What to do in Sydney

Activities, attractions and tours

Sydney
Cronulla Beach showing surf
Sydney
Sydney
Sydney showing a city, night scenes and general coastal views

Sydney Tourist Attractions & Activities

As the most populous city in Australia, and one that draws in millions of visitors every year, it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with the sights and sounds of Sydney. From breathtaking natural features like Sydney Harbour to non-stop entertainment all day and night, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sydney. Plus, with gorgeous weather year-round and an up-and-coming fine dining scene, people young and old continue to flock to Australia’s east coast to soak in the city’s magic.

What to Do in Sydney

Adventure seekers won’t want to miss the breathtaking BridgeClimb atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where panoramic views of the city and surrounding harbour await brave climbers. For those who prefer to keep their feet on terra firma, Sydney’s natural splendour is unparalleled anywhere in the world.

Go sightseeing on one of the guided Sydney tours, or plan your own itinerary including a walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens or Royal National Park, where you’ll be greeted with flora of all varieties. There are also countless parks, museums, and other cultural destinations; discover something new by simply strolling through Sydney’s streets.

When you can’t resist the call of the ocean, try your hand at sailing or catch some waves with the locals at the world-famous surf spot, Bondi Beach. To catch a glimpse of some of Australia’s impressive marine life, hop on a whale-watching tour (just don’t forget your camera!). And when it comes to cameras, you’ll want yours ready when night falls. You can capture a memory of Sydney’s iconic Opera House lit up against the starry sky as strains of Opera Australia or the Sydney Symphony float over the water and across the city. No matter where you wander in Sydney, you’re certain to experience the unexpected.

Let the local experts help you plan the trip of a lifetime to Sydney. With an endless variety of things to do, see, eat, and experience, you’ll want to drink in all that Sydney has to offer and maybe even explore the rest of Australia as well.

When you book through Expedia.com.au, you can peruse things to do in Melbourne as well as Sydney, Canberra, and a plethora of other incredible destinations. Book your hotel, flight, and car hire all in one place and do away with the stress of planning so you can breathe a little easier.


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Top places to visit

1. Circular Quay

Getting around this bustling metropolis and tourist paradise, you’re likely to cross paths with Circular Quay at some point during your travels. Located between two of the city’s most unmistakable landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the quay is easy to find, even for first-time visitors.
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Circular Quay showing street scenes, a city and a sunset

2. Sydney Opera House

Mention Sydney, and the Sydney Opera House will almost certainly come to mind. This 20th century architectural masterpiece is one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in the world. Whether you are coming to enjoy one of its world-class productions or you just want to see this iconic building, no visit to Sydney would be complete without a trip to the opera house.
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Take in a performance or just take in the splendour of one of the world’s most famous buildings.

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Along with the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the city’s iconic sights. Apart from its function as car, train and pedestrian access between the northern and southern shores of the city, the bridge has become more than a feat of engineering; it is synonymous with the city itself. The bridge is also a key part of Sydney’s New Year’s celebrations, taking centre stage of the fireworks extravaganza based around its structure.
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An iconic structure on a beautiful harbour with breath-taking views at any time of day or night. Climb it, walk it, photograph it or just stand back and admire it.

4. Manly Beach

Manly Beach may sound like an odd name, but it was actually named after the rather attractive, virile indigenous people who were first encountered in the pioneering days of Australia. The beach itself has also been something of a pioneer, being one of the first resorts in Australia where people could swim and surf. Today, the location is better known as a salubrious Sydney suburb offering an idyllic lifestyle to natives and visitors alike. If you’re looking for some of the best historical architecture Australia has to offer, some of the best beaches in the world, exquisite dining, indulgent shopping, or a good healthy bush walk, Manly Beach has really got it all.
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Manly Beach featuring a coastal town, boating and swimming

5. Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is said to be one of the finest zoos on the planet and with good reason. Set in a vast 74-hectare estate of hilly bushland within the upmarket suburb of Mosman, this zoo is home to some 2500 animals, from 340 different species. The zoo’s location also provides incredible views across Sydney Harbour and beyond.
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Taronga Zoo featuring zoo animals and bird life as well as an individual male

6. Bondi Beach

The name is taken from the Bondi suburb that borders the legendary beach. And for holidaymakers who travel to Sydney to lay claim to their piece of Bondi Beach’s stretch of sand, there is also a great deal of life and culture to soak up within the beach’s immediate surroundings. Bondi offers great restaurants, shops and boutiques to browse, along with some of the most distinctive art deco architecture in Australia.
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This beach can lay reasonable claim to being the most famous expanse of golden sand on the planet, attracting visitors from Australia and all over the world.

7. Coogee Beach

At Coogee Beach enjoy powdery sand and sparkling blue ocean year-round. This large beach has plenty of activities for everyone, whether you want to splash in the waves or just stroll along the oceanfront.
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Coogee Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

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What to do in Sydney


Discover the most popular places to visit in Sydney

Explore areas of Sydney

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Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(8,551 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour featuring night scenes, city views and a bay or harbour

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(3,097 area reviews)

Once the site of disused railway yards and dilapidated wharves, one of Sydney’s greatest urban renewal projects has breathed life into this location once more.

Darling Harbour
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Sydney Olympic Park

Unique features of Sydney Olympic Park include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Accor Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre while you're exploring the area.

Sydney Olympic Park
Bondi Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Bondi Beach

Travellers to Bondi Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Bondi Beach and Bondi Icebergs.

Bondi Beach
Manly Beach which includes swimming, tropical scenes and a coastal town

Manly

This coastal suburb of Sydney is like something from a postcard, and a haven for surfers, swimmers and sunbakers.

Manly
Parramatta showing general coastal views and a city

Parramatta

Discover the cultural diversity, rich heritage and scenic river parks of the second-oldest settlement in Australia, in the heart of the greater Sydney region.

Parramatta

 

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Day trip destinations from Sydney

Frequently asked questions

Is Sydney worth visiting?
With a blend of coastal beaches and culture, there are plenty of things to do in Sydney. When you're here, visit Sydney Opera House, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sydney?
Start your day with a visit to Taronga Zoo and Manly Beach. Then, tour different parts of Sydney for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sydney?
Sydney Opera House is one of the top tourist attractions in Sydney and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Sydney?
Three days in Sydney is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and Bondi Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Campbelltown.
Is Sydney a walkable city?
Some top sights in Sydney, including Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Sydney is Sydney Central Business District and East Sydney is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Sydney with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Sydney with kids.

What to do in Sydney for adults?
Archie Rose Distilling Co. And Sydney Town Hall are just a few of the things to do in Sydney. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Sydney?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Sydney. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Bondi Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

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