10 Classic Things To Do in Sydney, Australia
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Sydney is Australia’s largest city and due to its popularity, it often gets confused for being Australia’s capital city. Although this is incorrect the city of Canberra is the capital of Australia. Sydney is often the starting point for many international travellers visiting Australia, due to its recognisable landmarks, gorgeous beaches and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth trip to Sydney, you can’t get bored of these 10 classic things to do in Sydney, Australia.
10 Things to Do in Sydney, Australia
Wander around Circular Quay
For those who don’t know Circular Quay is a major Sydney transport hub and also where you will find the Sydney Opera House and views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
I can remember the moment I first saw Sydney’s Circular Quay, after a long flight from Hong Kong, I dropped my bags at the hostel and walked all the way down Pitt Street straight to see the famous sights. A feeling of amazement washed over me as I realised, I made it to the other side of the world and could finally see through my own eyes what I had seen only a screen before. And even though I visited Sydney many times throughout the 7 months I spent in Australia, Circular Quay never lost the special sparkle.
Whilst in Circular Quay you can take a tour of the Sydney Opera House, maybe visit a show here or grab a drink at the Opera House Bar. Circular Quay is also a fabulous people-watching spot, you might even catch a cruise ship docking.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Fancy a good view with a side of adventure? Then climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is for you. You’ll get 360-degree panoramic views of the city from 134 metres above the harbour.
It is quite a pricey experience and one you should book in advance, especially if you wish to do it for sunrise or sunset as these sell out quickly. Compare the different climbs and book your tickets on the official website here ->
Sydney Tower Eye
If climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge isn’t for you then visiting the Sydney Tower Eye is another fabulous way of getting those 360 panoramic views of the city. When I visited back in 2017 I got to go to the observation deck as well as having a buffet lunch by a window that slowly rotated giving you views of the entire city. There is also now the option to do a Skywalk around the tower for those feeling more adventurous, check their website for the ticket options.
Visit The Rocks Neighbourhood
Located in the heart of the city and only a few minutes walk from Circular Quay, The Rocks is a very picturesque area. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, take a ghost tour, visit the Rocks museum and discover the hidden laneways.
Every Saturday and Sunday you’ll find a market here, just at the end of George Street, which I highly recommend checking out. Selling everything markets do from paintings to candles, decorations, clothes and more. I do hope the lemonade stand I found in 2017 is still there, it was so refreshingly delicious that I still think about it today.
Stop By The Botanic Gardens of Sydney
These botanical gardens can be found just to the right of the Opera House and span all the way round the harbour. It’s completely free to walk throughout the gardens, making it the perfect activity for those on a budget. It’s one of my favourite places to come and relax in Sydney, read a book or do some people-watching. It’s actually where I’m writing this post from now. With its stunning views, you are surrounded by greenery and many Instagram-worthy spots.
Another classic thing to do is watch the sunset at Mrs Mcaquarie’s Chair, which you will find at the opposite end of the gardens. Watch the sunset behind the infamous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, one of the best free sunset spots in the city.
Luna Park
You’ll find Luna Park on the north side of Sydney Harbour, in the suburb of Milsons Point. It’s a funfair with rides, games and immersive experiences not to mention the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. I recommend coming after dark for the best views and having the added bonus of less screeching children here at this time of the day.
Bondi Beach
Visit Bondi
This list of classic things to do in Sydney would not be complete without mentioning Bondi. Bondi is located in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney and for a long time has attracted surfers and beach lovers from the city and further afield. Visit the crowded Bondi Beach, swim at the iconic Bondi Icebergs Pool, learn to surf or head out on the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail.
Manly Beach
Manly Beach is found in Northern Sydney and is the gateway to the Northern Beaches. To get to Manly it only takes 30 minutes on the ferry from Circular Quay. From Manly Wharf it’s only a short walk to the main beach. You could also take on the Spit to Manly Coastal walk, check out Shelly Beach or wander the Manly Corso, lined with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Wendy’s Secret Garden
Created by Wendy Whiteley, these quaint and well-maintained gardens are free to the public and well worth stopping by. You’ll find them in Lavender Bay in Nothern Sydney. Wendy decided to grow the gardens in front of her Lavender Bay home after the passing of her husband as a way to channel her grief. It’s the perfect book reading spot where you are hidden away from hustle and bustle and surrounded by nature, with a maze-like feel to the gardens.
Star Gaze at Sydney Observatory
Nightly tours run at the observatory at Millers Point between Wednesday and Saturday for star-gazers to learn more about the southern skies. Be sure to book your tour in advance as tickets can sell out weeks in advance, book here.
Bonus Things to Do in Sydney, Australia
Explore Darling Harbour
Visit the zoo with a view, Taronga Zoo
Wander Barangaroo Reserve
Have brunch in Surry Hills
Stop by Sea Life Aquarium Sydney
Go shopping in the Queen Victoria Building
Day Trips from Sydney, Australia
Blue Mountains
Visiting the Blue Mountains is a must when you are in Sydney, known for phenomenal scenery, you’ll find eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and captivating villages to explore. You can hop on the train from Sydney Central to Katoomba and you are just a short walk away from the Three Sisters Viewpoint with plenty of walking trails to choose from. Although a day trip is possible I would personally recommend staying in this area for a few nights to take in the true beauty of the Blue Mountains.
Find out more in this Blue Mountains travel guide ->
Royal National Park
Fancy a walk along the coastline that is quieter than the tourist honeypot of Bondi to Coogee. The coastal track in the Royal National Park is perfect for this, the whole trail is 26km. I couldn’t manage the whole trail so instead, I started in Bundeena and walked along past the Wedding Cake Rock and a little bit further on to Marley Beach before turning back around. From Sydney catch the train to Cronulla and from there hop on the ferry to Bundeena to reach the Royal National Park.
Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley is a fantastic day out for wine lovers. With plenty of different tour companies offering wine-tasting trips and distillery tours. It would also be the perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Sydney if you have some extra time.
Things To Know Before Visiting Sydney, Australia
The currency is Australian Dollars or AUD. For international visitors consider opening an account with, Monzo, Chase or Starling Bank as they all offer fee-free international transactions as well as fee-free cash withdrawals to a certain monthly limit.
In Australia, the standard plug type is Type I. I always recommend the worldwide ones as they not only work everywhere you go they also allow you to charge more than one thing at once.
You need to get yourself an Opal card if you plan to use Sydney’s public transport. Much like an Oyster Card, it means you can tap on and off of trains, buses and ferries. To make things even easier there is now an Opal app so you don’t even need a physical card.
The sun is much stronger in Australia due to a hole in the ozone layer, so always wear sunscreen
Want to know more about Sydney? Check out my Sydney Australia Travel Guide.
