Things To Do in Sydney, New South Wales

Activities, attractions and tours
Sydney

Sydney Attractions

Thinking about a visit to the Land Down Under? Expedia is at the ready, your go-to site and trip planner for a journey to Sydney, Australia. You'll find there are so many things to do in Sydney that you'll be hard-pressed to pack them all into a single visit. Let us help you ensure your Sydney tours take you to all of the must see tourist spots and local favorites on the map.

New South Wales is a glory of a place. As you venture into the unknown, you'll want to make sure you don't miss the wonders this beautiful city has to offer.

Sydney is an amazing city with all of the modern conveniences and breathtaking attractions. Whether your Sydney excursions take you indoors or out, be sure to make a trip to the top picks for any visitor passing through. This may be a once in a lifetime journey. Be sure to make every minute count as you choose Sydney activities. Bondi Beach is one of the most popular attractions in Sydney, not to mention Port Jackson, and Darling Harbour. Take in the view from one of Sydney's best spots, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you enjoy a show, then you must go to the Sydney Opera House, an amazing example of architecture gracing the water.

If you're in the mood to slow life down for a little while, take a stroll through one of the many parks in Sydney. The Rocks is one of the best places to sit on a bench, have a picnic, or watch the world go by. Other favorites include Observatory Hill, the Hickson Road Reserve, and Foundation Park. Need a taste of wild life? Don't forget the Taronga Zoo and the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. If an amusement park is your cup of tea, look no further than Luna Park.

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Top places to visit

1. Sydney Opera House

Regularly listed as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century, the Sydney Opera House sits right on Sydney Harbour, and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The Opera House has several major resident companies including: Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Over 1 million people come here to enjoy performances each year, while millions more come just to admire the building, a symphony in itself.
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One of the world’s most famous buildings is surprisingly accessible; take in a show or just take a stroll to admire this astonishing building.

2. Circular Quay

Circular Quay is situated in the small inlet of Sydney Cove, the official landing site of the First Fleet. Scottish political reformer Thomas Muir once had a cottage here, and for decades it was the city’s main shipping port. Today, it’s best known as the place to catch one of Sydney's iconic ferries, which travel all over the harbor. It’s also a great spot to take in incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
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Circular Quay featuring general coastal views, a sunset and central business district

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

The idea for the Sydney Harbour Bridge dates back to 1815, but work didn’t start until 1923. Famous for its distinctive arch and enormous pylons, the bridge was completed in 1932. This was the world’s widest long span bridge until 2012, and Sydney’s tallest structure until 1967. It contains over 6 million hand-driven rivets and, for each repainting, requires 7,925 gallons (30,000 liters) of paint.
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Stroll from end-to-end or climb to the top; either way, Sydney’s “Coat Hanger” serves up memories to last a lifetime.

4. Taronga Zoo

Nestled into 185-acres (75-hectares) of hilly harbor-side bushland in the upscale suburb of Mosman, you’ll find one of the world’s most spectacular zoos. Taronga Zoo is the perfect place to encounter Australia's wildlife. And, with more than 2,500 animals representing 340-plus species, Taronga has the entire world covered.
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Taronga Zoo showing zoo animals and bird life as well as an individual male

5. Manly Beach

Manly Beach was named after the strikingly healthy and handsome indigenous people who first lived in the area. Back in 1903, it was one of the first seaside resorts to allow daylight swimming and surfing. These days, Manly is an upmarket Sydney suburb by the water, offering fine beaches, heritage architecture, shopping, dining, and bush walks. The ferry journey alone, from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, is a must-do Sydney experience.
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Manly Beach featuring a coastal town, boating and swimming

6. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Situated in Cockle Bay, just across the water from Darling Harbour, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Architecturally designed to resemble an ocean wave, the aquarium is home to more than 13,000 animals and 700 different species, and is divided into 14 themed zones.
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Sydney Aquarium which includes marine life

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sydney

Explore areas of Sydney

Sydney Town Hall which includes city views, heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(381 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour which includes central business district, night scenes and a bay or harbor

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(60 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Star Casino and Australian National Maritime Museum, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

Darling Harbour
Parramatta featuring general coastal views and a city

Parramatta

Parramatta is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Westfield Parramatta Shopping Centre or Riverside Theatres.

Parramatta
Circular Quay - The Rocks which includes street scenes, a city and heritage architecture

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Rocks
Manly Beach which includes tropical scenes, a sandy beach and a coastal town

Manly

A noteworthy feature of Manly is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Manly Beach and Manly Wharf.

Manly
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Sydney Olympic Park

Unique features of Sydney Olympic Park include the theaters and live music. Make a stop by Accor Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre while you're exploring the area.

Sydney Olympic Park

Day trip destinations from Sydney