Keep reading to discover the 15 best things to do in Sydney, Australia.
Sydney is Australia’s most vibrant and lively city full of things to do and see. From beaches skyscrapers and beyond, Sydney is a city like no other. It is one of Australia’s largest cities home to various iconic landmarks and sights. A visit to Sydney is a must for anyone visiting Australia to get a taste of the beauty and wonder of the country all in one place. Spending 5 days here is the perfect amount of time to do all the top things, but more time is always better to fully appreciate the city.
Below are the 15 best things to do in Sydney!
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15 Best Things to do in Sydney, Australia
Admire the Bondi Icebergs
The Bondi Icebergs are one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in Sydney. These famous pools are built on top of the waters along Bondi Beach – like icebergs floating in the sea. They are some of the world’s most photographed pools and for good reason. The bright blue pools, white decks, and surrounding blue water all combine beautifully!
Here you can enjoy swimming laps in safer conditions than the sea beside, or enjoy the calm conditions as you float around. While here you will notice the waves from the sea crash against the pools and combine with the pools offering a super unique pool day experience. The entrance price is $8 for adults to enjoy a one-of-a-kind pool day.
Enjoy a Beach Day
Enjoying a beach day is easily one of the best things to do in Sydney. The city sits along with the coast and offers countless beaches with stretching white sand, bright blue water, and a vibrant atmosphere. Heading to the beach is the ultimate Australian experience where you will always find tons of people and surfers galore! The beaches in Sydney are of the most beautiful in the world – clean, pretty, and lively.
The most popular beach in Sydney – that you must visit at least to say you’ve seen it – is Bondi Beach. This iconic beach is HUGE and one of the main attractions in Sydney. Perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Plus, it is right beside the Bondi Icebergs so you can enjoy both at once!
Some of the best beaches in Sydney are:
- Bondi Beach
- Manly Beach
- Balmoral Beach
- Palm Beach
- Bronte Beach
Just beware – swimming in Australia can be pretty dangerous. There are very strong currents and tides, sharks, and more. If you are not a strong swimmer stay out of the ocean – and even if you are a strong swimmer be sure to stay within the flags where lifeguards are watching.
Visit the Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous and iconic sights in all of Australia and is a highlight of Sydney. Heading here to see the house and admire it in real life is one of the best things to do in Sydney. You will likely notice that it is not nearly as big or grand as it seems online – but it is still beautiful and worth a see! Also, you can go inside and watch a show if you want the ultimate opera house experience.
Have a Drink in front of the Opera House
In front of the Sydney Opera House, you will find a ton of restaurants with plenty of seating offering stunning views. This is the perfect place to sit and have a drink (or even a meal) while admiring the Opera House. Plus, from this spot, you get stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well!
Do the Bondi to Coogee Clifftop Walk
Walking from Bondi to Coogee is one of the top things to do in Sydney that I suggest everyone does. The Bondi to Coogee Clifftop Walk is a stunning coastal walk that brings you along the cliffs of Sydney from the very famous Bondi Beach to Coogee beach. Along the way, you will walk by many other beaches and hot spots perfect for finding a more intimate and local beach day experience.
The entire walk if you start at Bondi and end at Coogee is 6km and takes between 2.5 – 3 hours. You will likely make many stops along the way to relax for a drink or swim in some of the pools and, of course, in the ocean. One of the best stops along the way is Bronte Beach. This beach has its own set of mini Bondi Icebergs but they are free!
Take the Ferry to Manly
Taking the fast ferry from Sydney to Manly is one of the best things to do in Sydney to see a new and different side of the city. The ferry departs from Circular Quay and takes 20 minutes to reach Manly. The ride is pretty scenic and costs only $10 AUD.
Manly is an easygoing suburb with a coastal holiday vibe. It can get pretty busy on warm days with locals and tourists alike all eager to enjoy beautiful beaches, markets, and beachfront restaurants. There is also a beautiful coastal walk to enjoy here!
Walk or Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbor Bridge is another one of Sydney’s iconic landmarks that one must enjoy fully when visiting the city. The best way to do this is by walking across it or if you are a real adrenalin seeker – climbing it! YES! You can climb to the top of the bridge for beautiful views of the city and the Opera House from unimaginable heights.
Explore the Botanical Gardens
Walking through and exploring the botanical gardens is one of the best things to do in Sydney which is 100% FREE! Very few things are free when traveling and when you find gems that are, it is essential to fully enjoy them. The Sydney botanical gardens are huge and full of unique plants, trees, flowers, statues, and more.
Go Wine Tasting
Wine lovers this is for you! The wine in Australia is some of the best in the world and sampling it while here is a must. The Hunter Valley is just a stone’s throw from Sydney and heading here to sample from various wineries is one of the best things to do in Sydney. Below are some tours! But if you don’t have the time to travel to a winery you can also head to Handpicked Wines to sample local wines within the city.
Join a River Cruise
Going on a river cruise is one of the best ways to see more of Sydney from a different perspective. This is one of the most popular things to do in Sydney with many different tour options. From afternoon tea river cruises to 6-course meals and beyond the options are endless!
Indulge in Sydney’s Foodie Scene
Sydney’s restaurant scene is thriving! This big city is packed with delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner restaurants just waiting to be enjoyed. Finding unique places to sit and enjoy a fresh meal is a must.
View the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are a rugged and beautiful mountain range located just west of Sydney. It is the perfect place to escape if you want to get away from bustling city life and enjoy a slice of peace. Here you will find eucalyptus forests, rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and small villages.
Take Surfing Lessons
There is no better time to pick up a new hobby than when traveling. In Australia, this hobby must be surfing! The surfing culture in Sydney – and all of Australia – is like nowhere else. They live, eat, and breathe surfing which is why it is the best place to take lessons and learn it for yourself.
Go to a Festival
Going to a festival in Australia is an experience like no other. Aussies truly know how to party and festivals in Australia are some of the best in the world. The warm weather, sunny skies, vibrant crowd, and plenty of big-name artists make it one of the best things to do in Sydney.
Enjoy a Street Market
Head to a street market to buy unique local goods! There are various street markets in Sydney that sell clothes, food, art, and more. Some of the top markets are Glebe Markets, Rozelle Collectors Market, The Rocks Markets, Marrickville Organic Food and Farmers Markets, and more!
Where to Stay in Sydney
Booking.comTravel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote!
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Love,
SSW
Fun post! I love the idea of the Bondi icebergs and I’m glad to hear that you can pay for access!
There seems to be so much outdoor things to do in Sydney. I guess the climate dictates the lifestyle. Thanks for sharing