Sydney is an incredible city with numerous exciting things to do, whether you are a frequent visitor or it is your first time. You can explore the famous landmarks and museums, experience the local culture, and indulge in some seriously delicious food. There are endless opportunities to keep you entertained during your visit to this vibrant city. Here are some interesting things you can enjoy in Sydney.
Visit The Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and The Rocks
The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are among the most iconic buildings and bridges in the world. If you’re short on time and want a perfect picture of both landmarks, check out the epic view at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. However, if you have more time, consider visiting The Rocks for a more in-depth experience.
Whenever I visit a new city, I love exploring the area on foot. The Rocks walking tour is one of my favorite things to do in Sydney. Starting from Circular Quay, the tour takes you through some historic alleys and buildings in The Rocks. Towards the end of the tour, you can cross the Harbour Bridge for free and enjoy the stunning views of Sydney Harbor, Circular Quay, and the Opera House. This walking tour gives you the opportunity to appreciate the iconic buildings from different angles and discover some of the historic places in Sydney.
Take a stroll in the Royal Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for a peaceful morning walk, consider visiting the Royal Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanic gardens in Australia, located in the heart of Sydney. The garden offers a wide variety of plants and flowers, along with a stunning view of the harbor. The garden is open daily from 7 a.m., and entry is free. Additionally, you can reach the garden by train, with the nearest stations being Circular Quay and Martin Place.
Explore Sydney By Kayak
If kayaking is your thing, then you’ll love this activity! Imagine waking up before dawn and embarking on a kayak adventure in the middle of Sydney Harbour, watching the sunrise and taking in the stunning views. You’ll get to explore the harbor before the city wakes up and get a good workout in the process. I personally joined the sunrise tour and wrote about my experience in a blog post. Check it out here.
Bridge Climb, anyone?
Have you ever heard of the Harbour Bridge climb? I had the opportunity to do it a few years ago, and I must say that the view from up there was simply breathtaking. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating facts about this iconic landmark. If you’re not afraid of heights and can afford it, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is home to a variety of art collections and exhibitions featuring works by both local and international artists. As one of Australia’s premier art museums, admission is free for visitors, and you can enhance your experience with the free audio guide app, Dora, which provides additional information about the artists and the stories behind their artworks. Apart from the Art Gallery of NSW, most museum entries in the area are also free.
The Waverley Coastal Walk
Sydney is known for its beautiful beaches, and one of the most famous is Bondi Beach. In addition to swimming, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Waverley Coastal Walk. This scenic route connects the beaches of the eastern suburbs, stretching about 6 kilometers from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. The walk takes approximately two and a half hours to complete, with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the views. Along the way, you’ll pass by several other beaches, including Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, and Clovelly Beach, as well as the historic Waverley Cemetery.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the right time of year, you may also be able to see the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, one of the largest outdoor art shows in Australia. Held annually at Bondi Beach, the exhibition features sculptures created by both local and international artists. These pieces are truly amazing and worth checking out.
Visit the Blue Mountain
Blue Mountains is one of the most popular trip destinations near Sydney, located about a 90-minute drive or a 2-hour train ride away. If you are not driving, you can easily join a local tour to explore the area. I joined a tour and we visited the famous Three Sisters at Echo Point and took a Scenic World cable car. One of the things I loved about the tour was that the guide shared a lot of information about the place. I highly recommend adding the Blue Mountains to your itinerary, whether you are driving or joining a tour.
Chinese Garden of Friendship
Situated near Chinatown, the garden serves as a symbol of friendship between Sydney and Guangzhou, China. Visitors can purchase tickets either from the counter or in advance. Although small in size, the garden provides a great place to relax and unwind.
Shopping at Paddy’s Market
Located near Chinatown, Paddy’s Market is a traditional market that offers a wide range of local and imported accessories and fashion items for children and women. It is also a popular destination for gift and souvenir shopping. Unlike most markets in Sydney that are only open on the weekends, Paddy’s Market is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit Queen Victoria Building
If you’re ever in Sydney, make sure to visit the Queen Victoria Building. It’s not your typical shopping mall, as the building has been around since 1898 and features stunning architectural details and beautiful stained glass windows. Even if you’re not much of a shopper, it’s definitely worth a visit to appreciate its rich history and unique charm.
Check out the Macquarie Watchtower and Bare Island
For those who want to delve deeper into Sydney’s colonial history, a visit to the Macquarie Watchtower is a must. Located in the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, the watchtower is about a half-hour drive from Sydney’s CBD. The La Perouse Museum, which is situated right next to the watchtower, is dedicated to the expedition of a French explorer. During your visit, make sure to explore the nearby attractions like Congwong Beach and Bare Island. For more information, please visit the park’s website here.
If you are planning to travel to Sydney, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
- When flying into Sydney, try to get a window seat on the left side of the airplane, as this will give you a great view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
- Some restaurants and cafes may add a surcharge of 10% to 15% on weekends and public holidays, so be prepared for this additional cost.
- While tipping is not expected in Australia, it is always appreciated. If you wish to tip, you can put the money in the tipping jar.
- Shopping malls generally close around 5:30 p.m., but some shops may have different opening hours. Make sure to check the timings before you visit.
- If you plan to travel around the city, having an Opal card can save you money. However, keep in mind that any money left on the card can only be refunded to an Australian bank account.
- Lastly, don’t forget to pack sunscreen and apply it regularly to protect your skin from the harsh Australian sun.