{"id":9423,"date":"2023-05-22T16:30:10","date_gmt":"2023-05-22T16:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journal.rentbyowner.com\/?p=9423"},"modified":"2026-01-27T08:53:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T08:53:55","slug":"things-to-do-in-sydney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentbyowner.com\/journal\/things-to-do-in-sydney\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Things to Do in Sydney, Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Syndey<\/a> is one of Australia\u2019s most popular tourist destinations. It is beloved by both native Aussies and visitors from overseas thanks to its fascinating history, beautiful beaches, and bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this travel guide, we\u2019ve compiled a list of things to do to inspire your next trip. It includes many of Sydney\u2019s top attractions, best-known areas, and most fun activities so that you can create an itinerary to suit your interests and pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. View, Walk, and Scale Sydney Harbour Bridge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of Sydney\u2019s most iconic landmarks is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or \u2018The Coathanger\u2019, as it is affectionately known by locals. You can get fantastic views of the bridge from various vantage points along the harbor waterside, but the bridge itself offers impressive views of the Sydney Central Business District skyline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also see the renowned smiling face of the moon, which marks the entrance of Luna Park<\/a>, a century-old amusement park that sits on the North Shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a truly unique experience, consider doing the Sydney Bridge Climb<\/a>. It takes more than three hours to scale the outer arch of the bridge, and your guide will share entertaining stories about the bridge and its history along the way. At the arch\u2019s summit, you\u2019ll get incredible views of the Blue Mountains to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Sample Australian Wine in the Hunter Valley<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Australia exports some of the best wine in the world, and much of it is produced in the Hunter Valley<\/a>. More than 150 wineries operate in this region, offering guided tours and wine tastings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes around 2.5 hours to reach Hunter Valley by car. There are plenty of coach tours available, or you could arrange a private tour for a customized experience. Another option is to book accommodation in the Hunter Valley for a night or two so you can leisurely make your way around some of the region\u2019s best vineyards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Take Ferry Rides Across Sydney Harbour<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo Credit: Iris Sokolovskaya<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best ways to get around in Sydney is by ferry. This popular method of public transport is fast and affordable, and it lets you take in the ever-impressive skyline of the Central Business District. Here are some of the most popular ferry rides to take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Having been a popular Aboriginal meeting point, a colonial prison, an industrial school, a naval training school, a ship-building dock, and a Royal Navy base, Cockatoo Island<\/a> has a fascinating history. You can easily spend a full day here learning about the island\u2019s past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Circular Quay to Darling Harbour<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll travel under Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the Sydney Opera House during this 20-minute journey. Darling Harbour<\/a> is an elegant harbourside complex packed with museums, shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Circular Quay to Manly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Manly ferries depart every 30 minutes, making it easy to travel the seven miles to this peaceful suburb. Manly Beach<\/a> is a popular spot for sunbathers, surfers, and snorkelers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pyrmont Bay to Watsons Bay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The ferry to Watsons Bay<\/a> departs from Pyrmont and passes Garden Island, Darling Point, Double Bay, and Rose Bay. Watsons Bay is a pretty fishing village where you can enjoy a refreshing coastal walk in the morning, followed by fish and chips and a few drinks in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Shop in Style in the Queen Victoria Building<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The QVB<\/a>, as Sydneysiders call it, was built in 1989 and ever since has been one of Sydney\u2019s most luxurious shopping destinations. It\u2019s a lavish building originally constructed to celebrate Queen Victoria\u2019s Diamond Jubilee. Stained-glass windows and a mosaic floor adorn the interior, while the roof is crowned by a great dome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over 180 shops, boutiques, and jewelers can be found in the QVB, including some luxury fashion houses. You can also grab a coffee or a bite to eat at the range of cafes and restaurants here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Go Sightseeing on a Big Bus Tour of Sydney<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Big Bus Sydney<\/a> double-decker buses provide a hop-on hop-off service so you can easily get around the city\u2019s biggest attractions. An audio commentary is available so that you can learn about the city\u2019s landmarks and history en route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two Big Bus tour routes available. The Red Line covers the city center and includes stops at Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Chinatown. The Blue Line covers Bondi Beach and the Eastern Bays, including the popular suburbs of Rose Bay and Double Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Go Behind the Scenes in Sydney Opera House<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A trip to Sydney wouldn\u2019t be complete without a visit to the Sydney Opera House<\/a>, which is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed building. With more than 1,600 dance, music, and theatre performances taking place each year, it should be easy to catch a world-class performance here during your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a more intimate experience, consider taking a guided tour of the Opera House. This lets you witness the impressive theater spaces while they\u2019re empty and gives you behind-the-scenes insights into the building\u2019s history. You can also grab a cocktail at the Opera House, with the Opera Bar offering the best views of Sydney Harbour Bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Relax and Unwind on Bondi Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bondi Beach<\/a> is both a suburb of Sydney and a crescent-shaped golden sands beach that\u2019s popular with surfers. You can catch a bus to Bondi from central Sydney CBD for a laid-back day trip out of the city. You can take surfing lessons, lounge in the sun, swim in the seawater Bondi Icebergs pools, or simply wander around the shops and grab food and drinks from the array of bars and eateries here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also great opportunities for hiking from Bondi Beach. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a particularly popular route. It\u2019s 3.7 miles long and passes both Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach so you can take in some of Sydney\u2019s lesser-known stretches of sand which are just as beautiful as Bondi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8. Get Lost in Nature in the Blue Mountains National Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The world heritage site Blue Mountains National Park<\/a> covers 4,400 square miles, and there\u2019s no shortage of hiking trails to explore here. Katoomba, which sits at the foot of the rugged region, can be reached by train or bus from Central Station within a couple of hours. Head to Scenic World for incredible panoramic views of the region via railway, cableway, skyway, and walkway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than 400 different animal species reside in the Blue Mountains. You might catch a glimpse of some of them when you explore the forested wilderness or visit some of the quaint countryside towns and villages here. Be sure to check out The Three Sisters, a natural sandstone formation that is a fabulous photo op.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9. Discover Sydney\u2019s History at The Rocks Museums<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Rocks is where European Settlers first landed in Australia, but Aboriginal people resided in the area long before that. This historic part of the city is home to a variety of museums where you can learn about events that shaped the Sydney, New South Wales, and Australia we know today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n