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Things to do in Sydney
Known as one of the most spectacular cities in the world and the unspoken capital of Australia (sorry Canberra), Sydney offers those who are fortunate enough to visit, a truly unforgettable experience. Tourist attractions in Sydney Australia are many. With its diverse and welcoming culture, incredible nightlife and spectacular natural wonders, here is a list of things that you absolutely cannot miss when next visiting this mind-blowing city – Sydney.
Beaches and Bushland
Sydney is fortunate enough to be located along a stunning escarpment bordering the east coast of Australia. With such blessed natural landscapes, it is difficult to know where the best places to explore the oceans and the bush are located.
Ku-Ring- Gai Chase National Park
Nestled away in Sydney’s North Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park resides an important historic, and cultural area for the Indigenous people of the region and is heavily involved in bush regeneration and conservation. As you discover the tucked away bays and native wildlife like bush turkeys and monitor lizards, you will be both charmed and challenged. Head to North Palm Beach and take the hike to the top of the Barrenjoey Lighthouse to soak in the panoramic views of Pittwater. Then take the ferry from Palm Beach across to the Basin, and explore this charming camping village. Hike up to the Aboriginal art site and admire the views of the Bay from the top of Fisherman’s Rock. This is indeed one of the most rewarding things to do in Sydney Australia.
PC: Source: flickr, Barrenjoey Head and Lighthouse
Sydney’s Northern Beaches
The long and far-reaching beaches of Sydney’s North make them some of the most famous and best beaches within NSW. Head to the iconic Manly Beach, home to famous surfing competitions, to witness the long, rolling barrels of clear blue ocean waves. Whilst here, check out the cafes, shops, and restaurants bordering the Manly Wharf. For a less touristy, and more secluded dip, head to Bilgola Beach. This little gem is hidden behind towering cabbage tree palms and amidst bushland, so hike through the shrubbery to reach the calm and quaint waterfront of Bilgola. Enjoy a bite to eat at the cafe and uncover corals and mollusks in the rock pools and indulge yourself in an activity which is one of the best things to do in Sydney.
East Sydney
Discover the best of Australia’s east coast along the Bondi to Coogee walk. This walk must be on the top of the list of things to do in Sydney. Starting at the famous Bondi Beach, a stunning metropolis of city and beach, and heading down past the magical Gordons Bay to the humble Coogee Beach. Have a drink at the Coogee Pavilion on the way. Then move on down to Maroubra to soak in the sunset falling over the stunning Mahon’s Pool and the long stretch of sandy beach and rock pools. Camp Cove located in Watsons Bay is another wonderful gem located in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, that enjoys both pristine clear blue waters and views of Sydney Harbour. Check out the Indigenous rock carvings in the shelter at the northern end of the beach. For less coast and more nature, head to Centennial Park where there are over 140 native and exotic birds to spot! Take the bike and cycle around the greens or go horse riding around the beautifully manicured gardens.
PC: Source: flickr, Bondi Beach over Icebergs
Royal National Park
Pull up your hiking boots, because of the Royal National Park some hiking in store for you. Hiking in the beautiful environs of the park is the most beautiful of the top things to do in Sydney. This National Park is riddled with beautifully scenic hiking tracks leading to plummeting waterfalls and stunningly tranquil swimming holes. Head to Wattamolla, one of the more popular beaches in the National Park where bush meets the ocean, for a refreshing dip and grab a few waves if surfing takes your fancy. Here you will find Jump Rock and misting waterfalls to swim amongst. Another hotspot for swimming is at Garie Beach, a secluded beach bordered by rocky headlands. Next stop, is Wedding Cake Rock, a lookout formed from erosion in the shape of a slice of cake, forfeiting sensational views of the Pacific Ocean.
PC: Source: flickr, Wattamolla Falls
Sydney’s Culture
Sydney extends a branch for a cultural exploration of sensational artworks and extreme diversity. This wonderful city is a simmering crock-pot with incredible manmade and natural landmarks scattered in between. Head out and learn about a completely new culture or immerse yourself in the exquisite arts and music scene of Sydney.
Sydney Harbour
Of course when in Sydney, you must not miss the sensational Sydney Harbour. Complemented with the marvel of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, the water’s of Sydney Harbour cast a stunning backdrop to the cityscape. Around the corner, explore the historical colonial happenings of the Rocks and stroll along Circular Quay, or catch the ferry across to Cockatoo Island or Manly Beach. Or venture around to Blackwattle Bay where you will find the Sydney Fish Markets, a scurry of merchant and patron bidding for the best catch of the day.
PC: Source: flickr, Sydney Harbour at sunset
Chinatown
Immerse yourself in a colorful and vibrant culture that comprises a large part of Sydney’s culture. The distinctly oriental architecture automatically transports you into a world of immense flavor, history, and culture. Go shopping in an authentic, pedestrian-only market-like mall, and pick up traditional clothing, herbs, homewares and exotic groceries or enjoy the cuisine right then and there at one of the many delectable restaurants.
Museums and Galleries
Aside from the atypical Australian heritage of Ned Kelly and Captain Cook on display at the Australian Museum, the city has much to offer by way of Indigenous, sporting naval and contemporary exhibitions. Getting lost in the mesmerizing world of the museums and galleries is surely one of the most enchanting and best things to do in Sydney. Head to the Sydney Cricket Ground Museum and check out the unique display of old-style baggy greens and well-preserved documentation of magical moments in the game. Next, witness the life-altering performances of the Bangarra Dance Theatre, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance troupe. A powerful yet beautiful story of respect and connection to the land is told through dance, complemented by unique dance and music design, with a distinctive theatrical voice of Aboriginal Elders and the Dreamtime legends. Check out the Capitol Theatre for a marvelous production of musical flare, within the walls of one of the oldest and most decorative theatres in Australia. And for a modern artistic take on the world around us, witness the installations of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) vocalizing the issues and hypocrisies of the 21st century through light and color.
PC: Source: flickr, Bangarra Dance Theatre
Food and Wine
As a bustling hub for city slickers, naturally, Sydney has become a key competitor in some of the world’s best culinary experiences. From brunch to dinner, there’s a plate of happiness waiting for you in Sydney.
Brunch
There’s no brunch like a Bondi brunch, in fact it must be one of the first things to do in Sydney. The beachfront cafes such as Harry’s, Porch and Parlour and Speedies combine elegant culinary finesse with casual beach comfort. And with a focus on clean eating, there’s a remarkable array of delicious and nutritious substantial foods to take your fancy. Another iconic brunching location combines a petting zoo, a florist, a brunchery, and a marketplace – The Grounds of Alexandria, located in the industrial district is not only an idyllic brunching location but a perfectly fun day out.
PC: Source: flickr, The Grounds of Alexandria
Dinner
Spice. Alley. There are no more words. Spice Alley located in Chippendale is one of the most tantalizing culinary experiences available in Sydney. An amalgamation of small Asian eateries lining the streets of an alleyway, adorning traditional Chinese lanterns. This archetypal Asian experience, however, offers a modern take on authentic flavors from all over Asia. And the best part? This place is BYO. In general, the Surry Hills area is filled with delectable cuisines from around the world, and for something a little bit fancy, head to Sydney Harbour or Manly Wharf and enjoy one of the many delicious 5 star restaurants hugging the foreshore. A dinner at Spice Alley should definitely rank high on your list of things to do in Sydney.
Vino
Surrounded by the Hawkesbury and Hunter wine regions, Sydney’s imports of wines both locally and internationally sourced, cover a large repertoire awaiting your critique. Head to Potts Point for the creme de la creme of wine tasting in Sydney. Dear Sainte Eloise pays tribute to the simplicity of flavors from traditional to innovative flavors. Ash Street Cellar, located in the CBD combines Spanish, Italian and French wines teamed with a decadent tapas menu, what more could you want?! And for the late night drinkers, Surry Hills has hidden away a cozy and relaxed wine bar, WyNo. Wine tasting is one of the most relaxing things to do in Sydney.
PC: Source: flickr, Wharf Bar at Manly Wharf
Sydney is indeed a place which offers a plethora of sights and experiences, there are a host of things to do in Sydney which promise to make memories for a lifetime.
How to get to Sydney, Australia
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Where to stay in Sydney
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Sydney is home to matchless scenery, intriguing history, and culture and delectable culinary delights, and it’s all waiting for you. Next time you visit the best city in Australia, be sure to tick a few of these goodies off your list.
Check out some of our Australia related posts:
Places You Just Can’t Miss In NSW
Budget Friendly Travel Guide to Sydney
A Road Trip from Sydney to Brisbane
14 Awesome Places Along the Great Ocean Road
Brisbane – A Wishlist of Things to Do
Day Trips from Cairns
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Sydney is on my bucket list. My sister was there about 2 years ago and absolutely LOVED it.
I’ve never been to Australia and have always watned to go, it’s on my travel bucket list. My son and I were just discussing all of the wildlife there that we’d love to see the other day.
Wow! Australia has been on my bucket list for longer than I can remember and I’ve always had a special interest in Sydney. This is one of the most comprehensive posts I’ve encountered in doing my research for my *fingers crossed* trip in 2019. Thanks for sharing! Definitely pinning for future reference.
Sadly I’ve never been down under 🙁 Sydney always sounds so amazing when I hear about it. I mean who doesn’t love sun sand wine (as well as everything else) all in one place!!
Thank you for this detailed post about Sydney. Very informative and useful! 🙂
I would love to go and visit Sydney. It sounds like a beautiful place and one that I wouldn’t mind exploring. Everywhere you look is beautiful.
The Royal National Park sounds and looks absolutely stunning. I am quite the traveller but have never been to Sydney before.
I went to Australia a few years back, when my wife was sponsored by Tourisn Victoria after winning a blogging contest (we added Sydney to the itinerary on our own).
Out of my favorites are the Bondi Beach and Darling Harbour…we also enjoyed the zoo. I wish we had more time to cover the National parks.
Taking a vacation to Australia is on our list. Going to Sidney would be a treat. Loved reading and planning where we should visit and things we should see and do.
These are all really great reasons to visit Sydney. I have Australia on my bucket list. It was one place that my mother wanted to visit, and she never made it before passing away. I want to visit for her.
Australia is high on my bucket list to go to. I have wanted to go through since I was a little kid. I’m hoping in the next couple of years I can save enough money to go. If I do in the first place we are stopping in city so I will definitely keep this post pinned so that I can use it later.
There are so many things to appreciate in Sydney! I think this is a must-see especially if you’ve never been to Australia. It’s one of the first places that people should go to.
Wow, your blog post about Sydney is really filled with an interesting scenery to behold and enjoy. It has long been my dream to visit Sydney, Australia, but until now, I didn’t get a chance. Anyway, I will surely visit all what you’ve shown in your blog about Sydney soon. Immersing in their rich culture is another thing that I should really experience.
I can’t wait for my kids to grow up and J and I can’t hop on a plane and travel. This is so on my list
Nice.
On the image source, I think you should give credit to original photographer, than just saying flikr…
How cool would it be to go to Chinatown in Sydney? I would love to visit there someday.
Great tips! Sydney is such an iconic city that its pretty overwhelming and hard to know what to do first. I love the Northern beaches and the brunch culture is amazing!
I’ve always wanted to go to Sydney! I didn’t realize there was so much to do there. I hope I can make it to Sydney with my family soon.
When I studied in Brisbane I only visited Sydney for two days, didn’t get to do much. I got to see the Opera house and Manly, would love to go back and visit the places around Sydney and the beaches. This post makes me miss Australia so much.
I have always wanted to travel to Australia and Sydney is definitely on my list of places to visit. I think it’s beautiful and there’s plenty to love about it.
Sydney is one of those places I have always dreamed of going! I like that there is city attractions to see but also a ton of nature things to do too. I hope to get to go here one day!
Amazing pictures! I’m hoping to get to Australia sometime in my life! My ex-husband and I always said that we’d go on our 25th anniversary. I’m hoping to still make that happen. Maybe the 25th anniversary of my divorce.
Sydney is such a beautiful place. I’ve heard so many great things about it. One day I hope to visit.
This place is on my bucket list. I have always loved the cities of Australia.
Australia looks like such a fun place. Sydney has a lot to offer the world.
I’ve only been to Melbourne and would love to visit Sydney someday. You have a ton of awesome suggestions and I especially love the looks of brunch at The Grounds of Alexandria. What are the average costs of dining out in Sydney?
Sydney is one of my favorite cities. You are right to say it is the unofficial capital of Australia. I loved the Bondi to Coogee walk when I was there as well as Sydney Harbor. But I wish I’d seen more of Chinatown!
Fantastic list of things to do here. I havent been to Sydney yet but there sure looks like quite a few things more than I expect to do when I eventually get out there. Loving the look of the nature nearby.
Thank you sharing amazing information on Sydney. Sydney is definitely a good city for travelers and fun place where you got many things to do there.
I’ve never been to Australia. However, when I do visit, Sydney is high on the priority list. Your recommendations will certainly come in handy. I especially like the fact that you covered some of the not so obvious attractions.
I put Sydney on my list of places to visit before I die. I’d love to sit on that dock and just watch the water and wildlife. I’m sure I’d enjoy everything on your list as well.
I have always wanted to go to Sydney! This just makes me want to go more, what a gorgeous place!
I always recognized Sydney by that iconic bridge. This post talks about a lot which I didn’t know. Out of all that, the Royal national park would be at the top of my Sydney list.
Beautiful article!
Truly think it’s very well written!
Never been to Sidney, so i guess when i will i’ll keep in mind some of these advices!
I’d love to head down under and Sydney is definitely one of the star travel destinations in Australia besides Perth for me. The Sydney Harbour looks gorgeous and Bondi Beach is very renowned. Hope to grab an air ticket and visit soon!
I travelled to Sydney around 10 years back but clearly I missed a huge amount. Going to be heading back there next year so I’m saving this post. Thanks!
Sydney is one of my favorite destination which I want to visit. I liked reading your post which is very informative . I liked Ku-Ring- Gai Chase National Park the most which seems to be very interesting 🙂
The hike to the lighthouse would be amazing it looks like. Royal national park has a little bit of everything a hiker could want. Sounds like an amazing park. The grounds of Alexandria looks like an amazing place to dine. Very nice ambiance.
Wow this is a very comprehensive list of things to do and see. Everything sounds amazing and we so want to go. We especially love brunching around the world. So it’s wonderful you mentioned the grounds of Alexandria because it sounds and looks like the perfect brunch spot.
Sydney’s natural wonders (beaches and bushland) looks incredible! Love that you’ve included some cool outdoor activities away from the city (which I tend to associate Sydney with). It’s National Parks are amazing.The Wattamola Falls looks enchanting as well.
It goes without saying that Harbour Bridge is on the top of my list when I visit Sydney but there’s so much else to do and I’m glad that I have come across your post. I would love to catch the sunset at the Opera house, your picture looks so amazing. Also, Wharf Bar at Manly Wharf looks just like the sort of place I’d love to have a drink or two at!
Sydney is on our bucket list and has been there for such a long time. I can’t believe people only focus on the Opera House when there’s so much to see and do! And I definitely didn’t know about the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, we’d love to hike there, especially if we can enjoy such views!
When I think of Australia or any place there, what would come to my mind are koala, kangaroo or beaches for surfers. And I could imagine how Chinatown looks like here, always dazzling at night with tons of people looking around. I’d like to dine in at Spice Alley. I wonder what’s the best cuisine they offer here. Sydney harbor at sunset is mega stunning!
A fabulous round up of the best things to do in Sydney – I was happy to see Royal National Park on your list, as people usually stick within the city limits, but there’s so much stunning nature within a very short drive of Sydney. One of my favorite activities was climbing the harbour bridge – it’s a splurge, but was such a highlight 🙂
Very good list for those travelling to Sydney! Hopefully someday it will be me. There is certainly so much to do and see there. A beautiful city.
I went to Sydney to celebrate the New Year and I must say t it remains one of my best experiences till date. The city has an amazing vibe to it. I love everything about it – scenery, history, culture, and food. And, yes I love the sports culture of the city.
Sydney is a beautiful place. The tips are perfect for anyone wishing to visit Sydney. I wonder hoe the Wedding Cake Rock looks!
I am not much into hiking but I guess I would make that effort for Ku-Ring- Gai Chase National Park if it takes me to the aboriginal site. Did you see any aboriginal art at the top like rock carvings or petroglyphs?
I agree Sydney is the unofficial capital of Australia. Not many of us know Canberra.
Don’t know why but I never feel fascinated towards Australia might be after knowing the fact that it is one of the driest continent. But your tip to toe to-do list develop some interest that I would definitely like to explore anytime in future.
My wife and I haven’t had the chance to visit Oz yet, but we’d love to visit our friends in Sydney soon. I didn’t know there was so much hiking so close to the city, and what gorgeous views. And what better way to celebrate a successful trek than with brunch and a bottle of local wine! Spice Alley sounds like the place to be, can’t wait to visit and learn even more!
Great list of things to do in Sydney. We loved our visit there, it’s one of our favorite cities in the world. Not sure how we missed Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. Might have to make another trip down to Oz.
What a detailed guide on exploring Syndey! A city on our cards to be explored soon, we loved the pictures in this post.
Ah memories. We lived in Sydney for a years so. Still you manged to pick spots we have not been to :). That’s the thing with travelling. One can never say they are done with a place.
Sydney is so on my bucket list! I love how there’s so much to do, especially with the food and culture! Hoping to make it there soon 🙂
I just got back from Syndey. What a cool city. I only had a day an a half there, but I would love to go back and explore more. Look like there’s plenty to do!
Sydney wasn’t on my short-list, but I recently read that it’s at the top of the list of best places to live. And I keep seeing beautiful photos like yours of the Sydney harbor at sunset with the Opera House and Harbor Bridge, or Bondi Beach, and I have to ask myself, “Why am I not planning a trip there right away?!” Thanks for the inspiration!
I’ve always wanted to go to Australia and Sydney looks like such a fantastic city to check out! The views of Ku-Ring- Gai Chase National Park look so amazing-I’d love to hike to that lighthouse. Royal National Park would be right up our alley. We always enjoy visiting cities, but then escaping for a bit of nature. It creates such a good mix and this park looks gorgeous! Visiting the museums and galleries would be a must too. The Bangarra Dance Theatre sounds like a wonderful and historical performance. Thanks for all of the great suggestions!