This steel arch bridge spans approximately 500 meters across the harbour, connecting the Central Business District (CBD) to North Sydney. Most of Sydney’s top attractions are centred around the area between the Central Business District (CBD) and inner south-eastern suburbs towards Bondi Beach. In the spirit of reconciliation Virgin Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea, sky and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. It's big enough for a whole week of exploring, but you can still get a taste of the wilderness even on a day trip.
You can book this day trip where a local will take you to some of the best sights you need to see in person. Expect to see the insta famous Wedding Cake Rock sydney city what to do and one of my favourite beaches in Sydney which is called Marley Beach. Sydney’s glittering coastline is hemmed with beautiful beaches, but for times when you prefer a gentler swim sans waves, head to one of the city’s many historic ocean baths.
This is one of the best beaches in Sydney and is fringed by the pine trees that are synonymous with the New South Wales coastline. If you're looking to do one thing outside of the CBD, then make sure this is it. If you want the full guide to this beautiful coastal walk, then check out our guide to the Bondi to Coogee Walk. Walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one our favourite free things to do in Sydney. Starting at Cumberland Street in the Rocks, you can walk across this icon to the Northern Suburbs of Kiribilli and Milson's Point. We’ve written a whole post on the best times of day to do it and what to do when you get to the other side here.
Today, in addition to their array of floral delights, the gardens also feature running paths, fitness areas, picnic spots, and the charming, heritage-listed Caley’s Pavillion and patio. There’s also a wildflower nursery where you can pick up some beautiful Australian plants to take home. With the vast expanse of the mighty Pacific Ocean to the east and stunning city views to the west, a visit to this beautiful corner of the city is bound to leave you awestruck. You can make a day of it too, by taking the South Head trail from Watsons Bay.
Held at locations such as Centennial Park, North Sydney Oval, and Bondi Pavilion, the Moonlight Cinema offers a variety of films catering to diverse audiences. Visitors can bring their own picnic to enjoy while watching films under the stars, making it a perfect evening out. For music lovers, Sydney’s indie gigs showcase a variety of musical acts, making it a great way to discover new talent. These local pubs offer a fun and engaging night out, catering to fans of both comedy and live music.
You'll be surrounded by locals and travellers alike in this sun-soaked space that gives you 360 degree views of every part of Sydney, from the Northern Beaches to Penrith. Sink back a fruity cocktail, snaffle some bar snacks and see Sydney from a perspective usually just reserved for a) people in planes, and b) sea eagles. The restaurant at the southern end of the beach has the most beautiful view. Bondi Icebergs is actually a clubhouse for the local swimming club, but it’s open to visitors. Acknowledging Aboriginal culture and Australia’s First Nations people, Barangaroo Reserve is a relatively new must-experience compared to the other Sydney attractions on this list. Launching as public parkland in 2015, the six-hectare space features 75,000 native plants and offers cultural tours to educate visitors on how sacred the land really is.
We're not normally huge fans of modern art museums, but the MCA in Sydney is definitely worth a look, and often has unique exhibitions. If you're there in October/November, then you may see the Jacaranda in bloom, where these trees turn a vibrant purple! It's a beautiful contrast to the greenery of the rest of the gardens. The Botanic Garden is another gem on the harbour and one of our favourite free things to do in Sydney. This beautiful green space couldn't be better situated, sitting on the shore line and looking back over the water. That can make it hard to know what to prioritise on a short visit, so we've compiled a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Sydney after five years living in this amazing city.
On a clear day, the vistas stretch from the golden beaches of the Eastern Suburbs to the distant Blue Mountains. Starting with the 4D experience – a short film giving you a bird’s-eye view of the city – the visit then takes you to the observation deck, 250 metres above ground. Adrenaline junkies should opt for the guided Skywalk – which circumnavigates the tower along an outside ledge – and those interested in a tipple with an unrivalled panorama should head to Bar 83. The gallery is only a 15min walk from the city centre and admission is free, as are the daily guided tours. Stop for lunch or a coffee at the on-site restaurant, or visit on a Wednesday evening until 10pm for Art After Hours for celebrity talks, music, performances and other special events.
This thin slither of green lining the harbourfront has survived the city’s expansion and provides a series of natural parks dotted amongst the houses and buildings. If you’re up for a stroll over the bridge, we highly recommend walking from the Botanic Gardens to Milsons Point, a route that collects many of the most iconic viewpoints in the city. Iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, and a diverse cultural scene come together to create a city like no other. Embrace the coffee-fuelled, sun-loving, food-obsessed good life with our guide to the best things to do in Sydney. If you can take some time to plan your trip, you can get the most of 48 hours.
Bradleys Head is a picturesque headland in Sydney Harbour, offering stunning views of the city skyline, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. The Sydney Tower Eye is where you enjoy the best views from the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere, which also includes an exciting 4D cinema experience. A guided tour is a great idea if you want to see the Opera House from the inside and learn more about it. For example, this hour-long guided tour takes you underneath the world-famous sails and along the 300 corridors of the Opera House.
There are various ways to get to Taronga Zoo, but the ferry trip from Circular Quay is the best way. Take a look at our guide on the best Sydney Harbour cruises for a selection of different types of cruise experiences catering to various budgets. Every travel deal is a little bit different and some are more flexible than others, so this will depend on the specific terms and conditions of your booking.
From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes. Bondi Beach is one of the most iconic Sydney attractions, luring visitors from around the globe to its golden sand and aqua blue surf. The Sydney Ferry system operates throughout Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River, transporting visitors right across the city. It’s a budget-conscious way to soak up some of the city’s most beautiful vistas as 38 wharves are open.
30 BEST Places to Visit in Sydney 2026 Guide
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