Things to Do in Sydney

1. Watch the majestic whales: Whale watching in the Royal National Park is one of the prime reasons for tourists flocking to this place in the whale season. If you are travelling to Sydney, don’t miss out watching the majestic whales that migrate to the coast during this time.

Location: Sir Bertram Stevens Dr, Royal National Park NSW 2233, Australia
Price: INR 917
Timings: 7 am- 7 pm daily

2. Have an underwater Scooter experience: While making a list of adrenaline rushing things to do in Sydney, do not miss out on an underwater scooter tour in which you will explore the exotic marine life and spot sea urchins, starfishes, cuttlefish, blue gropers and many more subaquatic creatures.

Location: Botany Road, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Price: INR 5000
Timings: 10 AM - 6:00 PM

3. Spend a day Kayaking: Hire a kayak and paddle through the Harbour Islands, Pittwater, Manly Wharf and the Hawkesbury and try this adrenaline rushing activity. Thr places are surrounded by many famous food joints, thus you can binge on some food after this exhausting adventure.

Address: Lavender Bay Boat Ramp,Railway Avenue, Lavender Bay, North Sydney
Price: INR 3057
Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

4. Experience Sydney fro high above: In a compact helicopter, soar over Sydney CBD and feel the world under your feet. From the glass interior of the helicopter, you can appreciate amazing views of the city and its outskirts

Address: Sydney Airport, 472 Ross Smith Avenue Mascot, Sydney- 2020
Price: INR 14517-INR 29035)
Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

5. Surf at Byron Bay: Being one of the most iconic places for bay surfing and enjoying the thrill of catching your first wave, the place also offers you to gaze at whales and other sea life. The captivating beauty of the Byron Bay beaches makes it one of the top-notch surfing spots in Australia.

Address: Suffolk Park, Byron Bay, Australia
Price: INR 12607
Timings: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (each batch of 1 hour)

6. Enjoy a fun filled safari: Visit hunter valley and spend some time admiring the majestic dense woods and ravenous gorges. The area also houses many vineyards, which offer wine tasting tours.

Address: Hunter Valley, Sydney
Price: INR 6179
Timings: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM

7. Meet the Koalas: Spend a fun time hugging the Koalas and enjoy your day among these native american animals. Visit Taronga Zoo and spend some time enjoying the beautiful wildlife. Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia

Price: INR 2200 for children and INR 3800 for adults
Timings: 9:30 AM - 4:30 AM

8. Swim in an Olympic swimming pool: Looking for some blood-pumping activities in Sydney? Here you will get to swim in a huge pool having the harbour bridge as its background.

Address: Alfred St S, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
Price: INR 991 per person for swimming
Timings: 9:30 AM - 4:30 AM

9. Camping at Royal National Park: Spend a night gazing at the beautiful sky from this location above the giant cliff. Admire the beautiful landscapes and the coastal reefs and have an unforgettable trip.

Location: Sir Bertram Stevens Dr, Royal National Park NSW 2233, Australia
Price: INR 917
Timings: 7 am- 7 pm daily

1. Take a hot air balloon ride: Give your romantic mood a jolt by soaring over the clouds in a balloon and watching the beautiful sunrise in the sky.

2. Coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi: Walking hand in hand past the colourful milieu of nature along the coastal trail from Coogee to Bondi is one of the best romantic activities you can indulge in Sydney.

3. Sip the authentic Australian wine at Hunter Valley: A 2 hours’ tour to the Hunter Valley (Australia’s oldest vineyards) and sipping into premium wine varieties make a perfect escapade for lovebirds. Come across 60 top-notch eateries, 150 wine manufacturers and 180 inviting places of accommodation inside the valley.

4. Experience adrenaline-rushing activities at hidden beaches: The secluded beaches of Sydney like the Manly Beach, Queenscliff Beach and Shelly Park make a perfect destination for relaxing, beach hiking, snorkelling, ferry rides and other outdoor activities.

5. Go on a date at Blue Bar on 36: Dine here around the kaleidoscopic veil of the evening sky and have a pleasant date night. Manage to get a window seat with your cocktail and enjoy the brilliant panorama of the city in the evening.

6. Visit Night Markets: Spend a fun time here while shopping in these local markets. Traverse the lanes hand in hand and chomp on some authentic local dishes.

7. Plan a picnic in Hunter valley: This place will provide you with the best views of lush greenery. From spa to wine tasting tours and from local market visits to marvelling at the natural beauty, the place has so much to offer.

8. Climb the blue mountains: Walk towards the spectacular view from high mountains and spend a time resting above the blue sky and realms of nature. Spend some cozy time together away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

9. Visit QVB mall: Bestowed with royal romanesque architecture, here you can admire the beautiful glass windows and experience the shopping feel in a royal place. Stroll here with your love followed by having some tasty meals in the food court.

10. Have dinner on a cruise: Providing views to match your romantic evening vibes, the cruise ships in Sydney will let you enjoy some sparkling wine and tasty food below the moon-lit sky.

11. Take a helicopter ride: Reach the limits of the sky and marvel at the beautiful city from high above. For those who want to express their love to their partner, there is no place better than this to do so.

1. Jet Boating: One of the best things to Do in Sydney where adventure is concerned, is jet boating. Explore the pristine waters and coastal region of Sydney by indulging in a jet boat ride, and pass through the scenic ferry wharf and Sydney Opera House as you soar across the waters at full speed.

2. Surfing: Wondering what to do in Sydney? Head over to the beaches here and go surfing across the crashing waves. Sydney has many surfing schools where you can learn to surf and conquer the majestic waves that make the city a surfing haven.

3. Skiing: Skiing at the NSW Sky Field is amongst the most fun things to Do in Sydney. Located amidst snow-capped mountains, this region is one of the best to enjoy a skiing experience with your friends and family during your holiday in Sydney.

4. Zip Lining: Visit the Treetops in Sydney and engage in a memorable and adventurous zip lining adventure here. This unforgettable experience lets you soar across the dense forest cover, which is unlike anything you have ever done.

5. Scuba Diving: One of the best things to Do in Sydney is scuba diving. Visit the signal station, south reef, royal Sheppard, Shelly Beach or other regions and get enticed by the vibrant Australian marine life as you explore the coral reefs underwater.

6. Skydiving: Sydney has many places where you can go for skydiving and soak in bird eye views of stunning vistas and landscapes. Take a dive from a height of 10,000 to 20,000 feet in the air and soar high up above in the air, an experience completely unparalleled.

7. Hiking: Amongst the best free things to Do in Sydney is hiking. Take a quick stroll across the varied terrains in Sydney, passing by dense forests, beaches or mountains overlooking the harbour. Some of the best places to go for hiking in Sydney are Nielsen Park or Bayview Hill Road.

1. Enjoy live music at The Basement: Wondering what to do in Sydney at night? Head over to The Basement, and enjoy a wide variety of live music, from jazz and folk, to funk, blues and acoustic, whilst enjoying snacks and drinks at the Cabaret style tables and elevated bars here.

2. Gorge on fresh pizza at Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice: Visit this classic pizza pub at night and enjoy lip-smacking pizzas, karaoke, live performances and old classical music all in one place. Don’t forget to take part in the karaoke nights here, which are held every Tuesday, for a more unique Sydney nightlife experience.

3. Meet locals and dine outdoor at Cellar Door: One of the most unique activities to do in Sydney at night is to take the more local and outdoor route. Head over to Cellar Door, see the local talent here and enjoy live performances as you tuck in fresh produce and wine in the large courtyard here.

4. Dance the night away at Homebar: If you love music and dance, then you must visit Homebar during your Sydney trip. This club has four different rooms for different music styles, namely, two step, funk, techno and disco. With international DJs spinning music, great food and alcohol, spend your night dancing to the tunes of amazing songs and beats.

1. Enjoy the festivals in Sydney: Enjoying festivals is amongst the best free things to Do in Sydney. Whether it is the Sydney Festival or Sydney Mardi Gras, or even the New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy various live music and dance performances, tuck in great food and even see some of the best firework displays in the world, all for free.

2. Take a stroll amidst nature: Known for its soothing ambience, taking a relaxing walk amid the verdant nature is undoubtedly amongst the best things to Do in Sydney. Walk through the different areas of Sydney and soak in the scenic sights and views here.

3. Visit the Royal Botanical Garden: When it comes to free activities to do in Sydney, a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden is a must. Admire the garden on a self-guided tour, soak in views from the Mrs Macquarie’s Chair vantage point and simply relish in nature.

4. Pay a visit to the Government House: Take a tour of the Government House in Sydney and marvel at the stunning interiors here. Located in the Domain, this monument overlooks the Royal Botanical Gardens and Sydney Opera House, and is famous for its furnishings and decorations that date back to the 19th and 20th centuries.

1. Westfield: This is the best place to get your hands on specialty items and products. With brands like Target, David Jones, Myer, Big W and more, Westfield, also known as Westfield Warringah Mall, is one of the best places for shopping in Sydney.

2. The Rocks Market: If you wish to indulge in local produce and delicacies, then the Rocks Market is the place to be. From homemade bread, chocolate, fresh seafood and condiments, to homewares, musical instruments, fresh lamb kebabs, barbecued snacks and more, this market has it all.

3. Strand Arcade: Wish to indulge in some Victorian style shopping, the Strand Arcade is the best place for it. From designer Australian fashion labels like Alex Perry, to local crafts, jewellery stores and more, a shopping experience in Strand Arcade is a must when you are in Sydney.

4. Glebe Market: This market is the place where you can not only buy, but also see the local artists at work. Whether it is handicrafts, couture outfits, jewellery or accessories, you can get your hands on some of the most creative pieces here.

1. Explore the Sydney Opera House: One of the best things to Do in Sydney is to visit the legendary Sydney Opera House. Explore the interiors of the most iconic building in Australia with your family, from the stage doors, stages and dressing rooms, to the Playhouse, prop rooms and more.

2. Go on the Manly Ferry Voyage: Amongst the most fun things to Do in Sydney, the Manly Ferry Voyage is nothing short of an unforgettable treat to tourists. Soak in views of the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Shark Beach and Camp Cove as you glide in the Sydney Harbour in the ferry.

3. Take a walking tour of the Dharawal National Park:
Known for its verdant scenery, this national park is great for a walking tour with your family. Learn about the indigenous flora and fauna of the patch, with stories about the connections of the Australians to this area. You can also enjoy a picnic at the Minerva pool here.

4. Watch the sunset from Hornby Lighthouse:
Visit the South Head in Sydney and soak in mesmerising views of the setting sun from the Hornby Lighthouse, overlooking the tranquil waters of Camp Cove. With the bustling city acting as backdrop and the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean in front, this experience is bound to be rejuvenating for you and your family.

We have shortlisted some of the best aerial activities to do in Sydney for the adventure-loving tourists:

1. Sydney Northern Beaches Scenic Flight: Soaring over the heights in a seaplane which takes you back to Australia in the 1930s and 40s, is one of the best things to do in a Sydney trip. The 30 minutes tour starts from Palm Beach and ends at Sydney Harbour which gives you a bird’s eye view of Manly, Dee Why, Sydney Opera House etc.

2. U Fly Aerobatics Flight Experience: If you are a real adrenaline junkie, one of the best aerial activities to do in Sydney is boarding on an acrobatic flight in Robin 2160i aircraft and soaring over the suburbs of Sydney. If you have the guts, go for Turning Loops, Rolls and Turns.

3. Sydney Harbour Luxury Scenic Flight: Soaring over the Sydney Harbour in a private aerobatic tour you can admire its stunning beauty from every possible angle. You will cross over the Manly Beach, Barrenjoey Lighthouse and the surrounding landscapes in a luxurious light aircraft.

4. Gourmet Lunch at Jonah's by Seaplane from Sydney: Enjoy sightseeing on a seaplane followed by a gourmet 3-course lunch at Jonah’s waterside restaurant on the Northern Beaches. Your flight takes off from Rose Bay and passes through the landmarks such as the Northern Beaches, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic landmark of Australia which is known as the largest steel arch bridge in the world. It is also one of the finest natural harbours spanning across human civilization. The iconic bridge was opened in 1932 and was fondly called the Coathanger by the locals. The bridge consists of 53,000 tonnes of steel and 6 million hand-driven rivets for its construction which took about 8 years.

1. Flights of stairs near the Australian Heritage Hotel take you to the bridge walk on the eastern side.
2. Enjoy the spectacular panorama of the surroundings from the pilot lookout.
3. Access the cycleway on the western end of the bridge near the Sydney Observatory.
4. Hire bicycles and go for Sydney Bike Tours, Bonza Bike Tours, Bikebuffs and the Blue Bananas (only guided tours).
5. Bridge Climb is one of the most sought after things to do in Sydney which takes you to the summit. From this point on, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Sydney and beyond.

Known as the home of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney is also famous for its verdant natural landscapes like the Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach and Port Stephens. Apart from that, the city is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, multicuisine delicacies, vineyards, and numerous adventure activities.

A minimum of four to five days is enough for a good exploration of Sydney. In addition to sightseeing and harbour cruises, you can also indulge in many activities during this time.

Being one of the best cities not just in Australia, but also in the world, Sydney is definitely better than Melbourne. In addition to beautiful views of the harbour, fresh seafood, great weather and stunning beaches, the city also offers a lot of activities for one to indulge in.

No, it does not snow in Sydney. Owing to its temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters, snowfall in Sydney is near impossible.

Watching the majestic whales in their natural environment of Royal National Park is a real feast to your eyes. The park stretches over 15,091 hectares of bushland across the southern coast of Sydney. Apart from that, you can spot whales in Bondi Beach, Fairfax Lookout in Manly Beach, Barrenjoey Headland, Cape Solander in Kurnell and Gap Bluff in Watson’s Bay.

1. Blue Mountains: On a full-day tour in the outskirts of Sydney, discover the stunning panorama of the Blue Mountains and exotic wildlife of the region. Your journey starts at the Echo Point, continuous to the Scenic World until it ends at Homebush Bay. Stop at Leura Village for a gourmet lunch and relaxation. While returning you can also choose a boat ride along the Parramatta River to Sydney.

Location: New South Wales, Australia
Entry fee: Approx. $161.39 (AUD)per person
Timings: depends on the tour operator

2. Featherdale Wildlife Park: Want to spend some time with the adorable koalas on your Sydney trip? Make your way to Featherdale Wildlife Park which is home to more than 1700 native animals and more than 250 different other species. The park posts offer bounding the largest collection of koalas as well as wallabies, kangaroos, dingoes, bilbies, Tasmanian Devils, echidnas, reptiles and flocks of colourful migratory birds.

Location: 217-229 Kildare Road, Doonside, Sydney NSW 2767 (near Blacktown) Australia
Entry fee: $ 261.79 (AUD)
Timings: 8am- 5pm every day (excluding Christmas)

3. Hunter Valley: Wine tasting and wildlife Safari are the two most sought after things you can include in a single itinerary. In a guided tour at Hunter Valley, you can visit the largest wine-producing region of Australia which abounds a wildlife park as well. Your day trip includes tasting chocolate, cheese, wine, beer, and olive oil and spotting the wild animals in their natural habitat.

Location: Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Entry fee: $ 163
Timings: 9am -4pm, 5:30pm -10pm.

4. Sydney Taronga Zoo: Unveil the existence of a real jungle in the city and get close with Koalas, Penguins, Giraffes and Owls in their pet habitat of Taronga Zoo. You can enjoy a slumber party along with an eco-retreat accommodation at the Roar and Snore. Starting from intimate animal encounters to savouring delicious food and finally waking up to the spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo promises you of an unforgettable trip in the heart of nature.

Address: Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
Entry Fee: $ 46 (AUD) for adults, $ 27 (AUD) for children between (4-15) years
Timings: 9:30am- 5pm

5. Kadoo Watsons Bay: Probably the best activity to do in Sydney is going on a cultural tour to Kadoo. Drive for 30 minutes from Sydney CBD and get acquainted with the oldest surviving culture on earth in this place. At Watson’s Bay, you will discover the exotic local flora and fauna and learn about the aboriginal culture of the region from your guide.

Location: New South Wales 2030, Australia
Entry fee: For Kadoo cultural tour it is $20 + GST per person and for Watson Bay trip the entry fee is $15 per person.

1. December- February: This is the high season for Sydney trips as the weather is hot and pleasant during these months. Many locals and foreign tourists hit the beaches and gear up for Christmas and New Year parties. There is a holiday mood everywhere and hotel tariffs are quite high.

2. February- May and September-November: During the shoulder season, schools are on holiday and the major tourist attractions in and around Sydney are less crowded. During this time of the year, days are crisp and nights are cool which makes it ideal for sightseeing.

3. June- August: This is the low season of the tourism calendar. The climate is frosty with occasional howling of winds and heavy showers bracing the coastal belt in particular. There may be high tides for which ferry rides are often cancelled. From the end of August, signs of Spring fill the air.

1. By air: Sydney Kingsford International Airport is the busiest airport in Australia and is well connected with the major cities of the world and other domestic airports of Australia. From the airport, you can hire a cab or take a suburban train or a local bus or hop onto a shuttle bus to reach Sydney.

2. By bus: There are private and government-run buses plying between Sydney, New Wales and other parts of the country and most of these buses start from Sydney Coach Terminal. They are equipped with comfort features, although the government-run buses are more economical than the private buses.

3. By train: Sydney has a fantastic railway network between Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and other cities. Many trains that are run by the government’s Countrylink start from Central Station in Sydney.

4. By road: Sydney has an excellent road network with the other major cities of Australia. The roads are well maintained by the government and driving along the Pacific Highway in Sydney offers you a spectacular view of landscapes to feast your eyes on. For foreigners, owning an international driving licence is mandatory.

A list of some amazing road trip destinations around Sydney:

1. Northern Beaches: If you want to keep your road trip local to Sydney, start with the Manly Beach and then go further north up to 30 kilometres where the most stunning beaches in Australia await you. There are in total 21 beaches where you can spend a private weekend and embark on your choicest adventure activities to do in Sydney.

2. Grand Pacific Drive: The unbeatable road trip starts with the Royal National Park and takes you through the 665 metres long Sea Cliff Bridge sweeping over the deep blue Pacific Ocean. Your first stop will be at the Bald Hill Lookout from where you can feast your eyes on the stunning views of the ocean and see the hang gliders taking off the cliff. Next, drive past The Secret Bridge which is a 450 metre long architectural Marvel along the coastline. Finish your journey at Kiwami where you can spot a whale if you are lucky or just see the Blowhole.

3. Hunter Valley: A two hours’ drive north of Sydney will take you to one of the major wine manufacturing plants of Australia, the Hunter Valley. You will come across sprawling vineyards, wineries, and scrumptious food in your journey.

4. Blue Mountains: Drive for 2 hours to the west of Sydney and get introduced to the surreal beauty of the Blue Mountains. It is a World Heritage Site where you can indulge in hiking, sightseeing, wine tasting and savouring other scrumptious delicacies of New South Wales.

While making a list of the best things to do in Sydney, don’t forget to include pub hopping in them. The weathered sandstone pubs of CBD and Rocks have been the first choice of tipplers. When it comes to night out, Sydney town has a long list of amazing bars and pubs from which you can plan a perfect bar crawl:

1. The Erko: For meat lovers, this offbeat destination has to be in your Sydney travel bucket. Enjoy the real community vibe of Erko with a jug of Wood Cloud Catcher and their signature low and slow smoked meat preparation.

2. The Dolphin: Located in the Crown Street the pub fairly boasts of its complete makeover with an open terrace, bar, salumeria, dining room and a wine room. Dolphin specialises in Italian cocktails, No. 8, Campari and Vodka. Don’t forget to try their pizza with salami and melted cheese toppings.

3. Forest Lodge Hotel: If you are a connoisseur of beer, Forest Lodge should be your first pick of the list. Along with their excellent beer collection, the pub specialises in local brews like Modus Operandi, Reschs, Coopers, Wayward and Murray’s. Behind its mundane look, the hotel promises you decent dining, warm service and a superb assortment of beer.

4. Courthouse Hotel: Located in New Town the Courthouse,called The Courty by the locals is probably the best place for day drinking when you combine it with a bit of trashy Friday morning bingo. There are two separate outdoor spaces for smokers and diners where both can enjoy sunshine over a plate of Chimichurri or a glass of red wine.