Best things to do in Sydney

Best Things to do in Sydney

Sydney: 8 Best Things To Do

Visiting Sydney is an exhilarating experience that combines iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, and a vibrant cityscape. Marvel at the architectural masterpiece of the Sydney Opera House, stroll along the picturesque Sydney Harbour, and immerse yourself in the bustling energy of neighborhoods like The Rocks and Darling Harbour. Relax on Sydney’s beaches with golden sands, sparkling turquoise waters, and a vibrant beach culture that’s hard to resist.

Sections

THINGS TO DO

TRANSPORT

COSTS

1. Sydney Opera House

The white sail-shaped shells of the Sydney Opera House are a mark of innovative architecture and have become one of the most iconic landmarks in Australia.

We find that this masterpiece is best taken in from afar and some of the best viewpoints are:

Dawes Point, located under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. At sunrise, the sun rises from behind the Sydney Opera house, illuminating the white sails
Mrs Macquaries Chair in The Royal Botanical Gardens to catch the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge all in one shot
Ferry to Manly to get up close to the Sydney Opera House
Opera Bar, a short walk from the Opera House to capture a different angle

Catch a show at the Opera House which hosts a myriad of performances from classical ballet to contemporary music productions or go on a backstage tour to experience the work that goes into bringing each performance to life.

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience for the brave-hearted. Taking over 3 hours and climbing a total of more than 1,300 steps, summit the Sydney Harbour Bridge and soak in sights of the Harbour and City.

Cost: AUD $ 294 – 424 (adult)

Alternatively, check out Pylon Lookout that offers similar panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour and learn about the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There is a 200-step stair climb (no lift access) to get to the top but plenty of areas to stop and rest.

Cost: AUD $ 24.95 (adult), $ 12.00 (children 4 – 13 years old)

Hours: Daily 10am – 4pm

3. The Royal Botanic Gardens

Located in the heart of the city, the Royal Botanic Gardens is a beautiful place to explore the unique native flora and catch glimpses of the city from the comfort of being in nature.

Mrs Macquaries Point, a 20 minute-walk into the garden from Circular Quay station offers a stunning view of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, especially at sunset.

4. Beaches in Sydney

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Sydney for surfing, swimming and enjoying a day out at the beach. With many great restaurants and cafes around the vicinity to refuel, you can easily spend an entire day here!

Note that it can get packed during the weekends and the summer months with tourists and locals coming to enjoy the sunshine

Manly Beach

If you’re looking to escape the crowds but still have a perfect beach day, the more relaxed atmosphere at Manly beach might just be the one for you! The beach is also linked to the promenade, The Corso, with many amazing stores, bars and cafes.

Getting there: Taking the Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly

Private Ferry services:

My Fasy Ferry (20 minutes): $10.50
Captain Cook Cruises (20 minutes): $10.50

Public Ferry services:

F1 Manyl Sydney Transport Network (30 minutes): $8.04

Other beaches to check out

Bronte Beach
Coogee Beach
Palm Beach

5. Coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee/ Coogee to Bondi

The 6-kilometer coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee takes 1.5 – 2 hours (one way) and connects some of Sydney’s most popular beaches – Gordon’s Bay, Clovelly Beach, Bronte Beach and Tamarama Beach. You can also do the walk from Coogee to Bondi and spend the rest of the day at Bondi beach.

The walk is well paved and relatively easy for all ages and fitness levels. If you’re pressed for time, you can choose to do the walk from Bondi to Bronte Beach, which is just 2.5 kilometres.

6. Sydney Fish Market

For the seafood lovers, indulge in the wide selection of both fresh and cooked prawns, scallops, lobsters, and OYSTERS at the Sydney Fish Market! Grab a seafood platter for a taste of everything each retailer has to offer.

Favorites: Coffin Bay and Sydney Rock oysters

Look out for the new Sydney Fish Market which is set to open in 2024, built to be a major dining attraction in Sydney’s inner harbour.

7. Wander around Sydney's CBD

Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) is home to many great architecture and streets. The following locations are relatively close to each other and perfect for exploring on foot. Alight at Town Hall station to begin exploring the CBD.

Townhall

Right at the station exit is Townhall, an ornate sandstone building dating back to the 19^th century, renowned for its Victorian interiors and décor.

Queen Victoria Building

A few steps down George Street lies the grand, 19^th-century Queen Victoria Building, which is actually a shopping mall with an interior as intricately designed as its facade.

Hyde Park

About 10 minutes from Queen Victoria Building is an urban park in the heart of the city, dotted with many different statues and monuments, including the Anzac Memorial and Archibald Memorial Fountain. A great place to relax and escape the bustle of the city with a stroll down Hyde Park!

Pitt Street

A haven for all the shopaholics, check out Pitt Street, a pedestrian shopping street with trendy and up-scale stores. Located on Pitt Street is also Westfield Sydney, a massive shopping mall filled with high-end brands and dining options.

The Strand Arcade

In the centre of Pitt Street Mall lies a Victorian-style shopping arcade with unique boutique retail stores, transporting you right back into the 19^th century.

The Rocks

Visit the oldest neighbourhood in Sydney as you set foot on the cobblestone streets down each of the historical laneways. If you’re visiting on the weekend (Fri-Sun), discover The Rocks Markets for one-of-a-kind artisanal pieces and delicious market bites.

8. Blue Mountains National Park

Immerse yourself in nature with breath taking views of the valleys, waterfalls and rock formations. Blue Mountains National Park is the perfect escape from the city, just a short 1-hour journey from Sydney!

Transport

Public transport in Sydney is extremely convenient, reliable and efficient. There are a few modes of transport: metro, trains, light rail, buses and ferries.

To use the public transport, you can purchase an Opal card to tap on and off stations.

Opal cards are available for purchase at convenience stores, airport and newsagents
Minimum credit: $20 when you first purchase an adult Opal card except when you purchase an Opal card at the airport, where the minimum credit is $35
You can only get a refund of the remaining balance to an Australian bank account
Travel caps:
- Daily travel cap – you’ll pay a maximum of $16.80 per day (adults)
- Weekend travel cap – you’ll pay a maximum of $8.40 on Saturday and Sunday (adults)
30% discount on fares for non-peak hours, weekends and public holidays

You can also use a contactless credit/debit card instead of an Opal card (which was what we used)

You need to use the same card every trip to qualify for the travel caps
There might be foreign transaction fees charged to your bank if you’re an overseas traveler