50 Incredible Things To Do In Sydney

Today, the redeveloped neighborhood is a popular tourist destination packed with art galleries, chic boutiques, trendy restaurants and souvenir shops. After iconic Bondi, Manly Beach is undoubtedly the city’s most popular and famous stretch of sand, having hosted the world’s first surfing contest back in 1964. Aside from surfing, visitors can lounge lazily on golden sands, stroll along its scenic boardwalk or enjoy swimming in the sea. In small groups, a guide will walk you around the outside of the Opera House, past roped-off areas, and you’ll learn all there is to know about Danish architect Jørn Utzon. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and come bearing a microphone, so you don’t have to worry about being out of earshot for any of their stories.
It's waterfront location, popular dining options, vibrant nightlife, trendy and fashionable shops and an amazing variety of entertainment options. The most popular attractions here are SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum, Madame Tussauds Museum, Darling Quarter Playground and the WILDLIFE fun things to do in sydney Sydney Zoo. Besides these there are several events and exhibitions held here on a regular basis.

Sydney is full of luxurious fine dining restaurants and we have put together our list of favourites which you can read here, 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Sydney. From digestation tasting menus to sipping cocktails opposite Sydney Harbour Bridge, there is a fine dining restaurant to add a little sparkle to your Sydney trip. Sometimes walking takes too long and buses don’t give us the best photo opportunities! From Darling Harbour to the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney has so many places you can cycle through peacefully. One of the best places to visit in Sydney is obviously doing an iconic Sydney Opera House tour.
The museum is considered  a huge treasure of knowledge, extremely intuitive and lively, keeping knowledge of local history and culture. Only in Sydney, can you visit museums all day without boredom, moreover, lots of museums are free entrance. It’s a cafe, roastery, garden, market and restaurant all rolled into one industrial space. It’s also one of Australia’s most Instagrammable spots and breathtaking day or night. They also do exciting themes every few months which make for a picture-perfect snapshot.

You could spend weeks exploring the Harbour City but if you're short on time, this itinerary highlights the best of what Sydney has to offer including iconic spots, beaches, cafes, galleries and more. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, the experience of diving straight off the beach is both thrilling and convenient. With private dives available through Abyss Scuba Diving, you can enjoy a flexible and personalised underwater adventure. Stopping for coffee at Forty Baskets Beach is highly recommended, providing a delightful break during the Coogee walk. With its scenic views and diverse landscapes, this coastal walking trail is a must-do for nature lovers and hikers. As you navigate through the winding channels, you’ll appreciate the area’s natural beauty and the tranquility it offers.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night you can take a 90 minute Ghost Tour around The Rocks. Discover the creepy Sydney of a Sydney attraction and Sydney’s CBD. I went on a Sydney tall ships cruise on my 30th Birthday and absolutely loved it!
For years, the land was tangled, overgrown and strewn with rubbish, but when Whiteley died in 1992, his widow, Wendy, channelled her grief into creating a place of enchantment. Sydneysiders come to escape the busier parks and enjoy a picnic in the hidden oasis. One of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions holding significant collections of Australian, European and Asian art. And now it has the huge new addition of the Sydney Modern section – a spectacularly beautiful, award-winning space. Wander through tropical plant collections or relax on the lawns with unbeatable views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

It’s Sydney’s most popular walking trail, and for very good reasons. Depending on the weather on the day, try to get a seat outside at the front of the vessel for the best views. Otherwise, pick one side of the vessel on the way to Manly and grab a seat on the other side when returning to the city. There is a direct ferry service from Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island.
However, the island was mostly used for shipbuilding and repairs. Today, the island is run by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, which runs different types of tours. And if in the evening you’re  in the mood to visit a pub, head to the New Brighton Hotel.

This boutique chain of bathhouses are Sydney’s self-care sanctuaries – havens of zen complete with magnesium spas, plunge pools and indoor and outdoor saunas. There are outposts in Balmain, Glebe and Newtown – the Newtown bathhouse has had a recent glow-up, and it's probably the most well-located if you're looking for an affordable post-relaxation feed. Affordable picnic boats that anyone can drive – no boat lisence required.
It’s one of the world’s most scenic bodies of water so elevate your time on Sydney Harbour by experiencing it via a kayak. Many  companies offer guided tours with expert commentary and family canoes are also available if there’s a bunch of you. Try Sydney Kayak, Sydney by Kayak and Sydney Harbour Kayaks for great options. Long before ships arrived in Sydney Harbour, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation had a long-lived and rich history. Learn about what came before on a tour with a local Indigenous guide. Everyone’s living their best life at Taronga Zoo Sydney , located in the north shore.
By pre-booking online or via the Wilson Parking App and using the promo code MERLIN, you can park all day for as little as $12. Discover the best camping spots on the sparkling beaches and coastal forests of the NSW South Coast. Reconnect with nature on a camping escape to a national park in Country NSW. Australia’s friend across the ditch, New Zealand, also made the top 10, with Auckland placing equal seventh with another city loved by Aussies — Osaka in Japan. About 920,000 Australians visited Japan in 2024, setting a new record.