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Bursting with character, Sydney is a vibrant city with spectacular landmarks including the Harbour and its Harbour bridge, the Opera House, the historic Rocks area, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and popular Bondi Beach - one of the many fabulous beaches that Sydney is famous for.
Things to do in Sydney
Sydney has an excellent collection of attractions to keep you busy.
Drop into a Sydney Visitor Centre at either The Rocks or Darling Harbour. There are free guides, a booking service for tours, travel cards, tickets and passes for purchase. Address: Corner Argyle and Playfair Streets, The Rocks and Darling Harbour, near Darling Walk next to the IMAX Theatre.
Take a cruise on Sydney Harbour. Go on a sightseeing cruise, a dinner cruise, or dance cruise, or simply catch a ferry to whatever destination you choose on the ferry routes. Find your choice of Sydney cruises at Circular Quay.
This 1930s building used to be the home of the Maritime Services Board, but has served in its present capacity since 1991. Free admission, except to special exhibitions. Take the train or bus to Circular Quay. Address: Circular Quay West, The Rocks.
The museum stands on the site of the first Government House and contains exhibitions showing the history of Sydney. Inside are the archaeological remains of the colony’s first Government House, built in 1788. Take the train or bus to Circular Quay or Sydney Explorer Bus to Stop 3. Address: Corner of Bridge and Philip Streets, Sydney.
Sydney Aquarium , Sydney Wildlife World, Taronga Zoo
Enjoy a complete wildlife experience at Darling Harbour. See wallabies, koalas, reptile and endemic Australian wildlife at Wildlife World and view Australia’s marine life, including sharks and Nemo the clownfish at Sydney Aquarium. Or take a ferry across the harbour to Taronga Zoo and view the new Great Southern Oceans exhibit.
The bright red Sydney Explorer buses take you to Sydney sightseeing attractions all over the city on a designated route. This is a hop-on, hop-off service on one ticket. There is also a Bondi Explorer bus, which is painted blue and takes in some of Sydney’s best-known beaches. You can buy tickets at the Sydney Visitor Centre, the Sydney Ferries ticket office at Circular Quay or on the bus itself. A one day combined ticket for both buses is A$39.
The chance to see a world-class performance at the famous Sydney Opera House is too good to miss if you’re visiting Sydney. In fact, it’s on most visitors’ “must see” list for this vibrant, cosmopolitan city.
This stunning architectural feat, designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, opened in 1973 and is now one of the most recognised buildings in the world.
Situated at Bennelong Point, it is surrounded by lush gardens and the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour.
You’ll find the thrill of climbing the steel arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is matched only by the sublime views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline from the top.
Top of your list of things to do in and around the bridge is the exciting BridgeClimb.
You’ll soon see why more than 2 million happy climbers have made their way along catwalks, up ladders and to the top. 360 degree views from the summit are spectacular – with the Opera House in the foreground, the Royal Botanic Gardens nearby, city skyline close, beaches and mountains in the distance.
Great Walks around Sydney
A good way of seeing Sydney Harbour and gaining some perspective on its size and beauty, is to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From The Rocks, take the stairs on Cumberland Street up to the Bridge. A leisurely walk across to Milsons Point takes 30 minutes. You can do the return walk, or take a train or ferry from Milsons Point back to the city.
Spit to Manly Walk
This scenic walk leads around the northern foreshores of Sydney Harbour, from the Spit Bridge to Manly. The Spit Bridge is a 30 minute drive north of the city, via bus or taxi. The nine kilometre, three hour walk along a bushland track offers a backstage view of Sydney Harbour as it takes you through some of Sydney’s most glamorous real estate, past hidden beaches, subtropical rainforest and tracts of wild coastal heath. Enjoy lunch on Manly beach before returning to the city by ferry.
The Shores of Mosman Bay
This is an easy 90 minute walk along a sealed and mostly level path. It starts at Cremorne Point which can be reached by ferry from Circular Quay. The walk winds its way between houses on one side and natural bushland descending to the bay on the other. It ends at Mosman Bay where you can have lunch on the deck at the Mosman Rowers Club (Tues-Sat), before catching the ferry back to the city.
Bondi to Coogee Walk
The Bondi to Coogee Walk is a popular coastal walk offering beautiful coastline vistas, cosy beaches and cafe strips for refuelling. It is six kilometres long and takes about two hours to complete. The walk starts at Bondi Beach and heads south around a string of beaches – Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Gordons Bay and Coogee Beach. From Coogee take a bus back to the city or Bondi.
An introductory guide to the local lingo
Learn these Australian slang words and phrases and you’ll fit right in!
- Arvo – Afternoon
- Barbie – Barbecue
- Brekkie - breakfast
- Cab Sav – Cabernet Sauvignon
- Corker – something excellent
- Cozzie – swimming costume
- Coathanger – Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Coldie/Amber fluid – A beer
- Fair dinkum – true, genuine
- Flat out like a lizard drinking – very busy
- Hit the frog and toad – Hit the road, leave, usually said by a visitor when they are ready to go.
- Pav - Pavlova; a rich, creamy Australian dessert
- Snag – sausage (“Throw another snag on the barbie”)
- She’ll be right - it’ll turn out okay
- Sunnies – pair of sunglasses
- Thongs – casual footwear/flip-flops
Check out the following links for further information & explore Sydney:
Sydney Guide - www.sydneyguide.net.au
Visitors Guide - www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Visit New South Wales - www.visitnsw.com.au
