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64 Best Things to Do in Sydney (By a Local)

Updated March 27, 2026
The author Ann-Marie Cahill, enjoying the overlooking view of the Bondi Beach

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do in Sydney | Sites & Attractions | Beaches | Museums & Culture | Cool & Unusual | Outdoor Activities | Food & Drink | Seasonal | Wildlife Experiences | Nightlife

My favourite city in the world is Sydney, Australia – so it’s a good thing I live here! I’ve created this guide to highlight some of my favourite things to do in Sydney to help travellers get acquainted with this incredible city.

Sydney is this amazing blend of unique nature, contemporary infrastructure, warm colonial architecture, and strong Indigenous culture. Plus, the food and arts scene are pretty good. I love matching Sydney highlights with friends and family, proving that this city has something for everyone. 

Use this article and my guide to where to stay in Sydney to plan the trip of a lifetime.

64 Best Things to Do in Sydney

Sydney Harbour

Truth: Everyone wants to see Sydney Harbour with its iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House front of stage.

People lining up at the Sydney Harbour
It all starts in Sydney Harbour and ripples out from there

📍 Google Maps | Website

Sydney Harbour is always top of the list when my family and friends visit. And why not? It is the most glorious harbour I have ever seen in the world, and I’m lucky enough to see it every day. 

There are many different ways to explore Sydney Harbour, but my first choice is always the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is right there at the centre of the Harbour, reachable to almost every traveller, with the best views across both sides of the water. Best of all, it’s free!

I like to start in The Rocks and take my time walking across The Bridge to Milsons Point in North Sydney. It’s fairly accessible to everyone thanks to the choice of stairs and elevators at both ends. 

Remember to bring a hat and a bottle of water because there’s not a lot of shade from the Aussie sun. When you reach Milsons Point, you can stop for a drink or snack. My favourite place is Coco Chocolat for homemade chocolates with Australian themes. 

Sydney Opera House

From live performances to architectural beauty, the Sydney Opera House has it all.

Scenic sunset view of the Sydney Opera House
It took me 10yrs to finally take this photo of the Sydney Opera House with the sunset

📍 Google Maps |  Phone: +61 1300 764 849 | Website | Hours: Vary, depending on tours and scheduled events | Entrance: Prices vary (check website)

It’s a tight race between which is Sydney’s biggest icon: the Harbour Bridge or the Sydney Opera House? No matter which order you do, both are close enough to see on the same day.

The House (as it’s affectionately known by locals) opened in 1973 and has become possibly the most recognised Australian icon of our time. Those sails are just amazing to see up close, made with over 1-million self-cleaning tiles. At night, the sails are often used as a canvas for a variety of light shows, from celebrations to social awareness. 

The House hosts everything from symphony orchestral performances to New South Wales State School Choirs, and even Minecraft exhibitions! If you don’t have time for a live performance, check out the range of guided tours offered through the website. 

My favourite is the “Draw the House” tour. I have been twice and will probably go again. I love the opportunity to capture the art of the Sydney Opera House, share with local artists, and learn about the design and inspiration. 

Darling Harbour

An open air precinct, filled with wildlife and wonder, and fantastic cultural events every other weekend!

View of the waterfront pagoda at the Chinese Friendship Gardens
The Chinese Friendship Gardens are just one example of hidden wonders at Darling Harbour

📍Google Maps | Website | Hours: Varies for each venue (check website) | Entrance: Free 

Darling Harbour is filled with various venues, sites, and experiences! It’s worth checking the calendar regularly, or you can enjoy the whimsy of “find out when we get there!” One weekend, we happened upon a Greek festival, the weekend before was Dragon Boat racing. 

There are also many permanent venues worth visiting, including the SEA Life Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. When you need a moment to rest, head to the Chinese Friendship Garden near the southern end of the precinct. It is so peaceful, you can forget you are in the middle of Australia’s biggest city.

Darling Harbour often has light shows and fireworks to brighten the night sky, and you’ll find a range of restaurants and food outlets to keep you fueled. It’s a great place to meet up with visiting friends and family because it’s central to Sydney.

Taronga Zoo

Sydney’s oldest and biggest zoo, with arguably the best view.

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, standing at the entrance of Taronga Zoo
Me in front of the Taronga Zoo entrance

📍Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9969 2777 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm daily | Entrance: AUD $55 Adult, AUD $33 Child | 👉 Buy Sydney Taronga Zoo Tickets 

Taronga Zoo is a government-run public zoo dedicated to conservation, education, and rehabilitation for injured wildlife. Over the last 10 years, major renovations have increased the habitat areas for the animals, shifting the focus from human guests to animal comfort. 

This place is so good, I have an annual pass to take the kids and visitors throughout the year! You need a whole day to see all of it. The Wild Australia section is a great opportunity for visitors to see our native wildlife up close and personal, including some of our nocturnal wildlife like platypus and bilbies. And I promise you will be safe with the spiders in “Backyard to Bush”!

Of all the features, don’t miss the Free Flight Bird Show with some of our most colourful aviary characters set against the gorgeous Sydney Harbour backdrop.

👉 Pro-Tip: Buy a ticket that includes the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, and enjoy the views of the Harbour. Once there, take the Sky Car to the top of the zoo. Taronga Zoo is built on a fairly moderate hill and is easily accessible for all travellers, but you’ll thank me when you look back up at the hill at the end of the day!

Botanic Gardens of Sydney

The city’s biggest gardens, filled with guided tours and vivid storytelling.

View of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney behind the lush greenery
Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney, also home to the Governor of New South Wales

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9231 8111 | Website | Hours: Daily from 7 am to Sunset | Entrance: Free to visit, Guided Tour prices are on the website

The Botanic Gardens of Sydney are a showcase of native flora and themed gardens from the region. The Gardens are free to the public, but you can book paid tours through the official website. It’s worth checking for upcoming events and special exhibits in the Calyx venue. 

The trustees have worked hard to recognise and highlight the traditional importance of this land to our First Nations people. I learnt so much about my local area through the Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour, including farming, gardening, and environmental impact.  

These gardens are the largest greenspace in the city and a favoured escape for office workers. You can lie down on a blanket under a giant Moreton Bay fig tree with views straight down to the Harbour. 

There’s a good cafe close to the centre of the gardens, with food vans often found around the edges. While there are some steep slopes with stairs, the Gardens are big on accessibility with clear signs for alternate paths.

Sydney Sites & Attractions

BridgeClimb Sydney

Take the extra step and see Sydney Harbour from the top.

People walking along the  Sydney Harbour Bridge
High above the traffic, people hook-in and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 8274 7777 | Website | Hours: Multiple climbs daily | Entrance: Summit Climbs start at AUD$248 per Adult 

BridgeClimb Sydney gives visitors the chance to go even higher up the bridge. In small groups of 14 people, you’ll hook yourself into a harness and climb 1,332 steps to the apex of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

There’s a range of groups available at dawn, day, twilight, or night. Between you and me, going during sunset is super special.

It’s a moderate climb, suitable for kids from age 8 and up, and for most fitness levels. Good to note that there are also four (4) vertical ladders included in the Summit Climb. If you have any issues with ladders, check out the Summit Insider Climb, with only stairs and no ladders. 

Circular Quay

Where trains, buses, ferries, light rail, and people meet!

Panoramic view of the Sskyline and harbour of Sydney
Where Sydney City meets Sydney Harbour

📍 Google Maps

Circular Quay is the transport hub for Sydney Harbour, connecting with trains, buses, light rail, and ferries. 

There are plenty of food halls and bistros peppered throughout, and many of them offer a range of fusion-themed menus with an Aussie touch. For example, I just learnt that handheld Sushi Rolls are in fact an Aussie-twist on the Japanese temaki. They are also perfect for a quick meal while you walk around the area. 

👉 Pro Tip: Head to the Customs House, located directly opposite Circular Quay train station. Inside is a stunning model of Sydney City on the ground-floor foyer. It might help with your navigation – or you can simply pick up The Official Sydney Map from the Sydney Visitor Centre. Hold on to it for a free LEGO souvenir at the Pitt Street Mall LEGO Store

The Rocks

The historic centre of Sydney, inspiring artisans and historians alike.

View of the broken artifacts displayed at The Rocks Museum
Artefacts displayed at The Rocks Museum
The author's family wandering around The Rocks Markets
My family wandering around The Rocks Markets

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour on Viator

The Rocks is the historic heart of Sydney. At first glance, it feels like a period drama set, with beautifully conserved heritage buildings made from local sandstone along cobbled laneways. However, it is also the centre for ongoing archaeological studies and pre-European education. 

Almost every building has a story, making The Rocks popular for artisans and travellers. On the weekend, The Rocks hosts a large street market, filled with food, art, and souvenirs that capture our eclectic Aussie character. 

At night, it opens up with live music, free cinema, and – my favourite – The Rocks Ghost Tours (more on that below). But I also love the daily walking tours in The Rocks! The guides are updated with any new archaeological finds and they know all the secrets in the laneways and backstreets. 

The Rocks are built on a moderate slope of – you guessed it – rock, with plenty of stairs for pedestrian access. There are modified tours for wheelchairs and prams, and sometimes that detour reveals a whole new story. 

Sydney Tower Eye

The safest ‘sky high’ view over Sydney… unless you want more?

Perspective view of the Sydney Tower Eye against the clear blue sky
A view of the Sydney Tower Eye from below

📍Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9245 2400 | Website | Hours: 11 am to 7 pm Daily (hours vary certain days/months, check website) | Entrance: From AUD$32 Adult, AUD$24.02 Child, Free under 1 year old | 👉 Buy A Sydney Tower Eye Ticket 

Want a ‘bird-eye view’ of Sydney but need a little more comfort? Head over to the Sydney Tower Eye. Located in the Sydney CBD, Sydney Tower Eye is set above the tall buildings with a 360-degree Observation Deck, all behind the safety of reinforced glass. 

Adrenaline-seekers can walk outside with the guided SKYWALK, complete with a glass platform to really get your heart racing!

Pylon Lookout & Museum

A hidden museum inside the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Entrance view of the Pylon Lookout & Museum
Follow this sign to the hidden museum with the best Sydney Harbour views

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 8274 7777 | Website | Hours: Temporarily closed for renovation, due to open late 2026 | Entrance: To be advised

⚠️ Temporary Closure Notice: The Pylon Lookout & Museum is temporarily closed for renovation, due to re-open later in 2026.

If you’re willing to spend a little money while exploring the Harbour, come here. The Pylon Lookout & Museum is located inside the southeast pylon (closest to the Sydney CBD). It’s a great exhibit on the history of building the bridge. But my favourite part is the 360-degree lookout at the top. 

Beaches in Sydney

Bondi Beach

Start the day at Australia’s most famous beach.

Overlooking view of the people enjoying at the Bondi Beach North End
Bondi Beach North End

📍 Google Maps | Website | Lifeguard patrol hours: 6 am – 7 pm daily during High Season (Oct to Apr), 7 am – 5.30 pm daily during Low Season (May to Sept) | Entrance: Free, but parking is expensive 

Bondi Beach (pronounced BON-DYE) is the epitome of Australian beaches: beautiful turquoise water, smooth clean waves, and plenty of fine sandy beach to share. It’s one of the most famous beaches in the world, and I’m pretty sure every Sydney-sider has been here at least once. 

Bondi Beach is a favourite amongst locals and travellers. You will see LOTS of people here at sunrise, walking their dogs, doing some yoga, or simply enjoying a coffee. 

The Bondi Pavilion is popular for social activities and cultural events. Time it right and you might catch an art exhibition or live music workshops. There are also a few cafes and kiosks for lunch, plus changerooms and public toilets. However, know that Bondi Beach is not great for transport. It is accessible by bus and car only, and the carparking costs are on the expensive side.

🏊 Safety Tip: Always swim between the red-yellow flags. Bondi Beach is patrolled by lifeguards every day who mark out the safest place to swim with these flags. If there are no flags, don’t swim. Usually, the northern beach is best for swimmers and beginner surfers, while the southern end of the beach has better waves for more experienced boards. 

Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach

Take the coastal walk and escape the crowd for quieter but equally stunning beaches.

View of the people at the cliffsides of Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach
Distant view of people on the Coastal Walk between Bondi Beach and Bronte Beach

📍 Google Maps (Tamarama) |  Website | Lifeguard patrol hours: 6 am – 7 pm daily during High Season (Oct to Apr), 7 am – 5.30 pm daily during Low Season (May to Sept) | Entrance: Free, but parking is expensive

The good thing about both Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach is the quiet. Both of these ‘little sibling’ beaches draw less of a crowd than Bondi. 

Tamarama tends to have strong currents and unpredictable surf, so it’s usually better for experienced surfers. Bronte is a little more reliable with an ocean pool at the southern end, though it has smaller facilities and is a bit of a walk from the main Bondi Beach area. 

The great thing about Tamarama and Bronte Beach is their location on the Coastal Walk. It’s one of the most popular walks in Sydney, winding around the rocky headland with breathtaking coastal views. The walk takes about 45-minutes from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach.

Between Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach is Marks Park Lookout (in the photo above). It’s a popular place to rest for whale watching and dolphin spotting. There are also Aboriginal rock carvings, noting the cultural significance of this lookout for First Nations people.

Manly Beach

Dare I say it? It’s better than Bondi.

People sitting along the Manly Beach Esplanade
A calm day at Manly Beach Esplanade

📍 Google Maps | Website | Lifeguard Patrol Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily

I said what I said: I prefer Manly Beach over Bondi Beach. Don’t get me wrong, Bondi is a stunning beach. But Manly feels more accessible and enjoyable. 

The beach is lined with Norfolk pine trees and dotted with playgrounds and picnic tables. The entire area is popular with swimmers, surfers, divers, and landlubbers (walkers and joggers). I especially love walking around to Shelly Beach or snorkelling in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Remember to look for the red-and-yellow flags before you go in the water. 

It’s more than the beach at Manly, though. The Esplanade has a huge collection of hotels, restaurants, and cafes. I love coming down here for a fish & chips dinner, or grabbing a gelato with the kids and just listening to the waves at sunset.

Manly Beach is easy to reach by public transport, either by bus or ferry, direct from Circular Quay. The beach is a short 10-minute walk from the Manly Ferry Terminal. You can also hire a beach wheelchair through the Northern Beaches Council portal.

🪸 Eco-Tip: If you’re interested in helping clean and protect our gorgeous beaches, you can join Operation Strawkle at Manly Cove Beach on the first Sunday of every month. Every participant is given a bag to collect rubbish in the water while noting any marine wildlife.

Museums & Culture in Sydney

Australian Museum

Australia’s oldest museum details our history and has a special gemstone gallery to catch your eye.

Closeup look of the footprints of the Mungo child leading to the Australian Museum
Reproduced footprints of the Mungo child leading to the museum

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9320 6000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Christmas Day | Entrance: Free General Entry, check website for special exhibitions 

I am always impressed with the curators at the Australian Museum because every exhibit is laid out with beautiful and intentional storytelling. Exhibits range from “Surviving Australia” and dinosaur bones to the most gorgeous display of gems and minerals I have ever seen!

Recent renovations kept the original heritage building and added new sections across five floors. School holidays are always the busiest, but the museum also offers a range of accessible and inclusive programs, and special after-hours “Night Owl” programs for adults.

It can take a full day to explore everything at the Australian Museum. Take a break at lunch and head to the Bistro. The coffee is good, the cakes are delish, and the view looks out over St Mary’s Cathedral and the CBD. Even rainy days are enjoyable from here!

Hyde Park Barracks

An immersive experience capturing a moment in Australia’s colonial history.

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, sitting at the Hyde Park Barracks
Me looking at the museum’s memorial to thousands of women and girls who fled the Great Irish Famine to Australia

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 8239 2288 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day | Entrance: Free but recommended to book ahead via website

Hyde Park Barracks is part of Museums of History NSW. It showcases a moment of time in Australia’s colonial history as both a convict settlement and a refuge for escaping famine or hardship elsewhere. 

The beautifully preserved buildings are paired with immersive technology and self-guided audio-tours that highlight what it was like for non-indigenous Australians to survive here. New discoveries were found at Hyde Park Barracks as recently as 2025. 

A recent archaeological discovery of fruit and nut remains beneath the floorboards show how food was a form of resistance for women, a history that was previously ignored, but is now highlighted with new exhibits and memorials. For history buffs (like me), it just proves that there is still a lot to learn and great ways to show it. 

Museum of Sydney

Dig into the history of Sydney Cove, connecting First Nations with colonial history through layered and interactive exhibits. 

View of the signage and the exterior of Museum of Sydney
It’s a small museum that digs deep into history and archaeology specifically for Sydney Cove

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9251 5988 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Good Friday and Christmas | Entrance: Free 

The Museum of Sydney is also within the Museums of History NSW. It’s small but specific and very good at showing the history of Sydney. I love this museum because the exhibits make the experience of history interactive.

There are sections where you have to piece together a broken plate or connect a fishing net. It is all part of the collection of artefacts found within this small site. Here, you will learn as much about the skill of archaeology as the archaeological finds themselves. 

Chau Chak Wing Museum

University of Sydney’s broad collection from Greece, Rome, China, and Australian First Nations.

Closeup look of the art work in the Chau Chak Wing Museum
Exhibits include items from university expeditions…
The exhibit displayed in Chau Chak Wing Museum
and wider community contributions

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9351 2812 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday, 12 pm – 4 pm Weekends, closed on public holidays | Entrance: Free 

Amongst the sandstone buildings of the University of Sydney is an unassuming cement block with secrets to share. Seriously, the building is an ugly example of brutalist architecture, but inside the Chau Chak Wing Museum is the most interesting collection of ancient history in Sydney. 

Being a university museum, the notes are well-researched, the groupings considered, and the vibe is one to encourage discussion and interaction. The more contemporary “LEGO Exhibit” for Ancient Rome is a real nice touch, both as a replica and a storyteller for context. Kids (young and old) will spend more time than anticipated searching every part. Indiana Jones would be proud. 

Normally, I would consider two hours for this museum, but when we stop for the LEGO it ends up being closer to three. 

Australian National Maritime Museum

There’s a lot to ‘sea’ at this museum… But sea-riously, from ship to shore, it’s a deep dive into how the ocean has shaped Australian culture and history. 

View of the entrance to the Australian National Maritime Museum
The entrance to the mu-sea-um

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9298 3777 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily, 9.30 am – 5 pm during NSW School Holidays | Entrance: AUD$35 Adults, AUD$25 under 15, Free for under 3 | 👉 Book Australian National Maritime Museum Entry Ticket on Viator

Inside the Australian National Maritime Museum, you’ll find four levels of exhibits. These are filled with maritime archaeology, First Nations artefacts, and stories of migration and diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific region. It’s big, it’s vast, and it’s impressive when you see how Australians have learned to live with the ocean. 

Outside, there are six vessels, showing what life was like on the seas. It’s clear why so many Australians start swimming lessons from the age of 6-months! The Maritime Museum works hard to make all exhibits as accessible as possible. However, there will be limits to access on the vessels. Check with the front desk when you arrive.

Visiting Sydney between November and May? Stop for the Ocean Photographer of the Year showcase, capturing a whole other element that most of us would never see.  

The Japan Foundation – Gallery

A homage to the relationship between Japan and Australia, showcasing art and culture.

View of the architecture exhibit in the Japan Foundation
An architecture exhibit at the Japan Foundation

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 8239 0055 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday, 11 am – 4 pm Saturday, closed Sunday and public holidays | Entrance: Free 

Australia and Japan have had a strong relationship since the 1980s, with many exchange students travelling between the two nations (my family was a host many times!). 

The Japan Foundation is a small venue dedicated to language and culture studies, with a gallery that celebrates culture, art, and fashion that blends traditional methods with Japan-Australian fusion. 

Previous exhibits have included Japanese Lacquer and Australian connections, which also offered ceramic workshops with Japanese artists. Check the website for upcoming events. It’s free to visit, but workshops will have additional fees. They’re a favourite for the artists in my family. 

The Rocks Discovery Museum

Thanks to the Big Dig Archaeology Site, this museum gives a detailed look at the most significant moment in Australian history: colonisation. 

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, smiling for a photo outside the Rocks Discovery Museum
Me outside of the Rocks Discovery Museum

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9240 8680 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Good Friday and Christmas | Entrance: Free 

The Rocks Discovery Museum is small, though it spreads over three buildings. Most visitors can easily see everything within two hours, though you will feel like you are taking away so much more. 

The Rocks has never been known for its soft nature; at least not since the British arrived in 1788. There have been battles, bootlegging, and beatings. But not all the stories are bad, and The Rocks Discovery Museum has done an excellent job of deciphering fact from fiction. 

Many of the artefacts were found through the Big Dig Archaeology Site, and show a thriving community that looked out for each other. Women’s rights, Indigenous recognition, and healthcare all started here. 

Once you finish at The Rocks Discovery Museum, head a couple of blocks south to Susannah Place Museum. Everything has been kept to its original build in 1844, recreating rooms and displaying personal belongings. It’s like an extension of The Rocks Discovery Museum, but this time you are allowed to touch some of the displays. 

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Australia’s largest collection of work by living artists, including over a third of representation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, behind the stunning art installations of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
One of the stunning art installations of the museum

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9245 2400 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Tuesday and Christmas Day | Entrance: From AUD$20 for Adults, AUD$16 for Concession, Free under 18, special exhibits extra

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is a hotspot for contemporary artists and anything that can be fused with an Aussie twist. 

There are over 4,700 artworks here, so you’re probably better off joining one of the daily guides included in your ticket. This is also one of the few museums in Sydney that is not free. It is an independent, not-for-profit organisation so your ticket price is going towards more art. 

My favourite highlight is the mural space at the ground floor entry, overlooking the Circular Quay ferry terminal. It changes regularly to reflect both the contemporary nature of the art, current special exhibits, or social commentary. It’s always the best introduction as you walk in. 

Beautiful art is often found on the outside too, particularly during Vivid Sydney. Every year, the entire eastern facade is used as a canvas with a dynamic light show display. I will always love the ‘Melting Crayons’ from a few years back, but I’m always eager to see what they will do next!

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Don’t be fooled by the old heritage building; this art gallery is far more contemporary than it looks. 

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, smiling for a photo at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Two buildings, one gallery…
The author Ann-Marie Cahill, smiling for a photo at the entrance of Art Gallery of New South Wales
and a huge collection of art for every taste!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 1800 679 278 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Until 10pm on Wednesdays | Entrance: Free, special exhibits are extra 

Thanks to an upgrade, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is now twice as big, with a range of styles and subgenres in both buildings (and sometimes outside). 

I am grateful that they are right next door to each other! It is absolutely worth your time to join a daily tour, for both the artful insight and secret rooms that even locals often miss. Put the whole day aside and soak it in. 

The art gallery is great for all ages, with many special exhibits and bonus guide material designed especially for the kids. We’re talking dramatic, exciting, and highly unusual exhibits: like, massive playgrounds in the deepest level of Naala Badu, complete with family barbecues and water features.

There is a restaurant and bistro in both buildings. Downstairs in Naala Nura (the historic building), there’s the Gallery Cafe and the Art Gallery Restaurant. In Naala Badu (the contemporary building), there is a kiosk outside the main entrance and MOD Dining inside on the lower ground level. 

State Library of New South Wales

This is more than a book collection, it’s a sanctuary of quiet bliss amongst history and art.

View of the media collection at the State Library of New South Wales
Part of the State Library of NSW media collection in the downstairs gallery and underground tunnel

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9273 1414 | Website | Hours: Exhibition Galleries open 9 am – 8 pm Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 5pm Friday, 10 am to 5 pm Weekends, for other sections check the website | Entrance: Free

Libraries are the new travel trend, and Australia has a few on the “must see” list. The State Library of NSW often features high (alongside our competitive sibling, the State Library Victoria). 

What makes the NSW establishment so much better is the warm aesthetic and modern exhibits. I love how the sandstone changes with the daylight, and how it filters through the stained glass windows. 

While many will see (and expect) the study area lined with books and tables, it’s a lesser known fact that upstairs houses multiple galleries of maps, documents, and private collections. 

Downstairs is an even greater gallery, stretching along the underground corridor and connecting with the contemporary wing of the State Library next door! It’s almost as good as a secret library behind the bookcase… wait, is there one of those too?

👉 Pro Tip: Once the clock hits 4 pm, make a beeline for The Library Bar, Sydney’s best kept secret rooftop bar. There are stunning views of the city skyline outside, intimate cozy vibes inside, and sunset cocktails all night long. And no-one will mind if you bring a book.

Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Sydney

Pitt Street LEGO Store

The biggest LEGO store in the world, and your own free souvenir.

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, posing for a photo at the Pitt Street LEGO Store
This LEGO store is HUGE (Human Ann-Marie for size). And that’s just upstairs!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 8275 5120 | Website | Hours: 9.30 am – 7 pm Monday/Tuesday/Friday/Saturday, 9.30 am – 6 pm Wednesday, 9.30 am – 9 pm Thursdays, 10 am – 6 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free

Sydney has the biggest LEGO Store in the world. It is two levels of bright, colourful, and playful art for all ages. I have watched adults and children alike step into the Pitt Street LEGO Store and simply pause at the immensity on display. 

Every LEGO store has its own theme, and this one is all Sydney. You’ll first spot the rainbow gum with various Australian wildlife hidden in the boughs. There is also a small, child-sized LEGO version of our football hero, Sam Kerr, in her Matildas outfit. 

Upstairs is the massive section of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with a few extra narrative touches. It’s a small gallery of art and inspiration, with plenty of mini builds available.

Remember the Official Sydney Map I told you to pick up from the Customs House at Circular Quay? Inside the map is a coupon for a free LEGO souvenir at the Pitt Street Mall LEGO store. You can leave with a LEGO tile to commemorate your trip to Sydney! You can also pick up a ‘passport stamp’ book, and collect stamps at other LEGO stores around Australia and the world. 

Walking Tour with The Fabulous Wonder Mama

Who better to take you on a private walking tour of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ culture than The Fabulous Wonder Mama? 

The rainbow pedestrian and flags around the Fabulous Wonder Mama
Follow the Fabulous Wonder Mama to learn about Sydney’s historic LGBTQIA+ highlights

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Contact directly for available times and dates | Entrance: AUD$86 adults

The Fabulous Wonder Mama is a Sydney icon. She’s a super-hero Drag Queen who frequents the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade as often as she appears at comic conventions. I have met her a few times, and she is always an absolute delight. 

Wonder Mama is a strong advocate and entertainer who knows all the history, highlights, and more than a few of the secrets that are part of this amazing community. I recently found out that she offers private walking tours highlighting Sydney’s colourful LGBTQIA+ history. 

The private walking tour takes in boutique fashion, local businesses, iconic venues, and includes some exclusive discounts. Not all venues will be accessible for all travellers, so please check with Wonder Mama when you book. I seriously can’t think of a better person to lead me around Sydney!

The Rocks Haunted Ghost Tour

Venture into Sydney’s darkest history with a guided ghost tour.

The author Ann-Marie Cahill on The Rocks Haunted Ghost Tour at night
Me, ready for The Rocks Ghost Tour

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 456 774 748 | Website | Hours: Tours start at 7.45 pm daily | Entrance: AUD$55 for Adults, AUD$45 under 16 | 👉 Book The Rocks Haunted Ghost Tour on Viator

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, The Rocks Ghost Tours are a fun and unusual way to explore Sydney’s secret history. Consider this the cool cousin of the regular daytime walking tours. I’m always a fan of dramatic delivery, and the ghost tour guides definitely know how to work the crowd while sharing the historic facts. 

This is perfect for fans of true crime dramas and podcasts. Give yourself a sleep-in and take the night tour. It’s a scream! You are going to love hearing about the French valet desperate to dispose of his master’s body…

Fortress

For your next gaming adventure, this is the tavern you’ve been waiting for. 

The author Ann-Marie Cahill and her family dining at the Fortress
Good meal, great ambience, and a library of games to play while you eat

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 8609 3336 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm Sunday to Thursday, 12 pm – 12 am Friday & Saturday | Price: AUD$10 per person Console Booths, AUD$15 for Tabletop game hire, AUD$8 per hour PC Gaming

There is nothing quite like Fortress – believe me, I’ve looked. It is the tavern of every gamer’s dreams. The shelves are overflowing with tabletop games, new and old. You can book out a console booth and load up a range of party games from Mario Kart to Screen Cheat. Or hook up with a PC for LAN games. The tavern aesthetic is merely the crowning piece!

Fortress is located on the 3rd level of the Chippendale centre in Broadway. Fortress is one of those places I can take the family, but it’s also popular for drinks and dinner with fellow adult gamers. It has a great menu with filling meals at moderate prices. 

There is also a Fortress in Melbourne, and like any good tavern, there are similarities but the bartenders are completely different. Ours has brown hair, while the Melbourne bartender is blonde. 😉

Luna Park

It’s the Harbourside amusement park that will make you smile.

View of the rides and attractions at the Luna Park
Even on a cold wet day, Luna Park still fills with laughter and fun

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9922 6644 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 2 pm Monday to Thursday, 10 am – 8 pm Friday to Sunday, hours change for NSW School Holidays | Entrance: Free / Unlimited Rides Pass from AUD$44 people over 132cm, from AUD$34 for children 85cm – 132cm 

Think Sydney’s Luna Park looks a little familiar? You’re right. It’s based on the first Luna Park on Coney Island, New York in 1903. There were three Luna Parks that opened in Australia, and it’s been a tumultuous ride with closures and re-openings peppered throughout its history. Today, Luna Park Sydney is now recognised as an iconic feature of Sydney Harbour and the north shore.

I’ll be honest – the big smiling face at the entrance gives me the creeps, but it is instantly associated with the Luna Park franchise. If I can make it past the face, I can ride the ferris wheel. And the views from up there are spectacular!

Luna Park is easy to reach, even though it is technically across the Harbour. There is a ferry terminal right outside the entrance (Milson Point) which ferries directly to and from Circular Quay. Like its USA counterpart, Luna Park Sydney is a family-friendly venue with easy accessibility for most travellers. 

Newtown and Enmore Street Art Tour

Join a local tour and learn about the stories behind Sydney’s best street art.

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, posing in front of the mural of Anthony Bourdain
A homage to food, travel, and people – street art featuring the late great Anthony Bourdain

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 490 362 896 | Website | Hours: 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm Wednesday and Saturday | Cost: AUD$60 Adults plus drinks, not suitable for under 18 | 👉 Book Sydney Small Bars and Street Art Tour on Viator

You’ll find great street art all over Sydney, but the best is found around the Inner West area.  

Newtown and Enmore are famous for food and live entertainment, while Redfern is known and respected for its Aboriginal community. Both are also filled with migrant stories and culture, creating the perfect canvas for artistic storytelling. A local-led walking tour is the best way to see it all.

My favourite walking tour is more than just the art. On the small bars and street art walking tour, Justin includes a couple of local bars to break up the walk, as well as some extra suggestions for another day. Bring money for extra drinks, and I highly recommend a quick dinner beforehand.

City of Sydney Library – Darling Square

Book with the library’s maker sessions for your own personal souvenir.

Closeup look of the laser-cut pendant of the Royal Botanic Gardens
My coolest souvenir: laser-cut pendant of the Royal Botanic Gardens, circa 1884

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9265 9333 | Website | Hours: Second Saturday, and alternating every second Tuesday | Entrance: $10 (Bookings essential)

The City of Sydney Darling Square library offers a range of maker workshops, from robotics to 3D building. But the best of the bunch is laser cutting. You will absolutely need to book ahead for this via the library website. 

The workshops are two hour sessions, often with a quick guidance for how to access the library’s archives for images and to use the machines. No prior experience is necessary. Just turn up and create your own personal souvenir for your Sydney adventure! 

This particular workshop is only available for ages 16+ but the library also offers family maker days and children’s maker days, so check the website for further details.

Outdoor Activities in Sydney

Sydney by Kayak

Get up close to the Sydney Harbour with a nature friendly kayak tour.

People on a colorful kayak
My family enjoyed a Sydney by Kayak tour through some of Sydney’s lesser known coves

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 1300 452 925 | Website | Hours: 4.30 am – 7.30 pm Thursday to Tuesday, 4.30 am – 5.30 pm Wednesday | Cost: From AUD$79 per person 

Sydney by Kayak is an eco-friendly way to enjoy Sydney’s great outdoors, and it offers a range of tours to suit your style. Many of the tours are child-friendly and easy-going for a first time experience. Laura, the founder, is super friendly and happy to help out with any details. 

“Sunrise Kayak and Coffee” is the most popular tour, starting with a fresh brewed coffee you can take on the water. Sunrise is a quiet time, so you won’t feel intimidated by ferries and water taxis during morning peak hour. Best of all, the tour guides are pretty skilled with the cameras, making sure you can enjoy the golden glow and prove it to friends afterwards.

Sometimes, Sydney by Kayak partners with local councils and hosts kayak tours through Sydney’s lesser known coves. They’re not quite as iconic, but I love the opportunity to see Sydney’s secrets from the water. 

Balls Head Reserve

Cross the Harbour to North Sydney and explore a nature reserve within sight of the City.

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, enjoying the overlooking view of the Balls Head Reserve
One of my favourite hidden views of Sydney, tucked away in native bushland

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open 24/7 daily; Nearby cafe open 7 am – 3 pm Wednesday to Sunday | Entrance: Free 

Balls Head Reserve is one of the many green pockets that is ridiculously close to the Sydney CBD. It’s a small reserve but you’ll find a few vantage points with spectacular views across the water. Bring comfy walking shoes; there are some old cobbled stairs to various outlooks.

Being a nature reserve, you’ll spot some of our native wildlife. Kookaburras, cockatoos, magpies, and scrub turkeys are regulars during the day. Towards dusk you might hear a Boobook owl or a Tawny Frogmouth. In summer, there are plenty of lizards running around; mostly skinks and a few water dragons. 

If you miss the rock art around the reserve, head to the nearby Coal Loader and the whale carving behind the cafe. The cafe can get very busy, so make your order ‘to go’ and enjoy the view from the garden instead. 

Bondi to Manly Walk

An epic coastal and harbour-side walk across Sydney, from one iconic beach to another.

Panoramic view of the skyline and the Watsons Bay
Day 1 of the 7-day Bondi to Manly Walk, and this is the view waiting for you at Watsons Bay

Website | Entrance: AUD$12 for the Official Guide 

I only recently learned about the Bondi to Manly Walk, and I have the utmost respect for anyone who has completed it! 

Full disclaimer: I have never done this walk in its entirety. I have at least walked a few sections, and I can vouch for various lookouts. It is, indeed, a marvel. Both North Head and South Head offer grand vistas across land and water. It’s daunting at the beginning of your walk, but satisfying at the end. 

The complete Bondi to Manly walk takes around 7-days to cover the entire 80km (50 mi). Starting at Bondi Beach, it should take you three days to reach Circular Quay as your midway point. On Day 4, you will cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and start to see the places you’ve already been as you circle back up the Harbour coastline.

Each day ends with a ferry terminal, so you can easily travel back to your accommodation. For those champions who complete the task, please let me know what you thought in the comments!

Sydney by Sail

The ultimate luxury experience on Sydney Harbour.

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, enjoying under the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the chartered yacht
A once in a life-time experience with a chartered yacht sailing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9280 1110 | Website | Hours: 9 am – late daily, depending on tours | Entrance: from AUD$250 adults, AUD$125 under 16 

Sydney Harbour is world-famous for its sailing lifestyle. Almost every weekend, you can see thousands of sailing vessels, from schools to large charters, dotted across the Harbour. 

Personally, I prefer the slower style: a chartered yacht at a moderate pace with bright blue skies and a few cold drinks. This is why Sydney by Sail is such one of my favourite experiences.

It’s one of those big ticket items that’s best for special events or anyone with a strong passion for sailing. And it is worth every dollar! With a group of 12, we enjoyed chatting with our skipper (thanks, James!) while we sailed through the Harbour all the way to the Heads and back again. 

Make sure to wear white-sole or non-marking shoes and bring a light jacket or shawl for wind and sun protection. You will need to climb up and down to access the yacht and its amenities below deck. You can BYO food and drink, or order catering beforehand. 

Blue Mountains

Leave Sydney for a day trip to this World Heritage-listed natural beauty.

The local wildlife with a scenic overlooking view of The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains and some of the local wildlife

📍 Google Maps | Website 

It’s a two-hour train trip to the Blue Mountains (or 1.5 hours in a car). When you arrive at the top of the range, you’ll know visiting was the right choice. 

The Blue Mountains get their name from the faint blue shade seen from a distance, a result of the large amounts of eucalypt released into the air. The star of the show is The Three Sisters, an outcrop of three rocks that leads into the much larger Blue Mountains National Park. 

There are a number of bushwalking tracks of various difficulties. Even the easiest walk can lead to refreshing waterfalls and stunning rock formations. Read all signs carefully because the area is prone to rockslides. In summer, it can be a nice break from the heat but winter brings a hard chill through the valley. Remember to bring a jacket. 

Food & Drink in Sydney

Harry’s Cafe de Wheels

Sydney’s iconic pie cart, filled with tradition and topped with nostalgia.

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, eating at the Harry’s Cafe de Wheels
Me enjoying one of Harry’s meat pies

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9357 3074 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm Monday to Thursday, 9 am – 11.30 pm Friday, 10 am – 11.30 pm Saturday, 10 am – 10 pm Sunday 

Meat pies are a very Australian dish. You might find better pies elsewhere, but Harry’s is an institution. The original pie cart opened in 1936 in pretty much the same spot it is now: outside the Naval Yard, for a regular stream of customers. 

The menu is filled with options; traditionally it was all pies but hot dogs were added in the 1970s, mostly for the American sailors visiting. I prefer the old fashioned “Tiger Pie,” named after the original owner, Harry “Tiger” Edwards. We’re talking standard meat pie with mashed potato, mushed peas, and a swirl of gravy. 

Harry’s thickshakes are pretty good, but I prefer Harry’s Spider: a cup of Pepsi with a Vanilla ice-cream swirled on top. It creates a smooth and creamy caramel flavour with just the right amount of fizz. Definitely not healthy, but you’re likely to walk it off anyway. 

Sydney Fish Market

Meet here for lunch, buy for dinner, or sit back and enjoy the public space.

The crowd at the new Sydney Fish Market
The new Sydney Fish Market is filled with wholesalers, restaurants and kiosks for all menus
The author Ann-Marie Cahill, enjoying the seafoods at the Sydney Fish Market
Me enjoying some of the seafood

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9004 1100 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free, prices vary across menus and venues

Sydney Fish Market is not your standard ‘chippie’. Thanks to the wholesalers, you have access to a wide range of seafood here. Enjoy cuisine like Balmain Bugs, a local delicacy akin to a slipper lobster with a sweet white meat that goes great with citrus flavours. 

Be forewarned: this place is not cheap. But if you love your seafood, this can be a great spot to visit and maybe even check out a seafood cooking class. The Sydney Fish Markets are best reached by light rail. It can be very busy on the weekends and in the lead-up to Christmas and Easter weekend. 

If you struggle to find a seat outside, head around to the amphitheatre on the northeast side. There’s plenty of step seating with a few tables peppered around the area. There is also a stage for live music and a small water play area for kids at the bottom.  

King Street, Newtown

Fuse your soul with Sydney in Newtown’s food hub for multicultural cuisine.

The traditional pastizzi on a plate and a classic Kinnie
Traditional pastizzi and a classic Kinnie from the Maltese Pastizzi Cafe

📍 Google Maps 

I refuse to choose just one restaurant to recommend on King Street in Newtown. I can’t. There are too many great options. It is the ultimate foodie hub, offering the widest range of cuisines you will ever find.

The pastizzis pictured above are from Maltese Pastizzi Cafe. Newtown is the only place in all of Sydney that I can find anything close to my grandmother’s Maltese cooking. Just one block over is a Malaysian restaurant with a laksa that my husband swears comes straight from the streets of Kuching (Borneo). My kids love Astro’s Arcade Bar, matching pizza with old school arcade games like Space Invaders. 

The best part is that it’s located close-enough to the University of Sydney to encourage prices to be affordable while the flavours are diverse. King Street is also a great place to explore for fashion, books, and one-off shops like antique cameras.

Coco Chocolat, Kirribilli

Artisan chocolate with Australian flavour, so close to the Harbour Bridge you can taste it.

View of the boxes of chocolate from the Coco Chocolate
Delicious chocolates that honour Australian culture, including beloved author May Gibbs with her ‘Gumnut Babies’

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9922 4998 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday to Saturday 

At the north end of the Harbour Bridge, tucked away in Blight Street, is Coco Chocolate – my favourite chocolate shop in all of Sydney. It’s a tiny little store, packed to the roof with delicious chocolate of all flavours and themes. It’s my favourite stop for a hot chocolate each time I walk across the Harbour Bridge. 

What makes this chocolate special for me is the Australiana. There are classic flavours and new blends (such as Australian bacon with Canadian maple syrup. Trust me on this!), but I always go for Australian-themed treats. 

The gumnut babies are extra-local, celebrating children’s author May Gibbs who once lived nearby in Neutral Bay. Her gardens and the native flora inspired her most famous book, “Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.” These chocolates match perfectly.

Seasonal Things to Do in Sydney

New Years Eve on the Harbour

Be one of the first to ring in the New Year with the best fireworks in the world.

The New Years fireworks in Sydney
Sydney’s New Years Fireworks are so good, we do it twice: 9pm and 12am

🌐 Website 

Every Sydney local has their favourite spot to watch the Sydney New Years Eve Fireworks. Some like to camp out at Lady Macquarie’s Chair (near the Royal Botanic Gardens) from the moment event gates open. Others will look for quiet sheltered spots around Cremorne Point or Balls Head Reserve

A few years back, my family had tickets for the Manly Ferry and its journey out into the middle of the Harbour. Whatever you choose, you will need to book ahead. Accommodation, ticketed areas, and special events usually book months in advance. Public spaces fill by lunchtime. And public transport is a necessary evil on the day (and night). 

Is it worth it? Absolutely! From the fireworks to the live music and street celebrations, it is one big summer party. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience because nowhere does New Years Eve quite like Sydney. 

Vivid Festival

A 3-week festival of outdoor art and light installations to brighten the winter nights.

People enjoying the light show installations at the Vivid Festival
One of many light show installations

🌐 Website | Dates: Late May to Mid June, every year | Entrance: Mostly free with some ticketed events 

Vivid Sydney can be summed up with three words: night, light, and bright! This outdoor exhibition is the second biggest event on Sydney’s social calendar (just behind New Years Eve). 

It started in 2009 as a collection of light and music displays, often with social or community messages. Years later, it continues to honour its origins, but now includes dinner cruises, intimate live music performances, intelligent debates, and art workshops. There are also themed light shows projected on to buildings and usually fireworks at Darling Harbour.

The best way to experience it is over a couple of nights, so take your time walking the map. Vivid Sydney covers a large area of Sydney City, so plan accordingly. Stay somewhere central, for example Darling Harbour, and wear comfy shoes. Pack a warm waterproof jacket and bring snacks. 

Most of all: get a good night’s sleep beforehand. The Vivid lights stay on until 11 pm every night during the festival!

Cherry Blossom Festival – Auburn Botanic Gardens

A second chance to catch the Sakura season in the Southern Hemisphere.

People enjoying the cherry blossoms at the Auburn Botanic Gardens
When you miss the Japanese season in April/May, there is always Sydney season in August

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 8757 9000 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, closed on Christmas; Cherry Blossom Festival in August | Entrance: AUD$16.60 adults, AUD$8.95 children 5-16 and seniors, Free under 5 

The Auburn Botanical Gardens were intended to be a BIG celebration for all of the local multicultural communities. While it may not have quite reached the original lofty ideals, the Japanese gardens became a primary feature. 

With over 200 cherry blossom trees, it offers a beautiful backdrop for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Each year, thousands flock to the gardens to view the pink blossoms and partake in the food, music, and workshops offered. 

Tickets for the Cherry Blossom Festival usually go on sale around July and will sell fast! Also note, it is not the easiest place to reach. Auburn is approximately 1-hour from Sydney Central, with a combination of train and bus. If you have access to a car, parking can fill quickly so be prepared for a walk. 

Sculpture by the Sea – Bondi Beach

See the world’s largest free-to-the-public sculpture exhibition.

View of the bronze quirky installations at the Sculpture by the Sea
One of the quirky installations for Sculpture by the Sea

📍 Google Maps | Website | Dates: Mid Oct to Early Nov | Entrance: Free

Just as the weather starts to settle and a bit of warmth comes back to our days, the Bondi-Tamarama coastal walk starts to fill some of the weirdest and most wonderful sculptures you will ever see. 

Since 1997, the outdoor Sculpture by the Sea exhibition has attracted travellers from around the world who fall in love with both the backdrop and the art itself. Previous years have included a shark peeling out of a banana skin, a melting ice-cream truck, and a sphere of mirrors that you could step inside to look like you were suspended above the ocean. 

Wildlife Experiences in Sydney

SEA Life Sydney

The closest you can get to local marine life without swimming in the Harbour.

Closeup look of the hands of the child on a interactive exhibit at the SEA Life Sydney
Get your hands wet with the interactive exhibits, under guidance of the experts

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9333 9200 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday, 9.30 am – 5 pm weekends | Entrance: from AUD$39 Adults, AUD$24 children aged 2-15, Free for under 2 (online early bird) | 👉 Buy SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Entrance Tickets 

Growing up in Australia, you learn not to touch anything unless you are 100% certain it is safe to do so. That’s why I love SEA Life Sydney. The hands-on exhibits at this aquarium allow you to experience Australian marine life in an environment that’s safe for you and the marine life.

SEA Life Sydney is focused on ‘rescue, restore, protect’; a feature shown throughout their exhibits that details how much can be replicated in the aquarium and how much is better in a protected natural habitat. The staff are experts who know what you can touch and what you can see behind a thick piece of perspex. 

SEA Life Sydney is located at Darling Harbour. You can also catch ferries from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour. The aquarium is popular with families and guests of all ages and mobility levels. It will probably take you 1.5-2 hrs to see everything. If you also want to visit Wild Life Sydney next door, you can buy a combo ticket. 

WILD LIFE Sydney

A small zoo sanctuary in the middle of the city for Australian land wildlife.

A child pointing at the display in the Wild Life Sydney
Kids love all the cute critters at Wild Life Sydney

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 1800 195 650 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: from AUD$39 Adults, AUD$24 children aged 2-15, Free for under 2  (online early bird) | 👉 Buy WILD LIFE Sydney Entrance Tickets

If you dream of having a closer look at Australian wildlife, Wild Life Sydney is the place to go! It’s a small zoo with a big purpose: conservation and education. It’s the perfect size for a 2-hour explore while still fitting in a wide variety of animals. There’s a combination of indoor and outdoor areas, providing plenty of security for the animals without feeling like they are too confined. 

If koalas are your thing, head straight to the rooftop for a photo opportunity (or better yet, book this breakfast with koalas experience). Want to try a smile with a crocodile? A little patience can help you move right up to the glass and count the teeth yourself. 

Like its neighbour (SEA Life Sydney), Wild Life Sydney can be very busy during school holidays and weekends. It’s a good idea to grab the online map from the website and plan your visit ahead of time. 

Whale Watching Sydney

Catch a ride to open waters for the annual whale migration.

A whale jumping in the ocean near the Sydney harbour
Going on a whale-watching tour is always a thrill!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 1800 326 822 | Website | Season: mid-May to mid-Nov | Cost: from AUD$89 adults, AUD$65 children 4-15, Free under 3 (depending on the tour) | 👉 Browse Sydney Whale-Watching Tours on Viator

Every year, whales migrate both up and down the east coast of Australia. Sometimes, it can be an amazing display as they leap into the air or ‘breech’. There are many places along the coastline where you can sit and look for whales. You’ll know by the crowd and their binoculars looking out to sea. 

If you’re not sure what to look for, or your eyes are weak like mine, take a tour with one of the whale watching cruises. Most, like this highly-rated tour, depart from Darling Harbour, working with their own spotters on land and experienced guides on board. 

 Every boat knows the rules and will never approach or endanger the whales. However, some of these big mammals are playful, and there is nothing stopping them from approaching the boat!

👉 Pro Tip: Make sure your packing list includes a waterproof jacket and some medicine for sea-sickness. Even if it is a sunny day, you never know if you might be splashed unintentionally (or intentionally), and it can get a little choppy as you exit through the heads to open sea. 

Sydney Nightlife

Rooftop Bars

Sydney’s stunning skylines deserves to be appreciated in style.

Scenic skyline views from the rooftop bar at night
For the best rooftop bar, look for a skyline, a speakeasy aesthetic, and local craft beers for the Australiana vibe

📍Google Maps (Aster Bar) | +61 2 9240 1241 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Tuesday to Saturday, 4 pm – 10 pm Sunday & Monday

There has been such a boom in Sydney’s rooftop bars, it is impossible to list them all here! Many of them are associated with hotels, making it far easier to make it ‘home’ after a few drinks. 

Aster Bar, at the top of The InterContinental Sydney, offers luxurious Harbour views while sipping cocktails at a fancy hotel bar. Jackson’s on George is closer to the CBD, but offers a delicious menu (I’m a fan of the wild mushroom arancini) alongside localised drinks.

For a more casual vibe, head to The Glenmore Hotel Rooftop Bar in The Rocks. It’s a heritage pub with a rooftop bar that looks out to the Opera House. My tip: Ask around, try a few, and enjoy the view from every angle. 

City Recital Hall (Angel Place)

Intimate music performances with acoustics that would make angels sing.

The author Ann-Marie Cahill, standing outside the City Recital Hall
Me standing outside of the City Recital Hall

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 8256 2222 | Website | Box Office Hours: 12.30 pm – 5 pm Monday to Friday, Foyer & Bar open 60 minutes prior to performance 

City Recital Hall has something for everyone – there is no limit to genre or style. One week it’s a string quartet, the next it is manga piano performance followed by stand-up comedy. It’s the best venue for live performances, in both size and award-winning acoustics. 

I have also never been to a more inclusive venue in all of Sydney. The website provides a lot of great detail for accessibility. City Recital Hall is located next to Martin Place in the heart of Sydney CBD. The main entrance is on Pitt Street, but most patrons recognise the entry through Angel Place with its street art and birdcage installation. No “Forgotten Songs” here.

Sydney Olympic Park

The biggest concerts, the loudest sports, the geekiest conventions, and beautiful natural reserves.

View of the Accor Stadium from the outside
Come for the Stadium event…
The author Ann-Marie Cahill, enjoying the overlooking view of the greenery at the Sydney Olympic Park
and stay for the natural reserves

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 9714 7888 | Website 

Sydney Olympic Park is a massive entertainment precinct. If you’re travelling for a big concert, chances are you’ll be sitting in the Qudos Bank Arena. 

There are six different venues for a variety of sports. If you see people dressed as comic book characters, then follow them for an exciting convention in the Sydney Showgrounds. And that’s only scratching the surface.

It’s worth noting that Sydney Olympic Park is not close to the city. Consider staying in one of the hotels here if you’re here for a night or multi-day event. It will save you on travel and you can take the time to explore a few extra areas like Brickpit Ring Walk, which offers a great elevated view and is home to native wildlife, including black swans.

There are also plenty of restaurants and convenient stores to restock as needed (including sunscreen if you’re walking around outside).

***

I hope my guide has helped you figure out what to add to your Sydney itinerary! Truly, there are endless things to do in Sydney, so I’m certain you’ll have a great visit no matter what you do. Have a question? Ask me in the comments, and I’ll help you out with recommendations!

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