Things to Do in Sydney

The lively suburb of Manly is one of Sydney’s most vibrant seaside areas and a popular destination for surfers from across the globe. Visit Manly Beach to enjoy the golden sand, catch world-class waves, and shop and eat along the lively Corso promenade, which is lined with cafes and restaurants.

If you’re on a large cruise ship stopping in Sydney, you might pass through the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Situated in the heart of Australia’s biggest city, the port aims to make it as convenient as possible to get off (and back on) the ship, and connects travelers to a plethora of sightseeing options.

One of Sydney’s top attractions, Darling Harbour boasts fine-dining restaurants, a shopping center, one of the largest IMAX cinema screens in the world, and two entertainment staples for families: SEA LIFE® Sydney and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Extend your visit into the evening to view the city lights reflected on the water.

What is now a popular destination for history buffs once served as a defense facility that kept watch over the bay. Fort Denison Island, located northeast of the Royal Botanic Gardens, was where some of the most gruesome acts against convicted felons took place.

Today, travelers can wander the grounds of this recently restored island and see the gibbet where criminals were hanged. Explore the fort built to protect the island from invaders and climb the historic Martello Tower, the only one of its kind in the country. The island is home to an informative museum, as well as a number of landmarks that illustrate its dark and violent past.

Please note: Fort Denison is currently closed for maintenance. The reopening is scheduled for late 2021.

Situated in the gorgeous Hunter Valley wine region of NSW, the Hunter Valley Gardens boast more than 60 acres of displays designed to showcase various vibrant colors and fragrances. There are 10 feature gardens, each individually planned and planted to create a stunning view and experience for visitors. The garden names lend themselves to the imagination: Sunken Garden, Storybook Garden, Rose Garden, Oriental Garden, The Lakes Walk, Italian Grotto, The Indian Mosaic, and the Formal, Chinese and Border gardens.

Each is superbly landscaped to represent its chosen theme, with water features and other attractions included to present the most immersive experience. Hunter Valley Gardens is such a large site that the area includes its own village, complete with shops, restaurants and cafes full of local delicacies. Aside from the lush greens, Aqua Golf, the Hunter Valley Train and more than five miles of walking tracks within the gardens keep even the fussiest visitors entertained.

The tall ships of Sydney Harbour offer a traditional way to see the iconic sights of the Harbour City. The ships, which are characterized by their billowing sails and wooden helms, let you escape the crowds on land and give you unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, and the Sydney Opera House.

A favorite of campers, hikers, and nature lovers, Ku-ring-gai Chase is Australia’s second-oldest national park. The lush rain forest landscape, quiet creeks, and mountain passes just might make you forget you’re still within Sydney city limits.

Set on the narrow southern head of famous Sydney Harbour, Watson's Bay is one of the city's most underrated attractions. Whether it's hiking the Hermitage Foreshore Track or bathing in the buff at Lady Bay Beach, this eastern suburb is about being outside and taking in the views of the harbor. That is, of course, unless you’re seated at a café enjoying some fish and chips, which locals suggest are some of the best you'll find in all of Sydney. History buffs can wander the bluffs to see guns, cannons and military installations that have guarded Sydney Harbor, while swimmers can head to Camp Cove Beach to splash in the protected waters.

The hiking trails here run all the way to down to Bondi and up to Hornby Lighthouse, which looks out toward the northern head and all of Sydney Harbour. The easiest way to visit Watson's Bay is by jumping on a ferry or hop-on, hop-off cruise and then either exploring on your own or as part of a guided walking tour.

Often nicknamed “Paddo” by locals, Paddington is a suburb of Sydney that features a nice mix of culture, history and shopping opportunities. Known for its colonial architecture and beautiful

balconied buildings, Paddo has long been a local favorite. And although the population of this district is quite meager, at just over 11,000 people, it packs a massive punch when it comes

to activity.

In general, one could divide Paddington into four even more distinct districts. Five Ways is a bit of a village within a village and home to some of the best foodie spots in the Sydney area. Paddington Markets, as the name points at, is a massive flea market that takes place at the Uniting Church grounds. William Street is the art designer's district in which some of Sydney's top up-and-coming designers have their shops, and all of it is tied into Oxford Street, which runs the entire length of Paddington and is lined with shops, boutiques, cafes and eateries.

Of course, there's more to Paddington than just the shops. The district is also home to the Sydney Cricket Grounds, Sydney Football Stadium, Victoria Barracks and a number of other worthy sights.

Easily the wildest place in Sydney, the Taronga Zoo Sydney is a sprawling sanctuary where over 4,000 animals crawl and chirp just minutes from the heart of downtown. Situated on Sydney Harbour a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, the sprawling sanctuary ranks as a top Sydney destination, with a range of tours, keeper talks, animal shows, and activities suitable for kids and adults. Visitors can see the fuzzy face of a native koala as it first wakes up from a nap, or stand a few feet from playful lemurs as they swing and play in the treetops. There are also opportunities to spot exotic species such as Malaysian sun bears, giraffes, and African lions, or marvel at a fearsome saltwater crocodile as it cruises through shallow waters.

As Sydney’s tallest structure, the Sydney Tower Eye is an integral part of the city’s skyline. At twice the height of Sydney Harbour Bridge, the 1,000-foot-high (309-meter) tower provides panoramic views that take in the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach; on a clear day, you can even see as far as the Blue Mountains.

The SEA LIFE® Sydney Aquarium encapsulates the diversity of Australia’s aquatic life. Wander exhibits that showcase everything from saltwater crocs and Southern Ocean penguins to turtles from the Great Barrier Reef and jellyfish. Plus, its prime Darling Harbour location lets you combine the aquarium with other family-friendly stops.

Woolloomooloo Wharf was built in 1915 and for the next 70-odd years handled the export of much of Australia’s wool, and served as a disembarking point for new migrants arriving to the country. It has since been converted into a fashionable complex, housing some of Sydney’s finest restaurants and most stylish residential flats.

Hailed as one of the finest examples of an English-style Gothic cathedral in the world, St. Mary’s Cathedral wows you with its sandstone exterior, stained glass windows, and ornate crypt, which features a mosaic floor and an exhibition on the first Australian Catholics. Plus, a visit to the cathedral affords great views of the skyscrapers in Sydney CBD.