Things to do in Sydney

Many of Sydney’s attractions are connected with the city’s past, as the one-time arrival point for white settlers. With the harbour featuring prominently, the ocean also offers many leisure options and sights for visitors. Being such a multicultural city, many ethnic groups are represented here and this can be felt in the markets, restaurants and different districts of Sydney.

The Rocks

This is where the First Fleet arrived in 1788, unloading about 1,400 men, women and children after a long, arduous journey. This area is located at the northern end of George Street, near Circular Quay, and just a short walk from the Opera House. The best way to explore The Rocks is on foot, strolling along the many cobbled lanes and old courtyards. Along the way, walkers come across a maze of narrow streets, laneways and interconnected sandstone cottages and terraces filled with shops, stalls, cafés and restaurants. The real enjoyment here lies in simply walking around the streets and soaking up the atmosphere.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's most famous and photographed landmarks. It is the world's largest (but not the longest) steel arch bridge, with the top of the bridge standing at 134 metres above sea level. Fondly known by the locals as the 'coat hanger', the bridge was constructed in sections on a site that is now occupied by the Luna Park funfair.

Recommended for all visitors to Sydney is the Pylon Lookout. Inside the lookout is a fascinating display on how the bridge was built. Entry to the Pylon is from the pedestrian walkway on the Harbour Bridge. You can get to the walkway via the stairs on Cumberland street, The Rocks or from near Milsons Point Station on the north side. The Pylon Lookout is open every day except for Christmas Day. Phone: +61 2 9240 1100; website: www.pylonlookout.com.au/.

Sydney Opera House

It took 14 years to build and cost AU$95 million over budget. Today, the controversial sail-like roofs of Sydney's most familiar icon shine against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Danish architect Jorn Utzon is reported to never have seen his masterpiece. He resigned in 1966 due to political difficulties and construction delays, with the building only being finished in 1973. From outside, the Sydney Opera House looks remarkable and if you get up close, you will be able to see several of the million or so ceramic tiles which cover the Sydney Opera House sails. It now offers an impressive yearly programme of up to 3,000 contemporary and classical performances and is a truly memorable place for theatre, opera and ballet. Phone: +61 2 9250 7111; website: www.sydneyoperahouse.com/.

Taronga Zoo

The zoo has a fantastic view over Sydney Harbour. It is located just 12 minutes by ferry from the city and is one of the best places to see Australia’s amazing wildlife. It houses the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New South Wales. Koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and frilled neck lizards, plus the amazing Kodak free-flight bird show. Taronga also houses over 2,000 rare and endangered animals including Sumatran tigers, Kodiak bears and a growing family of chimpanzees. Check out the platypus house or the rainforest aviary. The underground building turns day into night, allowing you to observe Australia’s nocturnal creatures in action. Try taking the Sky Funicular to the top and working your way down to the pier. Phone: +61 2 9969 2777; website: www.zoo.nsw.gov.au/.

Sydney Tower

The Sydney Tower sits a gigantic 250 metres above Sydney city; the views from the tower are breathtaking, particularly of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House to as far away as the beaches and the mountains. You'll look down on one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The tower has a capacity for 960 people and contains two levels of restaurants, a coffee lounge, an observation deck, two telecommunication transmission levels and three plant levels. To get there, you can travel in one of three high-speed double deck lifts, which take about 40 seconds to travel from the top to bottom, or if you register for the annual Sydney Tower Run-Up, you can get there by climbing the 1,504 steps. Phone: +61 2 9223 0933.

Royal Botanic Gardens

The gardens are just a short walk along the water's edge from the Sydney Opera House and offer one of the most spectacularly beautiful settings you will see anywhere, with the gardens filling an area of land between the harbour and the eastern part of the central business district. 

The gardens sit on the side of a rolling piece of land and the harbour views from up on the hill are wonderful. There are large trees which provide shade for those wanting to sit down and rest. This a great place for a picnic. A walkway skirts around the harbour front at the lower part of the gardens and is popular for lunchtime walks or jogs. The gardens have more than one million specimens and there is even a hop-on, hop-off train for the less energetic. 

The gardens are an excellent place to escape the noise of the city and are situated quite close to some of the major city hotels around Hyde Park. The park is open daily from 06:30 to sunset. Entry to the gardens is free. Phone: +61 2 9231 8111; website: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/.

Bondi Beach

Bondi is famous for its great sandy beach as well as its surf. It is a modern and trendy coastal resort, which is very popular. Bondi has plenty of cafés and restaurants which look out over the beach and make a great place to stay and visit. The beach is patrolled in daylight hours by volunteer lifesavers and professional lifeguards. It also has enclosed swimming baths at its southern end, if you do not feel like tackling the waves. Many Sydney-siders who do not work office hours come to the beach during the week, and it is a popular eating and entertainment area at night.

Manly Beach

Manly was named by Captain Arthur Phillip after his encounter with the confident and manly Aboriginal people of the Kay-ye-my clan who lived here. Surrounded on three sides by water, Manly is the perfect destination to enjoy the harbour and the 18 ocean beaches, coves and inlets, which are ideal for swimming, sailing and surfing. But, as the locals know, Manly is more than Sydney's premier beach resort. Come by sea or road and take some time to discover its rich heritage and culture, its great shopping, dining and family attractions - it's well worth the trip. The best way to get to Manly is by ferry from Circular Quay, near the Opera House. Website: www.manlyweb.com.au/.