Things to Do
Sydney, a city that resembles a giant amusement park, throws out the challenge by giving you a seemingly endless list of things to do.
Be mesmerised by the natural phenomena of golden beaches, dazzling oceans and harbour waters, and awe-inspiring parks and gardens.
Historical sites, contemporary architecture and world-famous landmarks vie for your attention. Throw in delicious food, chic shopping and world-class arts and events and Sydney is an adventure playground for travellers of all ages and persuasions.
To get you started on plotting your epic adventure to Sydney, here is a quick rundown on key Sydney destinations.
Sydney City is where you will find most of the iconic attractions, like the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. As well as the CBD, with big-name department stores and eclectic shops.
Inner Sydney features trendy enclaves like Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Paddington, as well as a bevy of markets, food and drinks spots, arts and culture experiences, and heritage architecture.
Sydney Harbour, winding its way through Sydney, is the life source hosting the Harbour Bridge, the entertainment hubs of Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, and will lead you on ferries to popular destinations like Taronga Zoo, Cockatoo Island and Manly.
Bondi Beach is the most famous of Sydney’s east coast beachfront gems, its golden looks and global fans making it the celebrity trendsetter of Sydney destinations. Don’t overlook neighbouring Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee.
Sydney North, at the north end of the bridge, is equal parts amusement and natural beauty, home to Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, Manly and Sydney Harbour National Park.
Sydney South is perfect for natural escapes to Royal National Park for surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and whale watching.
Sydney East is where you will find the east coast gems of Bondi and Coogee beaches. The harbour entrance at South Head is the start of the Sydney to Hobart
Yacht Race. The area is also home to Royal Randwick racetrack and the historic Sydney Cricket Ground.
Sydney West is home to the ‘second CBD’ of Parramatta, Old Government House, UNESCO World Heritage convict sites, and Sydney Olympic Park.
Arts and Culture
Sydney has a rich cultural scene and calendar that includes grand performances, a vibrant neighbourhood theatre scene that attracts global celebrities, blockbuster festivals and major global sporting events.
Food and drink
Sydney’s international and cosmopolitan personality makes it the food capital of Australia. Find global cuisines and unique Australian native tastes in venues from hidden gems, to buzzing eat streets, quintessential waterfront bistros, and sky-high bars and diners.
Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Sydney comes to life with lights, colour and energy. From arts and culture to dining, and even sport, there is everything from the hedonistic to family fun.
Open Space
One of Australia’s most vibrant cities, it also features extensive areas of open space on land and water for after-hours activity and relaxation.
Shopping
Sydney is one of the world’s great style capitals, perfect for stocking up on designer fashion, local labels, jewellery and chic homewares from boutiques, markets and historic arcades.
Sightseeing
The sightseeing gems vary from infrastructure icons of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House to the natural assets of the bays and national parks.
What’s On