20 Best things to do in Sydney

Few cities in the world can match such natural beauty, rich heritage, thousands of years of history and creative, culinary and cultural service from world-class professionals. Well, Sydney has so much to see, do, slurp and eat here that it can be overwhelming. Find out some exciting things to do in Sydney, Sydney tourist attractions and fun activities in Sydney.

Sydney Opera House

Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Visiting Time: Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 20:30 hrs | Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00 hrs
‍One of the world's most iconic buildings, the Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and a vibrant performance venue. A place where the past shapes the future, conventions are challenged, and culture is celebrated. Step inside and discover the stories that make the Opera House inspiring. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a beginner or a hobbyist, there's something for everyone at the Sydney Opera House, which makes it one of the best things to do in Sydney.

Sydney Harbour

Address: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney NSW, Australia
Visiting Time: Open 24*7
‍Sydney Harbor is a beautiful waterway famous worldwide, and in it second on the list of things to do in Sydney. It is also a playground for sailing, swimming, diving, and coastal walks. Hire a captain and yacht from EastSail, cruise the harbour on a jet boat, or relax on a lunch or dinner cruise on the sparkling blue waters. Surrounded by hundreds of miles of coastline, national parks and historical sites, the shimmering waters of Sydney Harbor are synonymous with Australia's most famous city. One of the world's largest natural harbours for ferries, yachts and kayaks, it's also a gateway to the rest of Sydney.

Royal Botanic Graden 

Address: Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Visiting Time: Daily, 07:00 to 18:30 hrs
‍Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney is a 30-acre oasis in the heart of the city and Australia's oldest scientific facility. It houses an excellent collection of plants from Australia and abroad. Winding around Farm Cove on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens occupy one of Sydney's most spectacular locations, which makes it one of the best things to do in Sydney.

Queen Victoria Building

Address: Queen Victoria Building, 455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Visiting Time: Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18:30 hrs | Sunday, 11:00  to 17:00 hrs
‍Steeped in history and architecturally gorgeous, the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) occupies an entire block of George Street and is among some fantastic things to do in Sydney in Sydney. It is home to over 180 of Sydney's best fashion boutiques, jewellery shops, homewares and delightful cafés. It also has a restaurant. The magnificent 1890s building was constructed as a cathedral-sized municipal market. Beautifully restored and reopened in 1986, QVB quickly became Sydney's most famous luxury shopping centre.

Blue Mountains

Address: Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia
Visiting Time:  Daily, 09:00 to 16:30 hrs
‍Explore the Blue Mountains, see ancient rock formations, experience small-town country life, and sail down the Parramatta River on this full-day tour from Sydney. The Blue Mountains are among those things to do in Sydney, which is designed for travellers who want to get away from Sydney and experience the Blue Mountains. Get your camera ready for plenty of scenic photos and learn about Aboriginal history from your guide. This is one of the best places to visit in Sydney.

Wildlife Waterfalls and Wine

Address: Meeting point Outside the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, 30 Pitt St, Sydney
Visiting Time: Daily, 07:30 to 18:00 hrs
‍Experience wine and wildlife on this all-inclusive day trip from Sydney. Take a scenic drive to the Royal National Park for stunning coastal views, take a selfie with a koala at Symbio Wildlife Park, or hike to the Falls Lookout in Morton National Park. Plus, enjoy a seaside lunch and boutique wine tasting. All are included in the tour price. If you are searching for things to do in Sydney with a group of people, Enjoy a more personalised experience in a small group limited to 11 people.

Oz Whale Watching

Address: Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Visiting Time: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:15 to 16:15 hrs | Monday closed
‍Join Oz Whale Watching on an exciting tour from Sydney Harbour and watch whales migrate along the coast. Cruise aboard the MV Jerry Bailey, a 21-meter catamaran specially designed for sea conditions. Oz Whale Watching is a certified ecotourism operator and is narrated by experienced whale guides on board. We are also the only operator to offer a BBQ lunch, a harbour cruise, and a whale-watching tour in one tour. Tea, coffee and water are included.

Taronga Zoo

Address: Taronga Zoo Sydney, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
Visiting Time: Daily, 09:30 to 17:00 hrs
‍With spectacular views of beautiful Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is the perfect place to see when you are searching for things to do in Sydney. Tours range from Wild Australia Experiences with zookeepers to VIP Aussie Gold Tours with native animals. Marvel at the daily bird and seal shows. The Nura Diya Aboriginal Discovery Tour explores the connection between Australian animals, plants and landscapes and the Aboriginal Dreamtime. The Roar and Snoring tour also allows you to stay at the zoo.

Sea Life Sydney

Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Visiting Time: Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 15:00 hrs | Saturday to Sunday, 09:30 to 16:00 hrs
Embark on a fantastic discovery journey through exclusive Sea Life areas at Sydney Aquarium, including Day and Night on the Reef. Experience the iconic wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and marvel as night turns to day in the world's largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit. Just like the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef resorts, this exhibit immerses you in the vibrant marine life, offering a glimpse into the beauty of one of the world’s most stunning ecosystems.

Mount Gower

Address: Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, Australia
Visiting Time: Daily, 08:00 to 18:00 hrs
The Mount Gower Trek deserves to be considered one of Australia's best day hikes. It takes about 5 hours to reach the summit at an altitude of 875m and about 4 hours to return. This hike is not to be taken lightly. During the trek, enjoy views of Ball's Pyramid, Ridgebird Mountain, the lagoon, and the northern settlement area of ​​the island. It is one of the most adventurous things to do in Sydney. You'll also discover the cloud forest atop Mount Gower, home to trees, ferns, mosses and orchids found nowhere else on Earth.

Wattamolla Beach

Address: Royal National Park Waterfall NSW 2233 Australia
Visiting Time: Daily, 08:30 to 16:30 hrs
‍Deep within the Royal National Park lies a sand oasis that must be seen to be believed. Swim in the emerald waters of the creek-fed lagoon, make it a prime spot for snorkelling, or lean against a cabbage palm with a book. Any budding photographer can consider Watamora Falls one of the most photogenic natural wonders in the entire park. Be sure to take the short bush walk to Providential Lookout for dramatic photos of the rugged sea cliffs.

Manly Ferry

Address: Circular Quay Wharf 2, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Visiting Time: Monday to Friday, 06:10 to 20:50 hrs
Activities in Sydney, like the famous Manly Ferry, have been a 'must-see' for visitors since 1855, with regular 30-minute journeys day and night. Operating seven days a week, this relaxing tour is a must for visitors with spectacular harbour and ocean views.

Dharawal National Park

Address: QVR6+WF, Appin NSW 2560, Australia
Visiting Time: Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:30 hrs
Just an hour from Sydney's CBD, Dharawal National Park offers stunning scenery and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Until recently, the public gets entry to the bushland has become restricted. But now you may experience guided excursions to the park each 2nd Saturday of the month through June.

Auburn Botanic Gardens

Address: Chisholm Rd & Chiswick Rd, Auburn NSW 2144, Australia
Visiting Time: Daily, 09:00 to 17:00 hrs
‍Serenity may not be the keyword that comes to mind when you think of Auburn. The garden is divided into themed areas, including a Japanese garden with ponds, waterfalls and ornamental bridges. Beyond the Japanese Garden is the Reflecting Pool. The Fragrant Garden, Sunken Rose Garden, Billabong, Native Rainforest, Liberty Swing and other fully wheelchair-accessible playgrounds make it one of the best Sydney tourist attractions. There is also an animal sanctuary and aviary where you can get up close and personal with peacocks, Cape Barron geese and red-necked wallabies.

PS40

Address: 40 King St Enter, Skittle Lane, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Visiting Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 17:00 to 11:00 hrs | Sunday to Monday, Closed
In mid-2019, PS40 co-owners Michael Chiem and Thor Bergquist scraped their cocktail list to come up with an all-new menu inspired by their favourite festivals around the world. They named this menu, Matsuri If this sounds a little silly, remember that no bar is as convincingly committed to reinvention as the PS40, and ideas and themes are just an excuse to let that talented imagination run wild.

Royal National Park

Address: Royal Nat'l Park NSW 2233, Australia
Visiting Time: Daily, 07:00 to 20:30 hrs
Sydney's Royal National Parks are less than an hour's drive from the CBD, but many Sidneys have yet to set foot on the 15,091 hectares of native forest along Sydney's southern coastline. Whether you're swimming, hiking, picnicking, biking, swimming or just enjoying his GTFO in Sydney, the Royal National Parks allow you to enjoy a day outdoors, being one of the adventurous things to do in Sydney.

Cockatoo Island

Address: Cockatoo Island, New South Wales, Australia
Visiting Time: Daily, 10:00 to 15:00 hrs
Cockatoo Island is the most important island in Sydney Harbour, positioned on the confluence of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers. It covers 18 hectares and is named after the presence of the Sulfur Crested Parrot. When the prison for Norfolk Island prisoners was built before 1839, it was covered with red rubber and was almost certainly an Aboriginal fishing spot which is one the most eye-flattering things to do in Sydney.

Art Gallery of NSW

Address: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Visiting Time: Thursday to Tuesday, 10:00 to 17:00 hrs | Wednesday, 10:00 to 21:00 hrs
Founded in 1871, the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) is one of Australia's most famous art museums. Located in Sydney's Domain overlooking the harbour, the gallery's diverse collections include works from the Australian colonial era and the 19th century, European masters, and a dedicated gallery celebrating Asian art, Aboriginal art and Torres Strait Islander art. Contains important collections. To explore more such museums, check out the best museums in Sydney.

The Cipher Room

Address: The Cipher Room - Newtown, 640 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Visiting Time: Monday, 05:00 to 22:00 hrs | Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 to 22:00 hrs
At the end of St Peter's Station on King Street is a portal dating back to 1945. Once inside, you'll find yourself in an elegantly furnished study with tasteful wallpaper. Big band music is playing softly on the radio. An unfinished Scrabble game was hastily left in a corner. And on the desk is an old-fashioned typewriter. The Cipher Rooms is one of the most exciting things to do in Sydney.

Luna Park Sydney

Address: Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
Visiting Time: Daily, 10:00 – 18:00 hrs
With spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, Luna Park is an amusement park which comes under things to do in Sydney for children and young adults. He is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, where you can enjoy rides such as the Ferris wheel and the Tango train.
The entrance of Luna Park is a huge smile of the moon. From harborside vantage points around the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Circular Quay, you can see the bright smile of Milsons Point, including ferries arriving and departing from the pier.

These were the top 10 things to do in Sydney that we came up with. Sydney is well-known for more than simply its tourist attractions; it also has a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines where you may enjoy mouthwatering treats. We sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this blog and learned something new about the area. To learn more about the area and prepare for your next trip, look through our student city guide to Sydney.