30 August 2024
23 mins Read
World-class dining, pristine beaches, unparalleled cultural experiences — there’s a heck of a lot to cover in Sydney. And while Circular Quay and The Rocks are filled with top-notch views and bucket-list attractions, there’s entertainment for every tastebud right across the glittering NSW capital. Here, we round up some of our favourite things to do in Sydney to help you build your own itinerary – you can use the menu below to jump ahead.
Fun things to do in Sydney
Free things to do in Sydney
Unique things to do in Sydney
Things to do in Sydney for Adults
Things to do in Sydney at night
Things to do in Sydney when it’s raining
Things to do in Sydney with kids
Things to do in Sydney with toddlers
Things to do in Sydney for young adults
Thrilling escapades, indulgent menus and unforgettable sights encourage visitors of any age to really let their hair down.
BridgeClimb steals the spotlight but did you know SKYWALK atop the Sydney Tower Eye offers a higher vantage point than the Sydney Harbour Bridge? Take a secure stroll along the city’s highest outdoor viewpoint, at a whopping 268 metres above the CBD, to gaze adoringly at the city and as far out as the Blue Mountains.
Get the best views of the city on top of the Sydney Tower Eye. (Image: Destination NSW)
Taking selfies out front is great but totally immersing yourself in the country’s most iconic landmark is a must.
See a performance at the Sydney Opera House. (Image: Destination NSW)(Image: Destination NSW)
Many of the globe’s most acclaimed performers can be seen spinning magic within the Sydney Opera House’s unique venues. Its annual performance count has been recorded at more than 1,800, ushering in at least 1.4 million people through its doors per year.
Swing like a pendulum on board the 30-metre-high Sledgehammer, whiz down silky-smooth slides in Coney Island and take it nice and slow on the Ferris Wheel. There’s no shortage of fun to be had inside Luna Park Sydney, which was built in 1935 and retains its art deco influence.
Embrace your inner child and go for a spin on the Ferris wheel. (Image: Destination NSW)
It underwent enormous renovations in 2021, introducing nine rides including a new-look Big Dipper, but even more exciting Luna Park Sydney unveilings can be experienced at the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Milsons Point.
Luna Park is a go-to spot for the whole family. (Image: Destination NSW)
Whether you’re starting from the iconic Sydney beach suburb or venturing from the heart of the city, the Manly Ferry offers a budget-friendly way to see Sydney Harbour and the city’s dramatic waterfront structures. Regular services run between the two central tourist hubs, sailing past Kirribilli House, the official residence of the Prime Minister, Bradleys Head, South Head and much more.
Hop on a ferry from Manly to see Sydney Harbour up close.(Image: Destination NSW)
And you thought Melbourne did it well. Get your breakfast mimosa fix at one of the best bottomless brunch menus in the city, which span the city’s CBD, eastern suburbs, northern beaches, north shore and Southerland Shire. Offering multi-course banquets paired with uncapped thirst-quenching concoctions, it’s one of the most fun ways to kick start a day of touring this remarkable city.
Indulge in a French-Japanese-inspired bottomless brunch at Luc-San. (Image: Trent van der Jagt)
It’s one of the world’s most expensive cities but getting a feel for Sydney’s natural beauty doesn’t have to set you back a fortune.
Spoilt for choice, visitors are urged to discover some of the city’s best secret swimming spots at Sydney’s most outstanding beaches. While icons including Bondi, Manly, Palm Beach and Gordons Bay need no introduction, lesser-known hot spots such as Great Mackerel Beach in the northern beaches and Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offer great vibes away from thick crowds.
Cool off away from the crowds on Mackerel Beach. (Image: Andrew Gregory/Destination NSW)
From beginner trails to multi-day expeditions that take in endless natural wonders, the city’s most spectacular hikes and coastal walks are vast and full of adventure.
Hike the trails within peaceful Lane Cove National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)
Pack a picnic and prepare for a full day out as walks including Castlecrag’s Harold Reid Foreshore Track and Lane Cove National Park’s Riverside Walking Track offer views to rival those found along Sydney’s popular Bondi to Manly or Coogee to Bondi walks.
The Bondi Coastal Walk is even more of a draw during Sculptures by the Sea. (Image: Destination NSW)
Venture below the water’s surface in Sydney to discover vibrant underwater ecosystems. The best way to stickybeak? With a snorkel mask and flippers. Sydney’s best snorkelling spots include Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly and Fairlight Beach in the northern beaches while Clovelly Beach makes waves in the east and the south is dotted with standouts like Cronulla’s Oak Park.
Get up close and personal with the marine life in Cabbage Tree Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)
Perch yourself in a world-class dining location without the hefty price tag. A relaxed picnic lunch in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden offers front-row seats to Sydney Harbour while its meticulously manicured grounds set a heavenly scene. Open daily from 7am until sunset, Australia’s oldest botanic garden is free to enter and located on Mrs Macquarie’s Road, just a few minutes’ walk from Sydney’s CBD.
Enjoy a relaxed picnic at Royal Botanic Gardens with views of Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)
Providing extraordinary insight into the city’s rich history, plus plenty of artefacts from right around the country and globe, the best museums in Sydney are delightful time warps. From the Museum of Sydney, Australian Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art in Circular Quay to cultural gems like Old Government House in Sydney’s west, there’s a portal into every past.
Embark on a creative journey at the Museum of Contemporary Art. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Journey off the beaten track to explore the city and its under-hyped charms from a true local’s perspective.
There’s a great alternative to BridgeClimb Sydney that involves schlepping up a stack of steps inside one of those decorative stone pillars. The views from the Pylon Lookout aren’t quite as good as those from the top of the bridge, but they’re no shabby imitation. Once on ground, head to Dawes Point and look at the bridge from underneath. The humungous grey rivets are impressive and bring home how monstrous the Coat Hanger is.
Swap the BridgeClimb for a Pylon Lookout experience. (Image: Destination NSW)
The posties on the run from Brooklyn, located one hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD, travel a plum route, delivering to small communities that can’t be reached by land. To spend a day in their shoes, dropping off the odd letter along the way, members of the public are invited to join the Riverboat Postman on the Hawkesbury River for their very own ride.
Cruise along the Hawkesbury River onboard the Riverboat Postman. (Image: Destination NSW)
Palm Beach is the last stop on the northern beaches run, heading past quiet alternatives such as Whale Beach and Bilgola but there’s more to this neck of the woods than sand and surf. Up your chance of seeing Home and Away being filmed by dropping in on a weekday. Got extra time? Take the long walk to the Barrenjoey lighthouse at the far end to marvel at some stunning coastline.
Take in incredible coastal views from Barrenjoey lighthouse. (Image: Destination NSW)
Wendy Whiteley, the wife of Sydney artist Brett Whiteley who passed away in 1992, has created a wonderland of sculptures, flora and fauna in her favourite corner of Lavender Bay in Sydney’s north shore. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden attracts visitors from around the world for its distinct zen and astounding views. Go there with plenty of time up your sleeve — its powerful ambience is tough to kiss goodbye.
Find your inner zen at Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)
This isn’t your ordinary theatre experience. Golden Age Cinema and Bar was first built in 1940 when it was owned by Paramount Pictures and screened everything from newsreels to locally produced films. Today’s reimagined venue, which pays tribute to its Art Deco roots, opened in 2013 and transports visitors back to the Golden Age of cinema itself. Expect underground flicks, vintage furnishings and live music.
Catch live music performances at Golden Age Cinema and Bar. (Image: Destination NSW)
Soak up Sydney’s world-renowned restaurants, bars and boutiques with our pick of adults-only things to do.
Kick up your feet in one of the city’s best day spas, which dot Sydney from suburb to suburb. While divine pampering and results-based treatments abound in long-established venues including Pyrmont’s The Darling Spa and Venustus in Paddington, Nature’s Energy Day Spa & Bathhouse in Glebe is also worth trialling as it took out several wins at the 2023 World Luxury Spa Awards.
Get your well-deserved R&R at Pyrmont’s The Darling Spa. (Image: The Darling)
World-famous chefs, Instagram-perfect fit-outs and some of the country’s finest hospitality — Sydney’s best restaurants are destinations on their own accord. Celebrating diverse flavours, local produce and evolving techniques, hot spots like Saint Peter, Kiln, Bennelong, Quay, Oborozuki and King Clarence are always great options – and you’ll find plenty of gems in Surry Hills too.
Oborozuki serves Japanese-French fare. (Image: Steve Woodburn)
While long-established chains provide luxurious lodgings, a crop of newish hotels should be considered while booking your next Sydney visit. Hotel Indigo in Potts Point, Capella in the city’s CBD and the W Sydney at Darling Harbour are just a handful of the city’s most exciting offerings.
Stay in the opulent W Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)
Showcasing everything from farm-fresh produce and condiments to vintage fashion and knick-knacks, the city’s best markets offer unique treasure hunting meccas. Savour excellent bacon and egg rolls at Orange Grove Organic Food Markets in Leichhardt, stalk fresh seafood at Pyrmont’s Sydney Fish Markets, find unique art at The Rocks Market or discover homewares you never knew you needed at Paddington Markets — there’s standouts right around the city.
Grab something to eat at The Rocks Friday Foodie Market along Playfair Street. (Image: Destination NSW)
It’s no coincidence that the city’s trendiest can be found in Sydney’s inner west, inner city and eastern suburbs — it’s where all the great shopping is. Explore strings of boutiques selling fashion, furniture, homewares, jewellery and more in hot spots like Oxford Street, stretching from Taylor Square to Bondi Junction, Cross Street in Double Bay, King Street in Newtown and William Street in Paddington.
Find fashionable items at the Sonia Hopkins store on William Street, Paddington. (Image: Destination NSW)
Sydney’s most vivid colours come out when the sun sinks, luring visitors to an eclectic collection of bars, world-class entertainment venues and truly kooky activities.
The Rocks offers frightening varieties but our vote for the scariest ghost tour in Sydney goes to The Quarantine Station in North Head. Book an after-dark expedition and be fascinated, and often disturbed, by a tour around the somewhat grim facilities renowned as one of the country’s most haunted sites. Into the paranormal? There’s a 3.5-hour Paranormal Investigation tour with your name on it.
Stroll along the country’s most haunted sites at the Quarantine Station. (Image: Andrew Gregory/Destination NSW)
Sure, easy-to-find bars shake up delectable spoils but it’s always extra gratifying to grab a drink somewhere exclusive. Sydney boasts a string of excellent hidden bars, providing intimate date nights and catch-up spots without too many tourists. Standouts include Shady Pines Saloon in Darlinghurst, The Cumberland in Manly and Earl’s Juke Joint in Newtown.
Head downstairs to the classic underground drinking den at The Cumberland. (Image: The Cumberland)
Sky-rise towers and endless commotion clutter the city by day but come nightfall, the clear evening sky is often littered with stardust. The perfect spot to spy on some of its most spectacular constellations is Sydney Observatory, serving also as one of the city’s best museums, which offers evening tours to help guide wide eyes right across the galaxy. Located in Millers Point, it’s open from Wednesday to Saturday.
Is the bar closing? Keep the good times rolling in a Sydney club where great tunes spanning every era are pumped well into the early hours. The Albion Hotel in Parramatta is famed for its R&B and hip hop, Goros in Surry Hills will get you interpretive dancing to karaoke sing-a-longs, Home in Darling Harbour attracts the world’s biggest DJs and The Abercrombie in Chippendale is always a good time. Trust us.
Let loose and simply dance the night away at Goros. (Image: Destination NSW)
If craft beer’s your jam, there are plenty of stellar options to explore across the city. The Rocks is home to a handful including the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel with Sydney’s oldest continuous pub licence, and the inner west is another brewing magnet offering Young Henry’s, Kicks Brewing, the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, Wildflower and more. There’s also plenty going on in the northern beaches, like Bucketty’s Brewing Co and Modus Operandi Brewing.
The ambience at The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre transports you back into the 1980s. (Image: The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre)
Sink into a food coma at one of the city’s flavour-packed night markets. Consistent players include the Chinatown Night Markets on Friday and Paddy’s Night Food Markets held once a month. Seasonal markets also pop up throughout the year but these two standouts are Sydney mainstays and attract thick crowds.
Shop your way around Chinatown Night Markets. (Image: Daniel Boud/Destination NSW)
Indoor culinary feasts, cultural immersions and activity galore are all waiting to be explored when it’s too much of a mess out there.
Piping hot barbecue pork buns, sizzling sensations and flash-fried calamari — yum cha in Sydney offers the perfect opportunity to whip out your elastic waistband. Head straight for Chinatown for authentic cuisine arriving fresh off trolleys at The Eight and East Ocean but there’s great yum cha in most suburbs including Mr Wong’s in Sydney’s CBD, East Phoenix in Zetland and Silks in Barangaroo.
The Yum Cha offering in Sydney is not to be missed.
Pub grub, just-poured beer and the warmth of a fireplace against your cheeks. Is there any better way to spend a rainy day? Sydney’s best pub fireplaces include the Lord Nelson Brewery and the Hero of Waterloo in The Rocks, The Lord Dudley in Woollahra, The Glebe Hotel and The Riverview in Balmain.
Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is one of the oldest pubs in Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)
Koalas, Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, Freshwater Crocs and many more of our iconic animals can be spotted inside the expansive WILD LIFE Sydney at Darling Harbour. The enclosures are planned out excellently, offering vantage points to cater for large crowds and there’s plenty of interactive experiences to help kill the time.
Spend a day with the animals at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. (Image: Merlin Entertainment Group)
Sure, your shopping centre cinema chains are packed with amenities but there’s something simply irresistible about a boutique cinema. Watch the latest releases at the city’s most character-filled cinemas including Randwick’s Ritz Cinema, Cremorne’s Hayden Orpheum, Paddington’s Chauvel and Palace Veronas across Sydney.
Grab your popcorn ready for a movie night at Paddington’s Chauvel.
Learn your way around the ocean’s crustaceans and how to prepare them for devouring with a class at Sydney Seafood School within the Sydney Fish Market. Offering cooking classes themed by unique cuisines in addition to masterclasses with high-profile chefs, the cooking institution provides lifelong cooking, produce selection and flavour pairing skills.
Level up your cooking skills at Sydney Seafood School. (Image: Destination NSW)
While the world’s most celebrated comedians grace a wide range of venues in Sydney, The Comedy Store in Moore Park is a guaranteed good time no matter who you’re seeing. Expect a handful of performers at every show including, if you’re lucky, familiar faces like Akmal, Lawrence Mooney and Aaron Chen who have all hit its stage.
Grab the little ones and rustle up your own inner child — it’s time to dial up the energy with the city’s most action-packed activities.
Everyone’s living their best life at Taronga Zoo Sydney, located in the north shore. Kids will delight in the variety of animals while grown-ups will be treated to Instagram-worthy views. Opening its doors back in 1916, the iconic venue has evolved significantly over time but its elephants, monkeys, aviaries and seals have always remained the hottest attractions.
Enjoy a giraffe encounter at Taronga Zoo. (Image: Destination NSW)
Itty bitty sandwiches and pastries may fit snug in child-sized hands but who doesn’t love a towering collection of edible treats? Choose from any one of Sydney’s excellent high tea venues including the Gunners Barracks in Mosman, The Tea Room in the Queen Victoria Building and Aperture in the new Capella hotel in Sydney’s CBD, which is set beneath mechanical flowers to further mesmerise the littlest of lunch mates.
Elevate your high tea experience at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
Magnificent playgrounds filled with brilliant ways to tire tots out can be found right across the city. If you’re in the east, try The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden at Centennial Parklands. If you’re in the west, head to Blaxland Riverside Park at Sydney Olympic Park. Other standouts include The Canopy Playground in Lane Cove, Fairfield Adventure Park and Domain Creek Playground in Parramatta Park.
The Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden in Centennial Park is a wonderland of play for kids. (Image: Destination NSW)
Keen to occupy the kids in a confined environment? An indoor play centre is just the ticket. Stellar picks across Sydney include H’ome Kids Café in Rhodes, complete with its own carousel, Vitaland Kids Café in various locations, Planet Mino Kids Club in Chatswood and JUMPd, a trampoline fun house, in Brookvale.
JUMPd is a trampoline wonderland for kids.
Who doesn’t love LEGO? Pretend it’s for the kids and visit the largest LEGO store in the world, located in the heart of Sydney. The 900-square-metre space, located at 400 George Street in the CBD, is fitted out with every brick imaginable in addition to a ton of interactive experiences and installations, giant models and just general jitteriness.
Drop by the world’s largest LEGO store to complete your collection.
Pop on their helmets and get the kids out on their two-wheelers. Sydney is filled with so many stunning bike trails tailored to little ones including Centennial Parklands’ Learner’s Cycleway for those still on training wheels, Ryde Park in the city’s west, Sydney Park in the inner west and Heffron Pedal Park in the east.
Explore Sydney’s CBD on two wheels. (Image: Destination NSW)
Grab all of the snacks and make the most out of the city’s thriving café culture, public facilities and free activities.
Mini gourmands are raised right thanks to a diverse scattering of excellent toddler-friendly eateries throughout the city. We love Paddington’s Centennial Homestead and South Coogee’s Bistro on the Greens for their ample spaces inviting tiny humans to run free, as well as The Tea Cosy in The Rocks for its quirky smile-sparking charms.
Bistro on the Greens is renowned for its relaxed dining inside a bowls club. (Image: Wasa Media)
Only have time for a cuppa? Superb babycinos with all the bells and whistles will keep little ones occupied as you savour your morning brew. Check out Flower Drum in Newtown for a solid dusting of chocolate and marshmallows, The Lion & Buffalo in South Coogee for their famed ‘Unicorn milk with fairy magic dust’ as well as any Oliver Brown, located right across the city, for more sugary goodness.
There are plenty of family-friendly cafes in Sydney, like the Grounds of Alexandria. (Image: Destination NSW)
Budding Picassos up to the age of five are invited to flex their creative muscles in the Museum of Contemporary Art’s ARTplay program which runs throughout the year two or three times a month. It’s a pretty popular playgroup welcoming prams and clans of all sizes, so bookings are required to secure your spot.
Embark on a creative journey at the Museum of Contemporary Art. (Image: Tourism Australia)
The State Library of NSW is a great day out for bubs and adults alike but did you know it has its own dedicated kids space? The Children’s Library, located on the lower ground floor of the Macquarie Building, boasts an enormous collection of classics and newbies from the world’s most exciting authors. Plus, there are plenty of toddler-sized nooks to encourage quiet time spent exploring new finds.
Bring your little ones into a cosy reading nook at the Children’s Library.
Little ones are guaranteed to lose their mind at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium where incredible displays just keep coming. From the ocean’s most intimidating predators to the cuddliest of creatures (don’t miss the ice-cold penguin enclosure), there’s a water-loving species to utterly awe every child.
Marvel at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. (Image: Destination NSW)
Keep not quite-grown-ups off their mobile phones, momentarily anyway, with outstanding action-packed activities spread right across Sydney.
It’s probably the closest your youngsters will ever get to their idols so make a day out of snapping Madame Tussauds Sydney’s life-size wax sculptures. While the likes of Harry Styles, the Hemsworth brothers and Lady Gaga offer the ultimate contemporary selfie opportunities, all-time icons including Albert Einstein, ET and Marilyn Monroe are also plenty entertaining.
Snap a photo with notable figures.
If you’re dropping in between May and November, it’s the perfect time to catch sight of the annual whale migration from Antarctica. Check out our ultimate whale-watching guide to Sydney for everything you and the kids need to know including which tours suit your specific needs and exactly what time of the day you should head out to sea.
See the fascinating mammals of the sea up close on a Sydney whale-watching tour. (Image: Destination NSW)
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.
Go kayaking around Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)
Reckon you’ve got a good aim? If you’re six years old and over, you can prove it with a bow and arrow at Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre. The 6.5-acre space was used as the official Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games site, so it’s built for elite athletes and amateurs to give the sport their best shot.
Kids can learn how to shoot arrows at the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre.
You never bought them a pony so offer your tweens and teens the next best thing – horse riding with Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre, less than one hour from Sydney’s CBD. The long-established company provide guided trail rides as well as private lessons and school holiday day camps.
Experience guided horse rides at Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre. (Image: Destination NSW)
If you’ve got a young adult in your household, you’ll be all over Strike and how awesome an experience it is right across the country. Strike Bowling Entertainment Quarter is especially excellent thanks to its on-site laser tag arena and private karaoke rooms. If you’re just bowling, eight lanes cater for crowds who roll into the venue by the truckload come school holidays. Avoid it during the period if you prefer quieter conditions or jump on board to soak up the atmosphere.
Join in the fun and up your game at the Strike Bowling Bar.
Set your mind racing as you plan your escape from PaniQ Room in The Rocks. A thrilling game to play with youngsters, the fun-filled hot spot is built with six unique rooms each with its own dramatic scenario. No matter which one you choose, you’ve got 60 minutes to figure out how to get out. If you’re a fan of puzzles, this is your perfect match.
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No thanks, I like to travel solo
Excellent article! Looking forward to trying out all of these adventures.