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Home » Oceania » Australia » Sydney

36 BEST Places to Visit in Sydney (Must-See Highlights in 2024)

Ahh, beautiful Sydney: the one true capital city of Australia. That’s right, Melbourne – shots fired. Canberra? More like  Bland- berra!

Sydney is a gorgeous place to visit. It’s expensive, bustling, and the public transport can step on a lego, but it’s also clean and vibrant and sucks you in (every damn time). Sydney’s famous landmarks present beautiful colonial-era architecture merging with the urban neo-jungle of Australia’s economic centre. The city is ringed by bushland, interlaced by waterways, and somehow, even in a city of 6 million+, you always seem to find the same communities throughout.

HOWEVER, even though Sydney’s attractions are so deliciously pretty that I audibly sigh looking at the Harbour Bridge every time I return, it IS still a stinky bum. It’s a sprawling metropolis (with public transport of the stanky posterior variety) and unless you know where you’re going, you’ll likely end up falling into the tourist traps and missing out on what Sydney’s BEST places. ( Protip!  There are  much better beaches in Sydney than Bondi.)

Luckily, you have a legit insider guide! I’ve been fostering my love-hate relationship with this city for the better part of a decade now and I’m here to tell you that there are some EPIC places to visit in Sydney.

Think; flying through the air at Luna Park, exploring the lesser known Cockatoo Island, delving into Australian culture, wandering around the Royal Botanic Gardens and shopping till you drop at the Queen Victoria Building… Ok, enough spoilers!

Arts, fancy dining, low-key adventures, HIGH-key adventures, and vastly overlooked  poppin’ local music scene – lemme tell you where to go in Sydney.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Sydney, New South Wales:

These are the best places to visit in sydney, new south wales, faq on the best places to visit in sydney, new south wales.

Sydney CBD (Central Business District)

Centrally located and the easiest area to explore Sydney from. The Sydney CBD is an excellent choice for anyone looking to see the big sights and explore the city on foot.

• See the Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic 20th-century buildings in the world.
• Wander through the impressive (and free!) Royal Botanic Garden and its outstanding collection of plants from Australia and around the world.
• Enjoy one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, home to an impressive collection of Australian art.

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Wait just a second there! Before you dive into all the excitement, check out the best places to stay in Syndey and get your accommodation sorted near your favourite attractions. That way, you’ll be able to save on transportation costs and spend that money having a blast seeing all the amazing Sydney tourist attractions!

#1 – Bondi Beach – A must-visit beach in Sydney!

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• One of the most popular beaches in Australia for good reason.
• The perfect place to get some sun, surf or people watch.
• It has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that people rave about.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’re used to small beaches with pebbles then you’ll be stunned by Bondi Beach. Australia is an island after all, which means that the beaches stretch forever. Bondi Beach is one of the most popular places in Sydney because it has reliable waves, miles of white sand, and is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. So if you love beaches or just want to soak in the beach culture, Bondi Beach is the destination for you. There are heaps of affordable hostels nearby so you’ll meet other backpackers too.

What to do there : Bondi Beach can get crowded, so get there early and stake out your spot, ideally not on Sydney’s busy weekends . And remember that the waters around Australia are rougher and more unpredictable than you’ll find at other beach locations. Listen to the lifeguards, obey the warning signs, and stay close to the shore if you aren’t a strong swimmer. Otherwise, just enjoy the sun and sand and grab a VB when it gets hot – it’s an Australian tradition!

If you want the ultimate Aussie experience then you can also take a surfing lesson on Bondi Beach too! With a low instructor-to-student ratio, you’ll be a pro in no time. You don’t even have to know how to swim in this beginner-friendly class!

Insider tip: Contrary to popular belief, Australia does have a winter and though it’s nothing like the European winter, it will probably be too cold to swim without a wetsuit. On the other hand, Bondi is a lot quieter at this time of year!

#2 – The Sydney Cricket Ground – If you’re into that sort of thing.

• Not just for cricket lovers, this is the place for lovers of all types of sports!
• Australians love their sports, so put on a hat and some sunscreen and join in.

Why it’s so awesome : The Sydney Cricket Grounds are one of the most famous sporting arenas in the country and were first built in the mid-1800s. And even if it isn’t cricket season, the venue also hosts a range of other sports like Rugby and AFL. So if you’re curious about Australian football, which is different from anywhere else in the world, then you can learn more about it at this location.

What to do there: Just be a part of the action! Australians take their sport very seriously and yet there’s an air of comradery during the games that always makes them friendly and convivial. So find out what’s on while you’re in the city and be a part of the action.

No games on? Take a stadium tour instead and see what the SCG is like behind the scenes.

#3 – Bondi Iceberg Pool – A nice place to go in Sydney for a more gentle swim.

• A famous pool where you can get an  iconic photograph of the city .
• The perfect place to sunbathe.

Why it’s so awesome : The Bondi Iceberg pool is the most photographed ocean pool in Australia. It’s a 50-meter saltwater pool that’s a popular spot for sunbathers and swimmers set right next to the crashing ocean. So if you want to enjoy the beach but you’re a little wary of the unpredictable waters, this is a good compromise.

What to do there : These baths have been one of Bondi’s most popular landmarks for 100 years and are home to one of Bondi’s most popular swimming clubs. But you don’t have to be a member to use the facilities: you can pay a small fee for entry and have access to the pool, gym, and sauna. They also run yoga classes by the ocean in the summer months, so take advantage of the sun and the warmth to get a little fitter while you’re on holiday!

#4 – Sydney Harbour Bridge – Potentially the most famous place to visit in Sydney.

• One of the most iconic sites in the city.
• A great place to take photographs.
• You’ll not only get to see the bridge up close but the entire bay as well.
• Easy to reach from Sydney CBD

Why it’s so awesome : Sydney Harbour Bridge is a famous coathanger that’s shown on almost every postcard and image of Australia and every backpacking Sydney travel guide . It has a stunning view across the bay, particularly at dawn and dust, and you can take in the whole experience while climbing to the top of this iconic landmark. If you’re sightseeing Sydney’s most famous places, well, Bob’s your uncle!

What to do there : You can actually climb this bridge and it’s well worth doing because you’ll get to see the whole of Sydney Harbour as it was meant to be seen. There are different climbs of varying difficulty, but the express climb is the most popular. It’s shorter and takes you up the inside arc, which feels a little more stable.

Make sure you pack your sunscreen and hat for the climb, the sun can be punishing, and once you’re up there, take plenty of pictures. If you really want to see something spectacular, try to get on a climb at dusk or dawn. Watching the sunrise or setting over the water is an experience that no one should miss.

If you really feel like stepping your trip up a notch, you can charter a yacht to take you and your friends around Sydney Harbour in style. Split between six to eight people and it doesn’t have to break the bank either.

Insider Tip: Head up to the Pylon Lookout (one of the legs) for epic views of the harbour at a really reasonable price.

With a Sydney City Pass , you can experience the best of Sydney at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

#5 – Sydney Opera House – The other stupidly famous landmark in Sydney to see.

• The most recognisable building in Sydney.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• If you’re looking to take that iconic picture of Sydney, you’ll get it at the Opera House.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’ve ever seen pictures of Australia then chances are that you’ve seen pictures of the iconic Sydney Opera House. The unique shape of the building, like sails against the water, is instantly recognisable. The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are numerous places around it where you can have your photo taken with the building in the background.

What to do there : If you want to learn more about this iconic building, then take one of the walking tours . Or better yet, book tickets for a show! It’s the bloody Opera House, mate! Obviously, you’re also gonna want to take a selfie with what is probably the most recognisable of all the tourist attractions in Sydney!

#6 – Dharawal National Park – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Sydney.

• Stunning natural scenery.
• Entrance to the park was once restricted but you can now take guided tours.
• An indigenous guide will lead you through the landscape and share local knowledge.

Why it’s so awesome : Australia’s natural landscape is like nowhere else on earth and thankfully there’s some not too far from the Sydney CBD! It’s home to plants and animals that aren’t found anywhere else and is a strikingly stark, harsh, and unforgiving wilderness. A good way to experience this is by touring the Dharawal National Park, which only recently opened to visitors. It will allow you to see and experience a side of Australia that you just won’t get in a city of cement and glass.

What to do there : Guided tours are held every second Saturday of the month, so make sure you’re there at the right time. The tours are led by an Aboriginal Ranger who will share stories of the Dreamtime and local knowledge about the animals and plants around you. Also, if you get the chance, make sure that you stop for a picnic at Minerva Pool, which is a sacred women’s place for the area’s tribe. Just remember that only women and children may enter the pool, men aren’t allowed.

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#7 – White Rabbit – A must-see gallery in Sydney.

• A state of the art four-floor gallery exhibiting contemporary Chinese art.
• Changing exhibitions through the year.
• Free entry.

Why it’s so awesome : The White Rabbit might seem like just another gallery, but the name should give you a clue. This gallery is known for its bold and confronting exhibitions , so expect to be surprised. Also, make sure that you find out about the current exhibitions before you take children there because a lot of the exhibitions have very adult themes. It’s also right in the heart of the Sydney CBD so it’s easy to reach.

What to do there : If you want to see another side of Australia then you need to experience all the influences that made it what it is today. Australia may be closely tied to England, but it’s technically within Asia and is strongly influenced by the culture, art, and food of this region. So explore this side of Australia through the White Rabbit artwork. Afterwards, have a plate of dumplings at their in-house tea room to complete the experience.

#8 – The Imperial Hotel

• A safe space for the LGBTQ community.
• Loud music with singers like Cher, Whitney and Madonna at the forefront.

Why it’s so awesome: The Imperial Hotel has been a safe place for the LGBTQ community since the 80s and it’s a place that celebrates this culture in every way possible. You can expect loud music, costumes and an intentionally daggy disco along with regular parties hosted by some of Sydney’s best including Heaps Gap, Girlthing and Honcho Disko. This is one of the top places to visit in Sydney to just get loose for a night!

What to do there : This is a place to celebrate all the differences that keep people apart and bring them together in a loud and colourful style. Every night of the week you’ll enjoy a good meal while you watch Sydney’s best drag kings and queens strut their stuff. So prepare for a rib-achingly good time and just enjoy the spectacle!

#9 – Carriageworks – Quite the quirky place to go in Sydney!

• Even if the art within wasn’t amazing, you’d want to visit this site for the space alone.
• Some of Sydney’s best art, dance and plays are held here.
• The bathrooms are awesome. No, seriously.

Why it’s so awesome: Carriageworks is held within the Eveleigh Rail Yards, which were built in the 1880s, so the space is huge, cavernous, and incredible. And as if that wasn’t enough, they hold all types of theatre, dance, and art in this space, from experimental theatre to cultural festivals and art installations. Basically, this is a quirky and always exciting place to spend some time!

What to do there : Basically, just show up. Find out what events are on while you’re in the city and go and see them regardless of whether you’ve heard of them before. This theatre loves to shock and surprise, so be prepared to see something amazing. And while you’re there, visit the bathroom even if you don’t need to go, because they’re worth the trip on their own.

#10 – Wendy’s Secret Garden – One of the more unique places to visit in Sydney!

• A remarkable homage to a life.
• A place to escape the busy city and enjoy nature.
• Make sure you get a picture of Sydney Harbour surrounded by native plants!

Why it’s so awesome : Before 1992, this area was overgrown and filled with rubbish. It’s part private and part public land at the food of the artist Brett Whiteley. When he died in 1992, his wife transformed in, channelling her grief into making something beautiful. It’s now an enchanted garden where locals can enjoy nature away from the crowds.

What to do there : This is a quiet area and not appropriate for sports or lots of noise. Instead, it’s a place to sit and eat a picnic in a private oasis so get your snacks together and do just that. Enjoy the view of Sydney Harbour from a unique angle. And take a picture of it that includes the trees and shrubs that are part of this peaceful place away from Sydney’s craziness.

#11 – Inner West – One of the most underrated areas in Sydney.

• The centre of street art in Sydney.
• You’ll see works by famous local artists such as Lister, Skulk, and Numbskull.
• You’ll have lots of chances to take some amazing photos.

Why it’s so awesome : Street art is alive and well in the Inner West of Sydney, particularly in Newtown and Enmore suburbs! There are a lot of famous street artists in Sydney and their work can be found everywhere. Whether it’s the dancing ballerinas on the Hub building or the displays aimed at raising awareness about the dying coral reefs, these images are well worth exploring and you’ll find lots of examples of this art form.

What to do there : Wander around this cool place and soak in the vibe and the art. It’s a very friendly and vibrant area in Sydney with buskers , art, and things to see around every corner. If you’re backpacking in Sydney, you’ll definitely want to visit Newtown because it’s a hub for inner-city hippies, students, and the endearing alt weirdos.

#12 – Royal National Park – An unmissable must-visit place in Sydney and Australia.

• 26 kilometres of stunning national park.
• There are coastline walks, beaches and incredible rock formations here.
• Take the chance to get out of the city and see a glimpse of Australia’s natural landscape.

Why it’s so awesome : Australia’s natural landscape is unique, hard, and forbidding and it’s often a surprise to people who are used to softer lands. But it’s also one of the most interesting things to see when you’re visiting the country. The Royal National Park gives you the chance to experience this alien landscape close up and in enough variety that you’ll start to get a sense of just how different this crazy island really is.

What to do there: This park is the perfect place to swim at secluded beaches, picnic near natural rock pools, bike ride the twisting trails or just hike through the area and take photos. Basically, whatever you like to do outdoors you can probably do it in this park. And between May and November, remember to keep your eyes on the sea during your visit. This is the whale watching season and the Royal National Park is one of the best places in Sydney to see these majestic creatures as they pass by close to the shore.

Not sure how to get there, no worries! Take an organised tour from the city!

#13 – Museum of Contemporary Art – Another touch of cultural sightseeing in Sydney, New South Wales.

• The best place for cutting edge art in the city.
• Often hosts contemporary art  exhibitions by big names like Yoko Ono and Grayson Perry.

Why it’s so awesome : The harbourside Museum Of Contemporary Art is important on a local and an international scale and as such usually plays host to the best exhibitions in the city. It also has an amazing rooftop café so after you’re done looking at the art you can relax and get a superb view of the bay.

What to do there : Before you go, check out what exhibitions they have on during your stay and spend some time exploring the artwork. You’ll see incredible pieces of contemporary art done by huge international artists, photographers and sculptures. Afterwards, go upstairs for a coffee and a snack overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and Circular Quay.

#14 – Cockatoo Island – A super cool and often overlooked Sydney point of interest.

• A historical gem just outside the city.
• Cockatoo Island is largest island in Sydney’s Bay.

Why it’s so awesome : This is a small island with a lot of history. It’s been a film set, a shipping harbour, a house for convicts in the 1800s, and it was originally an Aboriginal fishing spot. Now it’s held by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and there are a number of different tours run on the island. It’s also probably one of the lesser-known Sydney tourist attractions.

What to do there : Cockatoo Island has a varied history and the tours that are run there are designed to let you see glimpses of that history. If you want to stay longer or just spend the night in a quiet area away from the city, there are campsites, glamping packages and Airbnbs where you can stay and soak in the island at night.

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#15 – Hermitage Foreshore Walk – A nice and chill walk.

• A short walk where you’ll get the absolute best views of the harbour.
• Get fit while you take photographs!

Why it’s so awesome : The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is only 1.8 kilometres and along the way, you’ll get views of Shark Island, the Opera, and the Harbour Bridge. You’ll also get the chance to see Strickland house, a heritage-listed mansion built in the 1850s.

What to do there: Put on your walking shoes, take your camera, and complete the walk. Just a little tip: it’s probably better to do it early in the morning or late in the evening so you can avoid the hot midday sun. Make sure you take your swimmers along with you too because there are a number of lovely beaches along this path, so if it gets too hot then you want to be able to duck into the water to cool off.

#16 – Enmore Theater – An absolute hub of activity in Sydney – and the Inner West’s – nightlife scene.

• An art Deco landmark.
• Home to some of the best and most innovative shows in the city.
• You can see everything from rock bands to comedians at the Enmore Theatre.

Why it’s so awesome : The Enmore Theater is a landmark building that can hold 1,600 people and it welcomes all different types of music. You’re just as likely to see some of the biggest names in the business in this theatre as you are to see a classical composition, and the combination of genres is what makes this place amazing!

What to do there : Check out what’s on while you’re in the city and reserve your seat. There are also a lot of fabulous restaurants in the area, so after the show make sure you wander around and try something that smells amazing.

#17 – Centennial Parklands – One of Sydney’s many awesome parks.

• Great walking and cycling trails.
• There are also riding schools in the area so you can hire a horse and see the park on horseback!

Why it’s so awesome: Horseback riding has always been a part of Centennial Park, which is why it has a 3.6km horse trail that loops around the park. There are more than 200 stables on site that are open 365 days a year, so you won’t have any trouble at all finding a horse that suits your riding ability!

What to do there : If you aren’t a professional rider, then you can take a one-hour circuit of the park with an instructor. They’ll help you find the right path and make sure that you’re safe and secure on horseback. While you’re in the park, you should also take advantage of the other facilities. Go cycling or walk the path if you’re feeling energetic. And if you’re not then just take a picnic and enjoy the views.

#18 – The Royal Botanic Gardens – One of the most beautiful places in Sydney to visit.

• A lovely natural space where you can enjoy the Australian bushland.
• Australia’s oldest botanic garden
• The perfect place to get away from the rush of the city.

Why it’s so awesome : The Royal Botanic Gardens are a great way to learn more about the Australian bushland. So much of Australia is still wild and unpopulated and this place will show you a glimpse of what those long stretches of land look like. At the Royal Botanic Gardens, you’ll also get the chance to learn more about the indigenous culture and how they survived in such a harsh and unforgiving landscape.

What to do there : Taking a tour through the gardens is definitely worth the time and effort, particularly because you’ll get to try traditional bush tucker and learn about the indigenous history of the land. You’ll taste Davidson plums, see stingless bees, and learn about the deep connection between plants and animals. For example, did you know that the whale migration season lines up exactly with the blooming of wattles, an instantly recognizable and very famous Australian flower?

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#19 – Strand Arcade – A great place for shopping in Sydney, New South Wales!

• One of the best places to pick up some Australian brands.
• A beautiful thoroughfare.

Why it’s so awesome : This thoroughfare opened in 1892 and was the absolute latest in shopping centre architecture. Obviously, the world has moved on since then, but this is still a lovely place to explore Australian brands and goods and maybe take something unique!

What to do there : Shop! This is the perfect place to explore Australian brands like Jac+Jack, jewellery from Dinosaur Designs, and natural beauty products at Aesop. There’s also a shop called Strand Hatters where you can buy an Akubra or Panama to keep the hot sun from baking you!

#20 – The Sydney Tower Eye – Best place to visit in Sydney for a scenic view.

• The Sydney Tower is the tallest building in the city.
• You’ll get the best views of the city on the observation decks of the Sydney Tower.
• Get some bargains in the busy shopping mall at the base of the Sydney Tower.

Why it’s so awesome : There’s nothing better than getting a great view of an ocean side city and the Sydney Tower Eye will give you the best view possible. It’s 309 meters high, it’s is the tallest building in the city and an iconic feature of the Sydney skyline. But you don’t have to just sit on the observation deck and look. There is also revolving restaurants at the top of the Sydney Tower and a café where you can enjoy a bite and take in the stunning views.

What to do there: Take the express elevator to the observation deck at the top of the Sydney Tower or to the Skywalk, a glass floor viewing platform. Just make sure that you have a strong stomach if you take the latter option! The views are stunning, and you can have a meal at the restaurant or café or watch a 4D movie about the city’s most popular sites.

Lines can get pretty long as it’s one of the most popular Sydney attractions, so pre-book a ticket here and skip the hassle!

#21 – The Rocks – One of Sydney’s coolest historical sites!

• Once home to the Gadigal aboriginal people, this was the country’s first European settlement.
• There are more than 100 heritage sites and buildings in this location.
• The area includes Sydney’s oldest surviving house, Cadman’s Cottage.

Why it’s so awesome: The Rocks was named after the rocky coast on the west side of Sydney Cove, where convicts once pitched their tents. This was the site of the first European settlement and is now a heritage site, where old buildings jostle for a place in the crowded streets. There’s also a museum where you can learn more about this famous Sydney site as well as souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and markets. Basically, you could spend a whole day in this area just taking in the sites and the experiences.

What to do there : While you’re at the Rocks, make sure you visit the Rocks Discovery Museum to learn more about its transformation from traditional lands to convict slums to the tourist centre of the city. You can also take a guided tour of the area. Try the Aboriginal Heritage Walk to learn more about Australia’s first people. This area is one of the most historic of all the tourist attractions in Sydney.

Take a walking tour of the Rocks to learn more about the area.

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#22 – Darling Harbour – There’s always something happening in Darling Harbour.

• The city’s tourist hub.
• Packed with every type of restaurant and entertainment option you could ever want.

Why it’s so awesome : Darling Harbour itself is beautiful. Set against the deep blue ocean it’s the ideal place to spend a day just wandering around and enjoying the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Sydney. To make it even better, this is the tourist hub of the city which is why it’s packed with museums, cafes, restaurants, exhibitions, and entertainment venues. No matter what you’re interested in doing, you’re bound to find something that will interest you in this area.

What to do there : Make sure you eat. Australia has some of the best seafood in the world and because Sydney is so close to the water, the seafood is amazing. Once you’re done with the food, just follow your interests. The Powerhouse Museum is particularly popular but you may also be interested in the Australian National Maritime Museum too. You can also take a harbour jet boat ride, a racing car adventure, or spend some time in a flight simulator if you’re looking for something that gets your adrenalin pumping! It’s one of the most diverse tourist attractions in Sydney for sure.

#23 – The Queen Victoria Building – A great place to see in Sydney if you love architecture.

• A building with stunning architecture created in the Romanesque style.
• Inside is an underground arcade with great shopping.

Why it’s so awesome : If you enjoy older styles of architecture then you’ll love the Queen Victoria Building. It was originally built in 1893 and is topped by a central dome surrounded by 20 smaller ones. For a long time, it was left to ruin, but in the 1980s the building was returned to its original splendour so you can enjoy it today. It’s got to be one of the most beautiful Sydney attractions.

What to do there : This is primarily a shopping area, with more than 200 high-end shops in light-filled galleries inside of the building. Even if you don’t like to shop, the stained glass windows and mosaic floors are absolutely stunning and well worth making the trip to see. And if you want to get the full experience, make sure you check out the Tea Room QVB, which hosts a high tea under the crystal chandeliers that dot the inside of the Queen Victoria Building.

Also, the statue outside of Victoria’s dog talks sometimes. It’s really weird.

#24 – Chinatown – A must-visit for foodies!

• If you like Asian food of all descriptions, you’ll find an amazing variety in this area!
• There are also shops that sell goods that are popular in Asia as well as souvenirs.
• During the Chinese festivals the whole area turns into a giant celebration!

Why it’s so awesome : If you enjoy Chinese food, you can find all of it and more in Sydney’s Chinatown. Located in the Sydney suburb of Haymarket, this is a vibrant and bustling area that showcases just how influential Asia has been to Australian culture! The best part is, it’s cheap! (In the underground food court.)

What to do there : Try the food. There are a number of amazing eateries in the area. But if you get confused at all the variety, there are food tours you can take which will help you find options that you will love. If you’re in the area at night, make sure you stick around for the night market where you’ll be sure to snap up a bargain!

#25 – Blue Mountains – An awesome day trip from Sydney and a must-see.

• Amazing scenery not too far from the centre of the city.
• If you want to see some of the most dramatic views in the country, then you’ll find them in the Blue Mountains.

Why it’s so awesome : Just outside of Sydney and to the west are the Blue Mountains, an area of rugged, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, quaint towns, and eucalyptus forests. This is where people come to have an outdoor adventure, and maybe even see a spider or snake or two! So if you want to learn what Australia looks like outside of the urban jungle you can see in any city, you need to get to the Blue Mountains.

What to do there : Outdoor activities in this area are extremely popular so you can do everything from hiking to camping and walking trails. The Blue Mountains is also a world-famous climbing destination. If you have the time, make sure you visit Katoomba, a very popular town which is close to the famous Three Sisters site. It’s a completely different vibe to Sydney well-worth the visit.

Take an organised Blue Mountains Tour from the city to be sure you see all the highlights.

#26 – Hyde Park – Another of Sydney’s gorgeous parks.

• The park where the locals go to relax.
• A prime people-watching spot.
• The park contains a number of historical monuments that commemorate Australia’s history.

Why it’s so awesome : Most of the parks in the city are for the tourists, but this is one for the locals. Set right in the middle of the CBD, Hyde park includes lots of lawns, fountains, picnic spots, and flowers; it’s where people working in the offices around the park come to relax, have lunch, and get away from their cubicles. There’s more to this park than lawns, however. It also contains monuments that are interesting and sometimes sobering reminders of the darkest parts of Australian history .

What to do there: When you first get to Hyde Park, make sure you wander around for a while. There are quite a few historical monuments in this park that will teach you more about the city and its past. For example, the Archibald Fountain, built-in 1932, commemorates Australia’s alliance with France in WWI. In the south of the park, there’s the Anzac War Memorial from 1934. It’s one of the best Sydney attractions if you need to take a little time out from the busy streets!

#27 – King’s Cross – Sydney’s deliciously seedy nightlife lives on

• Sydney’s red-light district.
• It can be a little seedy at night, but during the day it’s a popular area for backpackers, shopping, and cafes.
• This area has an intriguing, bohemian past.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’re interested in seeing Sydney at night then King’s Cross is where to do it (although, this is one of Sydney’s more dangerous areas so be sure to take necessary precautions and stay safe while exploring ). This area was an artistic quarter until the 50s when it changed into an area for beatniks and hippies. After that, it started to have problems with crime and other issues because of the influx of sailors on leave who came into the harbour looking for a good time.

What to do there: During the day, this is a trendy area with cafes and boutiques everywhere. People come here to shop, to try the best restaurants in the city, and the area also contains a large number of hostels. At night, the darker side of this area comes out, and it becomes filled with adult clubs. If you do want to explore this area, make sure you stay in a group and don’t drink too much for your own safety.

#28 – Camp Cove – Away from Sydney’s tourist spots.

• Enjoy the beach without the crowds.
• One of the lesser known tourist attractions in Sydney
• A gorgeous sandy beach where families and topless sunbathers like to spend their time.

Why it’s so awesome: Bondi is exciting, but the crowds and the competitive vibe of the beach can get to be a bit much sometimes. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter – somewhere the locals go – try Camp Cove. It’s a small swimming area just north of Watson’s Bay, and it’s the perfect place for you to have some lazy beach time.

What to do there : This is the type of beach where you just need to sit back and relax. It’s too small for most water sports, and there are too many children around to make it safe anyway, so forget about getting your adrenalin pumping. Instead, pack a good book, a towel, and some sunscreen and soak up the sun and the relaxed vibe. If you’re looking for off the beaten track Sydney attractions, this is heaps good mate!

#29 – Art Gallery of New South Wales – A perfect place to visit in Sydney if you are on a budget!

• If you’re interested in Aboriginal art, you’ll find a permanent exhibit of it in this gallery.
• It’s the perfect place to take kids because it has a range of activities designed for them.
• And it’s free!

Why it’s so awesome: Sydney can be an expensive place to visit which is why you’ll probably need outings that will take up a bit of time without taking up all of your money. The Art Gallery of NSW is the perfect place for that. The architecture of the building is neoclassical Greek and stunning and the gallery plays host to a lot of international exhibitions. It also has permanent displays of Australian art, including Aboriginal art. It’s great for those looking for some more cultured Sydney attractions!

What to do there: There’s always something going on at this museum from tours to lectures, concerts, screenings and movies, so check the schedule before you go to see what’s on. The guided tours are free and they’re in various languages, so if you struggle with English then inquire at the desk about tours in your native language.

#30 – Luna Park – Awesome place to visit in Sydney with kids!

• Kids will love Luna Park!
• Forget about your waistline and indulge in traditional theme park food.

Why it’s so awesome : Luna Park is perfect if you’re in the mood for some old-fashioned fun. Entrance into this park is free, but you will have to pay a fee to go on the rides. From the moment you enter through the chip-toothed clown face at the front gates, you’ll feel like you’re back in the 1930s. And indeed, a lot of the features in Luna Park date back to this time, making it feel delightfully retro in the best way possible.

What to do there : Enjoy the rides of course. Make sure you explore the older parts of the park such as the Coney Island funhouse, carousel, and rollercoaster. If you’re planning to go on lots of rides, go online beforehand to buy a multi-ride pass, as they’re usually the cheapest way to enjoy Luna Park’s best attractions.

#31 – Shelly Beach – A really chill place to relax in Sydney

• A protected marine park with the best snorkelling close to the shore.
• The beach itself is beautiful, with clean white sand and dark blue water.
• If you want to get a photograph of an amazing beach scene, you’ll probably get it at Shelly beach.

Why it’s so awesome : Located in the suburb of Manly, this beach is part of a protected marine reserve and has a maximum depth of around 12 meters. That makes it the perfect place for snorkelling and scuba diving because the huge variety of marine life can be viewed at a relatively shallow depth. Forget Bondi, this is one of the best tourist attractions in Sydney if you’re looking to hit the beach!

What to do there : Make sure you go snorkelling or scuba diving while you’re at this beach. Australian waters have some of the most beautiful and unusual marine creatures in the world, so you shouldn’t miss the chance to see them up close. If you get tired of the water, take a walk around the bush track. It curls around the headland and offers spectacular views of Northern head and other beaches. There are plenty of amenities at this site including bathrooms, shower, and kiosks where you can enjoy some snacks.

Combine a visit to Shelly Beach with the nearby Manly Beach on a Snorkeling Tour .

#32 – Paddington Markets – Some semi-BoHo market shopping in Sydney!

• The best place for bargain hunters!
• A relaxed, casual area that includes lots of restaurants and eateries.

Why it’s so awesome : The Paddington Markets first opened in the 1970s and were a dedicated hippie haunt, but they’ve become considerably more mainstream since then. They’re also the best place to pick up new or vintage clothing, jewellery, and crafts, so bring your wallet and come looking for a bargain.

What to do there : These markets are incredibly popular amongst tourists and locals alike so expect a crowd when you get there. But that’s all part of the fun too because the whole point of markets is to thread through the crowds, looking for that bargain item that was made just for you!

#33 – The Powerhouse Museum – For some really cool things to see in Sydney

• Great for kids and anyone interested in science.
• Contains a range of exhibits from Star Wars displays to Asian art collections.

Why it’s so awesome : The Powerhouse Museum is otherwise known as the Museum of Applied Arts and Science and this is why it includes such a wide range of exhibits. Whether you’re interested in art history, contemporary movies, or quirky historical displays, you’ll find it all at this location.

What to do there : Before you go, make sure you check out the website to see what displays they have on during your visit. And take the kids with you, because children under 16 are free and the museum has a lot of exhibits and displays that are designed to keep your family occupied for hours. Check out the space and EcoLogic exhibits if you really want to have your mind blown by how quickly science is moving forward in the modern world.

#34 – The Sydney Fish Market – A great place to visit in Sydney for… fish.

• If you love seafood, this is where you should spend some time.
• The freshest food at the best prices in the city.

Why it’s so awesome : Sydney is a beach city which is why it has so much amazing seafood. And if you love to eat seafood, then the best place to go is at the Sydney Fish Market. At this location, you’ll find everything from the freshest lobster you’ve ever tasted to fish straight off the boat.

What to do there: You’ll be spoiled for choice at this location when it comes to seafood and it isn’t all raw either. You can buy trays of cooked prawns and oysters to take to the beach and park for a picnic or take a behind-the-scenes tour. And the location supports and promotes sustainable fishing, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the planet while you’re eating your fish.

#35 – The Fortune of War – A classically Australian place to eat in Sydney.

• The oldest pub in Sydney.
• The perfect place for some bevvies with da boiz.

Why it’s so awesome : This pub was established in 1828 by Samuel Terry, a convict who was sent to Australia for stealing 400 pairs of stockings. The bar has managed to hold onto its history and has retained all its cosy charm while still managing to build a great reputation for food and service amongst tourists and locals alike.

What to do there : Have a ‘schooner’ (i.e. regular beer in Australia) and enjoy the ambience. The bar also services typical but good bar food like burgers and steak and there’s a kid’s menu if you’re there with the family. Basically, it’s a nice, local place to have a good meal and a drink in a friendly atmosphere.

#36 – The Opera Bar – Cool place to see in Sydney with friends!

• You’ll find some of the best views of the city at this bar.
• Enjoy fresh seafood and champagne in the open air.

Why it’s so awesome: This bar is sometimes described as the best beer garden in the world and there’s a good reason for that. It serves beer, champagne, and delicious food and often has live entertainment as well. But the best part is the views. The bar is right next to the Sydney Opera House, so you’ll get to enjoy that iconic building while you sip your drinks.

What to do there : Take a few friends with you and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a drink and a meal. There’s a private bar indoors for groups but the main attraction is the Harbour Bar, which is outside and surrounded by spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the bay. It’s the perfect place to relax with some friends, enjoy the warm sun, and have a few drinks on a lazy afternoon!

Get insured for your trip to Sydney!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Sydney

Where do tourists go in Sydney?

These are the overall best and most popular places to visit in Sydney: – Bondi Beach – Sydney Opera House – Sydney Harbour Bridge

Which places in Sydney are great to visit for families?

Families will absolutely love these places to visit in Sydney: – Bondi Beach – Camp Cove – Luna Park

Which are the coolest places to visit in Sydney?

Check out these really cool places to visit in Sydney: – Bondi Iceberg Pool – Dharawal National Park – Carriageworks

Which places in Sydney are great to visit when it’s raining?

For some indoor fun, check out these epic places in Sydney: – White Rabbit – The Imperial Hotel – Enmore Theater

Sydney is a busy, modern, and friendly city and people spend time there about the food, beach, and the sun. In fact, beaches in Australia are amongst the best in the world, so if you enjoy the water and the sun then Sydney is a must-visit.

But there’s more to this city than blue water, piercing sun, and white sand. Sydney is surrounded by gorgeous and rugged natural attractions in all directions (don’t miss the Blues and the Royal). There are tonnes of underrated areas in Sydney that tourists don’t give enough time to (Newtown). And we didn’t even cover the rough yet quintessentially Australian Western Sydney areas (yay – bogans)! Coming up with a Sydney itinerary is going to make your stay a lot better too.

With our list, you’ll have the best chances of finding the top places to visit in Sydney so that you have the trip of a lifetime when you’re backpacking Australia .

So, where to next? How about checking out where to stay in the Blue Mountains , it’s a great place to escape the city.

Alexandria Zboyovski

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A first timer’s guide to Sydney, Australia 

From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the historic pagodas of Bronte, here's our list of what to see and do on your first visit to the Emerald City.

Barbecues flaming at dusk, music festivals, beautiful beaches, one of the world’s largest natural harbours — Sydney is a city that’s uniquely beautiful. From the Opera House to Carriage works — an old railway yard transformed into cultural and concert halls — the city's icons of architecture and design give it a plethora of shapes and spaces which define it. Then there’s its thriving food scene with a long list of new bars and restaurants, including Honey , a new spot supplying diners with the sounds and flavours of Korea. Or try sunrise yoga at the North Sydney Olympic Pool, due to open in August following a restoration, to experience Sydney's strong focus on fitness and wellness. Here, we round up all the things you should do and see on your first visit to one of Australia’s most exciting metropolises.  

1. Enjoy the open air

Sydney just might be the most open-air city in the world — and with such an enviable climate, life is centred around being outside. Do as the locals do and head out on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk — stopping for a swim in the calm waters of Gordon’s Bay, or sign up for surf lessons at the world-famous Bondi Beach. Hyde Park is a great spot for cyclists, or Goods Line — a 800m long linear park — is ideal for joggers. Be sure to round off a morning of fresh air with an Aussie brunch of avocado and sourdough toast on the terrace at PCP at Paramount House, one of the city’s coolest new hotels.

2. Visit the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

The twin icons of the city are the stars of the one of the world’s most mesmerising harbours. Each sunrise and sunset, the rising and falling sun casts shadows over these marvels of engineering that seem to sit so perfectly within the natural wonder of the waters. The Bridge is popular with climbers who lap up the views, but even from down below, the arching steel structure manages to impress. The Opera House is an instant symbol of the city — its sailboat design by Jørn Utzon epitomised the modern, confident Australia that emerged in the 20th century. There are plenty of concerts and events taking place in 2023 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening.

3. Admire the designs of New Sydney

Sydneysiders have embraced the best of modern design, and these interesting aesthetics play out at the likes of the new Ace Hotel, uncompromisingly hipster and worth ducking into for a drink and a rota of small plates. Barangaroo is an entirely new city district in the old container port terminal. Here, expect to see skyscrapers and restaurants and a brand-new city park, Barangaroo Reserve, a nod to the area’s indigenous roots with sculptures and gardens designed for meditation.

4. Discover the art scene

Sydney’s festival scene offers world-class live performances, with small galleries such as White Rabbit — home to an impressive collection of contemporary Chinese art — have made international ripples. Then there’s the Sydney Modern, a huge addition to the Art Gallery of New Wales by architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. This landmark building tumbles down towards the Harbour and is predicted to be the ground zero of modern art in Sydney in the coming years. Upcoming exhibitions include Louise Bourgeois and Vasily Kandinsk.  

5. Tuck into Asian street food

Sydney has a diverse population hailing from Thailand, China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan — meaning it dishes up some of the tastiest Asian food around. Chinatown has dozens of places to grab delicious dim sum or hand-pulled noodles. Spice Alley is a hipster enclave in Chippendale, where street food eateries serving everything from nasi goreng to sushi are grouped in a historic laneway, perfect for a low-key dinner before a night out on the tiles in the bars of nearby Surry Hills.

6. Get to know Bronte

Two kilometres south of Bondi is Bronte. Its park has a miniature train and handsome historic pagodas and barbecues, while the beach offers challenging surf breaks but also a sheltered rocky area where you can safely swim. The piece de resistance is the world-famous rock pool which aficionados know is both more fun and more picturesque than the better-known Bondi Icebergs. Look for the posters and plaques telling the fascinating stories of pioneering female swimmers Evelyn Whillier, Mina Wylie and Fanny Durack who trained here.

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• CITY GUIDES
• PEOPLE AND CULTURE
• ARCHITECTURE

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A Flexible Itinerary for 3 Days in Sydney [2024]

How much can you fit into 3 days in Sydney? Plan your itinerary carefully, and you can cover quite a bit of ground. Today we will help you out with a perfect itinerary for a first-time visit to Sydney. 

Sydney is a big city with more attractions and famous landmarks than you can comfortably fit into a 3-day itinerary or a long weekend, so the first thing you need to do is accept you won’t see it all and hone in on things that interest you most.

If you are on a longer Australia trip you might even decide you want to stretch to five days so you can add a day trip to the Blue Mountains . Along with a basic itinerary, we have added ideas for those who want to splurge on a once in a lifetime or bucket list trip, so let’s get planning! 

Watching your pennies?  Check out our Budget itinerary for 3 days in Sydney .

Before you leave home

How to spend 3 days in sydney on a first-time visit, day 1. exploring sydney harbour and circular quay, day 2. spend a day visiting sydney’s famous beaches, day 3. meet the locals – wildlife and sydneysiders, alternatives day trip ideas.

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here .

What makes us qualified to give this advice? We are Sydneysiders who have spent more than two decades working with visitors. This experience has given us a good insight into what most visitors enjoy and allowed us to fine-tune these ideas into three action-packed days. 

Our goal with this itinerary is to give you general ideas that suit most visits. We have specific articles if you are travelling with kids or teens or visiting Sydney for a honeymoon or special occasion. We have also published plenty of special interests guides on street art and bushwalking .

Before we begin, let’s go over some basics, like where to stay and how to get around. If you already have these covered, scroll down to the itineraries and dig right in!

Oh and you might want to check out 6 things you should do after you have booked your trip .

Deciding where to stay

When I visit new cities, the most challenging decision is usually deciding on the best area to choose as a base. With that in mind, we have written a few accommodation guides to help simplify things for you.

First up, read this article on where to stay in Sydney to get a lay of the land. On this page, we highlight the city’s key areas and then give the pros and cons of each. We then give you a list of our favourite hotels and apartments.

On this site, you will also find specific Sydney Hotels guides for:

• Budget travellers looking for the best hostels
• A range of Sydney hotels under $150 per night
• The Sydney hotels with the best views – perfect for a honeymoon or special occasion
• Sydney Hotels and areas that are best for families and groups

For a 3 day in Sydney itinerary we think it’s best to stay in Sydney’s cbd or central business district.

How to get around Sydney

Download the Opal App to help make using public transport easier. Having an Opal Card may help you keep track of your spending better and minimise bank charges for international travellers; however, you can tap on and off with your credit card or phone if you prefer.

These articles will help you master public transport in Sydney and arrange Sydney airport transfers.

• A comprehensive guide to using the Opal card that will help you understand how they work but take my word for it; it’s super easy.
• A guide to the public transport network to help you figure out your options for exploring
• our insider tips for taking the airport train
• A guide to Sydney Airport that covers all the transfer options, including the quickest way to the city centre.

For a first visit, I suggest splitting the main sites into three themed days.

• A day exploring the harbour, The Rocks, the UNESCO world heritage site , Sydney Opera House and of course the Harbour Bridge.
• A day at the beach and coastal suburbs
• A day meeting the locals – both the wildlife and local Sydneysiders

These days can be super busy, and you can pack lots in or take your time, leave some bits out, and relax a little more.

If you have longer in town check out our 5 Day Sydney Itinerary .

Choose the order you do the days based on the weather and your energy levels. You may find you want to mix some of the budget suggestions with a few splurges; the beauty of these ideas is that you can mix and match them to suit.

Day 1 in a nutshell: Today, we suggest you cover the city’s iconic landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, walk the spectacular harbour foreshore, and spend some time in the city’s oldest quarter, The Rocks.

Sydney is all about the Harbour. To get that pinch yourself moment when you finally realise you are here, you are probably going to want to head down to the Opera House and the Bridge and take in the view as soon as you arrive.

Morning – Barangaroo, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge

If you are an early riser, consider a sunrise paddle that leaves from Milson’s Point and gets you up close and personal with the Sydney Harbour Bridge when you paddle under it and over to the Opera House.

Alternatively a morning walk or run around the reserve at Barangaroo on the western side of the harbour allows you to see a different side of the city.

While are you in Barangaroo don’t miss the Wellama installation at The Cutting. This is a 10 minute video artwork that acts as a Welcome to Country.

Take the lift up to the Stargazer Lawn and follow the signs to exit onto Hickson Road and continue through the Rocks, Australia’s historic neighbourhood , to the Quay. This is a lovely way to start to the day.

There are plenty of cafes along the way, so stop at one that takes your fancy. I like the Fine Food Store or La Renaissance Bakery in The Rocks.

You can also look at our thoughts on the best breakfasts in Sydney for some ideas.

After breakfast, make your way to Cumberland Street and the steps or elevator onto the Harbour Bridge to visit the Pylon Museum.

This museum at the top of the southeastern pylon gives you some background into the building and design of the bridge and some of the most amazing views of Sydney from above. It’s guaranteed to be the best money you spend in Sydney.

Alternatively, take a ferry to Milson’s Point and walk back to the city centre across the Bridge, soaking up the views along the way. The entire walk takes about 25 minutes. If you have started the day nice and early you will have enough time.

Check out our photo guide to the museum , and you will see why we recommend it so highly.

Want someone to guide you around the city and provide some insight? The Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour by award-winning tour company Local Sauce is the best on offer!

Afternoon – Sydney Opera House & Royal Botanic Gardens

After you finish on the Bridge, make your way down through the Rocks and the Opera House, make a pit stop in Customs House to see the city model and pick up some brochures and maps from the information centre. You can also grab a coffee at Opera Bar along the way.

Head around to the Opera House for a 1pm or 2 pm tour. Tours run for one hour and are offered throughout the day. Find out more here .

Book your tour in advance to be sure you can get the time slot you want

Popular time slots for these tours can sell out at peak times of the year, so it is best to book at least the day before if you have your heart set on a specific time.

Next up, I suggest spending a little time in the Royal Botanical Gardens. You will find some fantastic photo opportunities of the harbour and iconic Sydney Opera House. There is also an extensive range of gardens to explore, including a native garden and a rare endangered tree from the Jurassic period only discovered a few years ago.

Top Tip: Free wifi is offered throughout the botanic gardens allowing you to facetime family and friends or book a restaurant for dinner.

Call into the visitor’s centre for a map if you are a garden lover. The gift shop here is one of the best places to buy unique Australian gifts and souvenirs.

The Royal Botanic Gardens also offers an Aboriginal heritage tour. If you are interested in this I suggest you make a booking. You may need to switch the morning and afternoon activities to make this work.

As the day ends, place yourself somewhere; you can watch the sunset over the water. We suggest Opera Bar or Mrs Macquarie’s Chair at Mrs Macquarie’s Point. 

Evening – A Sydney Harbour Cruise or Dinner in Chippendale

One of the most memorable ways to end your first day in Sydney is on a sunset Harbour cruise. After trying out many of them over the years, the one stuck in my memory is the Sydney Harbour Tall ships offering. There is something special about being on a historic old tall boat and sailing around the harbour in the pretty afternoon light that is hard to beat. There is usually someone playing folk tunes on the boat, and once a few drinks have done down, people are happy to join in.

Book a tall ship cruise for a special afternoon on the harbour

A great alternative is the Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise , where comfortable seating and delicious nibbles await or a or a Champagne Sunset luxury sailing experience.

After a day exploring Sydney attractions, head to the revitalised inner suburb of Chippendale for a cheap and cheerful dinner in Spice Alley or one of the nearby restaurants. We love the menu at Mekong if you fancy sitting somewhere more comfortable.

There are also Italian, French and Modern Australian options. Gin Lane, a small bar on Kensington Street, sells some tremendous local gin’s and, further along, Handpicked Wines to taste a variety of Aussie wines. Chippendale is a short walk from Central Train Station.

If you still have some energy left, there is some awesome tours run in the evening including a True Crime tour, a photography tour, a ghost tour of the Rocks, or a small bar tour of Sydney CBD.

Day 2 in a nutshell: Discover one of Sydney’s most famous beaches, either Bondi or Manly or if you are up for the pace, see them both!

Ask 100 Sydneysiders which beach they prefer, Manly or Bondi, and they almost always have a preference. The split is usually 50/50, so today, you need to pick a team or put on your running shoes because seeing both Manly and Bondi in one day is a huge call.

So north, east, or an action-packed day, what is it to be? I will give you instructions on doing the whole thing, but you can stop whenever or where ever you like.

The easiest way to cover both beaches is to use the Captain Cook cruise between Watsons Bay and Manly Beach as your way of reaching the northern from the eastern suburbs. The trip costs a little more than the local green and yellow ferries but will save you a trip back to Circular Quay and about 50 minutes of travel time.

If you are travelling with kids or have any mobility problems, I highly recommend Manly as your beach option.

  Morning – Which is Sydney’s most famous beach?

Ok decision time Which of the top most famous Sydney beaches will you choose?

The Bondi Beach Option

To get to Bondi you can either take the train from Central, Town Hall or Martin Place and get off at Bondi Junction Station where you join a bus to the beach or you can take the 333 express bus from Circular Quay. The train is quicker by about half, especially in peak hour.

Head to North Bondi Beach for breakfast at local favourite Speedo’s Cafe , known for their healthy breakfast bowls and fruit salads.

After breakfast, make your way to the beach and check out the graffiti wall.

Once you have done with breakfast then walk up to Bondi Icebergs. In warm weather you might like to take a dip but even in the winter this view is fantastic.

From here you can either head off on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk or at least walk to Bondi Icebergs and Mackenzie Point for views back to the beach.

If you prefer to do your own thing, begin your day at Coogee and follow our guide to the full Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk .

Check out our Insiders Guide to Bondi for the best places to eat in the area.

The Manly Beach Option

If you have decided on Manly for your beach day, take the green and yellow Manly ferry over. Once here, get yourself some breakfast from one of the many cafes between the pier and the beach. I like Sonoma on the pier or The Bower on the path to Shelly Beach.

Shelly Beach is home to a marine reserve and the best spot to go snorkelling on your short visit. You can bring your own snorkel and flippers or join a 2-hour snorkelling tour with a guide or enjoy a swim and stroll along the length of the beach.

There are so many things to do in Manly we have a complete guide you can check out.

If you have been to Manly before consider jumping on the bus at the wharf and seeing one of the other northern beaches. Queenscliff is a great swimming beach and only 10 minutes away by bus.

Afternoon – a walk – North Head Sanctuary or South Head heritage trail

If you spend the morning at Bondi its time to leave Bondi Beach and move on to Watsons Bay and South Head.

Take the 380 bus to Robinson Park and make a quick detour to the Gap lookout. Climb the steps for a fantastic view back across the city.

If you have not had lunch, there are a couple of choices, midweek either the takeaway fish and chips from Doyles on the wharf or otherwise check out the menu at Watson’s Bay hotel.

After your lunch, stop head around to Camp Cove beach for some swimming and sunbathing or walk off your lunch on the 4km return track , a beautiful coastal walk out to the Hornby Lighthouse.

If you have been enjoying Manly this morning we suggest you grab a rideshare and make your way to North Head Sanctuary (you can also follow a bush track from Shelly Beach if you have the energy). If you plan to do this, pick up a map from the visitor’s centre at the pier.

There is lots to see at North Head, including old war bunkers and memorials or the Quarantine Station complex. The Bella Vista Cafe at North Head has lovely meals and a fantastic view back to the city.

Evening Dinner in Barangaroo or Manly

After all that walking and or swimming, it might be nice to head back to your hotel or accommodation for a freshen up before heading out for dinner.

If you have not already visited Barangaroo , go ahead and try one of the restaurants there. My favourites are Barangaroo House and Anason. Alternatively, head to Darling Harbour ; it looks beautiful at night and has food options at all price ranges.

If you have a Saturday night in Sydney then check to see if the Darling Harbour Fireworks are happening.

If you have spent the day in Manly and still have some energy, you could have sunset drinks at the wharf, craft beers at Four Pines or dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants. Queen Chow is popular, as is Hugos.

If you are travelling alone you might like to join this secret bar tour and share a fun night exploring some of Sydney’s best bars

Find more choices on our list of where to eat in Sydney

Day 3 in a nutshell: Today it’s time to leave the city’s centre and meet some locals. Either the furry four-legged kind or some friendly Sydneysiders.

We will start today by visiting the local wildlife. If you plan to visit Queensland, give this a miss and do your wildlife spotting at either Australia Zoo , Currumbin Sanctuary or Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary instead.

When you have limited time seeing kangaroos and other local wildlife in the wild and without a ticket price attached, it isn’t easy. If your visit to Australia is limited to Sydney, you will need to visit a wildlife park. Choose from Taronga Zoo or Wildlife Sydney Zoo at Darling Harbour.

Morning – are you team zoo or do you prefer the urban jungle?

So who’s hungry? Start your last day with breakfast with the Koalas at Wildlife Zoo. It’s a small zoo, but this is the best way to meet the koalas up close when time is limited. You could also choose a combined ticket that allows entry to Sea Life Sydney (Sydney Aquarium).

Alternatively, consider booking a Sydney Greeter , a local who will show you around their favourite part of the city for a few hours.

Lunch and shopping in the City Centre

If you are a shopper make your way to Pitt Street mall, the Strand arcade and the Queen Victoria Building. There are plenty of food courts and cafes in this part of town; If you are on a budget you can grab a takeaway lunch and enjoy it watching the action at the Hyde Park Chess Board.

Once you are done, make your way to mid-city for a quick visit to Hyde Park and St Mary’s Cathedral, Pitt Street Mall Shopping area and the Queen Victoria Building. There are plenty of food courts and cafes in this part of town; perhaps you can grab a takeaway lunch and enjoy it watching the action at the Hyde Park Chess Board.

From Town Hall, you can easily reach the areas mentioned below for your afternoon exploration.

Afternoon Explore one of Sydney’s inner villages

This afternoon we suggest exploring the streets of Sydney’s inner east or west, where art, history and funky city lifestyles are all on show.

• Potts Point, Kings Cross & Elizabeth Bay – Art deco architecture, cafe culture, wine bars and more
• Paddington – million dollar terraces, fashion and art
• Newtown – small bars, eclectic shops, street art
• Darlinghurst & Surry Hills – Art, cafes, and urban style
• Balmain and Rozelle  – working class suburb full of pubs and sandstone buildings

These small suburbs that the city council labels “villages” have lots of hidden gems. We have individual guides to these places, so click through and see which one grabs you. You can easily reach these areas by bus or train from Circular Quay Station in under 20 minutes.

Evening – Rooftop bars or Chinatown and Darling Harbour

Tonight we suggest you make your way to the southern end of Darling Harbour known as Darling Square where you will find a range of cuisines and a fun vibe.

Budget travellers will love Chinatown where you can find delicious food at affordable prices.

Time for a farewell drink

It’s time to go bar hopping. Sydney has many small  b ars – there is a high concentration centred in the northern part of town between Town Hall Station, Wynyard Station and Martin Place.

There are also some amazing rooftop bars that offer the best views for your last night in the city.

It’s time to go bar hopping. Sydney has many small bars – there is a high concentration centred in the northern part of town between Town Hall Station, Wynyard Station and Martin Place.

We think this is the perfect Sydney Itinerary however if you would like to customise you three-day itinerary of this amazing city, you could switch to one of these options.

Half Day tour ideas

• Absorb a little of the city’s history by walking along Macquarie street, be sure to pop into the galleries at the State Library (free entry) and the small but fascinating Museum of Sydney.
• Check out the shops, particularly the QVB and Pitt Street Mall – Depending on where you are travelling from and the exchange rate, you could pick up some great deals.
• Ride to the top of Sydney Tower Eye and take in the views – Merlin Entertainment runs the Tower, and they have some great combo tickets that include the Sealife Sydney and Madame Tussauds if you hit wet weather.
• Take a Brewery Tour and learn about Sydney’s craft beer scene
• Visit the Australia national maritime museum and step aboard the replica navel ships including a submarine
• Explore more of Sydney’s best beaches – many can be reached by public transport – we show you how here .
• Visit Taronga Zoo and take a short stroll in Sydney Harbour National Park from the Taronga jetty to Bradley’s Head for spectacular views
• Book a whale watching cruise if you visit in whale season.
• Explore more of Sydney’s best beaches – many can be reached by public transport – we show you how here .

Full-Day Tours

• Skip or condense the days above and spend a day in the Blue Mountains . The Blue Mountains are about 2 hours west of Sydney. A Blue Mountains day trip can be done by train or you can book a Blue Mountains tour. Or take a train from Sydney and then jump on the hop on, hop off bus. This bus gives you access to some of the most popular places in the Blue Mountains National Park.
• Take a Hunter Valley Wine Tou r and taste the best wine in New South Wales.
• Rent a car and head to the Royal National Park to see the second oldest national park in the world.

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney? Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help

17 thoughts on “A Flexible Itinerary for 3 Days in Sydney [2024]”

Great post on one of my favourite cities! Sydney is full of amazing things to do and you haven’t missed much out on this guide! Though Sydney can be expensive to stay in, I would return again and again!

Sydney is one of my all-time favourite cities to visit. (In fact, I would love to live there someday). I think you have covered it all here, and really made it clear to me that although I have been a few times, I have missed a lot. Time to start planning my next trip. This guide will be so helpful.

I visited Sydney years back and I loved my time there and saw a ton of awesome stuff, but i didn’t see a fraction of the things you’ve talked about in this post. I’m particullry liking the street art. I guess it’s a perfect exuse to come back to visit Sydney again 🙂

Great post and great photos! I’m heading to Australia this winter so I will for sure save this until I make it down there.

Great tips. I have travelled to Sydney a lot for work but haven’t “been a tourist” while there. I really need to get back and really just explore.

What an incredibly detailed blog. It must have taken you ages to pull all this together. I’m sure it will be invaluable to visitors to the city.

Thanks Karen – I hope it is useful for everyone!

Yes work trips can be so frustrating cause you are too busy to do much but perhaps next time you can choose a little bit of this to cover.

Yes Becki the street art is really great these days. We almost give Melb a run for their money now. lol

This is incredible! I love that you provided different itineraries for varying budgets.

Great suggestions!

Great content on here team, can’t believe I haven’t found you before.

Sydney is such an amazing city to visit, there is so much to do. I still haven’t done the bridge climb, but it’s on the list for our next visit!

I really want to visit now!

One can easily courier goods across Australia without any problem, but what and which type of courier service provider to choose is a question to be asked..

I love this itinerary! It’s perfect for someone who wants to see a lot of Sydney in a short amount of time.

so glad i found your site, the information you have given is really helpful. we are in Sydney for 3 nights, so your 3 day plan is perfect. can you advise on the luggage lockers and how big they are as we want to leave luggage there before we go to the airport on our last day. do you know how big they are? we will have 4 large-ish cases. thank you

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The best times to go to Sydney

Nov 14, 2023 • 7 min read

Choose the best time for your visit to Sydney with this guide to seasons, festivals and events © PomInOz / Shutterstock

Sydney is a city made for summers. 

In the warmer months, you can make the most of outdoor dining, rooftop bars, dozens of beaches  and Sydney 's beautiful bronzed inhabitants. But of course, the iconic sights – from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge  to tracts of bushlands and parks – can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re mad about boating and surfing or prefer to dive into arts and culture, we can help you pick the best time to visit this eclectic city.

December to February is summer high season and the peak time for visitors

Summer brings hot, humid days and balmy evenings. Sydney buzzes year round, but particularly over the Christmas and New Year period. First, the spectacular Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race departs the harbor on Boxing Day. Then New Year’s Eve goes off with a bang with show-stopping fireworks displays over the water. Next, cricket comes to Sydney in January, with the Test beginning on New Year’s Day, plus raucous T20 matches at Sydney Cricket Ground. If you’ve never been to cricket, this is an excellent place to start. If sports leave you yawning, you might want to book tickets to one of the many performances at the Sydney Festival .

This is the high season for Australian holidaymakers: schools close, so you’ll find major tourist attractions particularly busy with families. Pre-book any must-see sights or activities before you travel. Accommodation prices are steeper in the high season, and beaches can get a little crowded. Car parking will be nigh on impossible, so plan to use Sydney's public transportation system instead.

March to May and September to November are the best times for festivals and events

Summer may bring the crowds to Sydney, but the shoulder seasons between March and May and September to November attract plenty of interstate and international visitors, with major festivals being the big draw. The autumn months also deliver slightly cooler temperatures – but don't worry, you won’t need to pack winter woolies for subtropical Sydney. 

If there was ever a time to get flamboyant, it’s at Sydney’s famous and much-loved Gay and Lesbian Mardis Gras , which paints the city in queer pride every February and March. Sydney also hosts a slew of arts festivals in the fall, from electrifying Vivid to the cutting-edge art at  Sydney Biennale  and the star-studded Sydney Writers Festival .

The spring, September to November, is dominated by sporting events like the National Rugby League Grand Final (although Queensland is vying for it), the Sydney Running Festival , which takes runners over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and in late August,  City2Surf . For something more sedate, check out the homegrown Sculpture by the Sea when Bondi transforms into a giant outdoor sculpture garden.

June to August is a quieter time to visit

Cool wintery days mean lower tourist numbers, so you’ll find rainy day attractions like Sydney’s many museums and art galleries are less crowded. You’re also more likely to get those rare restaurant bookings you would have missed out on in the summer peak season. Sydney’s dining scene has gone from strength to strength, so expect to have some of the best meals of your life. 

Accommodation bargains abound with “stay three nights, pay for two” style deals. Sydney's Blue Mountains embrace winter hygge vibes at Yulefest (that’s Christmas in July for all you northern hemisphere readers). Wealthy Sydneysiders either jet off to the Snowy Mountains or New Zealand to chase the slopes in winter, or to escape the cold by taking their winter breaks somewhere sunnier, like far north Queensland – or Europe.

For those looking for big-screen entertainment, there’s the Sydney Film Festival with “the best, strangest and most exciting cinema” screened over two weeks in June at the gorgeous art deco State Theatre. Sports fans are kept entertained in winter with the State of Origin series (an annual best-of-three rugby league series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons) and the Bledisloe Cup (a rugby union series between Australia and New Zealand).

Here's a monthly guide to what you can expect throughout the year in Sydney.

January is hot and busy

The peak of the peak season with school summer holidays in full swing, taking advantage of the long, hot days. On average, this is the hottest month.

Key events:   Sydney Festival, International Cricket Test, Australia Day,  Yabun celebrates Aboriginal culture on January 26.

February is full of celebration

Almost as hot as January, but the kids are back at school, so the beaches are less crowded. Sydney has an excellent Chinatown and a strong Chinese population, so you can't miss the colors of Chinese New Year parades either. The Mardi Gras influx starts to arrive mid-February and the month closes with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, a spectacle everyone in Sydney loves to watch, whether they're part of the queer community or not.

Key events:  Sydney Lunar Festival (Chinese New Year), Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (through early March).

March means mild weather and more parties

Temperatures are still balmy, but it's traditionally Sydney's wettest month so take an umbrella or a raincoat out with you for the day. Festivities continue with St Patrick's celebrations and the King Street Carnival.

Key events:  St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, King Street Carnival in Newtown.

April is likely to be wet

As autumn progresses, showers are more frequent, but it's never particularly cold. Locals make the most of the long Easter weekend, which coincides with a two-week school holidays period, creating a second mini-peak season in Sydney. Children love the Royal Easter Show, but parents may want to set a budget before they arrive.

Key events: Royal Easter Show, Sydney Comedy Festival (until mid-May), ANZAC Day.

May is a good time to explore the arts

Average daily temperature highs finally dip below 20°C (68°F), and rainfall can put a stop to many outdoor plans, but Sydneysiders take it as an opportunity to lean into their arts and literary side.

Key events: Biennale of Sydney, Vivid Sydney (until mid-June), Sydney Writers’ Festival, National Reconciliation Week.

June has the darkest days

Sunshine hours shrink to their lowest levels as winter kicks in. The rugby league season keeps passions running hot.

Key events: State of Origin Series, Sydney Film Festival, Yulefest Blue Mountains (through August). 

July is Sydney's coldest time of year

The kids escape from school for the first two weeks of Sydney's coldest month, where the daily highs rarely strike above the mid-teens, and the lows are in single figures, just… Bring a warm coat but gloves, scarves and hats shouldn't be necessary. Museums are busy with kid-friendly activities.

Key events: NAIDOC Week. 

August is good for cold-water swimmers

August is chilly but dry – perfect for a run to the beach, but only the most hardy types are tempted to get in for some cold-water swimming.

Key event:  City2Surf Run.

September's sunnier days bring the locals outside

Spring brings warming weather and sunny days. September is traditionally Sydney's driest month, and daily highs scrape back above 20°C (68°F). This is peak pre-summer fitness time in Sydney. Expect to see groups running, cycling and parkouring around the city. Head to Bondi for the Festival of Winds to take colorful photos of giant kites.

Key events: Bledisloe Cup, Sydney Design Week, Festival of the Winds, Sydney Running Festival, Manly Jazz Festival.

October has pleasant spring weather

Workers get the Labour Day long weekend to enjoy October's spring weather, while school students get the whole first week off. Once again, major sites might be busier during school holidays.

Key events: National Rugby League Grand Final, Sydney Night Noodle Markets, Bondi's Sculpture by the Sea (through early November).

November is often Sydney's sunniest month

November is a great time to visit Sydney. It's usually the sunniest month, averaging nearly eight hours of rays per day, with temperatures warm but rarely scorching.

December is when it starts to get busy

Hello, summer! Decembers in Sydney are hot and dry, and for the first three weeks, the beaches are not too crowded before the school holidays unleash the masses. From Christmas onward, things go crazy.

Key events: Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, New Year’s Eve.

This article was first published Aug 15, 2021 and updated Nov 14, 2023.

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Sydney City Centre

• 1.1 By train
• 1.2 By light rail
• 1.4 By boat
• 1.5.1 Parking
• 1.6 By bike
• 2.1 By foot
• 2.2 By train/light rail
• 2.3 By bike
• 2.4.1 Public buses
• 2.4.2 Hop-on Hop-off
• 3.1 Landmarks
• 3.2 Museums and galleries
• 3.3 Historic sites
• 3.4.1 Sydney Botanic Gardens
• 3.4.2 Other city parks
• 4.1 Harbour cruises
• 4.2 Theatre
• 5.1 George Street
• 5.2 Pitt Street Mall
• 5.3 St James
• 5.4 Castlereagh Street and Martin Place
• 6.3 Mid-range
• 6.4 Splurge
• 7.2 Small bars
• 7.4.1 Gig guides
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 9 Stay safe
• 10.1 Internet

The Sydney City Centre was where Governor Arthur Phillip first raised the British flag on Australian soil in January 1788, the earliest site of European settlement in Australia. After more than two centuries, it has a Manhattan-like skyline of skyscrapers on the harbour. It is the commercial centre of Sydney, seeing hundreds of thousands of Sydneysiders commute daily to work, shop, and socialise.

The city centre meets and embraces its harbour. The entire foreshore is walkway, and much of it is parkland. The office towers compete with each other for the best view of the harbour, with those in the back row grateful for any glimpse.

It is the site of Sydney's grandest structures, from the modern Opera House and Sydney Tower, to the art-deco, the granite facades of the early 20th century, and the colonial sandstone of a convict era. The oldest buildings may be in The Rocks , but those warehouses and residences lack the proportion, scale, and inspiration of the construction in the city centre.

Into the evening, there is a stark contrast as many of the crowded footpaths grow quiet, and many of the city centre eateries and cafes wind down. There are still people around though: the after-work crowd still around in the city pubs, the opera aficionados and diners out down at East Circular Quay, and the groups meeting up near Town Hall for a movie, a drink, or a night out.

Get in [ edit ]

The City Centre lies at the hub of Sydney's transport network. Most major roads, and public transport radiate from the city. Catch a train from anywhere and it will stop here.

• Transport NSW is the authority which operates the transport network in the state. Their website, Transportnsw.info , provides journey planning, information on disruptions and engineering works, and booking for long-distance coach and train journeys. They issue the Opal Card, which is a rechargeable stored-value card, and provides discounts and daily/weekly caps on fares.

By train [ edit ]

The City Circle loop, which can be used going in either directions, has five stations. They run from Central station.

• Town Hall is centrally located. Best for shopping in Pitt Street as well as the Queen Victoria Building.
• Wynyard is mostly for office workers, but also close by to Martin Place, the Rocks , and Barangaroo.
• Circular Quay has the Opera House, Ferries, Harbour Foreshore and the Botanic Gardens. It provides one of the best views of the harbour from the eastbound platform as it rises overground.
• St James is closest to Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral, State Library, Art Gallery
• Museum is next to the Hyde Park War Memorial

There is also a station at Martin Place on the way to Bondi (pronounced bond eye) Junction in the Sydney/Eastern Suburbs .

If you're headed for the city centre, do not get off at Central in the City South . It refers to Sydney's main train station and is not too close to the city centre.

By light rail [ edit ]

The   L1   Dulwich Hill light rail runs from Central station, just outside of the Grand Concourse where terminating trains arrive, into Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, and onwards to the Inner West suburbs. The stops at Capitol Theatre and Paddy's Markets serve the southern part of Chinatown.

The   L2   Randwick and   L3   Kingsford Line light rail runs along George Street, from Central Chalmers Street to Circular Quay. Running every 5 minutes, it calls at a number of stations along the line. Whilst being a lot slower than the train (takes 18 minutes from Central to Circular Quay, compared to 7 minutes on the train), and at certain points slower than walking, it is very scenic and is a great way to explore the area.

• Haymarket serves the eastern part of Central station, the YHA at Central station, and the coach terminal. It also provides direct interchange with some buses.
• Chinatown is a short walk from World Square, and is also convenient for Darling Harbour.
• Town Hall is located in front of St Andrew's Cathedral and the Town Hall, with direct access to Town Hall rail station. A Woolworths Metro supermarket is directly opposite the stop.
• QVB , a very short distance away, directly serves Queen Victoria Building, The Galleries, and is only 5 minutes walk from Westfield Sydney. It also provides an interchange with the bus station on York Street, with buses to the Inner West, the North West, and Hills District.
• Wynyard is in the heart of the CBD, and provides rail and bus connection, the latter at Wynyard Park. There is also a direct link to Barangaroo via the train station, which has a ferry wharf for ferries to Parramatta , North Sydney, and a more circuitous but scenic route to Circular Quay. It also serves the western end of Martin Place, which includes the former General Post Office, now an upscale hotel.
• Bridge Street is located just right before Grosvenor Street and Bridge Street, both of which contain some of Sydney's most significant heritage building, and is about 15 minutes from the Botanic Gardens and The Domain, State Library, and the Parliament of NSW. It is also convenient for the southern part of The Rocks.
• Circular Quay is underneath the railway station and close to the ferry terminal. It serves the southern part of The Rocks, the harbour foreshore, the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art, Customs House, and the Botanic Gardens.

By bus [ edit ]

Direct buses to the city centre are available from many inner suburbs, and some outer regions. If you are travelling from the Central Business District (CBD) by bus on weekdays 7AM-7PM you need an Opal card purchased in advance to board.

By boat [ edit ]

The most pleasant way to arrive in Sydney city centre, or to get out and see the Sydney harbour or north shore, is by ferry . Most ferry routes (from 41 wharves around the Sydney harbour suburbs) start or finish at Circular Quay, at the northern end of the CBD. From here you can take a ferry to Manly or Watsons Bay to the east or Parramatta to the west, all for far cheaper than taking a private tour.

There is a train station and bus terminus right next to the ferry terminal at Circular Quay for connections to other parts of the city.

There is also a ferry wharf in Barangaroo which is next to the city centre. A ferry from Circular Quay to here will take 35 minutes, go under the Harbour Bridge and provide great views of the city.

By car [ edit ]

The city is accessible to private vehicles. It's well signposted from most surrounding areas. Firstly as Sydney , then as City , and finally, as City North or City Centre . Don't confuse City North , with North Sydney , or you will end up on the other side of the harbour.

Traffic in the city can be congested. Peak hours, Friday lunchtime, and Friday afternoon are worst. Weekends are usually fine, although some congestion can occur at any time. Traversing the few city blocks can take up to 30 minutes during these periods.

Many streets in the city are one-way and disallow right turns.

Parking [ edit ]

Garage parking can vary from around $18 to over $70 for a day on a weekday. You need to do research and book online to avoid high rates . Don't be misled by parking stations advertising parking for $5, as this usually apply for the first 30 minutes, after which charges rise steeply. Early-bird rates (for arriving and leaving during set times) can save up to 75% on hourly rates during the day.

Parking stations usually charge less for evening parking and all-day weekend parking. A flat rate is often available for $15 or less, but not all places have special deals, so check before you park. It is a safe bet to drive around the CBD and check the flat rates advertised outside the parking stations on weekends, but again, you will get better rates booking online in advance.

• Opera House Car Park, at the end of Macquarie St, $18 on weekdays entering before 10AM, and exit after 15:00 and before 7:30PM. ($42 otherwise for day parking, or $32 if you enter after 5PM). $15 on weekends, provided you exit before 5PM.
• Queen Victoria Building Car Park, $27 enter before 9:30AM, exit after 4PM and before 7:30PM. $50 all day otherwise. $15 Sunday parking.

Street parking is scarce and although street parking for short periods is possible it is often difficult to find, particularly during the day on weekdays. Free on-street parking or street parking available for extended periods is particularly elusive. Early on weekend mornings, some on-street parking is usually available in Clarence, Kent, or Sussex Streets. On street parking is also available on Art-Gallery road. Expect to pay. Free on-street weekend parking is available where no parking zones apply on weekdays. All public parking zones are enforced by city parking police and occasionally state police, infringement penalties are around $130. Motorcycles and scooters can park for free anywhere a car can park, but must still follow any time restrictions (for example they may not stay longer than 2 hours in a 2P spot). There are also some dedicated motorbike parking spots around the city.

By bike [ edit ]

One of the quietest approaches to the city is from the west at Darling Harbour and Pyrmont. Pyrmont Bridge allows cyclists, and a cycle path takes you along to King St as far as Clarence St. There is bike parking there. From the North take the cycleway over the Harbour Bridge, next to the station at Milsons Point. From the south there is a separated cycle path from Central Station (Eddy Avenue) that winds its way through the city streets to meet the Kent St, King St and Pyrmont Bridge paths.

Maps and other information for cyclists around the inner city are provided by local government .

Get around [ edit ]

The city centre has a very rough grid system. George St is the major north-south city street, running all the way from Central Station in the south to Circular Quay and The Rocks in the north, with Pitt, Castlereagh, and Elizabeth St running parallel to it through the city centre. City blocks are small, especially in the east-west directions.

There are maps and directional signs to nearby attractions located every few blocks.

By foot [ edit ]

Most of the attractions below are within a 1.5 km (0.93 mi) radius, and are easy to walk around. Consult the Walking tour of Sydney for details. The spectacular walk along the harbour's edge (Farm Cove) from the Sydney Opera House (Queen Elizabeth II Gate) through the gated Royal Botanical Gardens to Mrs Macquarie's Chair (Yurong Gate) is for many the epitome of a Sydney experience.

Sydneysiders frequently cross against the red pedestrian lights in the city centre in any gap in traffic. but if you're not familiar with the traffic direction, best to wait for the indicator. Watch out for the trams in the George St pedestrian area. Police occasionally do have blitzes on jaywalking, where you will be fined $70 for crossing on the red.

By train/light rail [ edit ]

Trains run both ways around the city circle ( T2 / T8 ) stations Central , Town Hall , Wynyard , Circular Quay , St James and Museum . Each of these stations has services every five minutes. Most of the city is no more than ten or fifteen minutes walk from a train station.

Another city station, Martin Place , is mid-town on the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line and has services every 10 min (off-peak) to Town Hall and Central.

Town Hall , Wynyard , Martin Place and St James stations are located within 1 km (0.62 mi) of each other, so unless you are feeling particularly lethargic, catching the train or bus between them will take longer than the walk.

The L2/L3 light rail routes run every 5 minutes and serve the city centre. They can be slower than the train as well!

There are a few cycleways around the city. Travelling north-south along Kent St in the city west is easy enough. This route connects to Liverpool St to travel east-west, and Elizabeth St to travel to the south. It requires a bit of planning and determination to get around the city centre by bike. It may be best to leave your bike on the city centre fringe, and walk while downtown. You can be fined for cycling in the pedestrian malls or footpaths.

There are bike parking spots all over the city, and you can park your bike pretty much on any street. If you leave your bike unattended then ensure you park it in an area with high visibility - like outside Clarence St Cyclery - and secure it well.

Mobike bike dockless share bikes are available in the city centre, as are Lime e-bikes. Download the respective apps.

• Spinway . bicycle rental stations in the Hilton Hotel and the Intercontinental Hotel available to guests and the public $11 an hour, $22 for a half day (4 hour rental) or $33 for a full day (24 hour rental) .  

Public buses [ edit ]

All buses are numbered on their indicator boards at the front and on the left side of the bus and show the final bus destination.

The major bus interchanges are at Circular Quay, Wynyard and Town Hall/Queen Victoria Building (or QVB). Buses from Wynyard run straight over the Harbour Bridge. From Circular Quay, as a general rule of thumb: Any bus number starting with "3" run the eastern route (i.e. to/from Circular Quay via Elizabeth Street and to/from the Eastern Suburbs ), while the ones starting with a "4" run the western route (i.e. to/from Circular Quay via George Street and to/from the Inner West ). The ones starting with a "5" out of the city over the Anzac Bridge.

At the interchanges (Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall and the QVB) have multiple stops, each assigned a letter. Both Wynyard and Town Hall bus interchanges are scattered over a few blocks in each direction, and you'll need have directions on your phone, or check the interchange maps. Allow extra time if it is your first trip. It's just another reason to consider walking if you're doing a short trip - the next bus stop may be further from where you're going then where you are now.

Hop-on Hop-off [ edit ]

City Sightseeing Sydney Explorer bus tours. Costs more and takes longer than normal public transport, but can take the hassle out of planning your routes.

The lack of readily available parking means that it is impractical to drive between city centre attractions unless using taxi or rideshare. Attractions in the city centre are not signposted from the city roads. The only directional signs you will see will point you out of the city centre, across the harbour bridge or to the west or east. There is a one-way system, and few right-hand turns are permitted. The pedestrianisation of the main George Street in recent years has made this even harder. Some right-hand turns are legally possible but are difficult to find breaks in traffic.

If you are driving into the city centre, then it is best to navigate to a parking lot (prebooking online can often be much cheaper, especially for the whole day). If you are going between multiple destinations in the city centre then walking, train loop, bus or tram are the quickest ways.

See [ edit ]

Sydney City is home to a large number of outstanding examples of Art Deco architecture, built during the 1920s and 1930s, which has now given way to a high-rise skyline dominated concrete and glass skyscrapers .

Landmarks [ edit ]

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

Historic sites [ edit ]

Parks and gardens [ edit ], sydney botanic gardens [ edit ].

• Palm Grove Centre , ☏ +61 2 92412419 . Visitors centre, a restaurant, a cafe and a souvenir shop.  

Other city parks [ edit ]

Do [ edit ]

Harbour cruises [ edit ].

You can take a cruise on Sydney Harbour . There are many cruises to choose from and they depart from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay . For a bigger adrenalin rush, try the jet boats that zip around the harbour at breakneck speeds.

Harbour Cruises depart from Darling Harbour and at Circular Quay in the city.

• Captain Cook Cruises , Circular Quay ( Wharf 1 ). have regular cruises from Wharf 1 at the Quay.  
• Sydney Ferries Cruises . Sydney Ferries run regular cruises. Just look on the main timetable boards at the Quay, and buy your tickets from any Sydney Ferries ticket office.  

You can create your own harbour cruise, as the normal Sydney Ferries services go everywhere a cruise goes and more. Get a daytripper ticket for $20, and take as many ferries as you like, get on and off where you like, and enjoy a picnic in any of the many harbour side parks next to the ferry wharves. On a Sunday and if travelling with children, a Family Funday Sunday ticket can be bought from all the usual outlets for $2.50 and allows unlimited travel on all public transport for the day. Timetables are available at the Quay, and it's hard to catch a ferry somewhere that isn't worthwhile. The Manly ferries even have a cafe on board, where you can grab a pie, and sit out in the sun, taking in the view for a fraction of the cost of a luncheon cruise! Consider dropping in at one of the harbour islands

Theatre [ edit ]

• -33.85689 151.21483 1 Sydney Opera House , ☏ +61 2 9250 7111 . The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic 20th-century buildings in the world. Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House also has dedicated theatres for drama including the Drama Theatre, the Playhouse, and The Studio. Student rush tickets are often available for the current day's performances, only at the box office at the Opera House (usually these are single tickets, spread around the theatre).  

Other theatres are at Lyric Theate at Star City in Pyrmont , the Capitol Theatre in the south of the city , and the Wharf Theatres at Walsh Bay in Sydney/The Rocks .

Music [ edit ]

• -33.862628 151.209957 4 The Basement , 29 Reiby Pl . Famous place for small gigs in Sydney. Attracts some leading acts.  

Cinema [ edit ]

• -33.87522 151.20621 5 Event Cinemas , 505 George St ( near Town Hall ), ☏ +61 2 9273 7300 . Large cinema complex with a variety of different screens, including 4D and VMAX. This is the only multiplex in the city of Sydney itself, although some of the latest films can also be found at the nearby IMAX on Darling Harbour. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• The Art Gallery of New South Wales ( South of the Royal Botanic Gardens ). Free cinema on Wednesdays & Sundays, but usually old films.  

If you are interested in fringe or arthouse films, you may also like the Chauvel, Verona and Academy Twin cinemas in nearby Oxford Street .

Tours [ edit ]

• -33.864834 151.216859 6 Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour ( Garden Shop, Royal Botanic Garden ). Th F Sa 11AM–noon . A walk around the Royal Botanic Garden with an Aboriginal guide who will tell you about native plants that have been used by Aboriginal Australians for generations, as food, medicine, and tools. You can sample a few on the way, including fruits and herbs. Book in advance. $30 for adults, $20 for children 7 and older, free for children under 7 . ( updated Jun 2022 )

Buy [ edit ]

The CBD of Sydney is also the retail centre of the city, having the largest range of shops and outlets in a variety of settings. Sydney's shopping is frequently concentrated within large city malls and arcades (heavily interconnected mid-town through a number of underground walkways). There are also a number of recognised shopping strips.

If you are shopping for food and supplies, the convenience stores and even the city fruit stores can have up to three times mark-up over supermarkets. If you need to stock up on the basics, it would be cheaper to try the supermarket "Woolworths", one opposite Town Hall on Park and George Sts or one underground north of Wynyard Station in the MetCentre (take down escalator from ground level of the MetCentre); or the supermarket "Coles", one at Carrington and Wynyard Sts or one at 388 George St near King.

George Street [ edit ]

George St is the closest thing to Sydney's main street. It has a shopping strip between the Town Hall (Park St) and Wynyard (Hunter St), about 10 minutes brisk walk. Along this section of road there are numerous fashion, technology and gift stores and malls like the Queen Victoria Building, Galleries Victoria, Myer, Westfield, the Strand Arcade and the Apple Store.

• -33.86883 151.20932 2 Galleries Victoria , 500 George St ( opposide the QVB. Underground link to Town Hall Station ). The modern answer to the historic QVB opposite. Some fashion and food, but also electronics, computer games, and gifts.  
• -33.8695 151.20792 3 Strand Arcade , 412-414 George St . The last of the Victorian arcades to be completed (1891) in Sydney, home to a number of shopping levels featuring design, fashion, antiques and jewellery (the arcade links George Street with the Pitt Street Mall).  

Pitt Street Mall [ edit ]

Pitt Street mall is a pedestrianised block between Market and King St that is so busy that it has some of the highest retail rents in the world. Both sides of the Pitt St mall are full of shops and shopping centres, extending westward to George St and eastward to Castlereagh St. Most of the malls connect to each other. The Westfield Sydney connects to the David Jones department store, the Queen Victoria Building (and through there to the Galeries Victoria and Town Hall Station), and the MLC Centre (and through there to Martin Place Station), making this area ideal for shopping in poor weather.

• -33.87018 151.20895 4 Westfield Sydney , Pitt St Mall ( north of Market, between George and Castlereagh ). 7 levels of Myer department store and a food court (level 1) on west side; hundreds of specialty and fashion stores plus an upscale food court (level 5) on east side. Entry to Sydney Tower at level 5 east side. Connects underground to the Queen Victoria Building from level 1 west side.  
• -33.86982 151.20768 5 Mid-City Centre , 197 Pitt St Mall ( Between George and Pitt St ).  

St James [ edit ]

• -33.870825 151.209005 6 David Jones , 86-108 Castlereagh St , ☏ +61 2 9266 5544 , fax : +61 2 9267 7326 . The city stores of this illustrious department store are on Elizabeth Street (main store, women's fashion) and Market Street (men's fashion, homewares, food store). In operation since 1838, David Jones is not only Australia's oldest department store, but also the oldest department store anywhere in the world still trading under its original name.  

Castlereagh Street and Martin Place [ edit ]

Castlereagh Street north of King St and Martin Place between Castlereagh and George Sts. Home to a large concentration of fashion houses and big names including DKNY, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Ferragamo, Gucci, Bvlgari, Stefano Canturi and Chanel.

• -33.86883 151.20932 7 MLC Centre , Martin Pl ( between Castlereagh and Pitt Sts ). A shopping arcade, primarily focused on luxury clothes and accessories, and a food court downstairs. Belinda in the MLC Centre stocks European designers that don't have standalone stores in Australia. Has some reasonable cafes in the courtyard facing Martin Place.  

Eat [ edit ]

There is much competition, specials, and choice for breakfast and lunchtime eating. Even the classiest restaurants tend to have lunchtime specials, and the competition for breakfast, coffee and lunch at the budget end of the market is fierce. However, by supper time in the evening, many of the cafes and take-aways have closed in the CBD and the remaining restaurants can be expensive. Doing your food exploration at lunchtime will save you money in the city centre.

Neighbouring Chinatown in the south of the city has a large number of restaurants offering cheap and tasty Asian cuisine, and the food courts in Market City Shopping Centre stay open into the evening, when the CBD ones have usually shut.

Budget [ edit ]

• Westfield Sydney in Pitt St Mall (north of Market, between George and Castlereagh), also open weekends and Thursday nights, level 5 east side for crowded upscale food court dining, level 1 west side for mainline food court.
• David Jones Food Hall, lower level (SW corner of Market and Castlereagh)
• MLC Centre in Martin Place (SW corner of Castlereagh)
• The Galeries Food Court, lower level (500 George St, NE corner at Park St)
• Regent Place, (501 George St, SW corner at Bathurst St)
• Under the Gateway Building or the AMP building at Circular Quay (Alfred St, corner of Loftus)
• Australia Square (the tall but round building) northeast of Wynyard Station (George St, SE corner of Bond) 15 food choices, outdoor seating on concrete plaza
• In the Metcentre just north of Wynyard Station through a ground level connector (west of George St between Margaret and Jamison) ground level.
• Hunter Connection just east of Wynyard Station (Hunter Street, between George and Pitt, or go down the steps at Wynyard Station and take the Hunter Connection tunnel) specialises in SE Asian food, delicious Thai for $6.

If you fancy an early dinner (or late lunch) many of the food halls sell off remaining lunch items at discounted prices around 4PM in the afternoon, sometimes for as little as $4-5 a meal, but commonly for $6.

Cafes [ edit ]

The Sydney CBD is packed with small cafes that serve (usually) good coffee and a breakfast of toasted banana bread, toast (with cinnamon, Vegemite etc) or anything involving bacon and eggs. They mostly serve office workers and are open (generally) between 6AM and 3PM during the week. On the weekend most are closed in central CBD, and you may want to head to a more residential area to find breakfast. The ones in the shopping districts will open a little later, but always by 9AM.

• QVB (Queen Victoria Building) has a number of gorgeous cafes - try the ground floor for buzz or the top floor for longer quieter conversations QVB Dining
• -33.8692 151.2056 1 Mecca Espresso , 67 King St , ☏ +61 2 9299-8828 . M-F 6AM-4:30PM . Very good tasting coffee with a massive queue of office workers in the morning. $4 for coffee .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

The CBD is flooded with cafes and pubs doing lunch with mains in the $10-15 range. Avoid the ones in or immediately next to major tourist attractions to avoid inflated prices. Clarence St, York St, and even Pitt St have many to choose from.

Outside of the cafe scene, mid-range restaurants in Sydney's CBD proper tend to be a little thin on the ground, but you will find plenty clustered around the George St cinemas and World Square, and on Liverpool St. Liverpool St. in particular has a large number of Korean restaurants to choose from

• Fix St James , 111 Elizabeth St, Sydney CBD ( between King and Market Sts ), ☏ +61 2 9232 2767 . A restaurant/wine bar open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is Italian-influenced but definitely 'Modern Australian'. Has a very interesting wine list with many available by the glass.  
• -33.876178 151.207362 2 Sydney Madang , 371A Pitt St ( This restaurant is literally in a back alley off Pitt St. The closest cross-street is Liverpool St. ), ☏ +61 2 9264-7010 . 11:30AM-2AM . Tasty and inexpensive Korean barbecue and other dishes. Open until early in the morning. From $10 .  
• BBQ City . If you can't find Madang, and you're in the mood for Korean, there's always the Sydney institution, BBQ city, a big brightly-lit upstairs restaurant, with Korean pop stars dancing incessantly on TV screens around the room. It's quick, cheap, delicious, and open late.  
• Ash St Cellar , 1 Ash St ( behind the Ivy Complex on George St ), ☏ +61 2 9240-3000 . M-F noon-late . Ash St Cellar is a Melbourne-style laneway bar just behind the Ivy complex. The food is (Sydney style) tapas influenced share plates, the wine and beer list is good and the atmosphere is great. No bookings and not open on weekends. Share plates $20-30 .  
• Young Alfred , Customs House, Ground Floor, 31 Alfred St , ☏ +61 2 9251-5192 . M-Sa lunch + dinner . Famous Sydney pizza and pasta joint very conveniently located just next to Circular Quay. The owners used to own a very famous pizza restaurant on Oxford St in Paddington but have relocated here. Pizzas are not traditional Italian but very good nonetheless. Main courses $20-32, pizzas $24-32.  
• Nazimi , Level 1, 141 York St ( Opposite the QVB, and down some stairs, but well sign-posted. ), ☏ +61 2 9283-2990 . Authentic Japanese food, with different options on the menu to a lot of places. Customers are packed in, but the service is very friendly.  
• -33.872114 151.21343 3 Bodhi , College St, Sydney CBD ( Cook and Phillip Park ), ☏ +61 2 9360-2523 . This is an outdoor vegetarian yum cha restaurant located just down the stairs from St Mary’s Cathedral over looking Cook and Phillip Park . It's a vegan restaurant and has a wide range of enticing and tasteful healthy yum cha options (all vegan). Fantastic on a sunny day. Open on weekends too. Kids can run around safely in the park while you linger over coffee.  
• Makoto Sushi Bar , 199 Liverpool St ( Cnr Pitt & Liverpool St ), ☏ +61 2 9283 6767 . Decent sushi bar, higher quality than your standard sushi train. Makoto offers sushi, sashimi, along with a range of small cooked dishes. Open 7 days, with dinner starting from 6PM.  
• -33.874 151.207 4 Ichi Ban Boshi , Gallerias Victoria Shopping Centre ( 2/500 George St ), ☏ +61 2 9262-7677 . Fantastic ramen soup. The Tantanamen (Spicy sesame base pork ramen) is a very large and delicious soup. Restaurant gets very busy at any time past 11:30AM till around 2PM. Expect to wait 10-20 minutes for a table in the peak times. $8-20 .  
• -33.8685 151.2062 5 Munich Brauhaus , 24 York Street , ☏ +61 2 8297 4111 . Daily 11AM-midnight . Large German restaurant that is part of a chain with authentic Bavarian beer and somewhat authentic German food. From $20 . ( updated Feb 2024 )

Splurge [ edit ]

Sydney's top-end dining scene is world class, with prices to match. Some of the best restaurants in Australia are listed below, and many of them feature on the San Pellegrino list of the Top 100 restaurants in the world.

• Cafe Sydney , 31 Alfred St , ☏ +61 2 9251 8683 . Tucked away atop the Customs House right next to Circular Quay, Cafe Sydney sneaks under the radar of most casual visitors, but the outdoor seating here has some of the best Sydney Harbour views around and draws plenty of locals as well. The pricy but well-crafted food is Mod Oz, try the Bay Bug salad or the tarragon gnocchi and expect to pay around $100/head for a full meal. There's also a bar area with complicated cocktails but no views. Reserve several weeks in advance, especially on weekends.  
• Est , Establishment, 252 George St , ☏ +61 2 9240 3000 . M-F lunch and dinner, Sa dinner only . The chef at Est, Peter Doyle, has had a 30-year stint as one of the top chefs in Australia. French-influenced modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on using the best seasonal produce. Prix fixe menus $140-155 .  
• Rockpool Bar and Grill , 66 Hunter St , ☏ +61 2 8078-1900 . Part of the Neil Perry empire (which also includes Rockpool at the Rocks, Spice Temple underneath the Bar and Grill and a bar and grill in Melbourne), this restaurant serves superb modern Australian cuisine in a spectacular art deco setting (that reputedly cost $30 million+ to fit out). As you might expect, the steaks are the highlight but the wine list is also one of the best in Australia. For a more budget option, you can eat at the bar (no reservations) where the $22 wagyu beef burger is about as close to a bargain as you will get for food of this quality. From $400 for two with wine .  

Drink [ edit ]

Bars [ edit ].

• O Bar , Level 47, Australia Square, 264 George Street . 5PM-midnight . Spectacular views over Sydney from this revolving bar at the top of the 1970s iconic Australia Square office tower, a stylish makeover of the old Summit Restaurant. Designer cocktails while the entire level revolves slowly over 90 minutes. Floor to ceiling windows means that you can gaze from your Kubrick- 2001 -inspired seating and decor to the city below. Consistently highly reviewed. Cocktails average $20 a glass.  
• Gilt Lounge Bar , 49 Market St ( next to State Theatre ), ☏ +61 2 9262 0000 . From 5PM . In QT Sydney Hotel, opened 2013. Extensive wine and cocktail list in modern eames-style setting.  

Small bars [ edit ]

Sydney has many experimental small bars as an alternative to the pubs and beer halls.

• Since I left you , 338 Kent St , ☏ +61 2 9279 2084 . W-Sa 4:30PM-late . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Stich Bar , 61 York St , ☏ +61 2 9279 0380 . Tu-W 5PM - midnight, Th-Sa 5PM - 2AM . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Mojo Record Bar , Basement Level, 73 York Street , ☏ +61 2 9262 4999 . Bar: M-Th Sa 4PM-late, F 3PM-late; record store: Tu W noon-6PM, Th F noon-9PM . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• -33.870269 151.205053 1 Cantina OK , Council Pl . Small bar specialising in mezcal and cocktails, which has appeared twice on The World’s 50 Best Bars list. ( updated Jan 2024 )

Pubs [ edit ]

• Red Oak , Clarence St . The only pub with onsite brewery in the City Centre, and the brewing is well refined here, with a wide choice, mostly Baviarian in style. Modern decor, popular with the office crowd on Friday lunchtime and Friday night. A variety of ways to taste the beers, with combined food and beer tasting plates available  
• 3 Wise Monkeys Pub , 555 George St , ☏ +61 2 9283 5855 . The 3 Wise Monkeys is a very popular pub with a younger crowd, only a block south of Town Hall station in the cinema district. It has live music seven nights a week.  

Live music [ edit ]

Gig guides [ edit ].

• The Music ( formerly The Drum Media ). A free, weekly music publication. You can find a copy at most music stores around the city and the inner suburbs.  
• Metro is the Sydney Morning Herald' s entertainment lift-out, published every Friday.

Sleep [ edit ]

There is little budget accommodation in this district. There are some backpacker hostels but generally cheaper accommodation is found in the surrounding areas around Central Station in the City South .

• Park Regis City Centre , 27 Park St ( in the heart of the Sydney CBD, adjacent to Darling Harbour and Hyde Park ), toll-free: 1800 221 138 . The hotel is surrounded by Sydney’s best shopping, entertainment and sightseeing. Views from the 45th floor rooftop pool and observation deck are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Rooms from $132 .  
• Rendezvous Studio Hotel Sydney Central , 803 George Street ( next to Railway Square ), ☏ +61 2 9212 2544 , [email protected] . A vibrant hotel and accommodation solution, combines clean lines, contemporary style and a personal feel.  
• QT Sydney , 49 Market St , ☏ +61 2 82620000 . Opened in October 2012. Luxury designer hotel. Emphasis on art and fashion. Located on Market Street in the CBD. Across from Pitt Street Shopping Mall. from $380 per night .  
• Four Seasons Sydney , 199 George St ( at the west edge of Circular Quay ), ☏ +61 2 9238 0000 . An older but immaculately maintained five-star hotel with superlative service. Regular rooms are small, but have direct views of the Opera House, and it doesn't get much better than this locationwise. From $300, keep an eye out for promotional package deals .  
• Intercontinental Sydney , 117 Macquarie St , ☏ +61 2 9253 9000 , fax : +61 2 9240 1240 , [email protected] . Close to Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Gardens.  
• Jamison Sydney , 11 Jamison St , toll-free: 1300 857 922 . Jamison Sydney is in the north of the CBD, close to The Rocks, Circular Quay, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. $200-250 .  
• Sydney Harbour Marriott , 30 Pitt St ( at Circular Quay ), ☏ +61 2 9259 7000 . The hotel offers Opera House and Harbour Bridge view rooms along with a gym, day spa, restaurant, outdoor bar and coffee/cocktail lounge. The hotel also enjoys one of the best locations in Sydney. $259-409 per night .  
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney , 27 O'Connell Street , ☏ +61 2 8214 0000 , fax : +61 2 8214 1000 , [email protected] . A very Scandinavian-style refurbishment of an historic stone faced building. Good sized rooms, powerful showers and wide range of amenities. Concierges helpful. Breakfast OK but not sparkling. Hallways have stuffy air. around $300 a night, internet extra . ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Sheraton on the Park , 161 Elizabeth St , ☏ +61 2 9286 6000 , fax : +61 2 9286 6686 , [email protected] . One of the nicest 5-star hotels in Sydney. It is opposite the Hyde Park (ask for a Park view room to take full advantage of the location, but note these are usually more expensive than the City view rooms) and the staff are really friendly. Rooms with one king sized bed: $260-300 per night .  
• The Westin , 1 Martin Pl , ☏ +61 2 8223 1111 . Superb rooms, particularly the Heritage rooms. $325-435 .  
• -33.867639 151.203415 1 West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton , 65 Sussex Street, , ☏ +61-2-8297 6500 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . The hotel is equipped with 182 designer rooms, botanically inspired restaurant and bar, and a wedding venue. $180 . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

In the daytime Sydney City is a busy location with high pedestrian activity. The biggest threat to your safety during the day is traffic, so take care when crossing roads with high traffic volumes and one-way flows. Occasionally there is a blitz on jaywalking, so look-left, look-right, and look around for police at the intersection before crossing on the red.

If you're out late, stick to popular areas and main streets. The main business area of skyscrapers and office building area north of Park and south of Bridge St becomes very quiet at night as the office workers return to the suburbs. Late at night anti-social behaviour and even some alcohol-related violence is possible around the George St Cinema strip (between Bathurst Street and Liverpool Street) and the northern (harbour) end of George St towards the rocks (north of Bridge St). The harbour end of George St is very busy on Friday and Saturday nights, with large numbers of people arriving in the city to go to the nightclubs, many of them already having started drinking hours ago. On other nights the area around the Quay down to the Opera House is very pleasant. It has a variety of restaurants and bars, a great view, and is safe.

On the trains late at night stay close to the guard's compartment which has an exterior blue light. There is an emergency assistance button on every platform and by the entrance to the train carriages on more modern trains.

Connect [ edit ]

Internet [ edit ].

Some convenience stores have a terminal or two although prices are high and computers can be antiquated and filled with malware. Expect to pay around $2.50 per 10 min.

For free Wi-Fi in a comfortable environment, try the NSW State Library (free password at the circulation desk) or the Sydney City Library in the Customs House.

Free Wi-Fi is also available in numerous supermarkets, shopping centres and food courts, where you'll be asked to give up a social media account in return for access. Try Westfield in Pitt St Mall, MetCentre, Woolworths in Pitt St, and many more.

Most cafes offer Wi-Fi to their customers, although they almost always require a password.

4G Internet is available everywhere in Sydney on all networks.

Phone [ edit ]

Public phones are fairly common in the CBD, although seldom used. You can also use them to send text messages, domestically or internationally.

Cope [ edit ]

SmareCarte offer luggage storage on Loftus Street at Circular Quay. They also offer a transfer service to their facility at Sydney airport.

Go next [ edit ]

Take a walk to the surrounding city areas, go to the aquarium, maritime museum, or just walk along the boardwalks at Darling Harbour . Visit the historic district of The Rocks . Walk up to Chinatown in the city south for Yum Cha.

Take a ferry trip from Circular Quay to the Harbour Islands , Manly or Parramatta .

Walk, or catch the train, over the harbour bridge to the Lower North Shore .

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Sydney city guide: Best things to do and where to stay in Australia’s magnificent harbour city

S prawling around one of the planet’s biggest and most beautiful natural harbours, Sydney is perhaps the ultimate city destination in Australia . With its swoonworthy physical attributes, laidback charm and trio of icons – namely the opera house, Sydney Harbour Bridge and sweeping Bondi Beach – the New South Wales capital almost effortlessly wows.

Though the city stretches westwards way beyond Parramatta (Sydney’s geographic heart) to the base of the Blue Mountains, nearly all of its visitor appeal lies in the city centre, central suburbs and beaches . Founded in 1788, Australia’s first British settlement has evolved into a true world city that’s liveliest when Mardi Gras fills the streets with sequins, parades and parties.

If you’re heading down under, our Sydney guide provides a heads-up on what to do, where to eat and drink, and the best spots to stay in the Harbour City.

Access all arias

You can’t miss Sydney Opera House . Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973, this concrete-and-ceramic-tile masterpiece celebrated its 50th anniversary with a major renovation of its performance spaces. Ideally, immerse yourself in an opera, concert, recital or play; otherwise take a tour (from £22pp) to discover those rooftop sails and the building’s history.

Read more on Australia travel :

• Mornington Peninsula: How travellers are seeking out Australia’s hot springs
• The best deals for a luxury Australia holiday in 2024
• Why you should book a holiday to Ningaloo, Australia’s ‘other reef’

Bridge the gap

Sydney’s second major landmark, the Harbour Bridge, unites the CBD (central business district) with the North Shore suburbs. For those with a head for heights (and the best part of £150 to spare), Bridge Climb is the classic experience. Alternatively, take the train to North Sydney and walk back over the bridge for free, with the opera house and city skyline before you.

Sydneysider culture goes big on the beach. Bondi is the icon, for its fine sand, surfer scene, and Icebergs saltwater pool, or hop on the ferry to Manly and its similarly sandy, pine-tree-lined promenade. Not a fan of waves? Stay within the harbour: the North Shore’s Fairlight Beach or more hidden-away Castle Rock Beach are fantastic.

Go walkabout

All around the harbour, fragments of foreshore and bushland constitute Sydney Harbour National Park . Weaving much of it together is the 80km Bondi to Manly Walk , via woodland, beaches, parks and urban promenades. En route, enjoy Aboriginal rock carvings, wildlife encounters (kookaburras, bush turkeys, water dragons) and cooling dips. Ferry and bus connections break it into manageable chunks.

Art and culture

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is lauded for its sculptures, exhibitions and collections, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks. Qtopia , meanwhile, is a must for LGBT+ travellers and allies. As befits a city known for its massive Mardi Gras celebrations, this museum tells the story of community trailblazers whose actions helped decriminalise homosexuality in New South Wales in 1984.

Where to stay

Base yourself central to everything at Paramount House Hotel. Located where the CBD crashes into Surry Hills, this former movie company headquarters has been transformed into a 29-room boutique hotel, with rooms (nearly all of which have outdoor spaces) that are cosy, colourful, and come with the feeling of staying at a cool friend’s apartment. Room-only doubles from £175.

Find a similar price point just round the corner at Ace Hotel Sydney, where the concrete-meets-carpet aesthetic and a slightly retro vibe make the guest rooms at once supremely comfortable and delightfully homely. Top-floor restaurant Kiln is a community favourite, while the street-level diner and coffee shop keep things buzzing throughout the day. There’s also a bijou but excellent gym.

For a fun, yesteryear resort vibe, Oxford House in nearby Paddington wins for its laidback style, cheerful service, and poolside restaurant that doubles as a popular brunch spot for locals. The 55 light-filled rooms benefit from colourful artworks, warm tones and quality amenities, and doubles start from £145.

For more in the way of budget stays, Space Q Capsule Hotel delivers conveniently located, quirky, cool and cost-effective digs within a five-minute walk of Central station.

Where to eat

Asian flavours abound in Sydney. Ever-popular Chin Chin in Surry Hills is the go-to for beef rendang, crispy duck pancakes and prawn summer rolls, all bursting with freshness (mains from £12-20). Similarly upbeat is Uncle Mings : a quirky dumpling den serving small bites and cocktails on a CBD laneway. For something simpler, Japanese temaki are a commonplace, cheap (around £2 each) and healthy on-the-go snack; Hero Sushi is a good place to find them. Also refreshingly affordable is Spice Alley : a Chippendale backstreet whose hawker-style outlets span Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian, Cantonese and Japanese favourites, from satay skewers to special fried rice.

This being a coastal city, there’s no shortage of waterfront restaurants. The Boathouse on Manly’s Shelly Beach wins for its indoor/outdoor ambience, great design, and High Tide Happy Hour (alternatively, try the Balmoral Beach branch). At Bondi Pavilion, meanwhile, a much-needed renovation to mark its centenary has given this seafront landmark a buzzing brunch spot in Glory Days , with poke bowls, avo-on-toast breakfasts, and great coffee as the standouts.

Casually upmarket Café Sydney is perfect for special occasions. Situated atop Circular Quay’s historic Customs House, this classic spot enjoys foreground-filling Harbour Bridge views and a menu celebrating Aussie produce from barramundi to Sydney rock oysters, supported by thoughtful cocktail and wine lists.

Where to drink

Get a hint of its history at The Treasury , where coffee and cocktails are sipped in what was the courtyard of an 1851 building. Now enclosed to form a light-filled atrium, it’s a chic space with monochrome floor tiles, velvet booths, and an Art-Deco-style bar that complements the grand brick-and-sandstone architecture.

Elsewhere in the CBD, enjoy elevated views from Dean and Nancy on 22 , where inventively quirky cocktails (brought to life with candy floss or smoke-filled bubbles) come with a side of highrise scenery. Try the gin-based Alien on Holiday or colourful Watermelon Sugar High, all priced at around £14.

Rather more hidden away are the bijou bars on the YCK Laneways , a lively precinct around York, Clarence and Kent Streets. Highlights include Sammy Junior , which segues from daytime coffees to evening cocktails, or speakeasy-style Stitch Bar , which you’ll find behind a faux frontage.

Where to shop

Of the CBD’s major shopping malls, QVB stands out for its beautifully restored Victorian architecture (all tiled floors, balustrades and glass domes) packed with mostly international brands. Over in Chippendale, Central Park is a much more modern affair good for youth-oriented fashion and footwear from the likes of Glue Store and Hype DC, plus Pigeonhole and its range of gifts and clothing with a sustainable slant.

Also worth checking out are the boutiques in Paddington along Oxford Street, or continue down it all the way to Bondi Beach, which has evolved from its “daggier” backpacker days into something much more credible. Gould Street and Hall Street are the go-to spots here; check out Tuchuzy for its Aussie and international fashions.

Architectural icon

Sydney Tower (formerly Centrepoint) is the city’s tallest structure, whose golden turret (with observation deck ) sits atop a slender shaft.

What currency do they use?

Australian dollar.

What language do they speak?

Should i tip.

It isn’t expected, but 10 per cent is appreciated.

What’s the time difference?

Average flight time.

Around 22 hours from London , depending on layover duration. Emirates offers convenient connections from London , Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle and Birmingham, via Dubai .

Public transport

AirportLink trains whisk travellers into the city in 15 minutes to connect with buses, trams and ferries. Top up an Opal (like London’s Oyster card) for seamless travel, or simply touch on and off with your credit card.

For that classic shot of the opera house with a Harbour Bridge backdrop, head to Mrs Macquarie’s Point in the Botanic Gardens . Otherwise, take the ferry to Cremorne Point to see towering skyscrapers crowning the opera house.

Insider tip?

If jetlag has you up pre-dawn, go watch the sun rising over the opera house from Hickson Road Reserve.

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Little City Trips

3 days in Sydney: A Family Itinerary

Australia-Oceania · Insider Guides

Sydney is a frequent starting point for many travellers coming to Australia.

It’s a city that uniquely balances nature experiences, including beaches, parks, zoos and river cruises with stunning architecture including the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

But how do you tackle the best of Sydney if you only have 3 days?

Our city experts with the help of Seana, founder of Hello Sydney Kids have put together this 3-day Sydney itinerary for families to make sure you capture the best the city of Sydney has to offer, especially for newcomers to Australia.

You can listen to an interview between our editor Marianne and Seana on our City Travel with Kids Podcast below – full show notes for the podcast can be found here.

Day 1 Sydney Itinerary with Kids

Start your Sydney with kids itinerary with a walk through the historic Rocks area of Sydney and visit the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, both in the Circular Quay area of the city.

Older children may want to try the iconic Bridge Climb for stunning views atop Sydney Harbor Bridge.  

With younger kids, you can easily walk across the bridge to Milsons Point (about a 1.4km walk), and stop to see the Pylon Lookout to learn more about the bridge’s history.

Walk or train back to Circular Quay to then explore the Sydney Opera House. It is great fun, even from the outside kids can enjoy playing on the stairs. Older kids and grownups may be interested in a behind-the-scenes tour , or check out their extensive program of family-friendly events .

Grab a picnic and head to the Royal Botanical Gardens beyond the Opera House, or for one of the best city viewing spots of the city, walk around to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

Head back to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to Taronga Zoo (the Ferry is half the fun for kids!).

This will give you a full afternoon of entertainment at one of the world’s most spectacular zoos with amazing city views and a huge interactive program of events for kids. 

Click here to buy your Taronga Zoo tickets online before you go .

Where to stay in Sydney with kids

There are plenty of options both within the city and staying further out in the suburbs and nearby beaches, depending on how long you have.  If you are just on a 3-day break we recommend you stay within the city.

The best areas include Darling Harbour and around the Rocks, but anywhere within the CBD you will be walking distance to most attractions. Accommodation in Sydney does not come cheap!

• At the luxury end with spectacular views and convenience to top attractions try Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour or Swissôtel Sydney .
• There are lots of self-catering hotel-apartment options around Darling Harbour, we like Adina Apartment Hotel , or try Fraser Suites in the CBD.
• Budget and inner Sydney do not go hand and hand but one of the more affordable options to try is staying at a youth hostel in a family room. You can try Sydney Harbour YHA or Sydney Central YHA

You can check out our full selection of hand-picked Sydney hotels for families as chosen by our Little City team of experts here.

Day 2 Sydney itinerary with kids

We’re going to spend the whole of Day 2 in the Darling Harbour area of Sydney. There’s plenty to see both outdoors and indoors, which will give you some hot and rainy-day options too.

Visit the highly acclaimed Australian National Maritime Museum – with real ships and submarines to explore.

Wild Life Zoo & the Sea Life Aquarium sit here side by side.  There’s also a Madam Tussauds for indoor entertainment .

The Darling Harbour playground is the perfect spot for a quick bite. There is a large McDonalds here as well as many other café choices, all with a great view of the playground.

There’s also a coffee shop in the middle of the playground for a coffee for the parents and snacks for the kids.

Afternoon/Evening

Head to the Chinese Garden of Friendship for some inner-city tranquility.

If you missed any of the attractions mentioned in the morning, catch up on these in the afternoon.

There are plentiful dining options all around Darling Harbour. We recommend Fratelli Fresh (kids eat free!), Hard Rock Cafe , Casa or Nick’s Seafood .

Day 3 Sydney itinerary with kids

We’re going to head out of the city centre for the final day of your Sydney with kids itinerary and explore one of the city’s exciting beaches. 

You will only really be able to fit in one of these areas in a day as they are quite far apart. You can choose between Manly & the Northern Beaches, or Bondi & the Eastern Beaches!

Eastern beaches of Sydney

You can take a combination of trains and the bus to get to the famous Bondi Beach. Here you will find the iconic Icebergs swimming pool and the starting point of the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.

Little legs may only make it around the first couple of bays as far as Bronte, but this is the perfect stop for lunch and fish and chips at the beach.

There is a large park and playground here, and the beach is perfect for kids with shallow rock pools.

From either Bronte or Coogee you can take the bus back to the centre of Sydney.

Northern Beaches – Manly

Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly.  You can spend a full day exploring the promenade, walking as far north as Queenscliff then back to the sheltered waters of Shelly Beach.

A hidden gem is the Little Manly Beach, a protected cove on the harbourside of Manly, not far from the ferry.

Further family activities in Sydney

If you have more than 3 days in Sydney (which we highly recommend, this is a city difficult to cover well in just a few days), then some suggested day trips include:

• Head to some of the further away beaches including Palm Beach (get set Home and Away fans) and La Perouse.
• Take an organised trip out to the Blue Mountains (or hire a car if you prefer to self-drive). There are many tour operators though that will help you with a full day package including a stop at Jenolan Caves .
• Visit the Featherdale Wildlife Park . If time allows this would be our top choice for taking in a wildlife experience in Sydney.
• Those with teenagers will love some of Seana’s suggestions in our podcast including taking a kayak out on to Sydney Harbour or heading out into the Blue Mountains for a canyoning experience.

You can check out our full guide of things to do in Sydney here .

How to get around Sydney

It is definitely preferable for tourists to get around by public transport rather than attempting to hire a car in central Sydney. There is a good network of trains, buses, light rail and ferries that operate across the city.

(And top tip – many public ferries cover similar routes to the paid tours, a much cheaper way to see the harbour!)

Download the Tripview App for journey planning. If you are taking a stroller, the Navibaby app will help.

You can read our complete guide on how to get around Sydney and using public transport here

What to pack for Sydney

• Sun protection in Australia is essential. The most important thing you will want to pack is a kids’ (and grownups) Rashy to protect your skin out playing in the water, as well as a water hat.
• Taking a compact stroller with you that can easily hop on and off transport is helpful as you will still want the stroller for long walks. The city is very stroller-friendly.
• Kids will want their own small backpacks as there are lots of walks you can take.

Our full guide on what to pack for Sydney can be found here.

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Visit our Sydney with Kids homepage

Remember to pop on over and listen to the podcast if you would like to learn more about all the places we mention from Seana & the Little City team.

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The Perfect Sydney Itinerary With Kids (By A Local)

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2022

Categories Australia , Family Travel

Sydney is the largest city in Australia with a little over 4.5 million residents. It's the capital of New South Wales and home to one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the famous Sydney Opera House.

Sydney is a great city for all kinds of travelers, from solo explorers to city-tripping couples and visiting families.

This Sydney itinerary with kids by a Sydney resident will help you plan the perfect Sydney family trip.

Sydney itinerary with kids

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Family-friendly Sydney by a local

This post is written by Felicity, a Sydney resident, and mum to daughters Cassandra and Vivienne.

Her passion is the parenting industry and creating a community where everyone feels welcome no matter how they choose to parent. It is this passion that led to the creation of  The Baby Vine . 

Felicity : while we have a lovely home with lots of different toys for the kids to play with, nothing beats getting out and about on our days off.

I am that mum that is constantly on the internet searching for any great, upcoming events that the kids (and I) will just love. There is honestly nothing better.

We also love escaping the city on weekends and finding hidden gems that aren’t too far from home – after all, car trips with a 3 and 1-year-old are never fun! Thank goodness for the DVD players.

Here are some of our great tips for traveling with kids in Sydney.

Places to visit in Sydney with kids: map

You can find all the Sydney activities and highlights mentioned in the post in the map below, as well as recommended accommodations and places to eat.

Click here for the interactive map

How to get around in Sydney with kids

When visiting Sydney, the most important thing to note is that our train and public transport system is pretty great.

Sure, you can organize a cab to pick you up from the airport, and it will save you time, but honestly, the train is just as easy.

The station is right there at the airport and will take you to the heart of the city centre in no time. You can grab yourselves an Opal Card that you just top up as you go.

Kids under 4 are free, and for ages 4-15 you can get a concession card with cheaper rates. Find out more here .

Where to stay in Sydney with kids

Of course, when traveling to a city, it’s important to be able to stay as close as possible to the city so you can get around and see the sites.

Here are some of our top picks for Sydney hostels and hotel rooms.

Note:  Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use the ‘click here’ text in the Book column to see the latest prices on  Booking  and book ahead to get the best deal.

Adina Apartment Hotel Harbourside

When we travel, I love having all the comforts of home. There is no way my kids will wake up in the morning and wait until we are all dressed, showered, and ready for breakfast. That’s why we love having kitchenettes!

Adina Apartment Hotel has a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and microwave. So handy!

They are located in Darling Harbour, which is nice and central, with an indoor swimming pool and barbecue area to keep the kids entertained.

Click here to see the latest prices

Intercontinental Sydney

Intercontinental Sydney has everything you would expect from a good hotel, with interconnecting rooms available for families.

There are mini-fridges in the rooms and plenty of on-site restaurants that cater to kids with special menus.

Located in Circular Quay (near the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House), there’s also an indoor swimming pool to make a splash.

Rydges Sydney Harbour

If you’re after something a bit different, you'll enjoy the Rydges Sydney Harbour with a rooftop swimming pool and Jacuzzi, in the middle of The Rocks.

If your kids are ok with sharing, these rooms are perfect with two double beds, along with a mini-fridge and plenty of restaurants. 

Meriton Serviced Apartments

Because we love our serviced apartments, I had to add the Meriton Serviced Apartments as well. You can get one, two, or three-bedroom apartments fully equipped with a fridge, microwave, dishwasher, washer, and dryer.

There’s also an indoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi!

Places to visit in Sydney with kids

You’ve worked out where you are sleeping each night, but what is there to see each day? Honestly, there is so much to check out in Sydney!

? Travel tip: if you plan to visit multiple sights in Sydney, consider buying the iVenture Card . This card gives you up to 40% discount on SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium , Taronga Zoo , Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Tower, Sydney Opera House, a hop-on, hop-off boat cruise, and more. Get your card here .

1. Darling Habour

One of my favorite places to take the girls is down to Darling Harbour. Just a short walk from Town Hall or Wynard Stations there is so much to see and do.

There’s the big IMAX theatre where you can see some great films in 3D (quite an experience).

There’s also a great children’s playground that could entertain them for hours complete with a flying fox, a water play area (bring swimmers!), climbing ropes, swings, slides, and more.

Here are some of the great places to check out in Darling Harbour:

• SEA LIFE Aquarium : this amazing aquarium houses over 13,000 animals (700 different species), including sharks, dugongs, turtles, stingrays, penguins, and more. Book tickets here .
• Madame Tussauds : our famous wax museum full of celebrities.
• Strike Bowling : with karaoke, DJs, and a dance floor, it’s a great day out.
• Sydney Jet : if you have a wild side this is a fun ride with great views.
• Wild Life Sydney Zoo : where you can meet some of those great Aussie animals.

There are also plenty of restaurants and places to eat in the area, so you can have a great, stress-free day out with the kids.

2. Taronga Zoo

I just love the zoo, and so do the girls, so I had to include the amazing Taronga Zoo . The best way to get there is by taking a ferry from the city.

You get to see all the sites along with the way and when you arrive, you take the cable car back up to the top of the zoo.

Being locals, we always drive, but the first thing we do when we get there is a round trip on the cable car.

Grab a map and plan your day, as there is so much to see and do. We always love going to the shows, especially the seal show and the bird show.

Make sure you work out what time these are on and turn up a little early to get a seat. It’s worth it.

We also have a new tiger exhibit at the zoo, which my girls just can’t get enough of. You get to go on a simulated plane experience before ‘landing’ to see the tigers.

When you make your way to the bottom (where the penguins are!), there is also a GREAT play area for the kids and a farm where they can pat the animals at certain times.

The play area does have a water zone, so once again, swimmers are a must. Click here to get your skip-the-line tickets for Taronga Zoo .

3. Manly Beach

Let’s face it, you can’t come to Sydney without visiting at least one of its beautiful beaches. While Bondi Beach is much more famous, Manly is one of my favorites.

There is lots of sand to play in, netted swimming areas, and plenty of other things happening to keep the kids entertained.

Once again, you can catch the ferry over – which we actually do as it is much cheaper and easier than trying to find a place to park.

You can go for a coastal walk right along the beach to check it all out and stop by one of the restaurants right on the water for a bite to eat.

If you head down the promenade, you will find plenty of tourist shops, where you can get your ‘I Love Australia’ shirts and other merchandise to take back home.

I am also a big fan of buying buckets and spades for the kids when we travel to beachy locations.

There’s no way they would ever fit into the luggage, so I usually purchase them on day one, we keep them for the entire trip before donating them to the hotel or another family we meet along the way.

The girls get so much use out of them that it makes it so worthwhile.

4. Luna Park

I am the first to admit, I am not a huge fan of rides, but the kids do love it and Luna Park does make for a fun day out. You can snap a photo of you outside the iconic laughing face before you head in.

Right at Milson’s Point station, the train is the easiest option for getting there. There are so many different games and rides to keep them entertained.

The Magic Castle is aimed at younger kids, while the rollercoasters and daredevil rides (such as the Supernova and Power Surge) are for older kids with an appetite for thrill.

5. Circular Quay

You can’t leave Sydney without some spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and heading to the Opera House.

You can take kids in to see the Opera House, but it’s often better to have a look at what shows are on while you are there and book one in. It’s a great way to see inside and have a bit of fun too.

Right next door you can hop on over to the Royal Botanic Gardens where you can explore the plant life and the wildlife.

There are often activities on throughout the year as well for kids, so make sure you visit the Royal Botanical Gardens website before you go to see what’s on.

Just a short walk away you can head to Observatory Hill, which is a great place for a picnic, and in my opinion, has the best views of the city.

Grab some food and settle in for the afternoon. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around and burn some of their energy.

Where to eat in Sydney with kids

My kids just love to eat, so we are always on the hunt for kid-friendly restaurants we can take them to. Here are some of our favorites.

The Grounds of Alexandria

This one has to be my all-time favorite! Kids can honestly run wild while you settle in for some tasty food.

You can visit their resident pig: Kevin Bacon, enjoy the markets that are there most weekends, and just take in the beautiful scenery. It really is a nice relaxing place with great coffee. 

Queens Park Shed

Located at the end of Centennial Park, the kids can go crazy at the playground (which is within site!), while you enjoy a break from your busy day.

It has a huge kids menu, which is sure to entice even the fussiest of eaters, and an even bigger bonus, every Friday during the NSW school holidays, kids eat free!

Eat N Chill Wholefood Cafe

This one is a little further out of the city, located in Naremburn, but it’s worth a visit. Their entire menu is focused on healthy, clean eating, which can often be a welcomed treat while traveling.

They essentially have a backyard for kids to run in, complete with a cubby house. So the kids are enclosed while you enjoy your meal.

Sydney Fish Market

This place is worth checking out – the kids will love it! All the fresh seafood comes in and you can pick and choose from a variety of delicious food, taking it outside to enjoy next to the water.

Just beware, the seagulls will want a taste as well!

The best day trips from Sydney with kids

Finally, if you are looking to get out of Sydney itself to see what’s around, day or night trips are great fun. We love to do them from time to time.

Blue Mountains National Park

Only about 1.5 hours from Sydney City, you can simply hop on a guided Blue Mountains day trip . The bus will drive you there, show you the sites and bring you back in one day. Check availability here .

Or you can hire a car and make the day trip yourself. With kids, the latter option is often better, just so you can go at your own pace.

When we went, we stayed at Fairmont Resort and I can’t recommend it enough. There is so much to do, you almost don’t need to leave the hotel!

There are horse rides, three separate games rooms for the kids, a kids’ club for those ages four and above, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, horse riding, and electric ride-on cars. Talk about a kids’ heaven!

We did venture out and visited Scenic World , which was great fun. You buy a day pass, which gets you on all the ‘rides’, this includes the scenic railway, cable car, and scenic skyway.

You get great views of the mountains and the iconic ‘Three Sisters’ and kids will love it.

It’s best to leave the stroller behind and consider swapping it for a carrier , as it’s much easier to get around and there are stairs! The railway won’t let you bring strollers on either.

Hunter Valley

Whether you are into wine tasting, horse riding, or go-karting, you will find plenty to do in the Hunter Valley.

Our favorite place to stay is at Starline Alpacas Resort with big cabins for the whole family (and separate rooms!), a kitchen, and alpacas onsite that you can feed! There’s also a playground and swimming pool for the kids.

We always make a trip to Hunter Valley Gardens and depending on when you go, there are often plenty of exhibitions on, such as Mega Creatures and the Christmas Lights.

You can buy a day pass and go and check out all the beautiful gardens in the daytime.

The kids will love a visit to Storybook Gardens and will be able to pick out a number of familiar faces, and then during the Christmas season, you can come back at night and see the lights.

If your kids are old enough for horse riding and go-karting then they will love the places up at Hunter Valley, and they are nice a close and will only take a couple of hours out of your day.

If you’re like us then you might also bring the kids along for a spot of wine tasting, because… ‘When in the Hunter…”.

I highly recommend checking out Tempus Two as there is plenty of space outside for the kids to run around while you enjoy a sip or two.

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Sydney things to do with kids: in conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive local guide to Sydney and its surroundings!

Looking for more posts about traveling in Australia ? Check out my Australia road trip budget guide , East Coast road trip itinerary , and the best things to do in Daylesford !

This post was updated in July 2022.

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Goldcoast: Arrival and Leisure Day

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Other Benefits (On Arrival)

Welcome to this beautiful metropolitan city

According to the Sydney city tour, you would first arrive at the Sydney airport, then from the airport, you would then be taking a direct flight to Goldcoast. Upon arrival, our representative would then transfer you to your hotel in Goldcoast. Complete all the check-in formalities and rest for a while in your hotel room. As the rest of the day would be free, you could go out and explore this magnanimous city at your own pace and then return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Goldcoast: Day tour

• Whale Watching

Enjoy a beautiful cruise trip!

On the second day of this tour, enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and get ready. Today you would be going for a mindblowing cruise trip for whale watching. It would be an amazing trip for you where you would be watching the humpback whales from the decks. A guide would be explaining to you about the marine life and whales while you enjoy the amazing view forth you. Post your whale watching tour, you would then go for an amazing tour on the canal sides of Nerang river, where you would be able to see the beautifully constructed waterside homes. Enjoy the snacks served on this little canal trip. After an amazing day come back to your hotel for an overnight stay as scheduled by Sydney city tour.

Goldcoast: Leisure Day

The beauty of the amazing coastline would render you speechless

Relish a lavish breakfast at your hotel. As today the whole day is at leisure, you can explore this beautiful city at your own pace. You could go out and admire the beautiful coastline of this city. You could also go to exotic beaches or theme parks like Dreamworld, sea world and Wet and wild, etc. You could also go out for some shopping in this beautiful metropolitan city. You could also go to some amazing spas to rejuvenate yourself. Visiting historical sites is also a good option for tourists. Enjoy the serene beauty of this place and return to your hotel for an overnight stay as scheduled by the Sydney city tour.

Sydney: Arrival and Leisure Day

• Sightseeing

Sydney welcomes you

Enjoy a soulful breakfast at your hotel and get ready. Today our representative would pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Goldcoast airport from where you would catch a flight to Sydney. Upon your arrival at the Sydney airport, you would meet our representative who would then transfer you to your hotel in Sydney. Check-in and explore the city as per your convenience. You could also go out for some shopping. After a good day, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Sydney: Sightseeing

Explore every nook and corner of this awe-inspiring city

Treat your tastebuds with a delicious breakfast and get ready, our representative would pick you up from your hotel and take you out for an amazing sightseeing tour, where you would be covering Sydney’s some of the most famous tourist places. You would be visiting Lime street at King Street Wharf, the rocks, Sydney Opera house, Mrs. Macqueries chairs where you would be able to see the amazing view of the breathtaking skyline and harbor of Sydney. You would then visit Australias most famous surfing beach known as Bondi beach, enjoy at the beach for some time and proceed for the next destination that is the Sydney harbor known as Gap. Enjoy the ethereal views of the coastline. You would then visit Double Bay, Paddington and kings cross. Your tour would conclude at Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. After an amazing city tour return to your hotel for an overnight stay as scheduled by Sydney city tour .

Sydney: Departure

Bid ciao to Sydney!

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel and get ready. Today this amazing trip comes to an end. Our representative would pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Sydney airport from where you would continue with your journey back home with colorful memories for you to cherish them for a lifetime.

Note: Our agents will provide you these or similar hotels depending on availability

Mantra legends

Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd & Laycock,Gold Coast 4217,Queensland Australia

• Air conditioning
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• Baby sitting
• Outdoor Pool

Mercure sydney

818-820 George Street Sydney - 2000 New South Wales, Australia

• All tickets included
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• 4 star hotel
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FAQs for Australia

Can indians get indian food in australia.

Yes, there are a variety of Indian restaurants where you can get delicious Indian food as a lot of Indians live in Australia and also a lot of Indian tourists visit this place.

Where can I go shopping in Sydney?

Westfield, Queen Victoria Building, Harbourside shopping center are some of the famous shopping hubs in Sydney.

What can a tourist purchase in Australia?

Tim tams, Opal jewelry, Macadamia nuts, Aboriginal artwork are some of the famous products that are a must buy.

What all places are there in Goldcoast for tourists to visit?

Acquaduck, Thunderbird National Park, Game over the centre, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the famous tourist places that tourists must visit. Also you tourists must visit the exotic beaches of Goalcoast.

What is the famous food in Australia?

Roast lamb, barbequed sausage in bread, spaghetti bolognese, pavlova, lamingtons are some of the famous food in Australia.

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Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport

Boasting free WiFi in all rooms and a 24-hour front desk, Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport is located 2 minutes' drive from Sydney Domestic Airport Terminals 1 & 2 and 9 minutes' drive from Sydney...

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Overlooking Sydney Harbor, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney offers complimentary Premium WiFi, a bar, restaurant, fitness center and swimming pool.

Meriton Suites Sussex Street, Sydney

Located in Sydney CBD and surrounded by some of Sydney's most popular tourist attractions and iconic landmarks, Meriton Suites Sussex Street, Sydney provides 5-star luxury accommodations.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney

Boasting a swimming pool and free WiFi, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), is just 15 minutes' walk from Circular Quay, where you can visit the Sydney Opera House...

Meriton Suites Mascot Central

Located within 10 minutes' drive from the domestic airport and 15 minutes' drive from the international airport, Meriton Suites Mascot Central features a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor...

Park Regis City Centre

Located in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), Park Regis features a rooftop swimming pool and sundeck with views over Sydney Harbor, Darling Harbor and the city.

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Located in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), next to bustling Martin Place, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney features an à la carte restaurant, a bar and access to a fitness center.

Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport, an IHG Hotel

Located in Sydney, Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport provides accommodations with a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a shared lounge.

Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel & Conference Centre

Boasting a fitness center, Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport is just 15 minutes’ drive from central Sydney. The hotel features soundproofed rooms with satellite TV.

Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour

Located just a short stroll from Sydney's premier dining and entertainment district, Novotel Sydney Darling Harbor offers spacious rooms, some with stunning views of the city skyline.

Most-booked hotels in Sydney in the past month

ibis budget Sydney Airport

Popular with guests booking hotels in Sydney

Mercure Sydney

The Grace Hotel

Hyatt Regency Sydney

Meriton Suites George Street, Parramatta

Shangri-La Sydney

Sydney's best hotels with breakfast

Park Hyatt Sydney

Park Hyatt Sydney perfectly personifies contemporary luxury with its coveted location between the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge.

The location, breakfast quality and the efficient housekeeping.

The Langham Sydney

Just 5 minutes’ walk from Darling Harbor, The Langham Sydney offers luxurious accommodations with panoramic city or bay views. It features a day spa, a tennis court and a hot tub.

Great location,spacious room and very comfortable bed

Roar And Snore

Located in Sydney and with Athol Beach reachable within a 8-minute walk, Roar And Snore provides a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace.

Location, type of accommodation and the experience

Located in Sydney, a 15-minute walk from Hyde Park Barracks Museum, W Sydney has accommodations with a bar and private parking.

Breaky was great. The swimming pools are fantastic.

Aiden by Best Western Darling Harbour

Well situated in the center of Sydney, Aiden by Best Western Darling Harbour has free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a tour desk.

I liked it all. Great friendly service, nothing was a bother.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood, an IHG Hotel

Located in Sydney, 3.5 miles from ANZ Stadium, Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood, an IHG Hotel provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness center and a shared lounge.

Location, friendly staff, all an all just everything

Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour, an IHG Hotel

Featuring a rooftop heated outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, restaurant, bar, cafe and unlimited free WiFi, Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbor is just a 3-minute walk from Town Hall and 10...

Close to everything, staff amazing, food wonderful.

Breakfast was excellent Staff friendly Close to airport.

Budget hotels in Sydney

Travelodge Hotel Hurstville Sydney

Located in Sydney and with Sydney Central Station reachable within 10 miles, Travelodge Hotel Hurstville Sydney has a restaurant, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a bar.

Great accommodation choice - thoroughly impressed!

Studio 8 Residences - Adults Only

Featuring a rooftop terrace with city views and BBQ facilities, the adults-only Studio 8 Residences offers accommodations in Ryde and is located opposite the Top Ryde City Shopping Center.

Staff members, cleanliness, location all was perfect

Value Suites Green Square

Located next to Green Square train station, just 1 stop from Central Station, ValueSuites Green Square offers accommodations with free high-speed WiFi.

The hotel is great, central and close to the railway

Meriton Suites Waterloo

Meriton Suites Waterloo offers refurbished, self-contained accommodations, just 10 minutes’ drive from central Sydney and Sydney International Airport.

Great Location - Great Amenities - Rooms fantastic

Penshurst Hotel

Located in Sydney, 9.2 miles from ANZ Stadium, Penshurst Hotel provides accommodations with a shared lounge, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.

Everything!!! How clean it was & the room was awesome

Kingsgrove Hotel

Located in Sydney and with ANZ Stadium reachable within 8 miles, Kingsgrove Hotel has a restaurant, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a bar.

Great location. Good neighbourhood and it was nice and quiet

Darcy's Hotel

Located in Sydney, within 2.2 miles of Bicentennial Park and 2.6 miles of Sydney Showground, Darcy's Hotel has accommodations with a garden and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free...

Everything. Just such a beautiful place. In a lovely area.

Sydney Boutique Hotel

Opened in February 2017, Sydney Boutique Hotel is set in the Darlinghurst district in Sydney, 0.9 mi from Capitol Theater and 0.9 mi from Allianz Stadium. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.

Conveniently close to St Vincent’s Private Hospital.

Hotels located in the center of Sydney

Just 2 minutes’ walk from Hyde Park and Pitt Street Mall, QT Sydney offers a restaurant, bar, cafe and day spa.

How clean it was! So modern and fun. Best atmosphere

SKYE Suites Sydney

Located in the heart of Sydney CBD (Central Business District), on Kent Street, SKYE Suites Sydney offers 73, designer boutique suites.

Close to everything. Staff are lovely. Very comfy bed

Kimpton Margot Sydney, an IHG Hotel

Experience Sydney's most exquisite premium boutique hotel located in the pulsing heart of the CBD with an Art-Deco charm and contemporary sensibility.

Well decorated, great feeling, very relaxing, spacious and beautuful

Love the rooms. Big a spacious. Comfy bed. Very clean

Ace Hotel Sydney

Well situated in the center of Sydney, Ace Hotel Sydney has air-conditioned rooms, free bikes, free WiFi and a fitness center.

It was nice to hang out in the hotel and enjoy it.

Avonmore On The Park Boutique Hotel

This 4-star boutique hotel is located in Randwick, close to Sydney's CBD (Central Business District) and Coogee Beach. It offers peaceful surroundings and a relaxed setting.

The friendliness of the staff and the location. Lots to like.

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

Located in the heart of Sydney CBD, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is just 2 minutes’ walk from St. James and 5 minutes from Town Hall train station.

The staff were very accommodating to early check in

Its location, friendly staff and great facilities.

FAQs about hotels in Sydney

How much does it cost to stay in a hotel in sydney, how much is a hotel in sydney for this weekend, how much is a hotel in sydney for tonight, which hotels in sydney are good for families, what are the best hotels in sydney near sydney opera house, what are the best hotels in sydney near kingsford smith airport, which hotels are the best ones to stay at in sydney, which hotels in sydney offer an especially good breakfast, which hotels in sydney are good for couples, which hotels in sydney have nice views, from beaches to business, sydney has it all.

From the glitz and glamour of the Star City Casino and trendy King Street Wharf in Darling Harbor to the waves of the Northern beaches, Sydney is full of great restaurants, bars and shopping.

Sail under the iconic Harbor Bridge on a ferry and take in a world class performance at the Sydney Opera House. Circular Quay is also home to the exquisite waterside Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Sydney Tower is the highest point on the skyline and offers a restaurant with panoramic views.

Whether it's the quirky King Street in Newtown or the elegance of the Woollahra, travelling outside of the center uncovers each suburb's distinct flavor. The famous Bondi Beach is the starting point of a walk along the cliffs to the equally photogenic beaches of Bronte and Coogee.

Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport is the main gateway to this capital city and only a short distance from the city center. From a dorm bed in King’s Cross to a 5-star, serviced apartment in the central business district, Booking.com will ensure you don’t miss the excitement in this dynamic city down under.

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‘Mr Western Sydney’: Blacktown mayor Tony Bleasdale dead

The sudden death of the mayor of Blacktown during a flight from China has left the city council in shock as they remember “Mr Western Sydney”.

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The mayor of the Sydney council of Blacktown Tony Bleasdale has died while on a delegation flight returning from China.

Mr Bleasdale, 77, spent almost 30 years as a Blacktown councillor, taking on mayoral duties in 2019.

No cause of death has been established, but Mr Bleasdale had struggled after a past Covid diagnosis, acting mayor Chris Quilkey said.

Mr Bleasdale had recovered well in the past 12 months.

“It was a great shock to everyone in the council that I’ve come into contact with today, it’s left us all reeling,” Mr Quilkey said.

“He was on a delegation to Korea and China and bringing business to Blacktown targeting employment (and) for those companies there to set up shop.

“He was doing a great job for Blacktown, and my understanding was that everybody was happy with the way the tour had gone.”

Mr Bleasdale’s wife Nina was on-board the plane with him when he died.

The Blacktown City Council is consulting with Mr Bleasdale’s family, but intends to hold a public tribute to commemorate his life and contributions to the community and local government of Blacktown.

Mr Quilkey said it was a tribute to Mr Bleasdale’s commitment to the city that he died while serving his mayoral duties.

“Everybody will remember him as a strong advocate for Blacktown and the champion of Western Sydney,” Mr Quilkey said. “Everywhere he spoke, he went there as Mr Western Sydney.”

“I’ve known him for probably 20 years and he’s never changed. He had a working class background, been a union delegate, and still ran a business. He was just a really energetic, very intelligent, very smart man.

“He had the most drive and energy of anybody I’ve ever known.”

Mr Bleasdale received an Order of Australia medal in 2010 for his contributions to local government and charity, having supported Westmead Hospital, Blacktown Relay for Life, Cancer Council NSW and the Gynaecological Cancer Research Fund.

He served on the city council since 1996 and was deputy mayor from 2016 to 2019. He also served as construction labour firm National Contractors’s managing director.

Mr Bleasdale emigrated from the UK in 1963. He began as a bricklayer and spent 40 years in the construction industry.

“Tony proved a visionary leader in transforming the city to better serve a growing population,” a statement from Blacktown City Council reads.

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“Tony was loved by his community and he loved it back, with a generous heart and a genuine commitment to a bright future.

“He was proud of the incredible diversity of Blacktown City and passionate about delivering services and opportunities for its residents and businesses.”

The Blacktown City Council remembered Mr Bleasdale for his passionate advocacy for First Nations Australians and his negotiation of Walker Corporation Blacktown Quarter project.

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The girlfriend of an Australian surfer allegedly murdered alongside his brother in Mexico has revealed his heartbreaking final voicemail to her.