Best 20 things to do in Sydney, Australia

Welcome to Sydney, mate! If you're looking for a ripper time in the land down under, we've got you covered with the best 20 things to do in this buzzing city. From catching a wave at Bondi Beach to scaling the dizzy heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this list has it all. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your adventure hat, and get ready to experience Sydney like a true legend!

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1. Australian Museum

4.6 (7492)

1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Welcome to the Australian Museum in Sydney, mate! This place is a haven for all you curious critter enthusiasts out there. Get ready to embark on a grand adventure through time as you explore displays that are more stuffed than your post-Christmas belly after one too many helpings of pavlova. Set your sights on the famous Dinosaur Gallery, where you'll find a mix of fossilized legends that make your average lizard look like a frightened gecko. From towering T-Rexs to herbivores with necks as long as a queue at the local meat pie shop, you'll be amazed at how creatures from millions of years ago managed to look so incredibly cool and yet slightly ridiculous at the same time. And don't even get me started on the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. It's a showcase of nature's pro models, capturing the most exquisite moments from the animal kingdom. Prepare to be awestruck by stunning images that make koalas appear like lounging fashionistas and kangaroos hopping through the outback like they're auditioning for an episode of "Australia's Next Top Marsupial." So, whether you're a science nerd, an animal lover, or simply seeking a good laugh at evolutionary oddities, the Australian Museum is bound to make your visit down under insanely entertaining. Don't forget to say g'day to the moody drop bears while you're here - they give the whole place a unique charm.

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2. Manly Beach

4.7 (2108)

Manly Beach, New South Wales, Australia

Welcome to Manly Beach, one of Sydney's most splendid coastal getaways! Prepare yourself for a beach experience that will make you feel like a Greek god, or at least someone who has no idea how to successfully apply sunscreen. With its golden sands and breathtaking ocean views, Manly Beach has something for everyone: waves that excite surf enthusiasts, and sand so hot that even barefooted locals walk on it with an elaborate choreography reminiscent of a hot coal dance competition. Stroll along the Corso, Manly's bustling promenade, and revel in the exquisite agony of decision-making. Will you grab a delectable fish and chips or indulge in some trendy café culture? Don't worry about choosing wrong; here, deliciousness is the one sure thing. Breathe in the crisp sea air while admiring the stunning beach babes and bikini-clad bros who look like they just rolled out of a magazine photoshoot, or possibly a yoga class gone wrong. And when the sun starts to take its toll, fear not! Dive into the sparkling waters with the grace of an awkward seal, or challenge your paddleboarding skills while trying not to fall arse-over-teakettle into the unforgiving ocean. Remember, at Manly Beach, it's not about looking cool – it’s about embracing your inner champion, even if it means swallowing a little seawater along the way.

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3. The Rocks

The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to The Rocks in Sydney, where history meets hilarity! Take a stroll through these cobblestone streets and get ready to unleash your inner history nerd. With everything from Australia's oldest pubs to haunted walking tours, The Rocks is the place to be if you're into haunted spirits and spirited spirits! Step back in time as you explore the convict-built sandstone structures that have somehow managed to survive until today. Marvel at the narrow alleyways that twist and turn like a politician's promises, making it the perfect place to get lost and pretend you're a character from an old pirate movie. And don't worry, the countless souvenir shops will gladly sell you a tricorn hat to complete the look! But let's not forget about the hidden treasures that lie within these historic walls. From hidden speakeasies disguised as ordinary houses to secret art galleries tucked away in underground tunnels, The Rocks has more surprises than a birthday party organized by Houdini. So, keep your eyes peeled, because you never know what you might stumble upon. Just be prepared for the occasional possum lurking in the shadows, ready to steal your ice cream like a tiny, furry bandit. So, whether you're a history buff or just someone in desperate need of a good laugh, The Rocks in Sydney is the place for you. Immerse yourself in the stories of convicts, fill your belly with scrumptious pub grub, and make memories that will last until your next hilarious travel adventure.

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4. Queen Victoria Building

4.5 (16837)

455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to the Queen Victoria Building, affectionately known as the "QVB" by locals, a shopping haven that will leave you feeling like royalty without the burden of a crown (unless shopping for tiaras is your thing). This architectural jewel, resembling a wedding cake on steroids, boasts jaw-dropping stained glass windows that will make you question whether you've stepped into a shopping center or landed in a time machine to the Victorian era. So, take a break from the usual hustle and bustle of Sydney, and prepare to shop until you drop in this regal retail paradise, where you’ll find everything from haute couture to koala-shaped fridge magnets.

www.qvb.com.au

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5. Royal Botanic Garden

4.7 (24041)

Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to the Royal Botanic Garden, where even the most avid plant killers can find solace in the midst of Sydney's bustling cityscape. Sprawled across 74 acres, this green oasis offers a refreshing respite from the concrete jungle, and don't worry, it won't judge your questionable gardening skills. Prepare to have your senses tickled as you meander through lush gardens, encounter bizarrely shaped trees that may or may not have taken inspiration from Picasso, and make peace with the resident ducks who have mastered the art of staring contests.

www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

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6. Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

4.4 (7703)

140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

Tucked away in the harbor city of Sydney, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is a modern marvel that will tickle your artistic senses with a generous dash of quirkiness. This vibrant hotspot boasts a collection of thought-provoking installations and exhibits, guaranteed to make you contemplate life's mysteries or, at the very least, scratch your head in confusion. Don't be fooled by its sleek exterior – inside, you'll find an explosion of colors, sculptures that may or may not make sense, and works that will have you pondering if a child's finger painting could potentially be worth millions.

www.mca.com.au

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7. Art Gallery of New South Wales

4.7 (10101)

Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney's cultural playground where art enthusiasts dive into a world of creativity, and clueless tourists try not to unknowingly knock down priceless works of art. Nestled amidst the brilliant blue heavens, this vibrant hub boasts a spectacular collection of masterpieces that will leave you contemplating life's meaning while secretly wondering why a dog holding a paintbrush can fetch a million dollars. With its diverse exhibitions, this gallery is a true jackpot, not only for art lovers but also for those seeking a crash course in pretending to look sophisticated.

www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

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8. Sydney Opera House

4.7 (69261)

Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to the majestic Sydney Opera House, a peculiarly magnificent structure that can be described as a combination of colorful sails, an oversized clam, and a cheeky seagull convention. This iconic landmark is so unique that it seems you stumbled upon the architectural love child of a spaceship and a jigsaw puzzle. Don't be fooled by its seemingly chaotic design, for inside lies a mesmerizing world of jaw-dropping performances that will leave you pondering if maybe, just maybe, the architects were onto something after all.

www.sydneyoperahouse.com

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9. Chinatown

Chinatown, 2512 The Hague, Netherlands

Welcome to Sydney's vibrant and bustling Chinatown, where the aromas of sizzling stir-fries waft through the air like an invitation to embrace your love for all things deliciously Asian. As you step onto Dixon Street, be prepared to embark on a culinary expedition that will leave your taste buds dancing the cha-cha slide. From hole-in-the-wall dumpling joints that will make your heart skip a beat, to neon-lit karaoke bars where you can finally showcase your shower-singing talent, this quirky enclave is where cultural exploration, foodie adventures, and questionable dance moves collide.

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10. Darling Harbour

4.6 (50676)

Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to Darling Harbour, the buzzing heart of Sydney where you can dip your toes in excitement and shake hands with entertainment! This lively waterfront precinct promises a melting pot of activities, from dining on delicious seafood to engaging in battle alongside animated sharks at the aquarium. Take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant boardwalk, savoring the serenade of street performers, or challenge your inner daredevil by flying high on the iconic ferris wheel. Just don't forget your sense of humor - even the seagulls here practice stand-up comedy!

www.darlingharbour.com

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11. Powerhouse Museum

4.6 (7680)

500 Harris St, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia

Welcome to the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, where science, culture, and history collide like awkward handshakes at a Rotary club meeting. In this architectural marvel, you'll find an amalgamation of weird and wonderful artifacts that would make Indiana Jones scratch his head and reach for a Maps app. So buckle up, fellow adventurers, as you descend this rabbit hole of wacky contraptions, interactive exhibitions, and a whole lot of museum magic that will make your inner nerd squeal with delight.

powerhouse.com.au

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12. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

4.3 (16449)

1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, where you can have a whale of a time without actually encountering a real-life Moby Dick! Dive into the deep blue wonderland, where the underwater residents are ridiculously cooler than your pet goldfish, and way more photogenic! Get ready to be dazzled by an assortment of aquatic stars, from feisty sharks with a flair for drama to cuddly penguins who’ve mastered the art of waddling like they're on a runway.

www.visitsealife.com

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13. Paddy's Market

4.1 (11171)

9/13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to Paddy's Market, where the hustle and bustle of Sydney comes alive, and your senses take a vacation from their daily grind. Take a journey through this lively maze of colorful chaos, where you'll find a delightful mishmash of random trinkets, scrumptious street food, and questionable fashion choices; it's a sensory overload unlike any other! Don't forget to bargain like a pro, or else leave with a souvenir that costs you an arm and a leg (not literally, of course!)

www.paddysmarkets.com.au

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14. Taronga Zoo

4.5 (25927)

Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia

Nestled in the picturesque harbor of Sydney, Taronga Zoo offers a wild and woolly adventure for animal enthusiasts. This ain't no ordinary zoo, folks! Get ready to walk on the wild side as you come face to face with cuddly koalas, cheeky kangaroos, and even a few lazy lions who are probably plotting their next nap. With stunning views of the city skyline and a ferocious array of critters, Taronga Zoo is the perfect spot to escape the concrete jungle.

taronga.org.au

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15. Sydney Harbour Bridge

4.7 (17095)

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney NSW, Australia

Welcome to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, the colossal arch-shaped marvel that spans across the stunning waters of Sydney. This magnificent bridge is not just any ordinary bridge - it’s like a larger-than-life hula hoop on steroids! As you venture across, you’ll marvel at the spectacular panoramic views of the sparkling harbor, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive bridge trolls that have been rumored to reside underneath (don't worry, they're more mischievous than harmful!).

australia.gov.au

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16. Bondi Beach

4.6 (3653)

Bondi Beach, NSW 2026, Australia

Welcome to Bondi Beach, where sun-kissed sand meets a multitude of vibrant personalities! This iconic Sydney spot is as famous for its beach babes as it is for its frolicking seagulls. Prepare to embrace the art of people-watching while sipping on your soy decaf frappuccino, as Bondi is where trendy hipsters on skateboards gracefully collide with bronzed surfers on their way to yoga class.

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17. Sydney Tower Eye

4.4 (10029)

Westfield Sydney, Level 5/108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to Sydney Tower Eye, where you can experience the city’s magnificent skyline from a vantage point that’s so high, even birds get FOMO (fear of missing out)! Stepping into this towering wonder, prepare to have your head in the clouds, literally. Take in the breathtaking views while pretending to be a prodigiously tall human; just don't forget to come down to Earth before trying to enter any hobbit holes.

www.sydneytowereye.com.au

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18. Circular Quay

Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Let's dive into the mesmerizing madness of Circular Quay, Sydney's swirling center of chaos and charm! Be prepared to be swept away by a sea of tourists, each wielding a selfie stick with reckless abandon. Amidst the hustle and bustle, you'll find a picturesque waterfront, where ferries gracefully glide by, seemingly unfazed by the never-ending circus unfolding around them.

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19. Hyde Park

4.6 (15109)

Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to Hyde Park, the sprawling oasis in the heart of Sydney where the concrete jungle meets the actual jungle. Here, you'll find a diverse range of tourists attempting to sunbathe in a park notorious for shade. Don't be fooled by the name, as you won't find any hidden hyde outs or secret parks within a park - just good old-fashioned parkception.

www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

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20. Sydney Observatory

4.6 (3327)

1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia

Welcome to Sydney Observatory, where the stars shine brighter than your eccentric neighbor's UV-exposed bald spot! Perched atop a hill with impressive views, this celestial retreat offers an out-of-this-world experience for the starstruck and astronomy enthusiasts alike. Brush up on your witty banter and prepare for a grand tour of this historic observatory, where even the constellations can't help but laugh at your jokes.

powerhouse.com.au

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sydney, Australia by plane is to take an international flight to Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport (SYD), which is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Sydney.

Car

If driving to Sydney from neighboring cities or states, take the Pacific Motorway that connects Brisbane and Sydney. The journey takes around 10 hours from Brisbane and several hours if driving down from other cities.

Train

While there is no direct train from other countries to Australia, you can take a train from different cities of Australia to reach Sydney. The best way would be to take a train from Melbourne to Sydney, which takes around 12 hours and arrives at Sydney Central Station.

Boat

Sydney Harbour is one of Australia's busiest ports, and there are several cruise lines that offer voyages from other cities around the world, such as New Zealand or Fiji, to arrive in Sydney. The most common cruise terminal in Sydney is the Overseas Passenger Terminal, located in Circular Quay.

Bus

Taking a bus from Brisbane to Sydney is the best way to reach Sydney from neighboring cities. The bus departs from Brisbane Transit Center and reaches Sydney Central Station, taking approximately 14 hours.

More guides

3 Days in Sydney: Adventure, Culture, and Cuisine

A trip to Sydney, Australia as a tourist will offer a plethora of activities. Visitors can explore Sydney's iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbor Bridge, take a stroll along the beautiful beaches, or indulge in local cuisines at some of the world-class restaurants. With charming neighborhoods, thrilling attractions, and friendly locals, Sydney is a destination not to be missed.

4 Days of Fun: Affordable Sydney Adventures

A trip to Sydney, Australia on a limited budget can still be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Budget-friendly accommodations can be found in the city center or in the surrounding suburbs, and many attractions, such as the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, can be admired from afar without paying admission fees. Alternatively, there are plenty of free activities to partake in, such as exploring the beaches, visiting the botanical gardens, or hiking the many trails in and around the city.

A 5-Day Romantic Getaway to Sydney's Coastline

A romantic trip to Sydney, Australia would offer breathtaking views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge with various boat tours available for exploration. Walk hand in hand through the iconic botanical gardens or enjoy a picnic on the beaches of Bondi. Finally, indulge in a romantic dinner under the stars at one of Sydney's many rooftop restaurants with stunning views of the city skyline.

Sydney Spectacular: A 4-Day Trip for Thrifty Families

A family friendly trip to Sydney, Australia offers an incredible blend of stunning natural landscapes and vibrant city life. Families can explore iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, while also enjoying the breathtaking beaches such as Bondi and Manly. With numerous family-friendly attractions like Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and the Australian Museum, Sydney guarantees an unforgettable experience for all ages.