Things To Do in Sydney

Sydney is known for its iconic landmarks like Bondi Beach, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House. These are just a few popular experiences visitors can enjoy in the city.

After visiting the popular attractions, there are plenty of other things to do in Sydney. Here are some of the top activities to do in Australia’s largest city, whether it’s your first visit or not.

1. Enjoy a gourmet meal

Sydney’s dining scene is inventive and exciting. Restaurants serve food from all over the world with an Australian twist. They can be found all over the city. It may be faddish and obsessed with big-name chefs, but that’s Sydney for you. Thankfully, the food scene in Sydney balances style and substance.

Sydney offers a range of dining options, from high-end establishments like Quay and Oncore by Clare Smyth to more casual spots like NOMAD, Mr Wong, Cafe Paci, Long Chim, and Saint Peter. However, a takeaway Sri Lankan or a cheap noodles night with BYO wine can also be a memorable dining experience in Sydney.

2. Stroll, pedal, or ascend the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Locals in Sydney adore their massive ‘coathanger,’ inaugurated in 1932. The premier method to immerse oneself in this grand tower is walking; steps and elevators rise from both ends, guiding you to a pedestrian path on the eastern flank (the western section is reserved for cyclists). Boarding the train to Milsons Point and journeying towards the city offers the most breathtaking view.

Scale the southeastern pillar to reach the Pylon Lookout or traverse the arch via the renowned BridgeClimb adventure. It’s now possible to reserve an excursion with a native narrator who will provide their viewpoint on the city and nation as you gaze upon Sydney’s splendid harbour from above.

3. Hunter Valley Tasting

Renowned for its exquisite Semillon, the Hunter Valley is not limited to this single variety. It proudly boasts other top-tier wines such as Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Verdelho. As you meander through its lush vineyards, boutique cellar doors beckon, offering curated wine-tasting sessions.

Relish a delectable lunch within the scenic confines of the Hunter Valley Garden Village. Following this gourmet experience, leisure time is at hand to explore a unique assortment of boutique outlets and art galleries. Delight in sampling more regional specialties at establishments like the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, The British Lolly Shop, Kissofire Hunter Valley Liqueurs, and The Garden Cellars. Note, however, that extra tastings might incur additional charges.

Embark on a journey through the vineyards of Hunter Valley wine tour. Savour the flavours of award-winning wines and enjoy breathtaking views along the way.

4. Backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, is Australia’s most famous landmark. It resembles a yacht’s sails and houses five performance spaces for various shows. Visitors can freely explore the exterior or attend a performance to experience the interior. A guided tour is also recommended, with options available in multiple languages. There are tours specifically designed for children, backstage tours, food-focused tours, and even tours where guides teach you to draw this iconic sight.

5.Bondi offers body-boarding, surfing, and Iceberg watching

Bondi is known for its famous beach, with sound waves and warm water. Let’s Go Surfing is a surf school in North Bondi that offers lessons for all ages and skill levels. They have classes for young surfers aged 7 to 15, adults, and women-only classes. Private lessons are also an option for smaller groups, with lower prices outside of summer.

When surfing in Australia, it is essential to respect the norms and etiquette of local surfers. In the cooler months, you can enjoy epic views while watching winter “Iceberg” swimmers earning their stripes instead of going in the water.

6. The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a majestic expanse of vast tracts of temperate forests, majestic sandstone escarpments and iconic eucalyptus trees that emit a mesmerising ‘blue’ mist in the Australian sunshine. This phenomenon lends the mountains an enchanting appeal and an air of mystery, making travelling during the golden hours of sunset an unforgettable experience. A leisurely walk through these mountains reveals not only the wonders of flora and fauna but also the culture and traditions of their indigenous people. The rich landscape of the Blue Mountains is woven with stories, including an intriguing account of the creation of the National Park, which belongs to the indigenous people. Embark on a Blue Mountains tour and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the iconic Three Sisters and enjoy scenic walks through lush forests.

7. Visit Watsons Bay for beautiful beaches and views

Watsons Bay, located east of the city centre and north of Bondi, was originally a tiny fishing village. The suburb now features heritage cottages along its narrow streets, which are pretty expensive. It is a popular day trip destination by ferry from Circular Quay. It offers the opportunity to explore South Head and enjoy a leisurely lunch at Doyle’s or sunset drinks at Watson’s Bay Beach Club beer garden.

The Gap is a clifftop lookout on the ocean side, while Camp Cove beach is a sheltered beach on the harbour. Lady Bay Beach, located on the west side of the bluff before Hornby lighthouse, is a clothing-optional nudist beach.

8. Take the ferry to Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island (Wareamah) is a UNESCO-protected site with historic industrial buildings and art installations. It was opened in 2007 and offers ferry services, campground accommodation, rental options and two cafes. Information boards and audio guides educate visitors about the island’s past as a convict prison, shipyard and naval base.

You can explore a tunnel in the middle of the island. The old prison remains can also be examined. During WWII, the sandstone buildings were converted into bomb shelters. In this location, solitary confinement cells that had been filled in and forgotten in the 1890s were discovered. The Visitor Centre offers a variety of tours, including heritage tours and tours focused on paranormal activity and convict escape attempts.

9. Take a street art tour featuring female artists

You can explore Newtown’s street art and murals on guided tours or your own with Google Maps and an app. Local Sauce offers a self-guided tour that focuses on female artists who are often overlooked, starting from Redfern station. They also recommend cafes along the way where you can get a coffee. Local Sauce’s street art and food tours also include visits to top Newtown eateries.

10. Attend a drag show

Sydney is recognised as Australia’s LGBTQIA+ capital and offers the opportunity to experience drag shows. The rise in popularity of drag, thanks to shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, has attracted a broader audience to appreciate the provocative performances of drag queens and kings. As a result, famous queens often have long queues of fans waiting to see them.

Sydney offers a variety of dining options with entertainment, as well as bingo, trivia, and competitions with a drag theme. Most of the city’s queer venues are in the inner north and west districts, including the Universal nightclub on Oxford Street and the alternative Bearded Tit in Redfern.

11. Discover Aboriginal rock art while exploring

Sydney has a rich Aboriginal art history that is often overlooked. In the past, many artworks were ignored or destroyed. However, there is a growing appreciation for these works, including dot paintings from remote desert regions. Sydneysiders are starting to realise the artistic treasure in their city. Rock art by the original custodians can be found on the headlands, along the coast, and in nearby national parks like Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

12. Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales

The art museum in Sydney is known for its neoclassical Greek frontage and modern rear. It hosts international exhibitions and special events and has a permanent 19th-century European and Australian art collection. The museum also features a contemporary Indigenous gallery in the basement and a collection of 20th-century Australian art.

13. Explore the White Rabbit art gallery in depth

White Rabbit, Sydney’s best contemporary art gallery, is located behind the Central Park development in Chippendale. It was established by billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson, known for her extensive collection of cutting-edge, contemporary Chinese art. The gallery houses many artworks, but only a fraction can be exhibited at any time. Visitors can expect edgy, humorous, provocative, and unique art pieces. Additionally, there is a café on-site that serves specialty teas and dumplings.

14. Sydney has Victorian-era arcades to explore

The city shopping in Sydney is centred around George Street and Pitt Street, with additional options in arcades and side streets. Victorian-era arcades add an ornate touch to the shopping experience among the various shopping destinations. The Queen Victoria Building, also known as QVB, is a large shopping centre covering an entire city block and features nearly 200 shops, including famous international brands, across five levels. The building is undoubtedly Sydney’s most beautiful shopping centre, a High Victorian neo-Gothic masterpiece. The area offers a variety of attractions, including architectural details like wrought-iron balconies, Byzantine copper domes, and stained-glass shopfronts. There are also mosaic floors, a replica of the crown jewels, a ballroom, and a baby grand piano that visitors can play. Additionally, visitors can see the hyperkitsch animated Royal Clock, which features the Battle of Hastings and an hourly beheading of Charles I. In the proximity, the Strand Arcade houses Australian designers and a branch of JB Hi-Fi in the basement, where electronics, DVDs, and vinyl are sold.

15. Attend one of Sydney's impressive festivals

Sydney’s nocturnal calendar starts with a New Year’s Eve fireworks display over the harbour. It continues with various events, including the Sydney Festival and the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras in February.

Winter in Sydney is a time for fashion, literature, and film festivals. The city comes alive with opening nights, cocktail parties, and literary soirées. Additionally, the spectacular Vivid Sydney in May illuminates the town with projections and lights. It is football finals time in spring, whether rugby or Australian Rules. It is recommended to attend a night game to experience the friendly atmosphere and large crowds.

15. One can kayak to a hidden beach

Store Beach, located near Manly, can only be accessed by water. Visitors can rent a boat or kayak from Manly Kayak Centre and enjoy a scenic cruise of approximately 30 to 45 minutes to reach the secluded 200m cove beach surrounded by trees. The picturesque views of the North Harbour create a sense of being far away from the city. Access is prohibited from dusk at this breeding ground for fairy penguins, and visitors are encouraged to leave the beach in the same condition they found it or better. It is recommended that visitors bring snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

16. You can hike along the coast of Manly and North Head

This coastal walk consists of two main parts: a 10km stretch between Manly and Spit Bridge to the west and a 9.5km loop around North Head to the east. The western section follows the intricate coastline of the harbour, passing through affluent neighbourhoods and a breathtaking section of Sydney Harbour National Park. It eventually reaches Clontarf and continues to the Spit Bridge. The North Head Circuit Track is an eastern loop that takes 2½ to 3½ hours to complete. Start walking through the bush to reach the Fairfax Lookout on North Head. After enjoying the view, continue on the Fairfax Loop and return to the Bluefish Track via Australia’s Memorial Walk and WWII gun emplacements. This track spectacularly descends to Shelly Beach. From there, you can return to Manly Beach by passing through picturesque Fairy Bower Beach. If you need a map, you can download one or get it from the information centre near the pier.

17. Discover Aboriginal history at the Royal Botanic Garden

Located southeast of the Opera House, this garden was established in 1816 and showcases a variety of plant life from different parts of the world. The garden includes hothouses with palms and ferns and The Calyx, an impressive exhibition space with a curved glasshouse gallery and temporary plant-themed exhibitions. Visitors can obtain a park map at any of the main entrances to the gardens. The garden contains the location of the first European vegetable patch in the colony, but its history extends beyond that. Before the arrival of convicts, it served as an initiation ground for the Gadigal people. Book an Aboriginal Tour with a First Nations guide to learn about Indigenous bush foods.

18. Visit Palm Beach and Pittwater for a day trip

Palm Beach, located in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is known for its beautiful crescent shape and is a popular setting for the TV soap Home and Away. The area is also home to the 1881 Barrenjoey Lighthouse and offers both an ocean beach and a calm strip on Pittwater, making it suitable for families with young children. From this location, ferries are available to other charming Pittwater destinations, including different park sections. To reach the lighthouse, there are two walking options – a shorter flight of stairs or a winding track – for the steep hike to the summit. However, the breathtaking views of Pittwater and the peninsula make the effort worthwhile. Additionally, it is an ideal spot for observing whales during winter.

19. Run or ride a horse at Centennial Park

Centennial Park is Sydney’s largest park, created in 1888. It covers 189 hectares and features formal avenues, ponds, statues, and a labyrinth. In the warmer months, the park is frequented by people engaged in various activities such as jogging, cycling, rollerblading, and horseback riding. The park also has an equestrian centre offering trail rides for kids and adults. No prior riding experience is necessary, but it is essential to make a booking. Additionally, children can enjoy the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden for more adventures.

20. Explore the colonial history of The Rocks

Australia’s convict history began in The Rocks. It was a filthy shanty town on a rocky shore. The district still has historic buildings and atmospheric lanes. Some of these buildings are pubs. There are also tacky tourist stores and package tourists. However, there is also an excellent museum and art gallery. The Glenmore is a famous old pub with rooftop views of central Sydney. It’s a perfect place to stop for a meal or drink. If it gets too overwhelming, you can head through the Argyle Cut to the revitalised port area of Walsh Bay.

21. The Bondi to Coogee Clifftop Walk is famous

The 6km Bondi to Coogee walk is a popular trail that starts at the end of Notts Ave and ends at the north end of Coogee Beach. You’ll encounter stunning views, beautiful beaches, and parks. Some plaques share Aboriginal history and stories. If the waves at the beach are too strong, you can swim in one of the three ocean pools. Remember to bring a picnic, plenty of water, and your swimsuit.

22. Join the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, in Rushcutters Bay, is where the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race occurs. Visitors can enjoy the members-only sundeck cafe, which offers large fish and chips and a glass of Riesling while overlooking expensive yachts. Day passes are available for visitors.