FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Sydney will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Sydney.
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100 Unforgettable Things to Do in Sydney Australia
Not to Miss Landmarks in Sydney
- Tour and/or attend a performance at the Opera House
- Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, or at least walk it
- Explore the historic convict site of The Rocks, including the charming cobbled laneways and stunning views of the harbor.
- Visit the Sydney Tower Eye for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Sydney
- Take a picture with a koala at Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary
- Listen to the musicians playing the didgeridoo in Circular Quay
- Consider glamping at the haunted Cockatoo Island
- Take a ghost tour of the Rocks District
- Check out Sydney Tower Skywalk
- Take a Sydney Harbor cruise
- Visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship and people-watch in Darling Harbor
- Check out the buildings at Martin’s Place
- Check out how much Sydney University resembles Harry Potter Hogwarts
- Watch a game of cricket or a rugby match
- Check out the Victorian architecture of the Sydney Town Hall
- Ride the Ferris Wheel at Luna Park
- Hang out with Tasmanian devils, wombats, platypi, and koalas at the Taronga Zoo
- Swim with the sharks at Manly Sea Life Sanctuary
- See Captain Cook’s Landing Place
- Wander around Chinatown
Best Museums in Sydney
- Learn about colonial life at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum
- Browse Australian and international art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
- Learn about Australia’s Indigenous culture at the iconic Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)
- Take the guided Aboriginal Heritage Walk in the Royal Botanic Garden
- Learn about the colonial settlement of Sydney at the Museum of Sydney
- Visit the Rocks Discovery Museum
- Learn about ancient civilizations at the Australian Museum
- Stop by the Justice and Police Museum for your true crime fix
- Attend a telescope viewing session at the Sydney Observatory
- See the archaeological artifacts on display at the Nicholson Museum
- Explore the street art along King Street, Newton and May Lane, Saint Peters, and the Sydney University tunnel
- Wander through the Chinese contemporary art at White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale
- Check out the Sculpture by the Sea art walk, in October and November
Outdoor Activities in Sydney
- Walk the coast from Bondi to Coogee or Manly to Spit Bridge
- Go for a hike at Dharawal National Park
- Kayak in the harbor
- Hike up to the Palm Beach Lighthouse
- Take a walk along the Barangaroo waterfront
- Take a yoga class in the Royal Botanical Gardens
- Have a picnic in Hyde Park
- Explore the sunken Paddington Reservoir Gardens
- Go cliff-jumping at Wattamolla Beach
- Take a day trip to Australia’s Blue Mountains
- Hike to hidden beaches in the Royal National Park, Australia’s oldest national park
- Take a coastal walk in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and discover Aboriginal rock art at West Head.
- Go horseback riding in Centennial Park
Beautiful Beaches Near Sydney
- Learn to surf (or watch the surfers) at Bondi Beach
- Go for a swim at Bondi Icebergs Pool or the Bronte Baths
- Take the ferry across the harbor to Manly Beach
- Go for a swim in Manly’s ocean pool or snorkel at Shelly Beach
- See the Manly Wormhole at Queenscliff Beach
- Relax on Coogee Beach
- Snorkel for seahorses in Chowder Bay
- Check out the rock pool at Mona Vale Beach or Bilgola Beach
- Jump off the pier at Red Leaf Beach
- Go whale watching, from July to November
- Relax in a Figure 8 pool at the Royal National Park.
- Take a ferry to Nielsen Park Beach in the Sydney Harbour National Park
Where to Eat in Sydney
- In the mood for Asian food, go to Spice Alley
- Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Opera Bar
- Try vegemite, at least one bite
- Enjoy a fresh seafood meal at the Sydney Fish Market
- Eat fish and chips on the Manly Promenade
- Treat yourself to high tea at the Queen Victoria Building
- Head to Chinatown for the Friday Night Market
Sydney Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Have a pint in Sydney’s oldest pub, the Fortune of War
- Hit a King’s Cross nightclub, try Sugarmill or Candy Apartment
- Take a pub crawl through Marrickville
- Stop at Barangaroo for a cocktail with a waterfront view
- Have a rooftop cocktail with a view at Bar 83, Blu Bar on 36, Café Sydney, or the Glenmore
- Go Clubbing at Home, 77, Abercrombie, Arq, Oxford Arts, Soda Fountain, The Cliff Dive
- Go wine and cheese tasting in the Hunter Valley wine region
Shopping in Sydney
- Do some boutique shopping on Darlington’s Oxford Street or the Strand Arcade
- Look for souvenirs in the Rocks Weekend Market
- Check out the pedestrian-only Pitt Street Mall
- Shop The Streets of Barangaroo
- Browse the trendy Paddington Saturday Market for something unique
- Shop the high-end boutiques in the Queen Victoria Building and check out the clocks
Instagrammable Places in Sydney: Lookouts, View Points and Selfies
- Photograph the Opera House and Bridge from Wendy’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Observation Hill, and Maccallum Pool in Cremorne Point
- Take a selfie under the Angel Place birdcages
- Head up to Woolloomooloo for the city view
- Photograph the tunnel of Jacaranda trees in Kirribilli
- Climb the Pylon Lookout for the best city views
- Photograph the Hornby Lighthouse
- Grab a coffee and take selfies at The Grounds Candyland installation or the wall of colorful books at Green Square Library
Festivals and Special Events in Sydney
See the Vivid Sydney light show, May-June
Check the Australia Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening this weekend.
Plan Your Trip to Sydney Australia
Why Visit Sydney Australia
Sydney had approximately 4.6 million international visitors last year. People are drawn by the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the famous Bondi Beach and of course koala bears. Sydney is also full of history, museums, fun attractions, and great shopping.
How Many Days in Sydney Is Enough
3 days in Sydney is enough to experience the city and take a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take another day trip.
Is Sydney Safe for Solo Travelers
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Australia is low and Sydney is one of the safest cities in the world. Check their website for more information.
Best Time to Visit Sydney
Australia’s seasons are opposite the United States. The winter months are June, July, and August. The spring months are September, October, and November. The summer months are December, January, and February. January is the rainiest month. Autumn months are March, April, and May. The high season in Australia is between December and February (summer); the low season is between June and August (winter). The shoulder season is October, November, April, and May.
How to Get to Sydney
Several airlines fly nonstop to the Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. A nonstop flight from LAX to Sydney is 15 hours. Prepare for your flight!
How to Get Around Sydney
Sydney Airport is 13 minutes from the city by train. The Airport Link trains run approximately every 10 minutes. Shuttle service, bus, taxi, and Uber are also available.
Where to Stay in Sydney
I stayed in Darling Harbor. We were within walking distance of all the top things to do. Circular Quay would also be a convenient area to stay.
What Should I Budget for Sydney
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $297 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
What Should I Pack for Sydney
Sydney is a casual city. Most tourists wear jeans, shorts, and cotton T-shirts. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes and beachwear if you are training during the summer season.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Sydney
Sydney is full of romantic restaurants, great rooftop bars, and places to watch the sunset. Watching a performance at the Opera House or taking a sunset harbor cruise are great ways to celebrate a special occasion.
Things to Do in Sydney with Young Children
Taking the ferry to Taronga Zoo, visiting Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary, and spending a few hours at Luna Park are a few of the best things to do with young children in Sydney. Remember, Sydney is an expensive city and a long flight from the US.
Things to do in Sydney with Young Adults
Young adults will enjoy doing the Harbour Bridge Climb and spending time at Bondi or Manly Beach.
Visiting More Australian Cities?
Check out our Australia Travel Guide with links to must-see destinations and itineraries!
Bookmark and Pin 100 Things to Do in Sydney, a Bucket List City
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Sydney Australia Travel Guide
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Sydney Australia Attractions and Day Tours
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