Are you looking for what to do in Sydney?
Sydney Australia has been named one of the most beautiful destinations in the world to visit.
The city of Sydney is framed by its glittering harbour, the iconic Sydney Opera House and the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can travel back in time by visiting the historical Rocks area or wander through the newly created foreshore playground Barangaroo to Darling Harbour.
(Editor Update 2021)
For ocean lovers you are spoilt. Sydney has two of the best beaches in the world. There is even rivalry between the two – Manly or Bondi on who will take out the coveted yearly title of Australia’s best beach.
You can board a ferry and visit some of Sydney’s top waterfront attractions such as Taronga Zoo or dine by the harbour at Watson’s Bay.
I am a local and I am passionate about our harbour city and what we can offer the visitor.
If you have time a day trip to see the Blue Mountains Attractions just 1.5 hours from Sydney is highly recommended.
Related Reading: How to have an affordable Sydney Staycation in the RocksWith so many things to do in Sydney, where do you start? Come with us whilst we share with you Sydney’s most popular tours.
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Our tours are through our partner Get Your Guide. During 2020 you can cancel 24 hours prior to your tour commencing for a full refund.Popular Sydney Tours:
Sydney’s #1 Tour – Sydney Opera House
Everyone recognises the Opera House in Sydney in photographs all around the world – it is our world-famous icon. Whether you first see the Opera House by cruise ship as you arrive into Sydney Harbour or by wandering through Circular Quay to the Opera House foreground, the Opera House impresses all that gazes at her.
We have chosen two popular tours for you to enjoy:
Opera House Tour – the #1 popular tour through our partners Get Your Guide. For 1 hour you are guided through the Opera House with one of their passionate and most knowledgeable guides. Your guide will tell tales and secrets of the Opera House’s 1000 rooms and 300 corridors. You may even witness a rehearsal or crew working on a new set. Don’t forget to take your camera as your guide will show you where to take the best photographs.
Opera House Tour & Tasting Platter with Harbour Views – after your one hour guided tour of the 1000 rooms and 300 corridors learning the tales and secrets of the Opera House you can relax and enjoy the tasting plate of hot and cold food for two.
Learn About Our Local Nature & Wildlife
Our Australian animals such as the kangaroo, wallaby, koala, emus, platypuses and echidnas are unique and a favourite of visitors who come to our shores or to our city on a staycation.
Our top #3 family-friendly tours where you can get up close to see our native animals are:
Taronga Zoo – our full day ‘skip the line ticket’ is the most popular. Taronga Zoo is located on the Northern shore of Sydney Harbour, just a short 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. If you are coming by bus from the city you can catch the M30 from Stand T, Clarence Street, Wynyard. If you are driving there is parking available at $18 per day. Enjoy the many trails and bring a picnic basket for lunch. There are talks available with the keepers, shows to see and the ticket includes the round trip journey on the Sky Safari.
Wildlife at Sydney Zoo is located at Darling Harbour. You can get up close and personal with Australian wildlife and wander the 9 themed habitat zones. Don’t forget to say hi to Rex the crocodile whilst you are there, he is one of the most popular locals. There is an option with this tour to have breakfast with the koalas.
Walking with Wombats – 2 hours south of Sydney you can walk through rainforests, waterfalls, blowholes and enjoy a twilight dinner with kangaroos and wombats before returning back to Sydney.
Sydney Adventure Tours
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb – four tours on offer from dawn, day, twilight and nighttime climbs ranging from 1.5 hours to 3.5 hours in length. Your leader will lead you up the catwalks and ladders of the bridge where you will enjoy 360-degree views over the city. Listen to the many stories of Sydney and the Bridge along the way.
2 Hour Guided Sydney Kayak Tour – from Rose Bay you kayak with your guide around the foreshores of Sydney Harbour taking in the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the CBD and some of the most expensive real estate in the world. There is an option to take this tour at sunset.
Learn to surf on Bondi Beach – one of Sydney’s famous beaches. Learn from experienced Surf instructors in a small group of no more than 5. The lessons are perfect for first-timers or if you are relatively new to surfing.
Sydney Harbour Cruise and Boat Tours
2.5 Hour Whale Watching Cruise from May to November – the yearly migration of humpback and Southern right whales occurs during these months. During your 2.5 hour cruise, you may also see pods of dolphins, orca and minke whales and more. The cruise departs from Darling Harbour.
Tall Ship Afternoon Cruise – sit back and enjoy a 90-minute cruise around Sydney Harbour whilst being entertained by the crew. Sail past the Opera House, Fort Denison and under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There will be some great photo opportunities.
Sydney Harbour Cruise with a choice of 3 or 6-course menu – enjoy cruising around Sydney Harbour whilst enjoying modern Australian cuisine and listening to live music. Duration 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
Food & Drink
Sydney The Rocks Pub Tour – a 2.5 hour guided Pub tour visiting 4 of the oldest pubs in The Rocks area of Sydney which was the place of the first settlement in Australia. Your tour includes a pre or post-meal with a drink and tasting of craft beer, wine or soft drink at each of the 4 pubs.
Taste of Chinatown Tour – Sample authentic Asian dishes during your 3 hour guided tour through Sydney’s Chinatown. Learn about the history of migration and settlement in Australia of Chinese Australians and their own personal stories. Not only will you taste local Chinese Food but cuisines from Korea, Thailand and Malaysia and take part in a tea ceremony.
6 Hour Small-Group Food & Drink Tour – Enjoy share plates with local craft beer and Australian Premium wines from 4 venues – Barangaroo, the Tramsheds in Rozelle, The Cannery in Rosebery and Spice Alley in Chippendale. You will be driven from venue to venue during the tour.
Attraction Tickets
Another one of Sydney’s top attractions is the Sealife Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour. Purchase your ‘skip the line’ ticket here and enjoy viewing over 700 species which includes sharks, penguins, platypuses, stingrays, dugongs and more.
Choose from a 2, 3 or 4 attractions on your combination ticket that is valid for a month and saves up to 45% on individual ticket purchase. Attractions to choose from are Sealife Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife Sydney, Madame Tussauds and the Sydney Tower Eye.
Madame Tussauds Sydney General Admission Ticket
Come face to face with the world’s most famous celebrities and enjoy interactive experiences such as a walk down the catwalk, strike a pose for the cover of a magazine or choose your new makeup look that is digitally enhanced onto your face.
Local Culture
Art & Culture 3 Hour Walking Tour Through the City Suburbs of Chippendale and Redfern
Discover local art galleries, street art in two of Sydney’s exciting neighbourhoods. Learn the local history from your guide as you wander through their streets and alleyways. Duration of 3 hours.
Enjoy a 2-hour tour through the back streets of Newtown, the home for exciting street art in Sydney. Your tour includes a stop for craft beer at a local brewery.
National Park & Aboriginal Explorer Tour and Cruise
45 minutes north of Sydney is Ku-ring-gai National Park where you will enjoy a 3-hour scenic cruise on a catamaran through the scenic waterways of Sydney. You will visit rock engraving sites whilst learning about Australia’s early colonial history and the impact of the local Aborigines.
Transport Ticket Options
Sydney & Bondi – Big Bus Open Top Hop on Hop off Bus
Valid from 1 day to 48 hours with over 33 stops – 1 ticket 2 routes seeing the major sights of Sydney and Bondi Beach.
Stops include:
• Central Station
• Sydney Tower Eye
• Cook & Phillip Park
• William Street
• Paddington Town Hall
• Centennial Parklands
• Bondi Beach
• North Bondi
• Rose Bay
• Double Bay
2 Day Hop on Hop off Bus Tour with Cruise and Attractions
The ticket is valid for 2 days with attractions such as:
• Circular Quay
• Elizabeth Street
• Cook & Phillip Park
• William Street
• Kings Cross
• El Alamein Fountain
• Woolloomooloo Bay
• Sydney Opera House
• Botanical Garden
• State Library
• Hyde Park
• Central Station
• Power House Museum
• Sydney Fish Market
• The Star
• Maritime Museum
• Convention Centre
• Chinese Gardens/Chinatown
• Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
• King St Wharf
• Barangaroo
• Dawes Point
2 Day Hop on Hop off Harbour Cruise Ferry Ticket
Depart from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour with stops at Watsons Bay, Luna Park, Taronga Zoo and Shark Island.
What Sydney attractions will you choose to do?
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Conclusion:
There are many Sydney attractions for you to choose from. You may need to plan to spend at least a week here to enjoy what our beautiful city has to offer. We hope you enjoy our city as much as we do.
Safe travels. Feel free to reach out to us for more information on what to do in Sydney.
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