Things to do in Sydney

Activities, attractions and tours

Sydney
Cronulla Beach which includes surf
Sydney
Sydney
Sydney which includes a bay or harbour, night scenes and a city

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Top places to visit

1. Sydney Opera House

Mention Sydney, and the Sydney Opera House will almost certainly come to mind. This 20th century architectural masterpiece is one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in the world. Whether you are coming to enjoy one of its world-class productions or you just want to see this iconic building, no visit to Sydney would be complete without a trip to the opera house.
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Take in a performance or just take in the splendour of one of the world’s most famous buildings.

2. Circular Quay

Getting around this bustling metropolis and tourist paradise, you’re likely to cross paths with Circular Quay at some point during your travels. Located between two of the city’s most unmistakable landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the quay is easy to find, even for first-time visitors.
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Circular Quay showing a city, central business district and modern architecture

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Along with the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the city’s iconic sights. Apart from its function as car, train and pedestrian access between the northern and southern shores of the city, the bridge has become more than a feat of engineering; it is synonymous with the city itself. The bridge is also a key part of Sydney’s New Year’s celebrations, taking centre stage of the fireworks extravaganza based around its structure.
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An iconic structure on a beautiful harbour with breath-taking views at any time of day or night. Climb it, walk it, photograph it or just stand back and admire it.

4. Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is said to be one of the finest zoos on the planet and with good reason. Set in a vast 74-hectare estate of hilly bushland within the upmarket suburb of Mosman, this zoo is home to some 2500 animals, from 340 different species. The zoo’s location also provides incredible views across Sydney Harbour and beyond.
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Taronga Zoo featuring zoo animals and bird life as well as an individual male

5. Manly Beach

Manly Beach may sound like an odd name, but it was actually named after the rather attractive, virile indigenous people who were first encountered in the pioneering days of Australia. The beach itself has also been something of a pioneer, being one of the first resorts in Australia where people could swim and surf. Today, the location is better known as a salubrious Sydney suburb offering an idyllic lifestyle to natives and visitors alike. If you’re looking for some of the best historical architecture Australia has to offer, some of the best beaches in the world, exquisite dining, indulgent shopping, or a good healthy bush walk, Manly Beach has really got it all.
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Manly Beach which includes a coastal town, a sandy beach and swimming

What to do in Sydney

Popular places to visit

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

4.5/5(293 reviews)

Take in a performance or just take in the splendour of one of the world’s most famous buildings.

Sydney Opera House
Circular Quay showing a city, central business district and modern architecture

Circular Quay

4.5/5(313 reviews)

Under the gaze of the magnificent Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s transport hub is a terminal of unexpected beauty.

Circular Quay
Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge

4.5/5(317 reviews)

An iconic structure on a beautiful harbour with breath-taking views at any time of day or night. Climb it, walk it, photograph it or just stand back and admire it.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Taronga Zoo featuring zoo animals and bird life as well as an individual male

Taronga Zoo

4.5/5(71 reviews)

For a wild experience combined with magnificent views over Sydney Harbour, this world-renowned zoo is a must-visit.

Taronga Zoo
Star Casino showing signage and a sunset

Star Casino

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Why not roll the dice by visiting Star Casino where you can enjoy the entertainment at this popular casino in Sydney? Amble around this vibrant area's waterfront or experience its fascinating museums.

Star Casino
Hyde Park

Hyde Park

4.5/5(188 reviews)

Hyde Park is just one of the places to see in Sydney, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.

Hyde Park
Manly Beach which includes a coastal town, a sandy beach and swimming

Manly Beach

4.5/5(214 reviews)

Resplendent with golden sandy beaches, crystal blue seas perfect for swimming and surfing, and the best bars, shopping and views around. Welcome to Manly Beach.

Manly Beach
White Bay Cruise Terminal

White Bay Cruise Terminal

4/5(27 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Sydney with a trip to White Bay Cruise Terminal. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

White Bay Cruise Terminal
Accor Stadium

Accor Stadium

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Catch an event at Accor Stadium during your trip to Sydney. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this walkable area.

Accor Stadium

Areas of Sydney

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Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(343 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour which includes central business district, a city and night scenes

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Once the site of disused railway yards and dilapidated wharves, one of Sydney’s greatest urban renewal projects has breathed life into this location once more.

Darling Harbour
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Sydney Olympic Park

Unique features of Sydney Olympic Park include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Accor Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre while you're exploring the area.

Sydney Olympic Park
Parramatta featuring general coastal views and a city

Parramatta

Discover the cultural diversity, rich heritage and scenic river parks of the second-oldest settlement in Australia, in the heart of the greater Sydney region.

Parramatta
Circular Quay - The Rocks which includes a city, street scenes and heritage architecture

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Rocks
Manly Beach showing a beach, tropical scenes and swimming

Manly

This coastal suburb of Sydney is like something from a postcard, and a haven for surfers, swimmers and sunbakers.

Manly

 

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Wollongong featuring boating, a city and a sandy beach

Wollongong

Photo by Shona Guthrie

Emu Plains