Things to do in Sydney

Must-see Sydney sights

Sydney stands head and shoulders above any other city in Australia. Its sophistication, cosmopolitan population, effortlessly cool cafés and exuberant nightlife are a long way from the Outback, and yet Sydney has the highest Aboriginal population of any Australian city. It’s in many ways a snapshot of the country as a whole – but it will still manage to defy your expectations.

  1. Spend a night at the Sydney Opera House
  2. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
  3. Mooch around Newtown
  4. Explore Sydney National Harbour Park
  5. Spread out on Bondi Beach
  6. Cruise the harbour
  7. Dance away at Mardi Gras

A thrusting, highrise business centre, a clutch of fascinating museums, vibrant art galleries and a high-profile LGBTQ community are as much part of the scene as the beaches and the sparkling Sydney harbour.

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1. Spend a night at the Sydney Opera House

The iconic Sydney Opera House sits just by the water’s edge on Bennelong Point. It’s really a performing-arts centre: one of the busiest in the world, with five performance venues inside its white “shells”, plus restaurants, cafes and bars, and a stash of upmarket souvenir shops. While you can gaze at its exterior, you can also take guided and backstage tours. The best way to appreciate it is by taking in an evening performance.

Best for: Iconic entertainment

While you’re there: Enjoy a drink - and the views - at the spectacularly sited Opera Bar.

2. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

The charismatic Sydney Harbour Bridge has straddled the channel since 1932. You can head up the steps to the bridge from Cumberland Street, and walk along the eastern sides for fabulous views of the harbour and Opera House. But there’s also one of the best things to do in Sydney here - the Bridge Climb. The climb over the arch of the bridge to its summit involves a number of ladders and stairs that will challenge those with vertigo, but it provides amazing views of the city’s landmarks. It’s not as scary as it sounds, as you’re well strapped in and there with a supportive climb team. For Sydney holidays that pack a punch, climbing the bridge is one you won’t forget.

Best for: Outstanding photo opportunities

While you’re there: On the north side at Milsons Point, you’ll spot Luna Park - a heritage-listed, waterfront amusement park.

3. Mooch around Newtown

Newtown, separated from Glebe by the University of Sydney and easily reached by train, is a hip inner-city neighbourhood. What was once a working-class district – a hotchpotch of derelict factories, junkyards and cheap accommodation – has transformed into a trendy, offbeat area where body piercing, shaved heads and quirky fashions can be seen among the gentrified residents. Stroll down King Street for the more unusual speciality shops (such as those devoted to buttons or upcycled designer spectacles), as well as some small art galleries and yet more retro clothes shops.

Best for: Multicultural flair

While you’re there: Swing by Black Star Pastry for a slice of “Insta-famous” strawberry watermelon cake.

4. Explore Sydney National Harbour Park

Sydney Harbour National Park spans pockets of bushland on both sides of the harbour, along with several harbour islands: Cockatoo Island, the largest and easily reached via Sydney Ferries; Shark Island, a popular picnic destination; former penal site Fort Denison; and Goat Island, site of a well-preserved gunpowder-magazine complex - as well as Clark Island and Rodd Island, reachable by private vessel only.

Best for: Breathtaking natural beauty

While you’re there: Choose from a number of walking routes and trails, taking in beautiful bushland, sea views and historic sights.

5. Spread out on Bondi Beach

Bondi is synonymous with Australian beach culture; the 1.5km-long curve of golden sand must be one of the best-known beaches in the world. It’s also the closest ocean beach to the city centre, 7km from town. Big, brash and action-packed, it’s probably not the best place for a quiet sunbathe and swim, but the sprawling sandy crescent really is spectacular. Beachfront Campbell Parade is both cosmopolitan and highly commercialized, lined with restaurants and shops. On Sundays, head to the Bondi Beach Markets (10am-4pm) and the Bondi Beach Farmers’ Markets (9am–1pm).

Best for: Seaside selfies

While you’re there: Enjoy another Aussie institution: brunch, at one of the beachside cafés.

6. Cruise the harbour

Sydney offers a wide choice of harbour cruises. Almost all of them leave from Wharf 6, Circular Quay, and the rest from Darling Harbour. Cruise operators include Harbour Jet and Sydney Ferries.While many offer a good insight into the harbour and an intimate experience of its bays and coves, the ordinary ferry rides, altogether much cheaper and enjoyable cruises in themselves, are worth experiencing first. The best of these is the gorgeous thirty-minute ride to Manly, but there’s a ferry going somewhere worth checking out at almost any time of the day.

Best for: Zipping across the waves

While you’re there: If you’re looking for a more exhilarating experience on the water, head to Manly Beach for numerous watersports.

7. Dance away at Mardi Gras

Wondering what to do in Sydney that adds a bit of sparkle? The city’s annual highlight is the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: three weeks of exhibitions, performances and other events, starting the second week of February. The biggest celebration of LGBTQ culture in the world, the main event is the night-time parade down Oxford Street. The parade begins at 7.45pm (finishing around 10.30pm), but the all-night dance party that follows the parade attracts up to 25,000 people and is held in several differently themed dance spaces at The Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park.

Best for: Celebrating Pride

While you’re there: The Mardi Gras Film Festival showcases the latest in LGBTQ cinema.

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