing time. So come on out, be proud, and show your support for our incredible queens.

Some popular spots for quality drag shows include  Stonewall Hotel ,  ARQ , and  The Oxford Hotel .

33. Try your luck at spotting penguins in Manly.

Take a ferry from the Sydney CBD to the suburb of Manly, and spot the hidden gems of Sydney’s Harbour—Penguins! Despite their size, these tiny creatures make quite a statement. With less than 30 breeding pairs left in the wild, it’s rare to come across them in this area.

But with some luck and a keen eye, you can spot them in the coves such as Store Beach, which stretches north from Cannae Point in Sydney Harbour National Park. Take a tour through the park with experienced guides to learn more about this small group of penguins and their unique habitat.

If you have time to pop over to the Melbourne area, visiting Philip Island Nature Park for their penguin parade is an even better penguin viewing experience.

34. Soak in the views at The Gap in Watson Bay.

The Gap in Watson Bay offers unforgettable views that will take your breath away. From the top of the sandstone cliffs, you can admire panoramic views of both the Harbour and the Tasman Sea below. If you’re looking for an incredible photo opportunity or a great place to take in the beauty of nature, then this is definitely worth a visit.

Not only are the views incredible but there’s also an interesting history to The Gap. Unfortunately, it has been the site of several tragedies throughout its long history, including the infamous Dunbar shipwreck in 1857. Thankfully, the cliff edges have now been securely fenced off to protect visitors and maintain safety.

35. Unleash your inner hipster in Newtown.

Welcome to Newtown—where the trendy and fashionable come to hang out and let their inner creative sides shine. This buzzing, eclectic neighborhood is the perfect place to experience the best of alternative culture.

King Street’s thrift stores and indie bookshops will surely spark your inner fashionista or bibliophile, while the vibrant array of bars and eateries offer an array of multicultural delights.

Plus, soaking in the historic Victorian architecture and street art, including a mural of Martin Luther King, will give you an immersive cultural experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Embrace your inner hipster and explore all that Newtown has to offer.

36. Get lost in the Queen Victoria Building.

Located in the South Head neighborhood, the Queen Victoria Building is an architecturally stunning late 19th-century building designed by the talented architect George McRae.

It’s hard to miss this grand structure, with its large dome and intricate details adorning its walls. Step inside and discover an incredible array of shopping and dining experiences available in the building’s three levels, from high-end fashion boutiques to specialty food shops.

But that’s not all—get lost in the QVB and explore its many art exhibitions, historical displays, live music performances, and more! With something for everyone, the Queen Victoria Building is sure to become one of your favorite places in Sydney. You’re sure to discover a wealth of treasures hidden within its walls.

37. Raise your heart rate at the Luna Park amusement and theme park.

If you need to burn off some extra energy, there’s no better place than screaming it off at Luna Park Sydney. Located on the way to the North Shore neighborhood, this iconic amusement and theme park is the perfect spot to kick off a fun-filled adventure.

Located on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour, this heritage-listed attraction offers an array of rides, games, and entertainment that will surely get your heart racing! The little ones will love the exciting Little Nipper coaster, while teens can hit the arcades and try their luck on the Big Dipper 360° roller coaster.

From exhilarating roller coasters and thrill rides to classic carousels and dodgem cars, visitors of all ages can find the ride right for them. Plus, don’t forget to get some cotton candy or other treats from one of the many food outlets located throughout the park.

38. Soak in the views from Mrs. Macquarie’s chair.

Discover the stunning beauty of Sydney Harbour from one of the most iconic sites in Australia, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. Located on a peninsula overlooking the harbor near the Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair is an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench that was hand-carved by convicts in 1810.

From the chair, you can take in a majestic 270-degree view of Sydney’s skyline, including the famous Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and numerous other attractions. The chair has an interesting history, as it was created for the wife of Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales because she so admired the view.

39. Catch a cricket game in the Paddington neighborhood.

A sport we see little of in the United States is Cricket. So, when in Rome, why not catch a game? The Sydney Cricket Ground is the continent’s home of Cricket.

Whether you’re an avid fan or just curious to learn more about this unique game, there’s no better place to get a taste of Cricket than at the SCG. You’ll be treated to all that this world-class sporting facility has to offer, from its incredible grounds to the thrill of a live cricket game.

40. Visit the Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach .

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and explore one of the area’s most iconic landmarks: The Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Located at Sydney’s most northern point, 91 meters above sea level, this historic sandstone lighthouse sits atop Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach and offers quality views.

Not only will you get to experience this site’s history, but you may even recognize it from popular TV shows such as  Home and Away ! If that isn’t enough to convince you, head to the nearby Summer Bay Surf Club and take in the rest of the stunning northern beach scenery.

Are you excited yet?

Sydney provides endless activities and attractions for visitors to explore. Whether admiring the breathtaking views from the top of the Bridge, getting lost in the Queen Victoria Building, or screaming your heart out at Luna Park, this metropolis offers something for everyone.

Are you interested in exploring more of Australia ? Check out our guide to the capital of The Outback and Western Australia, Perth .

Frequently Asked Questions

The top things to do in Sydney include climbing the Harbour Bridge and visiting the Queen Victoria Building. To truly experience the city, why not have an adventure with a hilarious scavenger hunt ?

The best time to visit Sydney is in spring (September—November) and autumn (March—May). The weather during these times is pleasant, with mild temperatures and low rainfall.

With plenty of things to do in Sydney to keep everyone entertained, it’s a great spot for families. Activities include the Royal Botanic Gardens, Taronga Zoo, and taking a ferry ride on Sydney Harbour.

There are plenty of things to do in Sydney for couples. Take a stroll around the Opera House, visit the Tower Eye, or hop on a thrilling and informative scavenger hunt together.

There are plenty of free and low-cost things to do in Sydney , like taking a free tour around The Rocks, exploring Newtown’s independent stores, or embarking on a fabulous scavenger hunt .

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The Perfect 7-Day Sydney Itinerary in 2024

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Are you looking for the best 7-day Sydney itinerary?

Planning a trip to Sydney? Look no further! This Sydney itinerary will guide you through the vibrant city’s best experiences.

Sydney has something for everyone, from iconic landmarks to stunning coastlines, cultural hotspots, delicious food, and more.

This 7-day Sydney itinerary will take you on a memorable journey through the city, ensuring you don’t miss any must-see attractions.

Planning Your Trip Soon? Use My Favourite Resources!

Accommodations – I recommend Booking.com Flights – I recommend Skyscanner Money Transfer & Conversion – I highly recommend Wise Travel Insurance – I recommend Cover-More Tours/experiences – I recommend Viator Car rental – I recommend Europcar Campervan Hire – I recommend Spaceships AU

As a resident of Sydney for over two years, I am thrilled to share my local knowledge and insider tips to help you create an unforgettable 7-day Sydney itinerary in this vibrant metropolis. So, let’s dive in and explore the wonders of Sydney!

🔍 Table of Contents

The Best 7-Day Sydney Itinerary

With our carefully curated 7-day Sydney itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the best of this vibrant city.

From its world-famous landmarks to hidden gems in its diverse neighbourhoods, Sydney has abundant experiences waiting to be discovered.

So buckle up and get ready to embark on an incredible journey through this captivating city’s sights, sounds, and tastes!

Day 1: Exploring Sydney’s Icons

Embark on your 7-day Sydney itinerary adventure by immersing yourself in the city’s iconic sights.

Begin with a guided tour of the renowned Sydney Opera House , where you can appreciate its remarkable architecture and delve into its fascinating history.

Located on the stunning Sydney Harbour, this UNESCO World Heritage site symbolises Australia’s creative spirit.

The Opera House is also a fantastic spot for capturing breathtaking harbour photos.

Afterwards, take a stroll or cycle across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the harbour as you travel to the other side.

For an adrenaline-pumping experience and panoramic views of Sydney, embark on a BridgeClimb adventure.

Scale the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and witness breathtaking vistas of the city skyline, the Opera House, and the glistening harbour below.

With experienced guides leading the way, you’ll learn fascinating facts about the bridge’s construction and enjoy an unforgettable thrill.

Visit The Rocks, a historic neighbourhood at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Wander through its cobblestone streets, lined with charming sandstone buildings that have witnessed the city’s evolution.

Explore local markets, art galleries, and museums to taste Sydney’s rich heritage.

Don’t miss The Rocks Discovery Museum , where you can learn about the area’s Aboriginal history and European settlement. You can also uncover the secrets of The Rocks in this guided tour.

Head over to The Rocks Markets where you can find an array of artisanal goods and food stalls selling local produce and handmade items.

It’s worth exploring if you want to pick up some souvenirs!

THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

✅ sydney harbour morning cruise.

Take Sydney’s highlights from a different perspective on this picturesque harbour tour .

Cruise along the sparkling waters from Circular Quay and admire iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Explore Watsons Bay, a charming penguin beach within Sydney Harbour National Park, and marvel at the delightful waterside homes along the way.

Please stop at the historic North Head Quarantine Station to delve into its rich history and enjoy a relaxing morning tea (not included) before returning to Circular Quay.

✅ Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride

Embark on a jet boat adventure where you’ll experience a thrilling 30-minute ride filled with adrenaline and a fresh perspective on Sydney’s iconic waterside sights .

Led by an expert captain, this ride guarantees non-stop fun as you speed through the harbour. Prepare for an up-close encounter with the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and other renowned landmarks.

✅ Sydney Harbour Tour by Helicopter

Imagine breathtaking aerial views of Sydney Harbour and its magnificent surroundings with a scenic helicopter flight over the city .

Admire the beauty of Coogee Beach, the iconic Bondi Beach, and the picturesque Manly Cove from a unique vantage point.

Witness the splendour of Sydney’s spectacular harbour. You can also marvel at the city skyline, where the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House stand proudly.

Day 2: Coastal Adventure

On day two of your 7-day Sydney itinerary, immerse yourself in the beauty of Sydney’s renowned beaches.

Start your day with a visit to Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic beaches . Take a refreshing dip in the ocean or relax on the golden sands.

Don’t forget to explore the vibrant Bondi markets and indulge in some local treats.

If you’re in the mood for an exhilarating experience, take advantage of the chance to participate in various activities like surfing or sea kayaking.

For lunch, savour a delicious meal at one of the many inviting restaurants in Bondi. Or, you can try Bondi Icebergs and enjoy the view of Bondi Beach.

Afterwards, embark on the breathtaking coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee. The Bondi to Coogee walk is a must-do for anyone visiting the city.

This 6km coastal path takes you to some of Sydney’s most spectacular beaches and picturesque bays. This will allow you to enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean and its stunning shoreline.

You can also stop at Bronte Beach and stroll to nearby Surry Hills, home to Sydney’s top dining, bars, and boutiques.

Bronte Beach is an excellent spot to watch the sun go down – plus, it’s conveniently located close to the city, making it an ideal destination for tourists.

Alternatively, you can venture to Watsons Bay, a charming waterfront suburb with stunning views and delicious seafood.

Take a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay, where you can explore the picturesque Gap Park and admire the panoramic vistas from South Head.

Indulge in a seafood banquet at one of the waterfront restaurants while savouring the tranquil coastal atmosphere.

THINGS TO DO AT BONDI BEACH

✅ small group guided tour from bondi to watsons bay.

This guided tour will begin in Bondi Beach with a leisurely walk to a picturesque ocean view spot adorned with rock pools, a favourite local swimming spot.

It’s the perfect opportunity to capture some Instagram-worthy photos.

Upon arriving at Watson’s Bay, explorers can partake in kayaking during their lunch break at a secluded beach, a hidden paradise.

While lunch is not provided, you can purchase food and refreshments or bring a packed lunch for a picnic.

✅ Surfing Lessons on Bondi Beach

Immerse yourself in surfing as you learn the art of riding the waves with a professional instructor at the renowned Bondi Beach, conveniently located just a short distance from central Sydney.

Prepare for an engaging and enjoyable surfing lesson guided by an expert who will provide you with all the essential knowledge.

Learn the fundamentals like getting up on the board, reading the surf, catching waves, and more.

Day 3: Cultural Exploration

For Day 3 of your 7-day Sydney Itinerary, take some time to explore the dynamic arts scene by visiting the well-renowned Art Gallery of New South Wales .

Situated in The Domain, this world-class gallery houses an extensive Australian and international art collection.

From Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks to European masterpieces, there is a diverse range of art to explore.

Don’t miss the gallery’s regular exhibitions and events, which showcase contemporary works and engage visitors with thought-provoking themes.

Explore the Museum of Contemporary Art , showcasing cutting-edge contemporary artworks worldwide.

Engage with thought-provoking exhibitions and immerse yourself in artistic expression.

Escape the bustling city and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Royal Botanic Garden.

Located in the heart of Sydney, this lush oasis offers picturesque landscapes, stunning gardens, and peaceful walking paths.

Don’t forget to visit the iconic Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone bench offering panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

You can also go to Sydney Tower Eye, which offers stunning 360-degree city skyline views.

From here, you can see some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

In the afternoon, visit Darling Harbour, a bustling waterfront precinct with entertainment options for all ages.

Explore the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, home to various marine creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish.

For a thrilling experience, visit Madame Tussauds Sydney, where you can meet the lifelike wax figures of your favourite celebrities.

Get tickets for SEA LIFE Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye, WILD LIFE Zoo and Madame Tussauds.

Day 4: Nature Escapes

Get ready for an adventure and take the train to Blue Mountains National Park – where you can admire breathtaking views, explore various walking trails, or even go abseiling if you’re feeling brave!

This is a must-do for your 7-day Sydney itinerary and one of the best day trips from Sydney!

Marvel at the stunning Three Sisters rock formation, hike through lush rainforests and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Take a hike or explore the local towns of Katoomba and Leura.

Experience thrilling rides and panoramic views at Scenic World .

Hop on the steepest railway in the world, glide above the rainforest on the cableway, and walk across the glass-floored skyway for an adrenaline rush.

THINGS TO DO IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

✅ rock climbing adventure.

Embark on a thrilling full-day rock climbing expedition in the captivating Blue Mountains, starting from Katoomba.

Irrespective of your experience level, you will be provided with thorough guidance on equipment, belaying techniques, locating secure footholds, and ensuring a safe descent.

This immersive experience offers the opportunity to spend a day immersed in the art of rock climbing while learning essential techniques and safety practices from expert guides.

Prepare to push your limits and create lasting memories against the breathtaking backdrop of New South Wales’ remarkable Blue Mountains.

✅ Canyoning Experience at Empress Canyon

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Blue Mountains in a genuinely adventurous way by booking a guided abseiling and canyon tour.

Immerse yourself in an exciting day as you venture up close to the magnificent landscape.

Abseiling is the first part of this thrilling journey, starting with smaller cliffs and gradually moving up to more challenging ones.

After a delicious lunch, embark on a scenic walk to the canyon entrance, where you’ll wade through a creek and have the exhilarating opportunity to jump into a refreshing rock pool.

With a small-group tour limited to a maximum of 14 participants, you can expect a personalized and intimate experience, ensuring that every moment is memorable.

Don’t miss the chance to discover the captivating wonders of the Blue Mountains through this captivating abseiling and canyon tour.

✅ Half-Day Abseiling Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating abseiling adventure in the breathtaking Blue Mountains, starting from Katoomba.

In the company of an expert guide, you will experience a series of rappels from 16 feet (5 meters) to 49 feet (15 meters) in length.

As you descend, pause to appreciate the stunning bushland scenery around you, enhancing the sense of adventure and connection with nature.

Immerse yourself in the thrill of abseiling during this unforgettable tour in the magnificent Blue Mountains .

Day 5: Food and Wine

Indulge in a seafood feast at the bustling Sydney Fish Market . Sample freshly shucked oysters taste succulent prawns, and savour delicious fish and chips.

You can also join The Rocks Foodies Market, where you can sample local produce, gourmet treats, and artisanal crafts.

Embark on a day trip to the famous Hunter Valley wine region . Enjoy wine tastings at renowned wineries, savour gourmet meals, and soak in the picturesque vineyard landscapes.

P.S. : Visit Luna Park in Milsons Point for some of Sydney’s most iconic rides if you aren’t interested in wine tasting in Hunter Valley.

You can ride roller coasters, play arcade games and watch thrilling shows. A wide variety of food and drink options are also available, so ensure you stay fed throughout your visit!

THINGS TO DO IN HUNTER VALLEY

✅ hunter express helicopter flight.

If you’re seeking a brief yet remarkable helicopter experience in the Hunter Valley, this flight is perfect!

Designed to provide a quick overview of the area, it is an ideal choice for first-timers who wish to get a taste of what it’s like to soar in a helicopter.

Additionally, it caters to those with time constraints or budget considerations who still desire the incredible thrill of a helicopter ride.

With a duration of just 6 minutes, this flight offers a convenient and accessible opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking experience of taking to the skies in a helicopter.

✅ Full Day Wine and Food Experience

Explore renowned Hunter Valley wineries without the hassle of organizing your own transportation, tastings, and tours.

This comprehensive experience is a wine lover’s dream, allowing you to visit hidden gems and renowned spots you may have otherwise overlooked.

Immerse yourself in the Hunter Valley’s vibrant wine scene as you visit multiple wineries and vineyards, maximizing your time in just one day.

Enjoy guided tastings, a delightful lunch, and refreshing bottled water throughout the journey.

To ensure an intimate and personalized experience, the small group is limited to a maximum of ten participants.

✅ Hunter Valley Winery Tour

No trip to Australia is genuinely fulfilled for wine enthusiasts without a visit to the renowned Hunter Valley, a region celebrated for its exceptional wines and delectable cheeses.

Learn how to pair wines with various culinary delights as you explore the finest wineries in this area.

Indulge your taste buds with samples of local delicacies like cheese and chocolate, discovering the perfect combinations that enhance the flavours of the wines.

With the convenience of round-trip transfers, you can fully immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery while enjoying the wine tastings, free from the worry of driving afterwards.

Day 6: Wildlife Encounters

Take a ferry to Taronga Zoo , one of the world’s most renowned zoos with a stunning harbour backdrop.

Encounter many animals, including koalas, kangaroos, giraffes, elephants, Tasmanian devils, and more.

Attend captivating animal shows and educational talks to learn more about conservation efforts.

For a unique experience, book a “ Roar and Snore ” overnight stay at the zoo and wake up to the sounds of wildlife.

Then, head to nearby Balmoral Beach for some spectacular views before heading back to town for dinner.

Day 7: Sydney’s Neighborhoods

Sydney’s vibrant neighbourhoods offer unique experiences and a taste of the city’s diverse culture. Start your day in Newtown, known for its bohemian charm, street art, and eclectic boutiques.

Discover hidden cafes, vintage shops, and multicultural cuisines as you wander through King Street.

Don’t miss the chance to catch a live performance at one of the local theatres or music venues.

You can also taste your way to Chinatown for delicious Asian cuisine or browse designer stores around Barangaroo South Wharf Promenade.

Next, catch a ferry from Circular Quay across the harbour to Manly. Venture to Manly Beach, a picturesque location boasting golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

Experience the underwater world by snorkelling or strolling along The Corso with its shops, cafes, and restaurants.

P.S. If you want to experience Sydney’s unique nightlife. Stroll around Oxford Street in Darlinghurst, or head to King Cross station for eclectic bars and pubs.

Where to Stay in Sydney

Discover the best places to stay for your 7-day Sydney itinerary with various accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget.

Find the perfect base for your Sydney adventure, from luxurious hotels with stunning harbour views to cozy boutique guesthouses in trendy neighbourhoods.

For a more in-depth accommodations list, check out Where To Stay in Sydney 2023: Best Areas + Hotels (With Map),

📍Central Business District (CBD): The Heart of Sydney

I highly suggest staying in Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD).

With its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and vibrant atmosphere, the CBD offers convenience and easy access to many of Sydney’s top attractions.

✔️ InterContinental Sydney

• ⭐ Rating: 8.3 out of 10
• 🏆 Known for: Location, comfortable bed
• 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com

InterContinental Sydney is a luxurious hotel overlooking Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House.

Immerse yourself in elegance and indulge in fine dining experiences while being within walking distance of major attractions like the Royal Botanic Garden and The Rocks.

✔️ Meriton Suites World Tower

• ⭐ Rating: 8.7 out of 10

I have personally had the pleasure of staying at Meriton Suites, and I must say, it has been a delightful experience.

I have had the opportunity to stay at both Meriton Suites Campbell Street and Meriton Suites Pitt Street , and I can confidently say that both locations exceeded my expectations.

Meriton Suites World Tower provides sleek and modern serviced apartments for those seeking a more spacious and self-contained accommodation option.

Located in the heart of the CBD, these apartments offer stunning city views, fully equipped kitchens, and access to a range of facilities, including a pool and fitness centre.

📍The Rocks: Sydney’s Historic Neighborhood

For a unique blend of historical charm, cobbled streets, and harbour views, The Rocks is a captivating neighbourhood to consider for your stay in Sydney.

As the birthplace of modern Sydney, this area is steeped in history, with preserved sandstone buildings and a vibrant arts and cultural scene.

✔️ The Langham Sydney

• ⭐ Rating: 9.1 out of 10
• 🏆 Known for: Location, comfortable bed, good breakfast

The Langham Sydney is a five-star hotel in the heart of The Rocks, offering luxurious accommodations and impeccable service.

The Langham provides comfort and relaxation with elegant rooms and suites, a day spa, and a rooftop pool .

Enjoy panoramic views of the harbour and easy access to iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House.

✔️ Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney MGallery

• ⭐ Rating: 8.8 out of 10
• 🏆 Known for: Location, friendly staff

Located in an excellent spot, just a 15-minute walk from Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney MGallery offers a prime location for guests.

Guests can stay active at the hotel’s fitness centre and dine with a delicious meal at Tayim Restaurant & Bar.

The luxurious hotel further enhances its offerings with a bar/lounge, a snack bar/deli, and a terrace, providing a variety of spaces to relax and unwind.

📍Darling Harbour: Fun and Entertainment Hub

Darling Harbour is an excellent choice if you’re travelling with family or seeking a vibrant entertainment hub.

Located just minutes from the CBD, this lively precinct offers a range of attractions, including the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, and Madame Tussauds.

✔️ Novotel Sydney Darling Square

Novotel Sydney Darling Square is a modern and family-friendly hotel in the heart of Darling Harbour.

With spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a dedicated children’s play area, this hotel ensures a comfortable stay for the whole family.

Enjoy easy access to nearby attractions, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife options.

✔️ Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites

• ⭐ Rating: 7.6 out of 10
• 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on OaksHotels.com

For a self-contained accommodation option with convenient access to Darling Harbour, Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites provides fully furnished apartments in a heritage-listed building.

Enjoy the flexibility of having your own kitchen and laundry facilities while being within walking distance of popular attractions and the bustling entertainment precinct.

7-Day Sydney Itinerary FAQs

Is seven days enough for sydney.

Yes, seven days are generally considered sufficient to explore and experience the highlights of Sydney.

This timeframe allows you to visit the iconic landmarks, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, and indulge in the city’s diverse attractions.

How can I get around Sydney?

Sydney has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries.

The Opal card (or your debit card) is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel on these modes of transport.

Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also readily available. Additionally, walking is a great way to explore central areas, and cycling is popular in specific neighbourhoods.

What is the best month to go to Sydney?

The best time to visit Sydney is during the spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) seasons when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

However, remember that Sydney’s summer (December to February) can be hot and humid, while winter (June to August) brings cooler temperatures.

Conclusion: 7-day Sydney itinerary

This 7-day Sydney itinerary perfectly blends iconic landmarks, coastal beauty, cultural experiences, nature, culinary delights, and relaxation.

From exploring the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach to immersing yourself in art and wildlife encounters, this itinerary ensures an unforgettable journey.

So pack your bags, embrace the vibrant energy of Sydney, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Meet Kate. She is the founder of one of Australia's most popular and helpful travel planning communities, where she shares reliable information and exclusive discounts. With her passion for exploring and love for travel, Kate enjoys showcasing the best of Australian tourism. Her mission is to make Australia Travel Hub the leading resource for travelling across Australia, making your adventures more affordable and accessible.

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• 9 Adventurous Things To Do In Sydney For An Enthralling Australian Vacation

Cover Image Credit: Pixabay

Sydney the oldest, largest cosmopolitan city in Australia has a fortunate status as one of the most livable and beautiful cities in the world. This harbor city brims with nature, art, history, cuisine, fashion, culture, and design and is located near few miles of surf beaches and ocean coastline.

Long-standing immigration has made the city gain reputation as one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in Australia. Sydney is home to various major iconic structures. When you think about Sydney, the city is a blend of harbors and beaches, not to mention the opera house which is hugely popular amongst people who love various forms of art. You are sure to be astonished with the tourist attractions that this city offers. There are a lot of adventurous things to do in Sydney , which is why tourists flock to this place for endless memories and adventure.

9 Best Adventurous Things To Do In Sydney

Sydney has become the first stop on numerous itineraries in Australia.The city is home to many adventures including popular exhibitions and sporting competitions. The city has hosted numerous international events, in particular the 2000 Summer Olympics. Here is a list of the most popular adventurous things to do in Sydney:

1. Jet Boating

Image Credit: Hans Braxmeier for Pixabay It is one amongst the popular activities of the folks in Australia. Sydney possesses a vast coastal region that oversees the city and so there are several sites where you can do jet boating. The perfect jet boating activity is available between the opera house and ferry wharf 2. You can completely take pleasure in your ride at full speed since the region doesn’t have any slow zones. Safety measures are put in place to help you enjoy your ride.

Must Read: 18 Most Romantic Things To Do In Sydney: Must Experiences For Honeymooners!

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Image Courtesy: pexels.com Australia has the best beaches on the entire planet and surfing is the perfect activity you can perform on these beaches. You can go to any beach in Sydney and surf to your heart’s content. However, you must be familiar with how to surf to stay on the safer side. Several surfing schools offer training where you learn and then surf.

Suggested Read: Winter in Sydney: 8 Things To Do When Sydney Is At Its Magical Best

Image Courtesy: pxhere.com Skiing is best suited for people who wish to perform adventurous things in life. Numerous ski resorts are present in the surroundings of Sydney. The NSW sky field is close to Sydney and this place will offer you a lifetime experience to ski around the mountains that are fully covered with snow. You can opt for a decent resort that offers skiing passes for 100 Australian dollars per individual.

Suggested Read: 5 Best Resorts In Sydney: Perfect Stays For A Great Vacation!

4. Zip Lining

Image Source This amusing activity is not available in many places. You can opt for a zip lining at Sydney to have an unforgettable experience. “Treetops” is the perfect zip-lining service that you can opt for. This adventurous activity can be enjoyed alone unlike other ones which are best for families. The fee is just 28 Australian dollars and this is bound to be one of the cheapest adventurous activities you can perform around Sydney.

Suggested Read: Sydney Nightlife: 15 Places That Bring This City To Life At Night!

5. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Image Source This is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. Also called Coat Hanger, this bridge is an iconic representation of Australia. It is situated in Sydney, New South Wales and is nearby the majority of transportation facilities. The bridge is stunning to look at night and so you might want to visit the bridge after sunset to capture its beauty in pictures. You can take a leisurely walk at the harbour bridge and put out of your mind all your miseries as you take pleasure in the fascinating scenery.

Suggested Read: All You Need To Know About Vivid Sydney – World’s Largest Festival Of Light, Music & Ideas

6. Taronga Zoo

Image Source This is one of the finest zoological parks in the city. It is situated in the suburb of Mosman near the Sydney Harbor shores. You can make use of public transport to reach this zoo. This zoo has over 340 animal species and 2600 distinct animals. You can hire this venue to arrange events or functions and get a serene view of the Harbor. You have to plan your trip to ensure that you can visit the zoo during its open hours. It is open daily even on Christmas days.

Suggested Read: Shopping In Alexandria: 10 Famous Outlets Hidden In Sydney’s Quaint Inner City

7. Scuba Diving

It is often said by numerous people that if you were to visit Sydney ever, you should never miss scuba diving activity. Several private agencies assist you in arranging a scuba diving session to help you enjoy it at an affordable price. Some of the ideal scuba diving sites include the signal station, south reef, royal Sheppard, Shelly beach and more. The entire coastal region of Sydney contains numerous sites where you can opt for scuba diving. The pricing might differ from one agency to another. The average price is approximately 200 Australian dollars for an individual.

Suggested Read: 7 Splendid Cruises From Sydney You Should Aboard On Your Next Trip!

8. Sunbathe At Sydney Beaches

Image Credit: Terri Cnudde for Pixabay The city is an exciting mix of the laid-back and exhilarating. You can enjoy various excitement within the city. With its abundance of nature, Sydney is the beginning point for trips that serve unique flavours and fresh air. The most excellent thing about the city beaches is that they are the finest places where you can spend quality time with your partner. Some of the world famous beaches in Sydney are Bondi beach, Manly beach, Shelly beach and many other.Get tanned in the remarkable beaches while you visit Sydney and turn your summer into a special one.

Suggested Read: New Year Celebration In Sydney: Welcome In Style

9. Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours are a must when you visit Sydney. You can get online tickets to enjoy these events. The tour begins from the NSW Potts point from where you depart and travel around different places to relish wine. There are various other places too to take a wine tour. These personal tours are perfect for people who wish to taste various wine varieties. There are both half-day and full-day tours that take you all over the hunter valley into the most exceptional wineries.

Further Read: 10 Safaris In Sydney To Experience A Food Spree And Wildlife Sightseeing

If you are on the lookout for a place that offers great adventures, then you should definitely visit Sydney as it is an ideal place for people who enjoy action-packed ventures. You might have a difficult time in narrowing your choices and making your mind up as to which activity to choose. You can climb to the Harbor Bridge top to see splendid views, or fishtail, zoom and power brake at great speeds in a jet boat. Visit the Sydney Olympic Park to try the tight wire, flying trapeze and learn juggling with Circus Arts Sydney, the best trapeze company in Australia. Plan your travel to this riveting city with TravelTriangle today.

Disclaimer:  TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney

What are some of the activities to try out in Sydney?

If you are an adrenaline junkie, you have various activities to do in Sydney. From white water rafting to indoor skydiving, to sail planing to climbing indoor climbing walls, you will find many adventure opportunities in this city.

How much do Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tours cost?

The price differs but the majority of the sites charge 95 Australian dollars for one individual which is pretty decent if you opt for a full day tour so that you can visit lots of places in one single visit.

How to reach different tourist attractions in Sydney?

As a tourist, you can get to various famous places from the Sydney harbor bridge. It bears eight two train lines, vehicle lanes, cycle way and foot way. It helps connect the North Shore and the Sydney central business district.

When should you visit Sydney to try skiing adventure?

Skiing can become a fun activity only when there is a great deal of snow in the mountains and so it is suggested that you go to these places during the winter season to ensure that you get the ideal environment.

Where is the Sydney Opera House located?

It is situated in Bennelong Point in Sydney. It is home to the finest performing arts that take place in Australia.

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Gaurav is an entrepreneur by profession and an avid Yoga enthusiast. He loves to explore and know about Varied traditions, arts and colourful cultures of people at different places around the world. He loves to spend time in nature and to read books.

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Top 25 Things To Do in Sydney With Kids

Hey, you are coming to visit Sydney with kids, that’s great. You will be so welcome! You’re wondering what the best Sydney attractions are for you and your family? Let us show you around!

NB If you are a visitor to Sydney do consider buying a Sydney Go City Explorer Pass – it can save you a heap of money. 

Here you’ll find our list of top things to do in Sydney, the activities and attractions unique to our harbour city.

Visitors might also like to read my article on 150+ Fun Facts About Australia!

PS If you are v isiting Sydney with teenagers there’s a post here just for you!

Book Terrific Sydney Family Tours On This Widget!!

Of course there are many, many more than 25 fun things to do in Sydney with kids, but you need to start with the best of the best. Here it is.

Table of Contents

1.  Taronga Zoo: Meet Aussie Animals 

Hop on the ferry at Circular Quay to visit Taronga Zoo which is usually rated No.1 of all Sydney attractions for kids. The magnificent Harbourside setting is breathtaking, these zoo animals have the best views in Sydney. There are many special features of Taronga Zoo, the Asiatic elephants, the terrific animal talks and shows. (My kids love the birds and the seals best.)

Families with kids of all ages will enjoy this classic Sydney family day out. The zoo is one of the best things to see in Sydney, a visit never disappoints.

Just beware of boiling hot days as the zoo is set on a slope and walking up hill with kids can be tough. There is a sky safari which can take you from the bottom, where the ferry comes in, up to the top from where you can meander down hill, taking in all the interesting exhibitions and animals.

Taronga Zoo Sydney

Bradleys Head Road, Mosman

Opening hours: 9.30am – 5pm every day of the year

Getting there:  Take a ferry from Circular Quay, or use the large pay car park if driving

Check out the variety of tickets available and buy ahead on Get Your Guide here.

Or use the Sydney Go City Explorer Pass to save money on Taronga tickets. 

2.  Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay: Walk and Explore

Circular Quay is a thriving hub of activity and movement. Ferries come and go from all over the harbour and there are always buskers there too. You need to hang on to the kids’ hands as it can be busy and even a bit scary for kids at peak hours.

There are cafes and restaurants where you can watch the world bustle by. The Museum of Contemporary Art is there and Customs House with its replica of the city, exhibitions and events as well as places to eat and drink.

But the main event is the Sydney Opera House, of course. It’s massive sails pull visitors towards it. You will be amazed by its size and how well it sits within the Harbour scene.

Visitors can do all sorts of things at the Opera House, most popular being to walk around it then walk up and down the massive flights of steps at the forecourt. Many folks will then walk on to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens.

However, stay a while, you can buy tickets for shows and also explore the Opera House on a tour. Plan ahead by checking out what’s on using the excellent Sydney Opera House website here.

Buy tickets for a behind the scenes tour at Sydney Opera House here.

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge:  Climb or Walk Over

Sydney Harbour Bridge, which we locals affectionately refer to as the coat hanger, is the city’s second icon, after Sydney Opera House.

Families with children aged 8 and over might like to take part in an organised (and very safe, but thrilling) climb right to the top of the bridge. This is very expensive, a very special treat and one of the most iconic of Sydney adventures.  It’s number one on the list of adventurous things to do in Sydney, that’s for sure.

Find Sydney Bridgeclimb tickets here.

You can walk across the Harbour Bridge very easily. It’s a breathtaking walk, either from the city to the north or from Milsons Point on the north side back to The Rocks.

You can pay a small fee to climb up the pylon and see an exhibition about the bridge. It’s very interesting and the views from here are spectacular.

If you are staying in the city, start from there and cross to the north side where there are some great kid-friendly options. You could visit Luna Park, have a swim at North Sydney Olympic Pool, eat at one of Kirribilli’s many cafes and restaurants or enjoy the fenced playground at Bradfield Park, on the corner of  Fitzroy and Alfred Streets.

If the family can be well-behaved then lunch at Ripples Cafe by North Sydney Olympic Pool will be a delight.

If you’d like a longer walk continue past Luna Park and into Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay.

4. Luna Park Amusement Park: Rides and Thrills 

Luna Park is just north of the Harbour Bridge and the huge beaming face that visitors walk through is a well-known Sydney landmark.

Put Luna Park on your Sydney to do list if you and the kids love ferris wheels, merry go rounds, dodgem cars and more modern fairground attractions too. Luna Park does have a lot of vintage charm, with plenty to do for young children as well as school aged kids and teens.

There are some rides for preschoolers, the red rides are for children from 85cm – 105cm height, the green rides for kids from 106cm – 129cm and the yellow rides are for everyone 130cm+.

Luna Park Sydney

Milsons Point

Opening hours:  These vary by season, and on some days the entire park is closed for functions so you must check ahead on the website

Getting there:  Come by ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point. Milsons Point train station is a 10 minute walk away.  Many buses go to Milsons Point too.  There is pay car parking. The entrance is on Paul Street, off Alfred Street South – it’s not cheap but it makes life much easier.

Click here to buy your Luna Park tickets!

5. Sydney Harbour Cruises With Kids

There are dozens and dozens of different cruises to do on Sydney Harbour, but my kids have enjoyed the Tall Ships cruises best of all, they’ve been on the gorgeous tall ships Southern Swan or Soren Larsen. Both look just like 1850s pirate ships!

Read about many varieties of Sydney Harbour cruises for families on this post.

Or just jump straight over to Get Your Guide to check out all the cruise offerings there. Click below.

5. Royal Botanic Garden: Picnics and Walks 

For gentle charm, botanical delights and world-class harbour views, a walk in the Royal National Park is a must. There is plenty of space, a great deal of interesting flora plus the delightful Calyx building which houses exhibitions and shows.

This is one of the best places to visit in Sydney for families who love to walk and explore. Those with an interest in history and fascination with Australian flora will love it too.

There are several places to enjoy a meal, snack or just a drink in the gardens too. We like the kiosk for kids meals, or the lovely Calyx cafe when we have time to sit down for longer.

You can walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens on your way from the Opera House to the Art Gallery of NSW, passing Mrs Macquaries Chair and enjoying one of the most famous views in Sydney from there.

Garden lovers will find many free activities on offer and there are always activities for children in school holidays.

If you love to swim you will find the Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Pool set on the side of Woolloomooloo Bay before the Art Gallery, a wonderful place to cool off, splash and do laps, with a great cafe too.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

RBG website here

Opening hours: The RBG opens at 7am each morning and closes between 5pm and 8pm depending on the season.

You can enter the Royal Botanic Gardens from the Sydney Opera House Forecourt area and also from Macquarie Street. There are 30 hectares of garden to explore, and a terrific exhibition space with cafe called the Calyx.

Getting there:  By car, best places to try are along Mrs Macquaries Road where there is meter parking. But public transport and by foot are best.

6. Visit The Australian Museum

Sydney’s pre-eminent museum is a great mix of the old and the new. There are plenty of traditional museum exhibits, all sorts of flora and fauna of interest. There are also modern exhibits with technologies to enhance a family visit.

If you are a museum buff then this is one of your must do things in Sydney. You will learn so much about Sydney and about Australia as a whole.  Kids will adore the hands-on activities and the breadth of things to do.

There’s a special area for the under fives too, plus a fantastic cafe with sweeping city views.

Australian Museum

1 William St, Sydney NSW 2010

Open: 9.30am – 5pm every day except Christmas Day

Australian Museum website here

7.  Sydney Tower Eye: Enjoy the Views

Older kids and teens will find the golden globe that is Sydney Tower Eye one of the most fun places in Sydney to visit.  You take a lift up to the Observation Deck 250 metres above the city centre, then gaze over miles and miles of the city spreading out in all directions.

Sydney Tower is the tallest structure in Sydney. You can enjoy meals on the Observation Deck or just enjoy the views.

Sydney Tower Eye soars over a huge shopping centre, so combine with a shopping trip and your teens will be overjoyed.

Sydney Tower Eye Level 5 Westfield Sydney Corner of Pitt St and Market St Sydney, NSW 2000

Book your Sydney Tower Eye tickets with Fast Track here.

Find other great Sydney Tower Eye activities here.

8.  Darling Harbour: Spend the Whole Day (and Night!)

Look, there are so many things to do at Darling Harbour. People call it the centre of all Sydney fun. You can visit Sydney Aquarium, Sydney WILDlife, Madame Tussauds, The National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum and the Chinese Gardens.

There is a ferris wheel, a theatre too, plus fireworks each Saturday night and all sorts of other entertainment.

There are dozens of cafes and restaurants and then, the best thing of all if you have little kids, the playground at Darling Quarter – see it’s own entry below.

Many families choose to stay at Darling Harbour and so can simply walk from their hotel or apartment. It’s also easy to walk into Darling Harbour from the city, just go via King Street or Market Street.

If coming from further afield you can catch buses and be dropped at Darling Harbour or catch the ferry from Circular Quay.

Parking:  There are several car parks and these can be quite affordable especially if you have your ticket stamped at one of the museums here or you visit at weekends. Check out:

Harbourside Parking at 100 Murray Street, Pyrmont

Darling Quarter Car Park – great for the playground

Getting here on the Darling Harbour website is helpful too.

To read much more about Darling Harbour and to find out what events are current check out the Darling Harbour website here.

9.  Take the Ferry to Manly

Taking the ferry to Manly is a great way to see Sydney Harbour and you end up at a very family-friendly destination.  Manly Wharf is a hub of cafes, restaurants and shops, and just outside you’ll find a lovely netted and sheltered harbour beach, with a water slides park along to the west end, Manly Surf’n’Slide.

Or cross the road and walk along the (at places slightly seedy) Corso and come to Manly’s famous surf beaches, with the huge pines towering above.

You can enjoy a long walk along the seafront here, all the way to Queenscliff to the north. Or have a splash between the flags at the south end, known as South Steyne and then follow the walkway south to sheltered Shelly Beach.  You pass the most gorgeous small rock pool on the way, the delightful Fairy Bower, and yes, there is a cafe there too.

Let the kids have a play, enjoy a picnic in the shade or buy some snacks from the kiosk. Then enjoy a snorkel and don’t forget to wave to the fishies.

There are also lovely places to eat in Manly, lots of very healthy choices as well as fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours.

Longer walks can be done around North Head and Manly is also the start for the 10km Manly to Spit Coastal Walk.

10.  Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Bondi is an iconic beach in itself. And there’s also the fab walk to Bronte and on to Coogee, if the children are the walking type and not likely to go wild and leap off the cliffs. This coastal path makes the most gorgeous walk, and it’s not too long.

Bronte Beach is the most lovely spot for children, with a terrific playground, great rock pool and the ‘Bogey Hole’ plus a little train for extra mini-thrills.

There’s also a wonderful pool at Bondi Beach, read about Bondi Icebergs Pool here.

Read more about this walk on the Sydney Coast Walks website here, where you can also buy a handy PDF map.

11.  SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium : Sharks to Coral Reefs

This is a huge aquarium and one well worth visiting. Your kids will be thrilled to walk through the perspex tunnels with grey nurse sharks and massive rays gliding over their heads.

There are several different areas within the Aquarium including South Coast Shipwreck, Sydney Harbour (my fave), Dugong Island, Shark Walk and Shark Valley, Penguin Expedition and Great Barrier Reef.

I never ever get to spend as much time as I would like reading all the information, my kids tend to whizz excitedly from one exhibit to the another. Must get there alone!

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

Open: Generally 10am – 6pm, with last entry at 5pm, all year.  However please check the website as times do vary by season and if special events are on

Getting there: The Aquarium is a short walk from the centre of Sydney. Walk down Market Street or King Street into Darling Harbour and you will see it. Town Hall is the nearest train station and bus stops are in King Street and Market Street. The Aquarium is a stop on the Big Bus Sydney route.

Parking : get discounted parking at local car parks, latest info is here

Buy tickets for SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium here.

Or save money by buying a Sydney Explorer Pass here.

12. Visit Shark Beach at Nielsen Park

Shark Beach at Nielsen Park is the easiest netted harbour beach to visit if you are staying in the centre of Sydney. This is a beautiful spot with swooping views over the harbour, a great cafe by the beach and plenty of space to play both on the beach and on the reserve around it. The reserve has many huge fig trees around the three large picnic areas.

Sydney’s harbour beaches are calm most of the time, with no surf like the ocean beaches. There are no lifeguards however, so you do need to keep a very close eye on the kids.

Why is it called Shark Beach?  I am guessing it’s because the people who named it in early colonial times saw lots of sharks here.  Why the shark net? Well, that’s to keep out sharks!

Seriously though, there are sharks in Sydney Harbour and people have been attacked in recent years, but rarely.  There have been no fatalities in Sydney Harbour since 1963.

You can climb up the steps to Bottle and Glass Point at the east side to enjoy really wonderful views.

The Nielsen waterfront restaurant in Nielsen Park has a kiosk which serves drinks, ice creams and food to most beach lovers. You can also sit inside and enjoy the modern Italian cuisine.

Nielsen Park

Fig Tree Road, off Greycliffe Avenue

Parking:  There is a car park near the beach. It gets very busy on warm weekends though.

Bus:   Yes, bus stop by Nielsen Park. Check the Tripview app or visit Transport Info here.

Read a full review of Shark Beach here.

13.  Explore Indigenous Sydney

Visitors to Sydney can experience many aspects of indigenous culture and history, yes I still feel there is a long way to go in this area of tourism.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

Aboriginal Heritage Tour at the Royal Botanic Gardens each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. An Aboriginal guide explains the history of the local indigenous people and their use of plans as food and medicine. Learn more here.

The Rocks Dreaming Tours departs from Cadmans Cottage at 10.30am daily, read more here.

Indigenous tours and experiences: find a current list on the Sydney.com website here.

See rock engravings in Sydney Harbour National Park at Dobroyd Head Balgowlah Heights. Read all the information on the National Park and Wildlife website here.

You will see lots of interesting exhibits and hear indigenous stories at the Australian Museum and the Museum of Sydney.

Check to see whether the Blak Markets are on during your stay. These markets are a showcase for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people to sell arts and crafts, plus you can enjoy great food and many workshops. The website is also on online store for arts and crafts.

Blak Markets website here

Read my article and see more photos of  the Blak Markets here.

The Wilderness and Aboriginal Explorer Tour   involves bus and boat trips and shows you some really fascinating indigenous sites. The tour is run by Sydney Outback.   I have done that one and wrote about it here.

14. Snorkel at Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is a small and sheltered beach close to the much larger Manly Beach. Of all the best snorkelling spots in Sydney, this is the easiest to access by public transport. Just hop on the ferry to Manly and walk along the promenade, it’s about 20 – 30 minutes from the ferry wharf.

Shelly Beach is very suitable for young snorkellers as there’s plenty to see, a nice gently shelving beach, generally calm waters plus there’s a cafe right there and space to run and rocks to explore too.

If you don’t have your own snorkel, mask and fins then you can rent or buy them at Dive Centre Manly at 10 Belgrave Street, Manly, or join one of their Snorkel Tours. Children aged 12+ can even learn to scuba dive here.

Book your snorkelling tour at Manly here.

Learn more about snorkelling at Shelly Beach on this blog post here. My family has done this a lot and can highly recommend it. The sea life there is marvellous.

15.  Learn to Surf

Even little kids can learn to surf. Manly Surf School teaches children aged 5+.  Let’s Go Surfing at Bondi teaches children aged 7+.

This is an absolute classic Sydney activity for children and most especially for your teenagers visiting Sydney.  

Book a 2-hour surfing lesson for the family at Bondi here.

16.  Darling Quarter Playground: Play and Splash

Sydney has so many amazing kids playgrounds and they are FREE – marvellous!  Visitors to Sydney who stay in the city or Darling Harbour will find the massive playground at Darling Harbour is an excellent space to let the kids run and play and burn off some energy.

There is a lot of water play there, some lovely river runs and splashing fountains, so do take a swimming costume or a change of clothes.

There are several cafes and restaurants close to the playground, plus a kiosk serving drinks and snacks within the playground. The range of play equipment is huge and suits children from toddlers to teenagers.

The one drawback is that this playground gets SO busy at peak times, especially at the weekend. Get there early or late or during the week.

Darling Quarter Playground

Tumbalong Park, Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour

Read a detailed post with parking info etc here.

17.  Susannah Place Museum

Address: 58–64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 9241 1893

Susannah Place Museum website is here

Learn all about the daily lives of the ordinary citizens of Australia’s oldest suburb in this charming museum. This is a very popular museum with kids as it is all so relatable, being the stories of ordinary people.

Susannah Place Museum is open by guided tour only, with tours starting at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.  Tours last for about an hour, children under five are free.  It’s wise to book ahead on the website.

Getting there : The Museum is just a short 10 minute walk from Circular Quay and buses run nearby. The closest car park is at Quay West in Harrington Street. Book ahead with the promo code SLM for a discount (but it’s still pretty pricey.)

18.  Museum Of Sydney: Stories of the City

Opened in 1995, the museum tells the city’s story from precolonial times to the present day. Storytelling is a major focus and there are several video installations where actors play the parts of characters from the past, spinning tales tall and true.

Aboriginal people explain their people’s history and discuss their contemporary lives in Sydney.

Especially interesting to children are the subterranean excavations under a clear perspex floor and the stainless steel Collectors’ Chests where they can pull out drawers to reveal small exhibits.

Museum of Sydney

On the Site of First Government House

Cnr Phillip and Bridge Streets Sydney 2000

Open: Daily 10am–5pm, except Christmas Day and Good Friday

Museum of Sydney website is here

19.  Powerhouse Museum

The Powerhouse Museum is the very best of the central Sydney museums for children. It is a vast space, spread over four levels. Many of the regular exhibits will send children into transports of rapturous joy, particularly the old trains, suspended planes and the Little Wheels room with its 1600 Matchbox cars.

The Powerhouse is one of three places that form the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, the others are the Sydney Observatory at the Rocks and the Museums Discovery Centre in Castle Hill.

There are a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions, more than can be taken in on a single visit.  Young children are well catered for with activities and events for the littlest.  Check the website to see what is on currently but rest assured that the permanent exhibitions are a joy for kids. There’s even a permanent Wiggles exhibition!

Children aged 16 and under can visit free.

Powerhouse Museum

500 Harris Street

Ultimo 2007

Open: Daily 10am–5pm, except Christmas Day. Under fours free.

Powerhouse Museum website is here

20.  Hyde Park Barracks

Step inside Hyde Park Barracks and fall back hundreds of years into convict times. This is the best place in Sydney to learn the horrible history of Australia’s founding as a penal settlement.

Hyde Park Barracks is one of the Sydney Living Museums and you will definitely learn a great deal about the daily life of Sydney’s earliest settlers.  Kids can also get a taste of living as a convict did, trying out hammocks and seeing how life was lived when the Barracks opened in 1819.

Address: Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 200

Open: 10am – 5pm daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday

Getting there: Hyde Park Barracks is an easy walk from central Sydney, being at the top of Macquarie Street and close to Hyde Park itself and the Australian Museum.

Parking: The Domain parking station offers a discount to Hyde Park Barracks visitors and is just 10 minutes away. You need to pre-book a bay and use the promo code SLM.

21.   Art Gallery of NSW

Art Gallery Road, The Domain

Open:   10am – 5pm  daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Art Gallery of NSW  visitor information web page here

Sydney’s largest and best gallery, the Art Gallery of NSW is a vast space set in a beautiful park with delightful views over Woolloomooloo Bay.

The gallery has huge collections of Australian and international art works. There are exhibitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, and interesting tours are offered.

The gallery is free to visitors, most special exhibitions are free too though some do have a charge.  There are some free tours and activities for children and families.

There is a casual cafe at the gallery which has kids menus and gives young diners crayons and paper to start their own art works.  There is also a fine dining restaurant at the gallery.

22.  Cockatoo Island

There are many islands in Sydney Harbour, and several can be visited by the public. The best one for families though is definitely Cockatoo Island.

There are so many places to explore on the island, and so much to learn about Sydney’s history both in convict times and beyond.  Start at the visitor centre where you can pick up maps and treasure hunt activities for the kids. The Convict Trail is great for children, taking you all over the island with plenty to read as well as lots of fresh air fun.

You can visit Cockatoo Island with prams and young kids, but do beware of the water which is often not fenced off. Maps show you the paths and trails which are accessible with prams.

Wear yourselves out then sit down at one of the cafes and let the kids play on the grass. This is a delightful spot to chill out too.

Find lots of photos and all the info you need to plan a day trip to Cockatoo Island on this long post.

23. Royal Botanic Garden: Picnics and Walks 

For gentle charm, botanical delights and world class harbour views, a walk in the Royal National Park is a must. There is plenty of space, a great deal of interesting flora plus the delightful Calyx building which houses exhibitions and shows.

24. Swim and Relax at a Harbour Pool 

If you are a family who loves to swim then a splash and laps at one of Sydney’s pools on the Harbour is a must.

North Sydney Olympic Pool (opening after a renovation in 2023) is one of the easiest to get to, being just over the Bridge and right beside Luna Park.  There’s a 50m lap pool with the best Bridge and Harbour views, plus outdoor kids pool plus an indoor pool.

Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Pool is on Mrs Macquaries Road close to the Royal Botanic Gardens and to the Art Gallery of NSW. Perched high above Woolloomooloo Bay it has exceptional views.

Both of these pools have great cafes beside them, so you can make a day of it.

Greenwich Baths is a marvellous spot for families with young children. This is a netted Harbour pool with lap boards and a gently sloping beach, plus space to play. There’s a cafe there and you do need to pay a small fee to enter.

Northbridge Baths is excellent for older kids and teenagers. A wide boardwalk encircles a huge netted baths, with grassy areas and beach. Great for jumping off. There’s no fee to enter but, tragically, no cafe.

25.  Escape the City on a Day Trip

Sydney is a huge city and whilst there is PLENTY to do within the city limits, there are also wonderful things to do outwith the Sydney suburbs.

The city is surrounded by National Parks, to the north is Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, to the south is the Royal National Park and to the west lies the Blue Mountains with its National Park and many interesting towns and villages.

Visitors to Sydney might be best to take a guided tour with all travel, equipment and information included. There are dozens of these on offer, including very exciting and extravagant Blue Mountains by helicopter tours. (No, I’ve never done it but a friend has and said it was marvellous.)

Check out the vast range of Sydney family-friendly tours on Get Your Guide here:

Accessible Sydney

When you are planning your visit to Sydney, do check out this Accessibility section on the Sydney.com website.

Indigenous Sydney

Check out some excellent tours run by indigenous guides on the Sydney.com website here.

PS Here’s another idea I just saw, an Ice Cream and Street Art Tour of Newtown with Local Sauce Tours. Now we haven’t done this ourselves yet but I know it would be fab for older kids and for the adults too.

Best Sydney Hotels for Families

If you are looking for a quick recommendation of where to stay in Sydney as a family, here are three places that we think are excellent:

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a super family friendly location to stay in when visiting Sydney with kids, and the Novotel goes out of its way to make families welcome. There’s an outdoor pool here and a games area, plus a hotel restaurant and room service.  You can have interconnecting roosm if you are a larger family, or two double beds in one room, ideal for families with two littler kids. Check out our Novotel Darling Harbour article here.

Check for best prices at the Novotel Darling Harbour on Booking.com here. 

Novotel Sydney Manly Beach

Stay right on iconic Manly Beach, and fear not, the hotel will provide buckets and spades and boogie boards! Manly is a fab spot for families and the Novotel welcomes them with open arms. You’ll find kids activities in school holiday periods, rooms that can be configured for families easily wither with two double beds or by having two rooms adjoining. 

The Novotel Sydney Manly Beach has a fantastic rooftop pool, a kids games area and two cafe/restaurants on site, plus all the kid friendly joys of Manly on the doorstep. This is our family’s number 1 choice!

Check here to compare prices for Novotel Sydney Manly Beach on Booking.com.

The Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach

This delightful hotel is just across the road from gorgeous Coogee Beach, the outdoors family will adore this Eastern Suburbs beach location. Rooms can be configured with two double beds, there are also some suites that work well for families. The Crowne Plaza has a restaurant in house, plus a lovely pool area. You’ll find rock pools, the beach and wonderful walks right on your doorstep too, with easy bus links to the centre of Sydney.

Find the best prices for the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach on Booking.com.

Check our more of the lovely Manly Beach Hotels here, and Manly Holiday Apartments here.

Read more about the Best Areas of Sydney to Stay With Kids on this post.

Car Rental in Sydney : Whilst you do not necessarily need a car if you are staying in the central area of Sydney, having one will mean that you can explore further afield. If you decide that you would like to rent a car in Sydney then do check out a comparison site like Discover Cars and the further ahead you can do this, the better.

Pin this post for later!

Do also check out this post:

The Best Free Things To Do in Sydney

So there we go, now you know the best things to do in Sydney with kids!  There are so many places to go in Sydney and so many wonderful Sydney activities. Never again will you ask yourself about what to do in Sydney with kids – just refer back to this list!

What your family does will, of course, depend on what sorts of things you guys love to do. The ages of your kids also make a big difference.

There are great kids’ activities, Sydney has indoor ones, outdoors ones, free ones and super expensive ones too!  There’s plenty for kids of all ages.

So this is just the start for you, 25 of the very best things, chosen by myself and my four kids.

Do you have a question? Just ask in the comments.

Happy exploring!

PS This post contains some affiliate links meaning that, if you buy an item using the link, a small commission is paid to support Hello Sydney Kids, at no cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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What a fantastic and informative post! Even though I don’t have young kids, this will definitely be something I’ll come back to when I have grandkids (hopefully!). I loved your photos and the places you suggested. I’m thinking we might need to hire you as a tour guide for things to do for grown ups too when we get over to Sydney again. There’s quite a few things on this list that I’d love to see and do.

I’ll write one for you! I do love to do a tour of the Northern Beaches near where we live, so many lovely places and cool cafes, what can go wrong?

We’ve been watching a bit of Bondi Resue lately – have been to Sydney half a dozen times but have never actually been to Bondi! Next time for sure …

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Watching Whales Around Sydney

Perfect Sydney Itinerary: 3, 5 and 7 Days for Boutique Hotel Lovers

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

It isn’t easy to choose what to leave out of a Sydney Itinerary. I have lost track of how many times I have been to Sydney. I grew up in Melbourne lived there until I was 30 so there were many trips. I then lived in sydney for a year and now my brother lives there so I visit at least every two years.

Australia’s capital cities Melbourne , Perth and Brisbane now have loads on offer and fantastic boutique hotels. But there is no denying that for many visitors Australia means Sydney and it does tend to be the first stop on many vacations to Australia.

I think I have done most of the tourist options in Sydney for adults and I can also let you know lots of things that only the locals know – particularly when it comes to where to eat. So hopefully this means I am the right person to write the Perfect Sydney Itinerary.

If you’re planning a trip to Sydney Australia, I am going to give you a full list of things to do in Sydney including Sydney day trips. I will then say which of these I would do and when if you are looking for a 3 day Sydney Itinerary.

Next up I will add in 2 more days of what to do in Sydney for a 5 day Sydney Itinerary. And then, of course, another 2 days for a Sydney Itinerary 7 days. Hopefully, that should give you everything you need for your perfect itinerary for Sydney.

Sydney Itinerary: How to get to Sydney and how to get around Sydney

Yes, I am afraid it is a very long flight and there is no way around that! A stopover in Asia is often a good idea to break things up.

⇒ Flights to Sydney

⇒ And definitely log in to 12Go when you’re organising how you’re going to get around Australia. This super easy to use platform has all modes of transport on the one platform and allows you to compare based on time, cost, and reviews.

Sydney has quite an extensive public transport system. The trains and buses coverage is quite extensive and easy to use. A new light rail opened in early 2020 and runs through the centre of Sydney and into the south.

And of course, there are the famous Sydney ferries. Do try to use ferries whenever you can as for a small price you will get some great views of Sydney. 

All of these systems take Opal Cards. An Opal Card is a smart card that can be used to tap on and tap off all forms of Sydney public transport (including the ferries).

It is possible to order an Opal card online before heading to Sydney. Or once you arrive they can be purchased at the airport, most train stations, major ferry stations like Circular Quay or from many newsagents. 

If you are planning on staying in Sydney for more than 3 days and are keen to explore a bit more it may well be worthwhile to hire a car. 

Things to do in Sydney

1. the sydney harbour bridge experience.

Yes, it is expensive. And you can’t take your camera which really hurts. But The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is fantastic and the best way to experience this Australian landmark .

I wouldn’t recommend it if you are scared of heights though – it is extremely safe and you are clipped in the whole time but it would be tough if you suffered from any type of vertigo.

There are three different options for tickets. The standard is the summit ticket which involves going to the top of the bridge (134m) and then back down in 3 1/2 hours. This involves 1390 stairs.

The express ticket does the same in 2 1/2 hours and is 1000 steps. The sampler ticket is 1 1/2 hours and only includes climbing a small portion of the bridge. 

The cost may then vary depending on the time of day. Tickets are booked in one-hour slots. Twilight and night are more expensive. I would highly recommend taking the twilight option as the sunsets in Sydney can be amazing. 

2. Take a Pub Crawl through Paddington

Paddington is a lovely little suburb not far from the Sydney CBD and often included on Sydney best things-to-do lists. It also has a large number of lovely old-style Aussie pubs – most of which now serves some great pub food.

The area is quite small but you may stumble in the dark – there will be taxis easily available to take you around. Kick-off your Paddington Pub Crawl at the Four in Hand and then head to The London . Check ahead on The London as they are famous for their bargain dinner evenings – particularly steak night.

Once you’ve eaten there head to the Royal Hotel and right up to the top floor (there is a lift in the back behind the bar to save you climbing four flights of stairs) for their tiny rooftop courtyard with a stunning view.

Then finish off the night at Lord Dudley for a more English pub experience Sydney style.

3. The Bondi to Coogee walk

The Bondi to Coogee walk is the most famous walk in Australia for good reason – the views are amazing. Start your walk in Coogee at the gorgeous Coogee Pavillion where you can grab a coffee to get you going for the walk. Then follow the path north.

If it is a particularly warm day pop into the lovely and free Giles baths just past Coogee to cool down – or definitely stop for a photo.

You’ll then head past the cemetery with some of the best views in Australia and then the most instagrammable spot in Australia – the Bondi Icebergs Pool. Finish up in Bondi with a flat white and some avocado on toast at Harry’s.

⇒ For some other great places to take photos check out this great post on the 30 Most Instagrammable Places in Australia.

4. Take the Ferry from Circular quay 

Don’t leave Sydney without getting on a ferry. They are a very cheap way to get a tour of Sydney Harbour. There are so many to choose from. The Manly ferry is one of the most famous routes but watch out for busy commuters.

There is no such thing as a bad ferry trip but make sure you check times as some only run during commuter hours and during the week.

5. Take a Fast boat trip around the harbour

There are endless options for boats when it comes to Sydney harbour. The harbour is obviously one of the Sydney best things to do – it is just figuring out the best way to do it. You can and should take an actual ferry as per my previous point.

However for something a bit different try a fast boat or a jet boat. If you head down to circular quay you will see several of them advertising heavily.

Watch what you wear as at a minimum you will get spray even with some cover. Not ideal if you are heading out for a nice dinner after from a hair point of view! But you will bounce and rock around Sydney harbour – oh and give it a miss if you have any back problems.

Or if you would prefer something more relaxing then take a cruise around Sydney harbour with lunch included.

6. Visit The Sydney Fish Market

This is probably Sydney’s most famous market and deservedly so. It is located not far from the centre of Sydney and very near Pyrmont, Darling Harbour and Balmain. Come here hungry!

Sydney Fish Market is one of those places that is filled with both locals and tourists. It is a tradition for Sydney siders to hit the fish market very early around key dates such as Australia Day, Xmas etc to buy their seafood. As a tourist, I would suggest a weekday lunch or dinner.

Rather than eat at one of the restaurants at the Sydney Fish Market go to the undercover section of the market where you can have any and every type of seafood you can imagine and then go and sit at the outside tables. Importantly you can also have wine.

And don’t leave without trying Morton bay bugs if they are available – forget lobster this guy is the king of white fish meat!

7. Barangaroo

Barangaroo is a relatively new very exciting neighborhood in Sydney. Shockingly, there was a rather large area of Sydney New South Wales just over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and to the side of the central business district that was quite a no man’s land.

Extraordinary in a city with such high real estate prices! There has been a massive amount of investment in this region to create the streets of Barangaroo.

The team behind Barangaroo Sydney has done an outstanding job. They were inspired by the laneways of Melbourne and they have managed to create an area that already feels like a neighborhood rather than a new complex. Best of all, the restaurants in Barangaroo are some of the most exciting and interesting in Sydney.

Barangaroo is a big neighborhood with quite a few different areas. Plus, there is still quite a bit of construction going on. As it can be a little confusing I highly recommend taking the Taste of Sydney Food Tour which covers both Barangaroo and the Rocks. This tour also has quite a few Sydney Hidden Gems that will make you feel like a local!

8. See some Fireworks

Sydney loves fireworks. LOVES them. They are literally on every second night – or maybe it just feels that way. Anyway, your most likely place to spot fireworks is Darling Harbour . They tend to be on earlier in the evening (although obviously once it is dark) and are more common on weekend nights. 

9. Sydney Opera House

One of the most famous buildings in the world, the iconic Sydney Opera House does not disappoint. This is a live, working building with performances day and night. I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House to find out all the backstories and to be able to explore the building. 

A second great way to visit the Opera house is to attend an opera ! Yet again, this is a ticket to book far in advance as tickets for actual opera at the Sydney Opera House tend to sell out fast. 

The third way to experience the Opera House is through food and wine. The Opera House is home to one of Australia’s top restaurants, Bennelong .

If you are looking for something more casual there is no better way to finish off any day exploring Sydney than with a glass of wine at the Opera Bar . Like the fish markets, the Opera Bar is loved by locals and tourists alike.

The views from the Opera Bar Sydney are fabulous and the outdoor seating area is massive so no matter how busy it is you should be able to get some kind of seat. The wine list is long and there are lots of food options.

Opera Bar also offers up free water and sunscreen which you will need if you are sitting there on a nice day. A perfect way to finish up a day of visiting Sydney Highlights!

The second most famous beach in Sydney is Manly beach. This sea-side suburb is highly sought after by both locals and tourists – particularly as it is easily accessed by the well-known ferry between Circular Quay and Manly.

Bring your bathers and go for a swim. Explore the Manly Scenic Walkway where you’ll see more beautiful beaches and stunning views. 

And make sure you time for you visit for brunch or lunch as Manly has a great food scene. Have charcoal croissants at Rollers Bakehouse , take the healthy option at Showbox Coffee Brewers or enjoy nordic dining Sydney style at Fika Swedish Kitchen.

11. Watsons Bay

Watsons Bay is ridiculously beautiful. It is Australia’s oldest fishing village. Visting Watsons Bay Sydney is like being in a beautiful beach resort but with amazing views of the Sydney Central Business District. It is also home to sandy beaches and some great places to eat.

It is very easy to get from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay. Captain Cook Ferries runs the ferry and offers single, return and multi tickets – all of which can be purchased online.

Once you get off the Watsons Bay ferry walkthrough Robertson Park away from the Watsons Bay Hotel and you’ll get to where the buses stop. Cross the road and you’re at the Gap Sydney which is a drop-dead stunning ocean cliff.

The 4.5km walk Watsons Bay Walk around the South Head is pretty easygoing and can take up to 2 hours depending on how fast you want to go.

There are two Doyles restaurants at Watsons Bay – the proper sit down more upmarket restaurant and then the very popular take away restaurant with a seating area restaurant that is at the ferry station.

Whichever option you choose, I highly recommend the grilled barramundi (for me Australia’s best white fish) with chips and salad! 

⇒ Planning a trip to Melbourne? Check out my posts on the Best Place to Stay in Melbourne for Boutique Hotel Lovers and the best Brunch Places Melbourne !

12. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is the most well-known beach in all of Australia. And it is a proper beach with golden sands and big ocean waves. Locals come here as often as do tourists.

Grab your towel and your bathers and head on down on a nice day. This is also a great place to learn to surf if you’ve been keen or to practice your surfing. 

13. The Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and Point

Sydney is a very green city. A wonderful walk in the centre of Sydney is through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Start your walk at Woolloomooloo Gate on the eastern side of the gardens by heading to Mrs Macquarie’s Point.

It’s not officially part of the Royal Botanic Gardens but it is right next door and it has some stunning views over the bay and of the city skyline. 

The point – and the chair at the point – are named after Governor Macquarie’s wife Elizabeth. She ordered a seat carved into the rocks so that she could sit and enjoy the view. A wise choice Elizabeth!

Walk back from Mrs Macquarie’s Poit and through the Royal Botanic Gardens to the Opera House. 

Along the way, you will see loads of beautiful plants and gardens as well as unique trees. The botanic gardens are also loved by locals so you will see people having picnics, runners, couples and all sorts.

If you head down by the water there are some fantastic views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

The path will take you to the back of the Sydney Opera House where there are even more photo opportunities. 

At the far eastern edge of the Royal Botanic Garden along Mrs Macquarie’s bushwalk is the Andrew Charlton Pool . This stunning pool overlooks Woolloomooloo wharf and it has a massive heated lap pool as well as areas with sunloungers for relaxing. It’s not quite the Bondi Icebergs but it is far less crowded and perfect for a quieter swim!

14. The Rocks

The Rocks are one of the most touristy areas in Sydney – but it is still full of charm and visited by locals as it is home to some fantastic restaurants and art galleries. The Rocks is where European settlers first came ashore into Australia and it is essentially the birthplace of Sydney.

It is filled with cobblestone streets and character and some of Australia’s oldest pubs – with many claiming the title of the oldest pub.

The Rocks is a lovely area to just walk around and absorb the atmosphere. This is a great place to take a guided walking tour so you can hear some of the stories of early Sydney. For me, the highlight of the Rocks is its market .

The market runs Friday through Sunday with slightly longer hours on the weekends. The stalls are filled with local craftspeople and this is a great place to buy a unique and memorable souvenir of Sydney. 

15. Taronga Zoo

This could be the zoo with the best views in the world! Just a 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo has 75 hectares of prime Sydney real estate!

The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals and there are 20 daily shows and talks. You will see plenty of kangaroos and there is a Koala encounter every day. It isn’t possible to touch the koalas but you can stand close enough to get a decent photo. 

⇒ Skip the queue and buy your Taronga Zoo ticket online before you go

16. Cremorne Reserve

Another stunning walk in Sydney is over in the Northern Suburbs near Neutral Bay. To get to Cremorne Reserve, hop on the ferry at Circular Quay and head over to Cremorne Point. Head up to Robertsons Point at the tip of Cremorne Reserve for some stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

This is a fantastic area to explore either via the 3km Cremorne Point Circular Walk or relax by bringing a picnic lunch and sit and enjoy the views.

17. Paddington Market

My favourite market in Sydney is Paddington Market . This unique market in the eastern suburb of Paddington has been running every Saturday since 1973 – a long time in Australia.

It is a not for profit market and it only features Australian-designed and crafted products – many of which can only be purchased at Paddington Market. They also always have an amazing food section. 

18. Explore Sydney’s Laneways and City Arcades

The centre of Sydney, or the CBD, is filled with lovely laneways and arcades. For some serious shopping head to the beautiful Queen Victoria Building . The Strand Arcade sits right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and is also home to many stores.

Ash Street and Angel Lane are my favourite laneways in Sydney. They are home to two fantastic restaurants – Ash St Cellar and Felix – as well the “Forgotten Songs” art installation of 50 empty birdcages. 

19. Breakfast with the Koalas

Head to the Wild Life Zoo at Darling Harbour on a weekend morning to enjoy a hot breakfast with the koalas! Koalas are very lazy – they sleep on average for 20 hours a day. The most they move tends to be in the morning.

This experience gives guests two hours with the koalas as well as a hot breakfast. Again, it isn’t possible to touch the koalas but there are photo opportunities.

⇒ Skip the line and buy your Breakfast with Koalas ticket now.

Tours of Sydney:

There are loads of ways to explore Sydney as part of a tour. This is often a necessary way to explore Sydney as it is often a much easier way to get out onto Sydney Harbour! Here are some of the most popular tours in Sydney:

⇒ Try a guided tour walking tour of the Sydney Opera House – otherwise, it is just a beautiful building – or take a Behind the Scenes Tour of the opera house.

⇒ a Jet Boat Tour of Sydney harbour is a great way to get a feel for the city – but I do warn you that you will most likely get wet!

⇒ take a Pub Walking Tour of The Rocks

⇒ or a great affordable way to see the entire harbour is the Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off Cruise

⇒ If you’re keen on exploring more of Foodie Sydney check out Taste Tour’s Taste of Chinatown Tour or their Taste of Syria, Afghanistan and Persia tour of Merrylands .

Day Trips from Sydney

In addition to all that Sydney has on offer, there are loads of great easy day trip options as well as weekend getaways from Sydney . The most popular day trips from Sydney are:

⇒ The most popular day trip from Sydney is to the beautiful Blue Mountains

⇒ For wine lovers don’t miss a day trip to the nearby Hunter Valley

⇒ Visit some of the most beautiful beaches in New South Wales – including where Home and Away is filmed – on this Sydney Northern Beaches tour.

If you’re looking at overnight trips from Sydney don’t miss my post on the 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Sydney.

3 Day Sydney Itinerary

Sydney itinerary 3 days: day one.

Head straight to Circular Quay to check out the world-famous Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Take a tour of the Opera House and then have lunch at the Opera Bar.

After lunch head to the Rocks and take a guided tour and/or visit the market if it’s running.  For sunset take on the Sydney Bridge Climb . After you’re done head upstairs at the fantastic Hotel Palisades for a meal with a view. 

In the morning head out onto the harbour itself on a jet boat or take a cruise . Then it’s on to the famous Bondi Beach to check it out and have lunch at Harry’s .

After lunch, it’s time for the famous Bondi to Coogee walk. Reward yourself with a drink at the Coogee Pavillion when you finish. In the evening head to the Sydney Fish Market for some barramundi and chips. 

Take a day trip to the wonderful Blue Mountains . Back in Sydney, grab some amazing asian fusion dinner at either Chin Chin or Mrs G’s. And see if there are any fireworks on and try to fit everything in.

5 Day Sydney Itinerary

Sydney itinerary 5 days: day four.

Start your day with a walk from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair to the Sydney Opera House and over to Circular Quay. Then hop on a ferry to Watsons Bay .

Have lunch at Doyle’s and then head to the Gap and do the Watsons Bay Walk. In the evening head out on a pub crawl through Paddington and grab some dinner at one of the pub’s listed. 

5 Days in Sydney: Day Five

It’s all about Australian wildlife today. Head to Darling Harbour for breakfast with the Koalas. Then into the cbd to Ash Lane for some lunch.

Walk down to Circular Quay and hop on a ferry and head over to Taronga Zoo for the afternoon. See some opera at the Sydney Opera House and have dinner at the Opera Bar.

7 Day Sydney Itinerary

Sydney 7 days itinerary: day six.

Today we’re heading to Sydney’s Northern suburbs. Hop on the ferry to Cremorne Point and go on the Cremorne Point Walk. Then over to Manly for lunch and spend the afternoon on the beach. For dinner head to the fantastic Barangaroo. 

Or for something completely different head to the outback with a Sydney to Broken Hill road trip.

A week in Sydney Itinerary: Day Seven

Take a day trip to the fantastic Hunter Valley and enjoy some wonderful Australian wine. Then head back to Barangaroo for another great dinner at a different restaurant tonight. 

Sydney Boutique Hotels

For an amazing location literally right on Sydney Harbour check out Pier One

⇒ Read reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

You can’t go wrong staying at a Langham hotel – this is the Langham Sydne y which is walking distance to Barangaroo nestled in The Rocks.

Hotel Palisade is my pick. Hotel Palisade is a gorgeous boutique hotel with fantastic views of Sydney harbour. It also has a great classic ground floor Australian pub and a fantastic cocktail bar with awesome views on the top floor.

And for an affordable boutique hotel in the heart of The Rocks check out  The Russell Boutique Hotel

Planning a trip to Queensland? Check out my posts on the top 15 Brisbane Boutique Hotels and my Gold Coast Itinerary .

Sydney Restaurants & Bars

There are so many fantastic places to eat in Sydney. It is so difficult to narrow down restaurant choices for this Sydney Australia Itinerary. I am going to start with my three favourite restaurants because choosing between them would be liking choosing between children.

Two of them are my favourite type of food in Australia – asian fusion. I don’t think anyone does asian fusion as well as Australia and I just love it.

Chin Chin began life as a sensation in my hometown of Melbourne and now has a branch in Surry Hills in Sydney which is just as good. Signature dishes are the Kingfish sashimi and the amazing Crispy Barramundi and caramelised pork salad.

Mrs G’s is part of my favourite group of Sydney restaurants, Merivale. It has a fantastic location with great views in lovely Potts Point. It stretches over 3 levels and is full of atmosphere. Don’t miss the cheeseburger spring rolls. 

And then Mr Wong. Mr Wong is located in a back alley in the Sydney CBD and you’ll know you’ve found it because of the view. Everything is good – I have been here at least 4 times. Don’t miss the duck. 

These are the three restaurants I give to everyone I know who is going to Sydney and they always get great feedback. I have written a whole post on the restaurants in the area of Barangaroo , which is currently one of the hottest food areas in Sydney.

I have already mentioned the Opera Bar a couple of times. The food is good but when you add in the views it is an amazing dining experience. 

The same goes for Hotel Palisade in Miller’s Point. The food is very good but wow the views. Make sure you get in the elevator – it is easy to think you have got the wrong place and that you are in an old pub. Ask directions to the lift as it is kind of hidden in the back. 

Doyle’s is home to the most famous fish and chips in Sydney. Visit them at the Sydney Fish Market or in Watsons Bay. 

Coogee Pavillion is also owned by the wonderful Merivale group as are Ash Street cellar (European) and Felix (french) in super cute Angel way. Uncle Mings is another fantastic asian fusion bar/restaurant in the CBD.

And two of my favourite brunch places are in Bondi – Shuk and Harry’s.    I could go on forever but the above are all really safe bets for a fantastic meal and should easily keep you going if you’re in Sydney for a week.

If you’re keen to book ahead I like to use Open Table. However, annoyingly many of the restaurants and bars I have listed above don’t take bookings but they are worth the wait. sorry! 

Check out one of the best views of Sydney where you can take your camera. Click here for a post on Seeing Sydney from Above. 

Things to know before you go to Sydney

⇒ The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is very popular. This is definitely one to book before you leave home – particularly if you want to do the climb at sunset.

⇒ If you’d like to see an opera at the Sydney Opera House definitely book ahead as these tickets sell out fast as well. 

⇒ A great way to explore a city is taking a hop on and hop off tour – Sydney has both a hop on hop off bus and hop on hop off cruise.

⇒ Sydney is very wifi friendly. There is good free wifi at Sydney airport, free wifi on ferries and buses, at all major tourist spots, in most cafes and even at most beaches.

⇒ Australia is just as strict with customs as all those tv shows you may have watched. Don’t bring any type of food item into Australia; check the base of any shoes you bring to clear off the soil. Australia takes these things very seriously. 

When to go to Sydney

Winter in Sydney is between June and August. Whilst it doesn’t get that cold – it hits at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit on average – there can be major storms. Many of the best things to do in Sydney will involve being outside so it’s not an ideal time to visit.

Peak time is December through February. However, this is also when most of Australia is on holiday so places will be busy and more expensive. Also, it gets VERY hot. February is generally the hottest month of the year and you may face temperatures up to 45 degrees Celcius which is very unpleasant. 

In my opinion, the best times to go to Sydney are October/November and April/May. These shoulder seasons bring good weather, blue skies and great atmosphere in the city without huge crowds.

May is also when the fantastic Vivid festival is held. During this time the city lights up in interesting displays – it is most famous for the incredible images projected onto the Sydney Opera House. 

travelling solo to Sydney:

Heading to Australia solo ? Group tours can be a great option. Here are a few websites worth visiting if you’re looking to join a group tour:

⇒ Just You Holidays Australia, 

⇒ Exodus Holidays Australia, 

⇒ Explore Holidays Australia  

⇒ G Adventures Australia

Who Paid for what in this Sydney Itinerary post

As this has been written based on many trips to Sydney – and living there! – there were no real costs associated with writing this Sydney Itinerary post. However, it does contain affiliate links. This means if you click through on some of the links in this post and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. Just wanted to make sure that you knew this. 

READ NEXT: THE BEST WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM SYDNEY

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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Natural Beauty And Makeup

Friday 28th of February 2020

This is such a detailed post! I would love to visit this place someday soon. I have bookmarked your post, so helpful ☺

Sydney has been on my list for awhile now. I always wanted to go and see all these beautiful places!

Thank you for this list! It's so perfect for us who plans to visit Sydney soon. I prefer the 7 day trip.

I have never been to Australia... and I think it is an enigmatic place filled with kangaroos around every corner. Joking! Sydney looks beautiful!

Karen Monica

I have heard a lot of nice things about Sydney and it has always been on my bucket list to visit. Thanks for sharing about it, now I can start to plan my trip too.

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• Accommodation
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A 3-day itinerary in the Blue Mountains for adventure seekers

Pack your bushwalking boots and your abseiling gear and buckle up for a host of blood-pumping pursuits in the blue mountains..

Destination NSW

For the active traveller, few pockets of NSW offer the rewards of the  Blue Mountains . The whole region is virtually one oversized, World Heritage-listed national park where the landscapes vary from rugged escarpments and sheer sandstone cliffs to picturesque waterfalls and well-worn walking tracks dotted with ancient flora. 

In the  Blue Mountains National Park , there are endless possibilities to abseil, canyon, mountain-bike and bushwalk, while the charming townships that dot the region offer plenty of diversions in terms of food, coffee and shopping. This itinerary is designed for adventurous travellers who want to spend their time in the Blue Mountains on the move rather than in a hammock. It’s presuming you have a reasonable degree of fitness and a good touch of derring-do. Let’s get going.

• Test your endurance with abseiling and mountain biking  
• Bushwalk in World Heritage-listed national parks  
• See spectacular scenery on horseback   
• Taste delicious fare at laid-back cafes and elegant restaurants  
• Explore a private garden that never seems to end  

DAY ONE KEY FACTS:  

The Hydro Majestic Hotel  is located at:   

• 52-88 Great Western Highway, Medlow Bath, 2780 NSW
• A 10-minute drive from Katoomba

Your action-filled weekend starts at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium , en route to the Blue Mountains, and about an hour’s drive from Sydney. The stadium was the venue for the canoeing and kayaking slalom events at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and offers high-octane guided whitewater rafting tours. The 90min adventure is recommended for people who are generally fit and strong swimmers.

Penrith Whitewater Stadium, Penrith - Credit: andre&dominique

When you’ve dried off, jump back in the car and head 20 minutes to Glenbrook , the mountains first official township, and home to Kickaboom, a very cool little cafe with great coffee and house-made liquorice bread. Tuck into a decent brunch to fuel you for this afternoon’s walking.

Accommodation is the next thing to tick off your list. We’ve got two suggestions, dependent on your budget. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, try the  Carrington Hotel  in Katoomba (about 45 minutes from Glenbrook), a grand old lady that first opened in 1883. If you want to splurge, drive 10 minutes along the Great Western Highway to Medlow Bath and the  Hydro Majestic , an impeccably restored landmark that oozes luxury.

The Hydro Majestic Hotel , Medlow Bath

Wherever you are in the Blue Mountains, you’ll be surrounded by national park. The World-Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park consists of six separate areas – Katoomba , Blackheath , Glenbrook, Lower Grose Valley, Mount Wilson and the Southern Blue Mountains – and covers some 2,680sq km, about the size of Luxembourg.

Naturally, the bushwalking here is sublime – and the choices endless. This afternoon, choose between two options. The first is the two-hour Govetts Leap descent in Blackheath, about 20 minutes from Katoomba and 12 minutes from Medlow Bath. Start at the  Govetts Leap Lookout , which has stunning views over escarpments, cliffs and the Grose Valley. This is a challenging Grade 4 walk, steep in parts, with lots of steps – but the rewards are pretty spectacular, in the form of waterfalls, hanging swamps and the rare and endangered plant known as Fletcher’s drumsticks.

Govetts Leap , Blue Mountains National Park

Alternatively, try the slightly easier (but longer)  Grand Canyon Track , also in Blackheath, and starting from  Evans Lookout . Folk have been walking this famous track for more than a century, taking in the sandstone walls, lush vegetation and waterfalls. The 6.3km loop should take you about four hours.

Couple enjoying a scenic walk along the Grand Canyon Track , Blackheath

Whitewater rafting? An afternoon of bushwalking? All that mountain air? You must be starving. And thirsty. Let’s start with a drink at Katoomba’s  Bootlegger Bar  (whisky is the house specialty), then walk five minutes down Katoomba Street to 8Things Eatery, which specialises in global street food – at affordable prices.

Still have a little energy to expend? Ogle the moon and its craters, the Orion nebula and the rings of Saturn on a tour with  Blue Mountains Stargazing  at Wentworth Falls . Tours depart from between 7pm and 9pm, depending on the time of year.

Blue Mountains Stargazing - Credit: Scott Chapman

KEY FACTS:  

Megalong Valley Farm  is located at:   

• 993 Megalong Road, Megalong Valley, NSW 2785
• A 30-minute drive from Lilianfels Resort

Slept well? Great, because you’re about to put your body through its paces this morning. It’s time for an abseiling experience. But first, food. Katoomba’s Pomegranate Cafe does a mean big brekkie – ideal scrambling-down-a-mountain kind of food.

The  Blue Mountains Adventure Company  in Katoomba – opposite the train station – is the starting point for your four-hour Introductory abseiling adventure. Don’t worry if abseiling is new territory: the experience begins with a series of small abseils to help you find your feet. You gradually tackle higher and higher drops, until, by the end of the four hours, you’ll be taking a 30m drop in your stride.

Abseiling, Blue Mountains

This afternoon, we’re going a little easier on you. First off, indulge in three tiers of deliciousness – think sublime scones, perfect pastries, finger sandwiches – and a glass of bubbles as part of the legendary high tea served at  Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa .

That’s followed by a leisurely horse ride at  Megalong Valley Farm , a 30-minute drive away. On the one-hour escorted Wilderness Riding Tour, you’ll explore the property’s 800-plus hectares, take in views of the valley and maybe spot a resident kangaroo.

Lilianfels Resort & Spa , Katoomba

Views are also on the menu tonight when you dine at  Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant  in Katoomba, with vistas across to the Jamieson Valley. The food is modern Australian with an Asian flourish (like a truffled mushroom wonton broth), and it’s just as good as the panorama.

After dinner, drive to the Katoomba Falls Reserve (two minutes away down Cliff Drive) and take the  Night-lit Walk . The 1.3km stroll is well lit and gives you a very different perspective of features such as Orphan Rock and the falls themselves.

Katoomba Falls Reserve Night-lit Walk  - Credit: Hayley Lewis

KEY FACTS:  

Mayfield Garden is located at:   

• 530 Mayfield Road, Oberon, NSW 2787 
• A 70-minute drive from Katoomba 

A longish drive this morning but totally worth it – and the scenery en route is also fabulously good.  Mayfield Garden  is a privately-owned garden in Oberon , to the west of the Blue Mountains. Made up of two main garden areas covering more than 100 hectares, this is an ideal place to just meander for an hour or two. Don’t miss the Water Garden, lined with oaks and copper beech, and its ponds, which bring Monet’s Giverny firmly to mind; the Bluestone Bridge; Copper Tree Fountain; and the giant chess set.

Before all of that, though, head to the cafe for breakfast (bookings are advisable), where you’re very likely to nosh on produce pulled straight from Mayfield’s rich soil.

Mayfield Garden , Oberon

Enough easy ambling for one day. This afternoon you’re going to try your hand (or legs) at e-biking with  Blue Mountains Bikes . The beginner-friendly, three-to-four-hour-long Hanging Rock Trail begins in Blackheath, and traverses the  Burramoko Ridge fire trail  en route to spectacular Hanging Rock and its incredible views over the Grose Valley.

Mountain biking, Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains Bikes provides everything you’ll need, from bikes and helmets to snacks and water bottles, along with plenty of tuition and handy tips along the way. Phew! You’ve been busy. Time to head home for a well-earned rest.

Getting there

The drive from Sydney to Katoomba is just 90 minutes and trains regularly depart from Central Station. There are also local buses in the Blue Mountains that stop at some of the country’s most spectacular attractions. Trains depart from Central Station every hour and take about two hours to get to Katoomba.

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How To Make the Most out of a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fall Adventure

Kenneth teape | 6 hours ago.

With the fall season upon us, people are planning trips to see the foliage around the United States. One of the most popular destinations to do so in the country is Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Already considered a must-see place by many tourists, the fall time brings even bigger crowds of people to the Tennessee-North Carolina border. As a result, people need to plan accordingly for some of the challenges they will face.

Among the most visited parks, avoiding crowds will be key to enjoying your experience. There are several tools that can be used to help, such as the forecasting calendar shared by the National Park Services.

Normally, the busiest times at the park are between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you can arrive before or after that time, you will be able to avoid some of the larger crowds that congregate. Shuttles are available and encouraged for people who are looking to hike to limit automobile congestion in the park.

During the fall, the busiest parts of the park for a scenic drive are Caves Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. People looking for a quieter adventure can check out Look Rock Tower and Foothills Parkway, which offer plenty of gorgeous views.

For anyone hiking, be aware that Laurel Falls Trail will be closed in November for about 18 months. Luckily, plenty of alternate trails exist to be enjoyed such as Little River Trail , Little Greenbrier School , Lynn Camp Prong Cascades or Chasteen Creek Cascade .

Planning ahead is key to avoiding any issues as well. Make sure you have a valid parking pass, which is required for anyone parking a vehicle for longer than 15 minutes. Having backup plans ready is also encouraged to help avoid overcrowding areas.

Do research on the areas you are planning to explore. Temperatures vary depending on where you are in the park by as many as 10 degrees, which could make for a very uncomfortable hike if not clothes properly.

Don’t forget to check what kind of special events will be held at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and which days entrance in are free.

The Plein Air Smokies will be held from September 21st-28th with artists creating work in open air style. Mountain Life Festival is on the 28th of September, coinciding with National Public Lands Day, which is a fee-free day.

Daisy Town Day is a celebration of everything before Great Smoky Mountain National Park was created. On November 2nd from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Elkmont Historic District this will be held.

Veterans Day on November 11th is another free admittance day to the park. Parking tags are not required on free-entry days, which means crowds will certainly be larger than normal.

KENNETH TEAPE

Kenneth Teape is an alumnus of SUNY Old Westbury and graduated in 2013 with an Honors Degree in Media Communications with a focus on print journalism. During his time at Old Westbury, he worked for the school newspaper and several online publications, such as Knicks Now, the official website of the New York Knicks, and a self-made website with fellow students, Gotham City Sports News. Kenneth has also been a site expert at Empire Writes Back, Musket Fire, and Lake Show Life within the FanSided Network. He was a contributor to HoopsHabit, with work featured on Bleacher Report and Yardbarker. In addition to his work here, he is a reporter for both NBA Analysis Network and NFL Analysis Network, as well as a writer and editor for Packers Coverage. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @teapester725, or reach him via email at [email protected].

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Chiswick Produce Markets

Sunday 22 September 2024

Featuring artisan stallholders and award-winning producers, a true farmers' market; guests are invited to browse and graze, with hot food options from Chiswick and the CBD's Chophouse whilst you enjoy a soulful serenade from their live band.

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Sydney.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. © Copyright 2024 Destination NSW. All rights reserved