The 52 Best Things to Do in Sydney That You Must Try
The vibrant artwork is a joy to admire and the diverse exhibits will continue to provide something new. Entrance to the art gallery is free, but a few special exhibits require an entrance fee. Within Luna Park, Sydney, there exists a section named Coney Island, paying homage to its Brooklyn counterpart.
You can book this day trip where a local will take you to some of the best sights you need to see in person. Expect to see the insta famous Wedding Cake Rock immersive theater and one of my favourite beaches in Sydney which is called Marley Beach. Sydney’s glittering coastline is hemmed with beautiful beaches, but for times when you prefer a gentler swim sans waves, head to one of the city’s many historic ocean baths.
The small bar scene exploded in the late noughties with underground speakeasies cropping up all over Sydney. Tracking them down was part of the fun but nowadays they’re some of the city’s worst-kept secrets. In Manly, The Cumberland cemented itself as a firm favourite with its dramatic entrance through an original 1920s fridge door. Inside, innovative cocktails are beautifully crafted and thoughtfully presented.
Today, in addition to their array of floral delights, the gardens also feature running paths, fitness areas, picnic spots, and the charming, heritage-listed Caley’s Pavillion and patio. There’s also a wildflower nursery where you can pick up some beautiful Australian plants to take home. With the vast expanse of the mighty Pacific Ocean to the east and stunning city views to the west, a visit to this beautiful corner of the city is bound to leave you awestruck. You can make a day of it too, by taking the South Head trail from Watsons Bay.
When it comes to weather, Sydney is quite predictable and experiences four distinct seasons. The warmer months are commonly from November to February, with the cooler months being March to August. Sydney is a fantastic destination for families, with attractions and experiences that suit all ages. The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages. On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
Luna Park is a colorful amusement park located on Sydney Harbour, next to the Harbour Bridge. Featured are thrilling attractions, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and arcade games. If you want an elevated view from the Sydney Harbour Bridge but don’t want to invest the time and money into the Bridge Climb, this is your next best option. The BridgeClimb Sydney company offers a variety of climbing packages, so you can choose which adventure best suits you based on the time of day, climbing distance, and how much time you have. Each climber is equipped with more than enough safety gear, and the whole climb includes railings on both sides.
The Opera House is also famous for its programs and performances. The building is one of the most photographed structures in the World. The opera house features a concert hall, studios, theatres, reception room, rehearsal rooms, a restaurant and an open air fore court that overlooks the Sydney Harbour. Booking a bougie seaplane flight over Sydney is a bucket-list activity that’s worth the splurge. You’ll get to see the city like never before, swooping over Sydney Harbour, the iconic Opera House and famous beaches up north, all the way to Palm Beach (the Home & Away filming location).
Walk from the Opera House to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for one of the best vantage points in Sydney. If you’re visiting with kids, we highly recommend The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Nearby, see the murals and illuminated ‘spirit’ figures of In Between Two Worlds’, where artist Jason Wing references motifs from his Chinese and Aboriginal culture.
And as for bookstores, Elizabeth’s Bookshop and Better Read Than Dead are both absolute treasure troves. The tour costs between $190-$360 AUD per person depending on how large your group is. The price includes transport, lunch, snacks along the way, and photos. It’s a full-day experience, so you’ll be picked up in Sydney at around 9 am and be dropped off again at around 6 pm, although timings are a bit more flexible with a private tour. And for something a little more low-key, one of our favorite things to do around here is the walk from Manly Beach to Shelly Beach. It only takes around 20 minutes and it’s super easy, but you get gorgeous coastal views along the way, and Shelly Beach itself is just wonderful.
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden attracts visitors from around the world for its distinct zen and astounding views. Go there with plenty of time up your sleeve — its powerful ambience is tough to kiss goodbye. Sure, you can get a bird’s-eye perspective from the top of the Coathanger, but to take in the full, gob-smacking scale of Sydney and her water-encroached landscape, you’ll need to ascend to greater heights. If you’d prefer a flight without the fright, Sydney Seaplanes take off from Rose Bay in the city’s east for a gentler experience. BridgeClimb steals the spotlight but did you know SKYWALK atop the Sydney Tower Eye offers a higher vantage point than the Sydney Harbour Bridge? Take a secure stroll along the city’s highest outdoor viewpoint, at a whopping 268 metres above the CBD, to gaze adoringly at the city and as far out as the Blue Mountains.
The Sydney Opera House isn't just a building; it's a symbol of the city's creativity and love for the arts. Basically, any trip to Sydney, wherever you’re from, must include a visit. Filling Sydney’s winter nights with bright lights, Vivid Sydney is the largest festival of innovation, creativity, and technology. This extravagant event transforms the renowned buildings of the city with innovative light installations and dazzling light sculptures for about 23 days and nights.
Founded in 1871, this institution combines artistic inspiration with public education. You can visit fascinating exhibitions to learn more about the artistic process, history, or specific cultures. The Art Gallery of New South Wales hosts workshops, performances, and courses to help people expand their artistic horizons. The Royal Botanic Gardens was founded in 1816 and stands proud today as one of the most famous gardens in the world. This heritage-listed site boasts 30 hectares of plants, flowers, and trees.