Things to do in Sydney

Guided tours and free attractions in Sydney

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Many travellers ask "what are the main things to do in Sydney"? The number of tourist attractions in Sydney is overwhelming. Especially if you have only a few days before you travel to other destinations in Australia, you should plan well ahead to get the most out of your stay in Sydney.


Sydney is a beautiful metropolis set around the magnificient Sydney harbour. Even if you don't like large cities, I am sure you'll be fascinated by Sydney's natural beauty.

Landmarks like the opera house, harbour bridge and the wonderful harbour scenery are well-known around the world. But there is much more to see. Let me give you some tips about activities you should add on your things to do in Sydney list.

First of all, getting around Sydney is easy. You can reach most attractions with tourist buses, how to use them and what to see along the routes is described on my Sydney Attractions and attractions in Sydney pages.

It is so easy to hop-on and hop-of a bus and visit the sights along the way.



Watch the video to get a glimpse of Sydney's beauty, discover one of the most beautiful cities in the world, either on your own, or with a magnificent tour.

Things to do in Sydney - landmarks

• Sydney Opera House is probably Sydney's most photographed building with its prominent setting on Bennelong Point. Take a guided tour, or book an opera or synphony concert. Find more info on my Sydney Opera House Facts page.
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  Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world's largest, but not the longest, steal arch bridge. The Length of arch span is 503 metres, while the total length is 1149 metres.
  You probably won't see much of the beautiful sights when you drive on one of the 8 lanes over the bridge. However, be daring enough to do the adventurous bridge climb, and you'll be rewarded with extraordinary views.
  Too strenious? Climbing 200 steps, or 87 metres about sea level, brings you to the Pylon Lookout, and 360° views of Sydney.
  On the way up to the Pylon Lookout are 3 levels of exhibits where you can learn about the history of the bridge.
• Sydney Tower is definitely another landmark that belongs to Sydney's skyline since 1981.
  Enjoy breath-taking views from the Observation deck at 250 metres. There are restaurants and a coffee lounge to sit down and relax.
  Are you after a real adventure? Join the Skywalk at Sydney Tower, touch the sky, and see Sydney from an amazing perspective.

Things to do in Sydney - Historic Sydney

• The Rocks - this is the area where white settlement in Australia began.
  
  
  It's a short walk from Circular Quay and the CBD to the Rocks. Get brochures for self-guided walks from the Visitor Centre in George Street. Cadman's cottage is the oldest surving cottage, built in 1816. Explore old pubs (Lord Nelson Hotel & The Hero of Waterloo), museums, and fancy modern bars.
  
  A great way to discover The Rock's history is to join the Rocks Pub Tour. Your local guide strolls with you along winding lanes and tells you the tales of the early days. Stop in Sydney's oldest watering holes to try the local beer.
  This tour is only suitable for people 18 years and older.
  
  The Rocks Discovery Museum is worth a visit and gives you deep insight into the Rocks history and the lives of the original inhabitants, the Cadigal people.
• Walk along Maquarie Street and discover many of Sydney's early buildings: The Government House, the Hyde Park Barracks, The Government Stables (now the conservatorium of music), the Mint, and many more.
  Further west within the CBD, you'll also find fine old building between the modern hotel, bank and office towers.
• You won't miss Queen Victoria Building! The 190 metres long building occupies an entire block between George, York, Market and Druitt Streets. The QVB was completed 1898, and accommodated a concert hall, coffee shops, a warehouse and many other trades and craftsmen. There have been many changes in the building over the centuries. In 1959 the QVB was even threatened to be demolished. The QVB has been carefully restored and stands in its old glory again.
  The QVB is a shopping paradise, take care of your credit card :).

Things to do in Sydney - Activities for Kids

Sightseeing in a big city can be boring for kids, but it also can be a lot of fun. Don't rush from one highlight to the next, take your time. Here's my things to do in Sydney list for families with kids.
BTW, actually, these activities are not only for kids, we grown-ups like them as well. :)

• Sydney Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world. See more than 650 species of Australian aquatic animals.
  
  Walk through glass tunnels while sharks swim around you. Exhibits include river and ocean habitats. Discover the world of the Great Barrier Reef, see salt water crocodiles, platypus, little penguins and much more. Sydney Aquarium is one of Sydney's premier tourist attractions for the entire family.
  Sydney Aquarium behind the scenes tour - discover the aquarium and its exhibits in depth with your guide. Get a free guide book and explore your favourite parts of the aquarium on your own after your 90 minutes tour. Same day re-entry to the aquarium is included in the tour price.
• A visit to Taronga Zoo in Mosman is one of the most rewarding things to do in Sydney for the entire family. Meet animals from Australia and all continents. Have fun with daily presentations, join the Australia Wildlife Experience to get behind the scenes. Read more on my Taronga Zoo Sydney page.
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  Luna Park at Milson's Point is one of those Sydney icons you shouldn't miss. With many ups and downs in its more than 75 years history, Luna Park offers fun for the whole family.
  You won't believe it, but entry to Luna Park is FREE. So come and enjoy the carnival atmosphere and the sensational views.
  With several passes available, you can get entry to your choice of rides all day.
  Click here to check out opening times at Luna Park to avoid disappointment.
• Tall Ship Sailing Cruise - Do you want to experience the Sydney of the 1800s? Give the kids some history lessons they will enjoy? Get on board of Sydney's only authentic tall ship, built in 1922. Listen to the stories about the discovery of Sydney harbour, help setting the sails, or just sit and relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. A delicious BBQ buffet dinner is served on this cruise.
  Book the unique Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise now. The tall ship tour is also available as a lunch tour
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• Sydney beaches - Sunshine, sand and water! What else do you need to make your kids happy?
  Sydney is blessed with a long chain of white sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean. Whether the smaller kids enjoy digging in the wet sand on the edge of the water, or the bigger ones want to take a surfing lesson. There is fun for everyone on the beach. Check out my beaches in Sydney page to get an idea of where to go.

Things to do in Sydney - Harbour Tours

You have to spend a day on the water to appreciate Sydney's beauty.

I did a harbour cruise on the last day of may stay in Sydney, and I thought I would leave paradise when I went on the plane home the next day. There are plenty of cruises to choose from. I picked two of them which I am sure you will enjoy thoroughly.

• Sydney Harbour Coffee Cruise
  The 2 hours coffee cruise departs daily at 10:00am and 2:15pm from Circular Quay. See the main attractions of Sydney from the waterfront. The tour also goes into Middle Harbour to show you where Sydneysiders live. Don't get too envious!:)
  Book your coffee cruise now
• Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
  This tour is a wonderful way to spoil yourself! Enjoy a quality three-course dinner while you cruise and enjoy the lights of Sydney at night. This is just an awesome tour.
  Check out and book your Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise Now

Well, there is much more you can do around Sydney harbour. If you are a real water enthusiast, there are sailing cruises, catamaran cruises, whale-watching tours, and of course a New Years Eve tour. Check them out.

Another excellent way to take in the highlights of Sydney Harbour is to purchase a Sydney Explorer Hop-on Hop-off Harbour Cruise ticket.
You can cruise around the harbour all day. The hop-on hop-off ships stop at Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay, and Luna Park. This is a great way to do sightseeing in Sydney.

Now go ahead and pick your favourite things to do in Sydney! Have a wonderful stay.

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