Well Known Tourist Attractions and Top Things to Do in Sydney

September 9, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 3108 Views

Sydney is perhaps the most popular city in Australia for tourism. It is the capital of New South Wales state. Sydney is located on the south western coast of Australia facing the Tasman Sea. There are several places to visit in Sydney along the coast. People embark on Sydney travel to enjoy the beaches, wildlife, and beautiful landmarks. The best beach in Sydney going by popularity is the Bondi beach. The beach itself holds several Sydney tourist attractions to keep you occupied all day and even at night. There are several activities in Sydney which can be explored at the Bondi Beach including surfing, jet skii, shopping, dining, and simple beachside leisure. Among things to see in Sydney is a pool which connects to the ocean at the Bondi Beach. Though there are charges to enter this beaches pool party. You can also enjoy many fun things to do in Sydney for free at the beach as well.

You can take a stroll along to coast on foot or ride a bicycle along the coast from one beach to another enjoying several things to see in Sydney along the way. There are two particular coastal hike trails popular among Sydney tourist attractions. One runs between Bondi Beach and Bronte Beach and another between Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach. Both of these beaches are incredible Sydney attractions.

The wildlife is yet another major Sydney tourist attraction. You can visit the various zoo parks during Sydney sightseeing or head to the National Parks to witness the animals in their natural habitat. Taronga Zoo is among the best places to visit in Sydney to see the animals up close. The zoo also offers certain fun activities in Sydney which involve interaction with the animals. There are also a few other zoo parks among places to go in Sydney which you find below in the article. Though if you are looking for some wildlife adventure, you can visit one of many National Parks for adventurous top things to do in Sydney. National Parks located closer to the city include Ku rain Gai Chase, Sydney Harbour, Kamay Botany, and Lane Cove. These are great places to see in Sydney on foot exploring nature. Then there are Blue Mountains, Yerranderie and Kanangra Boyd which would require a day trip from Sydney.

Though the first attraction that comes to mind when you visit Sydney is the Opera House. It is the most iconic places to visit in Sydney. Enjoying an evening of opera performance is a must do in Sydney. Another major Sydney sights is the Harbour Bridge. Though most bridges are meant to be traveled or seen from a distance, you can actually climb the Harbour Bridge. It is one of the unusual things to do in Sydney, Australia. You can also enjoy a boat ride or a cruise ride under the bridge and around the city enjoying several Sydney tourist spots. You can get a coastal cruise tour as well among fun things to do in Sydney. For Sydney attractions within the city, you can take bicycle tour or a walking tour. There is a walking tour where you are guided by local volunteers among things to do in Sydney for free. They will give you great insight regarding various Sydney tourist attractions which you might not get otherwise.

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Table of Contents

Explore The Best Tourist Places of Sydney in 5 Days

This section helps you navigate through various things to see in Sydney in the span of 5 days.

Day 1

1. Darling Harbour

This harbor is among the most popular places for taking long walks. The harbor is a happening waterfront precinct with all the usual leisure joints such as bars, clubs, restaurants and so on. It is also a popular spot for Sydney sightseeing. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this Harbour. There are many activities or things to at Darling Harbour. You can do below mentioned any activities as per your interest.

2. Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

This aquarium has over 650 species of sea life and is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It is among top Sydney attractions for all those who enjoy watching different types of sea animals. You will need about 2 hours to explore this aquarium.

I suggest you should get Skip-the-Line Ticket of Sea Life Aquarium in advance.

3. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

This zoo is dedicated to indigenous animals of Australia. Along with the aquarium, it is one of the most popular venue to enjoy for families who visit Sydney. You will need about an hour at this zoo.

I suggest you should book your ticket of WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in advance.

4. Queen Victoria Building

This building was built in 1898 and is well known for its Romanesque revival architecture. Inside the building is an ornately decorated shopping center featuring many fun things to do in Sydney, Australia. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for Queen Victoria Building.

5. Sydney Tower

This is the tallest freestanding structure in the city. It is among the best places to visit in Sydney to get a 360 view of the city. You should keep 15 to 20 minutes for this tower.

You can book your ticket of Sydney Tower Eye in advance. Also you should experience the unlimited feast at rotating restaurant of Sydney Tower.

6. Sydney Tower Skywalk

The skywalk can be considered among fun activities in Sydney as you walk a transparent walkway hanging 268 meters above land. You should keep 20 to 30 minutes for skywalk experience during Sydney travel.

I suggest you should get your Fast-Track Entry Ticket of Observation Deck at Sydney Tower.

7. St. James Church

This anglican church was consecrated in 1824 and is one of the best known examples of colonial architecture in the city. You should keep 20 to 30 minutes for this church.

8. St. Mary’s Cathedral

This church exhibits incredible Gothic revival style of architecture and is one of the most intricately designed buildings among Sydney sights. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Day 2

1. Sydney Opera House

This UNESCO World Heritage site is the most well known landmark among places to see in Sydney. This opera house is best known for its unique architecture, but it is also a great place to gain some cultural experience. Your Sydney travel guide would tell you to explore it from outside and be done with it. But the true experience of the Opera House is by enjoying a performance in its halls. You should keep at least an hours time for this monument.

You can get your Entrance Ticket for Sydney Opera House with Guided Tour in advance. At Sydney Opera House there are multiple shows to experience and activities to do. Check out packages for shows, tours and activities below.

2. Government House

This building used to be a castle built in Colonial Gothic revival style. It now serves as residence for the governor. You would need about 30 to 45 minutes for this castle.

3. Museum of Sydney

This museum should be among the first places to visit in Sydney. You get to enjoy a city more if you know its story and its history. You would need 2 hours to explore this museum.

4. The Rocks

This was the site of the very first European landings in 1788. There are several restored historical buildings among things to see in Sydney which can be found at this harbour. You will need an hour to explore this precinct.

I suggest you should go for a guided walking tour of The Rocks.

5. The Rocks Discovery Museum

Situated in the Rocks precinct, this museum is focused on the Rocks area itself featuring several exhibits including photographs, interactive displays, artifacts, paintings and so on. You will need about an hour for this museum.

6. Cadmans Cottage

This is the oldest surviving residential building in the city. It is among important historical Sydney sights which you can still see today. You should keep 20 to 30 minutes for this place.

7. Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

This museum exhibits contemporary art which originated from Australia as well as other parts of the world. You will need about an hour to explore various exhibits of this museum.

8. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Nicknamed the “Coat Hanger”, this bridge is among the most iconic landmarks to see during Sydney sightseeing. You should keep 15 to 20 minutes to see this bridge.

Day 3

1. State Library of New South Wales

This building is included in Sydney travel guide for being the oldest library in the city. It is quite huge, so you would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.

2. Australian Museum

This museum focuses on natural history and anthropology of the nation. It is also the oldest museum of Australia among places to see in Sydney. You will need a couple of hours to explore this museum.

3. Sydney Town Hall

This is one of the most beautiful buildings among things to see in Sydney. The interiors of designed in victorian style and look extremely posh. You should keep about an hour to explore Sydney Town Hall.

4. Chinese Garden of Friendship

This is a very decorative garden featuring sculptures, art work and structures inspired by the Chinese culture. It is among the best things to do in Sydney with kids. You will need about an hour to explore this garden.

5. Powerhouse Museum

This used to be an electric tram power station and is now converted into a museum focusing on history and technological evolution in power generation. It is again among fun activities in Sydney if you are traveling with kids.

6. Australian National Maritime Museum

This is among the best places to visit in Sydney. Aside from land, the museum also extends to a beautiful ship, which is the replica of HMB Endeavours. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket of Australian National Maritime Museum in advance.

Day 4

1. Bondi Beach

Bondi is perhaps the best beach in Sydney, at least the most well known. You can enjoy all sorts of leisure, sports, entertainment and adventure activities in Sydney at this beach. It is surrounded by several great joints and important attractions of the city as well. Some of the top things to do in Sydney, Australia are centered around this beach. You should keep half a day to enjoy this beach.

I suggest you can take a guided walking tour of Bondi Beach. And if you want to do some adventure then you should take a surfing lesson at Bondi Beach.

2. Sydney Harbour National Park

If you are looking for outdoor things to do in Sydney, like hiking, nature exploration and camping; you should head here. This place is a vast expanse of coastal land where nature and natural sights prevail. This too would require half a days time to fully enjoy.

I suggest you should take a guided walking tour at Sydney Harbour National Park.

Day 5

1. Koala Park Sanctuary

You cannot visit Sydney and leave without seeing the koalas, it is almost sacrilegious. You can get up close with these cute and cuddly animals at this sanctuary. It is one of the most fun Sydney tourist spots. You would need about an hour for this sanctuary.

2. Elizabeth Bay House

This mansion also hails from the colonial period. It has one of the most opulent interiors as any Sydney tourist attractions. You should see about an hour aside for Elizabeth Bay House.

3. Art Gallery of New South Wales

This art gallery exhibits a mix of old, modern and contemporary art works. It is among the best places to visit in Sydney for those who admire art. You will need about an hour to explore this art gallery.

4. Hyde Park Barracks Museum

These are restored barracks where convicts who came form the British Isles were kept. It was also designed by an architect who was a convict himself. It is one of the most interesting Sydney tourist spots. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

5. Sydney Observatory

This Old observatory is also among heritage buildings in the Rocks precinct. You will need an hour and a half to explore this observatory.

If you plan Sydney travel for more than 5 days, you should check out the section below. We have complied an exhaustive list of numerous places to go and top things to do in Sydney.

Things to do in Sydney

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Sydney

Sydney Opera House
Harbour Bridge
Port Jackson Bay
Darling Harbour
Queen Victoria Building
Museum of Contemporary Art
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Fort Denison
Australian National Maritime Museum
Sydney Observatory
Pylon Lookout Tower
Sculpture by the Sea
Powerhouse Museum
Museum of Sydney
Sydney Town Hall
Madame Tussauds Sydney Wax Museum
Hyde Park Barracks
Barrenjoy Lighthouse
Vaucluse House Museum
Hornby Lighthouse
The Rocks Discovery Museum
Sydney Tower Eye
Anzac Memorial
Cadmans Cottage
Norman Lindsey Gallery & Museum
Sydney Jewish Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Sydney

Royal National Park
Ku ring gai Chase National Park
Sydney Harbour National Park
Koala Park Sanctuary
Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Lane Cove National Park
Centennial Parklands
Blue Mountains National Park
Yerranderie State Conservation Area
Kanangra Boyd National Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Sydney

Royal Botanic Garden
Taronga Zoo
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Luna Park
Hyde Park
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Wildlife Sydney Zoo
Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Star Sydney Casino & Resort
Art Gallery of New South Wales
North Head Quarantine Station
Raging Waters Amusement Park
Wilson Parking
Bondi Icebergs Club
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
King Street Wharf
Carriage works Art Hub
Sydney Cove
Sydney Zoo
White Rabbit Gallery
Bicentennial Park
Calyx Garden
Australian Botanic Garden
Spit Bridge
Sydney Park
Darling Quarter
Auburn Botanic Gardens
Parramatta Park
Customs House
Archibald Fountain
Calmsley Hill City Farm
Tumbalong Park
Chinatown Sydney
Bronte Baths
North Sydney Olympic Pool
Wylie’s Baths
Maccallum Seawater Pool
Dee Why Rockpool
Andrew Charlton Pool
Mclver Baths
Mahon Pool
South Curl Curl Rock Pool

Shopping in Sydney

Westfield Warringah Mall
Alexandria Outlets
Harbourside Shopping Centre
Glebe Markets
Rocks Market
Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre
Strand Arcade
Queen Victoria Building
Broadway Shopping Centre
Bondi Junction Westfield
Paddy’s Market
DFO Homebush
World Square
Sydney Fish Market
Paddington Market
Pitt Street Mall

Beaches in Sydney

Bondi Beach
Manly Beach
Cockatoo Island
Mrs Macquairie’s Chair
Bronte Beach
Ku ring gai Chase Beach
Shelly Beach
Botany Bay
Sydney Heads
Shark Island
Wattamolla Beach
Coogee Beach
Freshwater Beach
Kamay Botany Bay
Bare Island
Balmoral Beach
West Head Lookout
The Gap
Broken Bay
Wedding Cake Rock
Nielsen Park
Tamarama Beach
Pittwater Beach
Clovelly Beach
Dee Why Beach
Milk Beach

Offbeat Places & Adventure Things to Do in Sydney

Harbour Bridge Climb
Bondi to Bronte Coastal Hike Trail
Bondi to Coogee Costal Hike Trail
Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Hike Trail
Royal National Park Coast Track
The Great North Walk Hike Trail
Surfing
Harbour Dinner Cruise
Harbour Kayak Tour
Manly Ferry Ride
Sydney Harbour Cruise

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Sydney

Lankan Filling Station
Cafe Shenkin
Quay
Flour & Stone
Momofuku Seiobo
Cornersmith
Saint Peter
Tuga Pastries
Bentley Restaurant & Bar
Shuk
Hubert
Paramount Coffee Project
Ester
Brickfields
Yellow
Boon Cafe
Six Penny
The Boathouse
Bella Brutta
The Apollo
Totti’s
Gogyo
Aria
Firedoor
10 William Street
Sang by Mabasa
Automata
Ho Jiak
Bennelong
Continental Deli Bar & Bistro
Spice I am
A1 Canteen
Golden Century
Frateli Paradiso
Sean’s Panaroma
Mary’s Underground
Alberto’s Lounge
Gaku Robata Grill
Icebergs
Mr Wong

Where to Stay in Sydney?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Sydney. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Sydney.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Sydney

How to Reach Sydney?

By Air

The most popular choice for Sydney travel is Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport situated 9 kms away from the city. It is the busiest airport in Australia catering flights to visit Sydney from several countries across the world. You can get direct flights from several major cities including Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Dubai, Doha, London, Paris, Frankfurt, San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles and so on. There are a total of 35 airlines serving the airport. You are most likely to get a direct or even one stop connecting flight for things to do in Sydney from almost every major city in the world.

Once you are at the airport you can use train, bus, cab, or rented car to reach the places to visit in Sydney. You can catch a train from the airport to visit Sydney every 10 minutes. As there are several people embarking on a journey for things to see in Sydney, you are not likely to get a seat in the train. The same is not true for buses. Though you have several buses running between airport and Sydney tourist attractions, you need to pick the bus according to their drop points.

Besides regular buses running to bus terminals across the city, including several Sydney attractions, there are also shuttle buses available at the airport. You can book a shuttle bus to take you directly to your Hotel or any place for Sydney sightseeing from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. You have to book your ticket at the terminal and catch the bus from outside the Terminal. You can also book shuttle bus online for several things to do in Sydney, Australia.

Finally, you have the option of getting a cab, which is also the most expensive option to visit Sydney from airport. Cab fares from the airport to go for fun things to do in Sydney, Australia are comparatively high. You can also get app based cab service like Uber for Sydney travel. The airport also provides facility to rent a car for day trips from Sydney.

By Road

By road the fastest means for Sydney travel is via NSW Train Link. You can get direct trains to visit Sydney from various cities and towns of Australia including Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, and so on. You can also make day trips from Sydney to New South Wales, Mid-North Coast, New England, Central West, and Southern Highlands via trains. The train network in Australia, especially the one connecting to Sydney, is quite efficient. You can explore some of the best things to do in Sydney thanks to the Train Link.

You second option is to travel by bus. The journey is longer for Sydney travel via bus. Though you do get to enjoy Sydney sightseeing along the way. Some of the National Parks Wildlife Sanctuaries, and even Beaches among Sydney tourist attractions are only accessible by buses.

If you traveling by car for day trips from Sydney or to Sydney, there are a few major roads to take. If you wish travel along the coast from the north to visit Sydney, you need to take route M1. This route is also great for Sydney sightseeing of beaches and bay areas. From northwest Sydney is connected by B59 and by A32 from the direct west. Both these routes also connect to the National Parks at western outskirts of the city among places to visit in Sydney. Route M1 also connects to the city from south joined by M31 from southwest.

By Water

Many cruise ships include activities in Sydney in their itinerary. Several cruise ships dock at Circular Quay and White Bay. These ships would have a Sydney travel guide on board. Though suggested top things to do in Sydney would be focused around coastal regions. If you wish to enjoy some lesser known places to visit in Sydney, you will have to plan your own itinerary. You can also enjoy some offbeat and unusual things to do in Sydney, Australia if you plan your journey well. But all that depends on how long a stop you get for Sydney travel by your cruise ship.

Image Reference

Darling Harbour – stanbalik / PixaBay
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium – shockwavespeaker / PixaBay
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo – David Berkowitz / Flickr
Queen Victoria Building – Luke Zeme / Flickr
Sydney Tower – Patty Jansen / PixaBay
Sydney Tower Skywalk – Read Every Day. Lead A Better Life. / Flickr
St. James Church – Greg O’Beirne / Wikimedia Commons
St Mary’s Cathedral – JohnArmagh / Wikimedia Commons
Sydney Opera House – Futuregirl / PixaBay
Government House – Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Sydney – pmorgan / PixaBay
The Rocks – karlnorling / Flickr
The Rocks Discovery Museum – Collywolly / Wikimedia Commons
Cadmans Cottage – Kristina D.C. Hoeppner / Flickr
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia – Tony Hisgett / Flickr
Sydney Harbour Bridge – Deepu Joseph / PixaBay
State Library of New South Wales – Batsv / Wikimedia Commons
Australian Museum – J Bar / Wikimedia Commons
Sydney Town Hall – J. Philipp Krone / Flickr
Chinese Garden of Friendship – Tony Hisgett / Flickr
Powerhouse Museum – Hugh Llewelyn / Flickr
Australian National Maritime Museum – Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr
Bondi Beach – Julian H. / PixaBay
Sydney Harbour National Park – Luke Zeme / Flickr
Koala Park Sanctuary – David Berkowitz / Flickr
Elizabeth Bay House – Sardaka / Wikimedia Commons
Art Gallery of New South Wales – Nick-D / Wikimedia Commons
Hyde Park Barracks Museum – J Bar / Wikimedia Commons
Sydney Observatory – Timo / Flickr