Known for its vibrant culture, superb beaches, magnificent harbor, and of course, the iconic opera house, Sydney exists as the capital of the Australian state of New South Wales. Sydney is the city that never sleeps: a cosmopolitan hub of activity, bustling with interesting people and visitors from all over the world. In fact, Sydney is Australia’s largest city, being home to over four million residents, and further receives the most international visitors of all the Australian cities.
The city is incredibly multicultural, with a fantastic array of food on offer, and a multitude of fabulous neighborhoods, each boasting a unique and exciting atmosphere. With so much to experience and explore, it is no wonder Sydney is the most visited Australian city. With an impressive food, arts, and entertainment scene, it is almost impossible to whittle down all the amazing activities on offer! But not to fear, listed below is a wonderfully compact list of the top eleven things to do in the remarkable city of Sydney, Australia.
The Sydney Opera House
Perhaps the most iconic and famous venue in all of Sydney, the Sydney Opera House sits proudly on the coast. Established in 1973, the building itself is world-heritage listed and incredibly stunning, especially at night when illuminated by the moon’s peaceful glow. You will definitely recognize the distinguished shape of the building’s structure, its architecture classed as a masterpiece of twentieth-century design.
The Sydney Opera House hosts a myriad of fantastic events including, but not exclusive to, Opera, Musical Performance, Dance, Comedy, Talks, and Tours. So, there is truly something for anyone to enjoy! The venue is actually considered the largest opera house in the entire world, seating around two thousand five hundred people and a further one thousand standing, making the Sydney Opera House something of a spectacle. If you’re a fan of the arts, or even if you’re simply wanting to admire one of the most awe-inspiring and iconic buildings in the world, make sure you take in a performance at the Sydney Opera House.
Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Darling Harbour
Complete with breathtaking river views and plenty of opportunities to treat the eyes, ears, and stomach, the Darling Harbour in Sydney is one of the most visited locations in the city, especially by international visitors. With so much to see and do, and very often the presence of bustling crowds, it is recommended that you set aside an entire day for you to truly enjoy Darling Harbour to its full extent. Some of these fantastic attractions are the Dockside Pavilion, the Carousel, and the National Maritime Museum.
There is even a fabulous shopping center, an aquarium, a Madame Tussauds, and much, much more. So, not only is Darling Harbour a beautiful location to take in views of the Sydney River and admire the wonderful landscapes but there are a multitude of activities for all of the family to choose from and enjoy, so make sure to pop on down!
Location: Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Paddy’s Markets
Paddy’s Markets have existed as a Sydney institution for over one hundred and fifty years and nowadays exist as the largest market in the entire city. Between the Flemington and Haymarket locations, there are around one thousand market stalls, selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious food. The atmosphere here is fantastic, boasting authenticity as you tour through the many stalls, all manned by local Australian sellers. Why not try some lovely local food, or pick up a few souvenirs for yourself or family and friends? Paddy’s Markets are a wonderful place to find a keepsake or two and relax in the atmosphere of Sydney’s most creative.
Location: 9-13 Hay St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
The Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney has many iconic images that come to mind when the city’s name is mentioned. One being the above-described Sydney Opera House, and another the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a stunning piece of architecture, and interestingly is one of the only bridges in the world that visitors are able to physically climb. So why just appreciate this wonderful structure from an outside perspective, when you can climb the bridge itself and experience incredible views of the river and Sydney city! Accompanied by an experienced climbing leader and the remainder of your climbing group, get ready to experience the bridge in a unique and fascinating way. Your climbing leader will make sure you have all the safety equipment you will need to achieve a safe and exciting journey to the top of the bridge, so get ready for a wild ride!
Location: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney NSW, Australia
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches not only in all of Sydney but in Australia as a whole. In fact, the beach is very popular amongst both local and international celebrities, with tourists and locals following suit. The beach is always busy, bustling with visitors all wanting to soak in the vibrant and exciting atmosphere. The landscape is beautiful with crystal clear waters, bright blue skies, and white sandy shores. The area itself is surrounded by some fantastic dining and shopping opportunities if you’re wanting a break from soaking up the Australian sun or swimming in the salty water. Bondi Beach is listed on the Australian Heritage List and has been home to some fabulous events. For instance, the world’s largest swimsuit photoshoot took place here, with one thousand and ten women clad in bikinis being photographed. Bondi Beach is an iconic location boasting the best sea.
Location: Bondi Beach, Sydney NSW, Australia
The Royal Botanical Gardens
A trip to Sydney calls for a trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens! The Royal Botanical Gardens of Sydney span over thirty hectares of land and are considered a heritage-listed location, existing as the oldest botanical gardens in the entire country of South Africa. Come and take a walk on the wild side and explore the green oasis, bustling within the city. The venue is filled with eight thousand, nine hundred species of beautiful flowers, overpowering trees, and basks of natural beauty just waiting to be admired. Not only an agricultural haven, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Sydney function as a venue for many wonderful events. The gardens also act as an education center, where individuals can come and learn more about horticulture, science, plants, and gardens. During your trip to Sydney, make sure to check what events are being held at the gardens, or even plan your own trip to walk around, admire the greenery, and learn more about mother nature? To make matters even better, admission is completely free of charge!
Location: Mrs. Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Luna Park
Attention thrill seekers! Luna Park, Sydney is calling for you! Luna Park is a heritage-listed amusement park, located in the harbourside suburb. Filled to the brim with the latest rides, attractions, and events, there is fun here to be had by all of the family. The park has been open since 1935 and has become one of the most iconic attractions in all of Sydney. Let your body be filled with adrenaline, ignite your inner child, and embrace being a thrill seeker. There is so much fun to be had, and with spectacular views of the harbor, so much to see also. Make sure Luna Park forms a part of your fun-filled trip to Sydney!
Location: 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
Sydney Tower
If you’re wanting a breathtaking, panoramic of Sydney city, make sure to take a trip to Sydney Tower. The Sydney Tower eye is the highest point in the entire city and boasts three hundred and sixty-degree views of this fantastic Australian city. Though wonderful views are available in both the morning and evening, this author recommends making a visit just before sunset for dreamy and warm views as the sun goes down. The structure is open every single day of the year, and actually offers a ‘Skywalk’ tour, allowing you to walk around the perimeter of the awe-inspiring building. So what do you have to lose? If you aren’t afraid of heights, this is the very best opportunity for you to get some fabulous pictures of Sydney from the highest point possible!
Location: Level 5/108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
The Australian Museum
Sydney offers some fantastic museums for you to explore. Of the most notable is the Australian Museum, which was established over one hundred and eight years ago! With a fantastic natural history collection, there is so much to see and discover. Get up close with some of the most terrifying animals in all of Australia, (their skeletons that is, of course!). The Australian Museum allows you to truly discover the richness of life, of culture, and of culture in Australia and the Pacific. I won’t tell you too much of what is on display – I wouldn’t want to give away any spoilers! But just know, this museum will expand your knowledge, broaden your horizons, and provide a whole day’s worth of excitement and discovery. Plus, the entry won’t cost you a cent!
Location: 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
The Sydney Cricket Ground
It won’t take you long after arriving in Sydney to notice just how passionate the locals are about sports! If you’re like them, you’ll definitely want to make a trip to the Syndey Cricket Ground. Whether to catch a game or tour the stadium, the venue offers so much for locals and international tourists alike to do. Watch an AFL game, a cricket game, or a rugby game. Watch the players train, or book a tour around this iconic stadium. The Sydney Cricket Ground has something for any sports fan to enjoy, so make sure to check their website and see what’s on during your trip.
Location: Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021, Australia
Taronga Zoo
Though only a short ferry ride from the city center of Sydney, Taronga Zoo is said to feel like another world. Another wild world, full of some of the most interesting Australian wildlife! Taronga Zoo boasts some fantastic animals, with the chance for visitors to marvel at the kangaroos, koala bears, penguins, and giraffes. There is even a sky-high ropes course, offering yet another opportunity to see Sydney from high up. The zoo is passionate about conservation and offers many species of animals a safe place. Taronga Zoo itself is very large, but the Zoo Train and the ‘Sky Safari’ will help you get around quicker, no need to tire out your legs! With so much to see and do, make sure you keep an entire day free to explore Taronga Zoo in Sydney!
Location: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
