Things to do in Sydney Australia: explore Down Under

A trip to Australia can give you an incredibly diverse and exciting experience, as the country offers a wide range of landscapes, cultures, and activities. Visiting the Sydney Opera House, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and surfing at some of the best beaches in the world are some of the things to do in Australia. 

In this article, we will explain the things to do in Sydney Australia, so you will be prepared to enjoy all the fun things to experience in Sydney.

Best things to do in Sydney Australia

Sydney, Australia's largest city, offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Sydney Australia: 

Visiting Sydney Opera House

Apart from being an Icon for Sydney, and Australia in general, the Sydney Opera House is a fantastic place to enjoy art, culture, concerts and more. Sydney Opera House opened its doors in 1973 (after 15 years under construction) and since then it has been a must-see building if you visit Australia.

It is one of the main things to do in Sydney Australia and, as prove of that, more than 8 million people visit the Opera House annually. There, you can visit the building with daily guided tours and see performances that can range from 60 AUD to 20 AUD, or even free. 

Walking the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is another iconic building from Sydney. You can get the most breathtaking views of the city and harbor by walking across this bridge. 

This bridge was built in 1932 as a government employment project during the Great Depression. It is the 7th-longest spanning-arch bridge in the world and the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and the widest. To complete the experience consider the BridgeClimb tour, where you can climb the bridge's arches.

Seeing the Royal Botanic Garden

If you are a nature lover, you should definitely see the Royal Botanic Garden. There you will find Australia’s first vegetable garden with ferns, flowers, and gardens that were opened in 1816. 

There you can also see Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a seat carved into a stone cliff with views to the harbor. 

Exploring The Rocks

The Rocks is one of the best things to do in Sydney since it gives you an insight into the birthplace of modern Sydney. It was the first neighborhood to be settled when the British landed in Australia in 1788. 

Walking through the cobbled streets, colonial-era buildings, vibrant markets, and pubs and restaurants will make you feel the history of Sydney. You can also choose to partake in a guided walking tour. Additionally, you will have the chance to see beautiful views of the harbor, Opera House, and bridge.

Relaxing on Bondi Beach

Sydney is famous for its beaches, especially Bondi Beach. In Sydney there are over 100 beaches that span from Palm Beach and Manly in the north to Bondi and Coogee in the south and many more.

All beaches are accessible by public transportation or car and they all have tons of restaurants and shops. Additionally, there’s a coastal walk connecting the beaches together. We recommend avoiding the most famous ones on the weekends, since they can be very crowded. 

One of the most famous beaches is Bondi beach. It is known for its golden sands and surfing culture. In Bondi there is something for everyone: you can swim, sunbathe, surf, or simply people-watch. 

If you want to learn how to surf, or surf freely, there are many beaches to do so and companies through the city of Sydney that offer lessons. One of the best beaches to surf is Manly on the north shore of Sydney because it has some of the best waves. You should also consider Umina Beach and Collaroy Beach.

More things to do in Sydney Australia

Sydney has plenty other things to do that are, maybe, not so known for the general public. Here are some other things to do in Sydney Australia: 

Visiting the Taronga Zoo

To get a glimpse into the local wildlife, you can go to the Taronga Zoo by ferry and even stay at the Wildlife Retreat in Taronga. 

Taronga Zoo is located on the shores of Sydney Harbour and is home to over 5,000 animals. You can find gorillas, zebras, lions, elephants, meerkats, kangaroos, koalas, frogs and more. 

Getting to the zoo is also part of the fun things to do in Sydney. You get there within a 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay and then take the Sky Safari cable car up to the main entrance.The zoo also offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Learning about Australia in the Australian Museum

If you want to learn more about the history of the country and indigenous culture, you must visit the Australian Museum in Sydney.

The Australian Museum is the first public museum, founded in 1827 and presents the flora, fauna, and cultures of Australia and the Pacific. The permanent collection houses more than 21 million cultural and scientific objects. 

Discovering Art pieces in the Art Gallery of New South Wales

To learn about art you should visit Sydney's premier art destination, the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It was established in 1871 and is home to a wide collection of fine Australian and international art, including colonial and 19th-century Australian works and European old masters, as well as contemporary creations. The permanent collection is free to visit.

Taking a Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are not in Sydney city per se, but only a couple of hours away by train. Nevertheless, we include them here because they are some of the best things to do in Sydney.  

They offer stunning natural scenery, including waterfalls, valleys, sheer rock walls, dramatic cliffs, and lush forests. You can go hiking, explore the charming town of Katoomba, go canyoning and see the magnificent rock formation of the Three Sisters.

Now, are you ready to travel to Sydney? Can you wait to discover all these wonderful things to do Sydney? Then remember that you need to fulfill the Australia entry requirements and apply for an Australia visa. Get ready for your trip and have the time of your life in Down Under!