2026: The Best Things To Do In Sydney

Cockatoo Island offers loads to do and see including camping, cafes, picnic spots, contemporary art venue, and more. Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens offer a lot of things to do in Sydney, but the guided bush food tour is a great way to learn about the Gadigal people and the indigenous history of the land. Walk by Sydney’s famous landmarks and see some of Sydney’s natural wonders. Sydney is known as a hotbed for street art and its art culture so what better way to experience it then by guided tour with Culture Scouts.
The 87-meter climb reveals how this massive structure transformed Sydney. From free clifftop vantage points to historic landmarks, Sydney offers incredible views at every budget. I’ll share my favorite spots to photograph the harbour – including both hidden local lookouts and the paid viewpoints that things to do in sydney are genuinely worth your money. The Aboriginal Cultural Tour shares stories of the Gadigal people and teaches visitors about native plants used for food and medicine.

Maintaining the fun stalls and community appeal of the Maroubra Beach Markets experience just a few streets away, the Heffron Park Markets are even more convenient, thanks to free parking nearby. Expect quality stalls, great coffee and a fantastic atmosphere at this buzzing monthly event. Sea Sydney Harbour’s new “Dogs on Deck” cruise launches this weekend, letting you set sail with your furry friend.
Guided tours typically last around an hour and are a fantastic way to learn about the Opera House’s history and cultural significance to the city. These offers are available any day and time the restaurant’s open (aka no happy-hour restrictions or weekday fine print) so you can plan your next dinner, date or catch-up on your own terms. Henley's is cranking the volume all the way up every Saturday with Rock Revival—a weekly live music event that's all about band culture and loud guitars. From 9pm until late, it's a non-stop lineup of punk, rock, indie and high-volt party bands taking on the stage. From 6 January to 1 February, Innovation Plaza transforms into a social, high-energy pickleball hub. Jump into beginner-friendly, instructor-led 45-minute lessons on Wednesdays and Saturdays for $10pp, or swing by for free-play sessions daily between 7.30am to 7.30pm.
The Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest structure in Sydney, and it offers 360-degree views of the city from its observation deck, which is 250 meters (820 feet) tall. This speed boat whale watching tour is a great option for those looking for a quick trip. This two-hour tour costs $129 AUD and will have you cruising past Sydney Harbour. While this tour doesn’t offer a guarantee, their expert skippers know what they’re looking for, and they’ll tell you when to get your camera ready. If you want to visit the Blue Mountains independently, then renting a car and driving is the easiest way.

Taking a Sydney Harbour ferry ride to the iconic Taronga Zoo is one of the city’s must-do experiences for visiting families. The zoo is home to more than 5000 animals from over 350 species, many of which are threatened. See Sumatran tigers, gorillas, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, sun bears, meerkats, kangaroos, koalas and lots more. By day, Sydney Harbour is constantly crisscrossed by commuter-packed ferries, giant cruise ships and private pleasure craft out for a salty spin. However, before the sun rises, these usually busy waters are as calm as a mill pond.
These gardens incorporate the former Paddington Reservoir, which was part of Sydney’s third water supply system in the 19th century. Nearly all of Sydney’s major beaches feature one or more of these  man-made ocean pools, some of which hold significant heritage value. Read our Bradleys Head Walk article with all the highlights of this walking trail, including pictures. Bradleys Head is a fascinating spot, easily recognisable from the water by the large mast standing at the tip of the headland, overlooking the harbour. Read our article about things to do in Manly for a complete list of exciting activities in this beautiful part of Sydney.

If you can't see the Figure 8 Pools at the top of Burning Palms Beach, don't go. If you’re looking for a stunning but easy trail, try the 5.3km Jibbon Beach walk or take a stroll out to the famous icon, Wedding Cake Rock. You can walk across the bridge and explore the cliffs, but the fort has always been closed when we visited.
Their ability to ground you and your partner in the moment with cinematic visuals. So while the City of Love might have its unique charms, Sydney is a romantic destination in its own right. In fact, it’s  one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations for couples. Just last year, the UK’s Bucket List Company, which analyses social media data to find travel trends, named Sydney as the third most popular place in the world for proposals. In the new Wild Australia Zone, you’ll find Australia’s most beloved family, the Irwins, in the recreated Daintree Rainforest.

To avoid disappointment, we recommend verifying event details on the official websites provided before attending. You will all enjoy mixing with other like-minded, fun-loving, and friendly foodies – people like you who care about the environment and the health of the people they feed. Kids search for Craig, a cheeky, freshwater spiny crayfish hiding behind a hidden QR code. Scan the QR code to bring him to life, play with him and learn how to protect his creek.
This iconic Australian destination is home to so many amazing experiences. We just know that you will make amazing family holiday memories. A visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales will have you feast your eyes upon a huge range of art and exhibitions. They offer personal guided tours, free scheduled tours, in-depth art experiences and more. Visitors are welcome to walk in for free, and free guided tours are available every Sunday at 2 pm, offering insight into the cathedral’s history and architecture. Located just south of Sydney, the park offers a variety of walking trails, lookouts, waterfalls, and beaches.
Icebergs pool is a world-famous swimming pool built on the southern edge of Bondi Beach. Icebergs is one of the most photographed pools in the world and it is worth a quick swim while visiting Sydney. It’s possible to see a humpback whale right in Sydney Harbour, but you have a better chance of seeing then on the Coogee to Bondi walk, near Botany Bay, and on a whale watching tour. Once at the zoo, again you are treated to more wonderful views of the Sydney skyline. You can learn about the current exhibit and upcoming exhibits on the official website.

Perfect for date night, She Loves You is a quaint little wine bar with expert personnel and a cozy ambiance. There’s no set menu, but the staff makes you feel at home while they chat with you about your preferences to make a delicious cocktail. While the drinks can get pricey, we think this is a lovely place to grab drinks for special occasions. If you’ve never been skydiving before, I recommend giving it a go, it’s so much fun. And if you have been skydiving before, from my experience I think Sydney is one of the best places for it! There’s also a revolving restaurant, Infinity, on the 88th floor of the tower where you can enjoy a gourmet meal while taking in the views, with no work involved!