Sydney is arguably Australia’s most iconic city, and it’s easy to see why. There’s so much to do here, from hiking along the coastline to taking a scenic boat ride in Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many trendy restaurants. Sydney is a vibrant metropolis where there’s always something happening. Read on for our top tips on what to do in Sydney!
Sydney in Australia: 9 best things to do
Sydney is so popular that it is often thought to be the capital of Australia (which it is not, the capital is Canberra). Nevertheless, it is without a doubt one of the most fun cities in the country! Therefore, be sure to spend enough time in this vibrant city and count on at least 3 days (2 nights). For many travelers, Sydney is also the starting point of a road trip in Australia.
1) Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. It took 15 years to put up the building, thanks in part to its unique architecture and shape. Now it hosts a variety of performances from opera to dance performances every year. One of the best things to do in Sydney is to catch one of those performances or admire the building from the inside with an organized tour. Around the Opera House you will find cozy bars with a view of the building. And when it gets dark, the white ‘sails’ of the Opera House are illuminated which gives a beautiful picture!
2) Coogee to Bondi coastal walk
Perhaps almost as iconic is the world-famous Bondi Beach and the adjacent Bondi Icebergs Pool. Sydney has beautiful beaches and the Coogee to Bondi Walk takes you along all those beautiful beaches for 6 km. Along the way, you can stop wherever you want for a refreshing swim or enjoy the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Walk from Coogee towards Bondi Beach, so you can end with a dip in the Bondi Icebergs Pool! Here the waves of the ocean splash over the pool creating a sort of infinity pool. It can get very hot during the day and there is little shade along the walk, so try not to leave too late. Along the way, you will encounter plenty of watering holes to fill your water bottle with water.
Opening hours Bondi Icebergs Pool: daily from 06:30 to 18:30 except Thursday | admission: $10 AUD per person
3) Royal Botanic Gardens
Looking for a touch of greenery in the city? Sydney has you covered!,The Royal Botanic Gardens cover a whopping 30 acres and you will find numerous native and exotic plants. It’s a favorite spot for locals to go jogging or enjoy a lunch break. Grab a blanket, relax on the grass, and have a picnic while taking in views of the gardens and the nearby Sydney Opera House. Don’t miss a walk up to Mrs. Macquarie’s Point for one of the best views of the Opera House, especially magical at sunset.
Opening hours Royal Botanic Gardens: daily from 07:00 to 19:00 | admission: free of charge
4) Sydney Harbour Bridge
Then again, one of the most exciting things to do in Sydney is to climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This does come with a price tag, but fortunately you can also just walk under the bridge without paying a dime. Sydney Harbour Bridge is another example of handsome architecture and is the largest steel, arched bridge in the world. Not surprisingly, here again you have a fantastic view of the Sydney Opera House, but from a different angle.
5) The Rocks & Circular Quay
Close to the Harbour Bridge you will find The Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest neighborhoods. Here you’ll find some of the city’s oldest buildings that now house trendy restaurants and stores. The neighborhood is only a few streets large, but very pleasant to stroll through. If you continue walking, before you know it you are in the Circular Quay area. This is the busy harbor area of Sydney and where you will also find the train station and ferry.
6) Observatory Hill Lookout
Just behind the Rocks neighborhood you’ll find Observatory Hill Park (this is the exact location). It gets its name from the amazing view you have here over Sydney. If there’s any time you should be here, it’s during sunset! As everyone settles down on picnic blankets in the grass, you can see the sky slowly change to pink and orange. We saw an incredible sunset here, after which the city was completely illuminated by the many twinkling lights.
7) Queen Victoria Building
If you want to go shopping in Sydney, you must visit the Queen Victoria Building. This five-story shopping center is built in Romanesque architecture, and you can tell by the marble staircases and many, colorful stained-glass windows. It was built in 1898 as a monument to Queen Victoria and quickly became a symbol of Sydney’s prosperity and growth. Now you’ll find a variety of stores and eateries. Even if you don’t want to shop, it is still worth visiting because of its extraordinary interior.
8) Dinner Cruise in Sydney Harbour
This was our favorite activity to do in Sydney! In the evening, you board a yacht that takes you across the waters of Sydney Harbour during sunset. While enjoying a glass of sparkling wine, you will sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the Sydney Opera House. You will slowly see all the buildings transition from day to night with everything beautifully lit up. We did this during our first night in Sydney, which was a really fun way for a first introduction to the city! Afterwards, you can have a delicious three-course dinner on the boat and we were lucky enough to see the fireworks in Sydney Harbour at the end.
9) Day trip to the Blue Mountains
Just an hour and a half drive from Sydney you will find the Blue Mountains National Park. This is also called Sydney’s “backyard” and many locals come here during the weekends. The spectacular views, many hiking trails and wildife make it such a popular destination. If you only have one day, definitely consider the Prince Henry Cliff Walk that will also take you past Echo Point and the Three Sisters. Also worth seeing are the Grand Canyon Track, Evans Lookout and Lincoln’s Rock. There is a smooth train service between Sydney and the Blue Mountains or you can take an organized day trip including transportation follow!
Best restaurants in Sydney
Sydney has an awful lot of tasty and trendy bars and restaurants. From local Australian cuisine to different world cuisines, you’ll find something for everyone. These restaurants and bars are definitely worth a visit:
- Opera Bar: this hip bar is located right next to the Sydney Opera House. Not only will you find surprisingly delicious drinks here, you’ll also have a fantastic view.
- Mr. Wong : This Cantonese restaurant is incredibly popular thanks to its affordable, delicious dishes. Timely reservations are recommended, we were too late!
- Quay: here you really have dinner with a view! Refined dishes of the highest level. Comes with a price tag, but it’s an experience in itself!
- Hero Sushi: Those who love sushi should go here. This is a very affordable chain where you can buy tasty and fresh sushi rolls. Make your pick and enjoy them in the Botanical Gardens!
Where to stay in Sydney
You have no shortage of accommodations in Sydney. The best neighborhood to stay in is CBD, downtown Sydney. If you arrive after a long flight, treat yourself to the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Here you’ll wake up with a view of the Opera House! Then again, a nice, budget-friendly one is The Pacific House. Are you passing through Australia and traveling with a campervan? Then we recommend the campsite Discovery Parks – Lane Cove. From here you have a smooth connection to Sydney by public transport.
How to get around in Sydney
Depending on where you stay, you can use public transportation. There is an extensive bus network and you can pay on the bus with your credit card. These run frequently and are handy if you are staying outside the center or want to go to more distant places like Bondi Beach. If you are staying in the CBD (downtown) then you do have most of the attractions described within walking distance of each other. Finally, you can also use
Best time to visit Sydney in Australia
Sydney in Australia is a city you can visit all year round. During summer (December to February) it can get very crowded and hot, but this is ideal for going to the beach. The general best travel time is spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) because of the pleasant temperatures and that it is less crowded then. But even in winter it is pleasant with temperatures between 8°C and 18°C, ideal for visiting museums or really having the city to yourself!
Still have questions about what to do in Sydney, Australia? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip to Australia? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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