Sydney, the capital city of Australia… Only joking its Canberra of course. Many people dream of visiting the land down under to see in person the iconic sights such as the Opera house and Sydney harbour bridge. I am lucky enough to live only one and half hours from Sydney and feel I have the knowledge to show you 10 of the best things to do while in Sydney.
1. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Along with the Opera house, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic attractions in Australia. The bridge was completed in 1932 and is also known as “The coat hanger”. The 1149 m bridge carries road traffic, rail, and pedestrians including bicycles.
There are heaps of great viewpoints where you can admire the bridge from. Some of the best views are from Luna Park, the Opera House, Botanic Gardens, Sydney Tower, Taronga Zoo, Blues Point Reserve and while taking a ferry ride in the harbour.
Two unforgettable ways to experience Sydney’s harbour and the bridge itself is the annual Vivid festival and Bridge Climb Sydney. Vivid is an incredible display of a lightshow illuminating the Sydney harbour with unique art and music creating a magical atmosphere. Vivid festival goes for 3 weeks usually during the last 2 weeks of May and the first week of June. You can even do the Sydney Bridge Climb during the Vivid Festival. The Bridge Climb is definitely not cheap an adult ticket will set you back $303 AUD (day time), $263 AUD (night time), $368 AUD (twilight) and $388 AUD during dawn. Despite the price this will be an unforgettable and once in a lifetime experience.
Address: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, NSW
2. Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is truly a remarkable building not only in terms of the unique design resembling the sails of a boat but also the architecture to build this one of a kind structure especially for 1959 when construction began. Danish designer Jørn Utzon won the international competition to design the Opera house and can be credited for his vision in what is now a national icon and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Don’t only admire the incredible architecture of the Opera House from the outside, see a show or dine inside to fully experience this amazing entertainment venue. There are always different shows and performances including: opera (of course), choir, comedy, talks, kid’s shows, dance and much more. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history and discover the theaters and areas of the Opera House inaccessible to the general public.
The Sydney Opera House offers a range of dining options from fine dining at the Bennelong restaurant inside the Opera House to the more casual laid back Opera Kitchen located on the ground level of the Opera House overlooking the harbour. The 3 course dinner menu at Bennelong restaurant is $145 AUD and meals start at less than $10 AUD at Opera Kitchen.
Hours: Dependent on event
Entrance: Free to walk around outside of Opera House (entrance requires booked event or dining reservation)
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney, NSW, 2000
Website: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/
3. Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo not only has a wide range of native and exotic species of animals but also has some of the best views of Sydney anywhere. To get to the zoo you can take the 12 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. When you arrive from ferry you take the scenic Sky Safari cable car up to the entrance of the zoo (cable car is include with zoo ticket).
Taronga Zoo has all the native Australian species such as kangaroos, koalas, emu, platypus and echidna among many others. You can take the Koala Encounter experience for $29.95 AUD per session and have a private talk from a zookeeper about these Aussie marsupials. This is a great opportunity to get a souvenir photo with an Australian icon.
You will also find species from Asia and Africa including: Sumatran tigers, giraffes, elephants, gorillas, meerkats, chimpanzees, seals and penguins to name a few.
Taronga Zoo has a great range of shows, talks and experiences which take place daily and many of them are free. A popular show I recommend is the QBE Free-Flight Bird Show. It takes place at 12pm and 3pm and goes for 20 minutes, you will definitely be entertained and amazed the whole time.
Hours: 9.30am – 5.00pm (every day)
Entrance: $42.30 AUD (online) $47 AUD (at zoo)
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman, NSW, 2088
Website: https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo
4. Bondi Beach
Arguably the most iconic beach in Australia and one of the most well known in the world there is no doubt Bondi Beach should be on your list of places to visit in Sydney. Just 8km from the CBD it’s only a 30 minute train ride from Town Hall station.
Bondi Beach’s popularity among foreigners sees the beach often packed with tourists keen for a swim to cool off from the Australian heat. Just be a smart tourist and swim between the red and yellow flags patrolled by lifeguards, so you don’t end up on an episode of Bondi Rescue!
Bondi has a lot more to offer then the strip of sand known as Bondi Beach. Bondi Icebergs is a famous 50m long Olympic swimming pool located right beside the ocean where waves often crash against the rocks splashing into the pool. The pool is on the southern end of Bondi Beach and you can enjoy a meal at the club bistro overlooking Bondi Beach. Entry to the pool cost $8 AUD and includes use of sauna, change rooms and shower.
A popular thing to do when in Bondi is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. This 6km long walk along Sydney’s coast line offers oceans views, cliffs, beaches, rock pools and parks. The walk takes about 2 hours and begins at Bondi Icebergs and ends at Coogee beach. Along the way you will pass other beaches worth spending some time at including: Tamarama beach, Bronte beach and Clovelly beach.
Hours: 24/7 (patrolled hours: 6am–5:15pm
Entrance: Free
Address: Bondi Beach, NSW, 2026
Website: http://bondibeach.com/
5. Paddy’s Market
Located next to China Town and on the ground level of Market City shopping center is Paddy’s market. Paddy’s Market is a great place to shop if you are looking for some Australian souvenirs to bring home. You will also find clothes, gadgets, fresh produce, hot food, jewellery, cosmetics and a lot more. If you’re searching for a bargain it’s worth a visit especially if you are going to China Town.
Hours: Wed – Sun: 10am – 6pm
Entrance: Free
Address: 9-13 Hay St, Sydney NSW 2000
Website: https://paddysmarkets.com.au/
6. China Town
There is a China Town in just about every big city around the world and with Sydney’s large percentage of Chinese immigrants this China Town doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find plenty of not only Chinese, but other Asian restaurants serving up traditional food at reasonable prices for Sydney standards.
You’re likely to be curious about what all these people are lining up for. Let me tell you they are lining up for the famous cream puffs from Emperor’s Garden restaurant. They are basically small cream filled puffs made fresh and served from a small window. They are cheap too, 35 cents each or 20 for $5 AUD because 1 definitely isn’t enough.
Within walking distance of China Town is Market City. This shopping center has 30 factory outlet stores. What makes this shopping center unique is the strong Asian influence. The presence of Asian influences can be experienced at the food court where you will find a diverse selection of different Asian cuisines.
Hours: 24/7 (Restaurant hours vary)
Entrance: Free
Address: 82-84, Dixon St, Haymarket, NSW, 2000
Website: http://www.chinatownmarkets.com.au/
7. Sydney Tower Eye
The Sydney Tower Eye or Centrepoint Tower as it is better known by locals is a 305m observation tower and the tallest building in Sydney. The 360 degree views offer amazing views of the Sydney Harbour, CBD, Eastern suburb beaches and the Blue Mountains to the west.
Your ticket comes with a short 4D cinema experience to get you in the Australian spirit and hyped for the views. Apart from the sick views, you can make a reservation at the Sydney Tower Buffet serving a range of cuisines from Modern Australian to Italian and Asian. Dining here is quite pricey, dinner on Monday – Thursday is $75 AUD and $85 AUD on Friday – Sunday and public holidays.
At ground level you’ve got Westfield shopping center where you will find luxury brands, fashion/clothing stores, beauty products and a decent food court.
Hours: 9:00am – 9.00pm (last entry at 8:00pm)
Entrance: $29 AUD ($23.20 AUD online)
Address: 100 Market St, Sydney, NSW, 2000
Website: https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/
8. Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is an entertainment and dining hotspot with endless attractions and things to do and see. Just a short 10 minute walk from Town Hall station and you are here. These are some of the top things to do in Darling Harbour.
Australian National Maritime Museum – Learn about Australia’s maritime history and take a look at some of the vessels on display such as the replica Captain Cook HMB Endeavour, HMAS Advance and the Navy Destroyer HMAS Vampire. An all access ticket cost $32 AUD or you can view the museum’s permanent galleries for free.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium – The Sydney Aquarium has always been a popular attraction in Darling Harbour. The aquarium is home to over 700 different species and 13,000 animals in total. There are 12 uniquely themed zones including: Dugong Island, Bay of Rays and Great Barrier Reef. Save $9.20 AUD for an adult ticket when you book online, a general admission ticket is $36.80 AUD.
Chinese Garden of Friendship – Take some time to relax at the peaceful and secluded Chinese Garden of Friendship located at the Southern end of Darling Harbour. The garden is truly stunning with its waterfalls, pavilions, lakes, exotic plants, sculptures and wildlife such as koi carp. Entry cost $6 AUD for an adult ticket but is well worth it for this unique and lesser known attraction.
Other notable attractions to consider include: IMAX Theatre, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Captain Cook Cruises and Darling Quarter.
Website: https://darlingharbour.com/
9. Ferry to Manly
A trip to Sydney is not complete until you have been on a ferry ride to Manly. There are 2 main ferry options, the iconic Manly Ferry or the much quicker Manly Fast Ferry. You can board a ferry at either Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. I recommend Circular Quay as it is cheaper and quicker. The picturesque ride through the Sydney harbour to the Northern beach town of Manly takes about 30 minutes each way on the iconic Ferry and the Fast Ferry takes about 20 minutes each way.
When you arrive at Manly there is so much to do you could easily spend a couple of days in Manly alone. Shelly beach is a much smaller and more relaxing beach compared to Manly beach. Shelly beach is great for snorkeling and diving allowing you to spot a Blue Gropper.
Take on the 10 kilometer Manly to Spit hike. This coastal hike takes about 3.5 to 5 hours. During the hike you will come across Aboriginal rock engravings, habourside mansions and be rewarded with amazing views of Manly.
Learn to surf at the iconic Manly beach with Manly Surf School. A 2 hour lesson will cost $70 AUD. Another popular attraction is the Manly weekend markets where you can buy fresh produce, street food/beverages, clothing, handmade goods, art/crafts, cosmetics and you know, all the things you find at markets.
Hours: (Sydney iconic Ferry departing from Circular Quay) Mon – Fri: 5:30am – 12:20amSat – Sun: 6:20am – 12:20am
Check website for up to date schedule: Sydney Ferries
Entrance: From Circular Quay: iconic Ferry – each way $7.51 AUD
Fast ferry – 1 way $9.70 AUD, Return $18.90 AUD
Address: Circular Quay, Wharf 3, Sydney, NSW, 2000
10. Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens were established in 1816 and are Australia’s oldest botanic gardens. Conveniently located within a short walking distance from the Sydney Opera House. The grounds are broken up into 4 precincts: the lower gardens, middle gardens, Bennelong precinct and the Palace gardens. There are 8,637 different species of plants from more than 75 different countries.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a great place to get away from the busyness of the city and unwind with a leisurely stroll or a romantic picnic. Just watch out for the infamous white ibis (ugly bird with long black beak that will take your chips).
Hours: 7am – (from 5pm – 8pm Closing times vary depending on month)
Entrance: Free
Address: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Website: https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
If it’s your first time in Sydney these are 10 of the best things I recommend to do. If you found this post helpful I would really appreciate it if you shared it with anyone who might find it useful. Feel free to post a comment down below if you have any questions or feedback.
