The show Bondi Rescue has been filmed here for the past 17 years, where viewers are offered an inside-look into the lives of Bondi’s lifeguards. Due to the popularity of the beach, you may also find a celebrity enjoying Bondi’s beauty, if you’re lucky. This beach is consistently rated as one of the most popular beaches in the world due to both its natural beauty and collection of restaurants. You could spend a day in Darling Harbour hopping between museums, eating by the waterfront, and enjoying some spectacular nightlife at nearby event venues, bars, and nightclubs. Circular Quay is world-famous and is what most people imagine when they think of Sydney Harbour. What they don’t know is that there exists another harbour that’s just as beautiful and arguably more entertaining, and is just a 15 minute walk away.
In the heart of Sydney Harbour lies Cockatoo Island/Wareamah, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Previously a convict prison from 1839 to 1869, followed by a shipyard and educational institution, the island now has historical tours, cafes, and concerts. You can even camp or stay on the island in heritage accommodation, like an old fire station. Originally built in 1935, Luna Park is one of the only heritage-listed amusement parks in the world. Enjoy fun things to do in sydney rides for all ages, roller coasters, Coney Island slides, carnival games, and Sydney Harbour views from the iconic Ferris Wheel.
With suppliers from over 300 communities in Australia, the Sydney Fish Market has just about every kind of seafood you could ever imagine. Located in the southern part of the Central Business District, Sydney’s Chinatown is the largest of its kind in Australia. Learn more about the Hyde Park Barracks, including hours of operation, on the official website. Over time, the barracks took on new roles, becoming a shelter for women who immigrated to Australia and needed to find work, a medical facility and asylum, and as a court and governmental offices. The Museum of Contemporary Art is located in The Rocks, right next to Circular Quay. We purchased ours at the door and there was no line (midday in May).
Luna Park is Sydney’s favourite most famous amusement park and one of the picturesque spaces by the harbour. There are heaps of things to do at the heritage-listed site including unlimited rides, an immersive dream circus and Sonic Neon — a neon-lit event Instagrammers will love. While going Full Monty in public isn't for everyone, there's something undeniably liberating about taking to the harbour waters in just your birthday suit. One of Sydney's few legal nude beaches, so if you're feeling the au naturale vibe, then shed some layers here. You'll need to park up the hill and walk a fair way to get here – it's at the bottom of a long series of steps, and as far as beaches go, she's a small one. But it's worth it for the gorgeous views of Camp Cove and Parsley, Watsons and Vaucluse Bays in the distance.
Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse . Set your mind racing as you plan your escape from PaniQ Room in The Rocks. A thrilling game to play with youngsters, the fun-filled hot spot is built with six unique rooms each with its own dramatic scenario. No matter which one you choose, you’ve got 60 minutes to figure out how to get out. Sure, your shopping centre cinema chains are packed with amenities but there’s something simply irresistible about a boutique cinema. Watch the latest releases at the city’s most character-filled cinemas including Randwick’s Ritz Cinema, Cremorne’s Hayden Orpheum, Paddington’s Chauvel and Palace Veronas across Sydney.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this experience will leave you feeling rejuvenated and connected to Sydney’s natural beauty. Located within the Royal National Park, Wattamolla Beach is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The beach features a lagoon and a waterfall, making it a picturesque spot for swimming, fishing, and snorkeling. It’s a family-friendly destination, ideal for picnicking under cabbage tree palms and enjoying the coastal views. Upon arriving at Manly Beach, enjoy a variety of activities from outdoor cafés and bars to scenic coastal walks. The Manly Ferry is a must-do experience, whether for a day trip or just a few hours of day exploring.
You can visit the war museum commemorating the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps for free. With so many student housing and accommodation options in all the best places, we know where you want to be. At UniLodge, you can design the perfect student lifestyle by immersing yourself in the city’s culture, or be close to campus. The City Centre is one of Sydney's major transport hubs, making it a great base to explore on public transport. Central, Town Hall and Wynyard stations have many connections, including light rail, trains and buses, which will take you all over the city. Sydney’s City Centre has undergone a transformation in recent years and become a vibrant hub filled with great cafes, fantastic small bars and cool restaurants.
Catch the ferry from Circular Quay for the 12-minute trip across the harbour or jump on the 100 bus from the QVB to Mosman, which runs every 10 minutes. For those who have chosen to hire a car, all-day parking is available for $22. For those visiting with children, consider taking them to one of their many fun and lively events. They offer concert series, light festivals, and seasonal events for the entire family to enjoy. Both St James and Martin Place stations are a 10-minute walk to the gallery. There are also several nearby bus routes and bike and car parking is available on Art Gallery Road, depending on your transport preference.
From karaoke bars to night markets and more, check out the best things to do in Sydney after dark, all year long here. Vivid Sydney is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival and Australia’s largest event in the calendar year. The giant event features light installations, dance parties, drone shows, underground experiences, foodie events and so much more. We’ll cue up for hours to get our favourite acai bowl or take a snap of the latest Instagram-worthy brunch. We’ve even beaten our southern frenemies for having some of the best coffee in the world so it’s naturally worth spending some time to try our expertly made brews and baked goods.
24/7, however individual restaurants and bars will have individual opening hours. After just a few hours, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the world you live in. The aquarium lovingly recreates the animals’ natural habitat, giving you a glimpse of their life in the wild. You’ll see different species of shark, plenty of species of fish of all sizes and colours and meet the rescue dugong named Pig. You can also sign up for the first-of-its-kind Penguin Expedition Boat Ride, where a raft ride gets you up close and person to the colony of King and Gentoo Penguins. Test your knowledge at the stunning SEA Life Sydney Aquarium, home to over 700 different marine species.
Stretching just under 4 miles in length, it takes you past lots of stunning coastal scenery with fabulous views over the ocean to be enjoyed the whole way along. As a city bursting with attractions, it’s an unavoidable fact that some of the things in your Sydney guidebook are bound to suck. Long queues, ridiculous prices and crowds of tourists are hardly going to make your trip to Sydney a memorable one – so ditch them all for these top-notch, local-approved sights and activities. If your number one priority in Sydney is sightseeing, we recommend booking a hotel in the Central Business District (CBD). That way, you’ll be within walking distance of Sydney’s major attractions with the best public transport connections to the rest of the city. Upstairs at Westfield, you’ll find a selection of restaurants, including Babylon, a sprawling Middle Eastern rooftop bar.
This architectural marvel offers a variety of guided tours that delve deep into its history and design. Available in multiple languages, these tours provide a comprehensive look at the collaboration between architects and artists that earned the Opera House its UNESCO World Heritage status. The Backstage Tour provides an insider perspective with a glimpse into rehearsal spaces and the orchestra pit.
50 Incredible Things To Do In Sydney
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6 min read
