Top things to do in Sydney
Sydney is one of the biggest cities in Australia, where Harbors and scenic beauty co-exist with cultural and architectural marvels. Its beauty lies in the fact that there is something for everyone here. For thrill-seekers, there is the mid-air 268 m high skywalk, brave hearts can hold pythons in the Reptile Park, while social media enthusiasts can have picture-perfect picnics at the Royal Botanic Garden. Kids can learn about adorable animals like koalas and feed kangaroos at various national parks in Sydney. In this article, you will find what to see in Sydney to have the best experience.
Visit Top Sydney Attractions
Here is a comprehensive list of the most popular Sydney activities and sites loved by visitors:
Sydney Opera House
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the Sydney Opera House has had an impact for more than five decades and is still an architectural marvel. The designer, John Ultron, invented methods to create a unique place for Australia’s performing arts and culture.
You can witness the beauty of ‘Sydney tiles’ invented by Ultron to complement the deep blue water of the Sydney Harbor. The opera house was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth, who commended the architectural leaps the performing center took. Its popularity is evident, with an annual footfall of 8 million people.
You can enjoy the tours of the Sydney Opera House to understand the brilliance behind this beautiful cultural center. Learn about the designs with a deep dive into the excellent mind of Ultron, or go on the backstage tour to learn about the essentials of theatre and the structure of a perfect stage performance. Sydney Opera House is a must-visit for travelers coming to Australia.
Wildlife Sydney Zoo
Wildlife Sydney Zoo’s design was inspired by the tales of Australian Aboriginals. It was started in 2006 to preserve Australia’s wildlife. The zoo raises animals in their natural habitat with an open rooftop, preserving the flora and fauna of Australia. It is located in Darling Harbor and easily accessible via ferries from Circular Quay.
The zoo protects many endangered species, including platypus and tree kangaroos. Several interactive zones allow humans and animals to interact safely. You can click pictures and have dinner right next to the adorable koalas.
You can easily book Wildlife Sydney Zoo tickets from their website, starting at $40. You can also have interesting photo opportunities with animals and tours with zoo keepers.
Sydney Tower Eye
Sydney has the most authentic and unique experience for its visitors. On the top floor of the tallest tower in Sydney, you can have food with a 360-degree view and walk on a glass floor with the whole city beneath you. That is the beauty of the Sydney Tower Eye located in the iconic 309m high Sydney tower crowned with a huge logo of ‘Westfield’ at the top.
It is the first spot in Australia to feel sun rays in the morning and the last to witness dusk, making it the perfect spot for sunset and sunrise. Challenge your friends to the thrilling Skywalk and click fun pictures with family and friends while jumping in the air at the top of Sydney. While visiting Australia, you cannot miss this wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime ‘Sydney’s highest outdoor adventure.’
Visit Iconic Places in Sydney
The list has just started, and Sydney has so much more to offer its inquisitive travelers. After visiting the mentioned spots, it’s time to visit the following tourist sites in Sydney to experience the perfect trip to Australia.
Australian Reptile Park
The park was developed for the preservation of animals, amphibians, and reptiles around the world. You can find the most affectionate and trusted keepers at the Reptile Park, taking care of more than 2000 animals, including 150 snakes used for antivenom development.
The park’s goodwill is encouraged worldwide, and it is a renowned site for its ‘animal adoption’ program. If you like an animal and feel motivated to preserve it, you can simply adopt it without removing it from the Reptile park and contribute to its growth. Some animals that are up for adoption are saltwater crocodiles, kangaroo joeys, platypus, and koalas.
Australian Reptile Park tickets are available at discounted prices, starting from $32. Grab your tickets in advance for a seamless experience at the Reptile Park.
Australian National Maritime Museum
The museum was developed to preserve the history of Australia’s maritime and honour the Royal Navy of Australia. Located at Pyrmont Bay, this museum is home to several naval artifacts and hosts the world’s largest collection of vessels, where you can see a trailer of ‘sea life.’ The museum hosts a moving exhibit that has sailed across the world twice and covered 29 countries.
Experience a tour of HMAS Vampire, a naval ship equipped with high-powered weapons by retired naval officers, and HMAS Onslow, a submarine used during the Cold War to spy on Soviet submarines.
You can also experience cultural exhibitions like ‘Eora-first people’ and ‘Navigators’ to learn about the Australian Aboriginals and their relationship with the sea. Visit this museum to learn about the advancements in maritime technology.
Taronga Zoo
The Taronga Zoo is a special place where animals are not used for entertainment. Instead, they are preserved to grow and develop in a healthy environment. If you wish to see all animals on planet Earth, from the penguins of the North to the Tigers of Africa, then Taronga Zoo is worth your time.
You can spend quality time with animals, amphibians, and reptiles in their natural habitat with the help of professional zookeepers and enjoy fun activities like bird watching and a seal show. You will find various animal trails to witness these amazing creatures. Some interesting trails to follow are Nocturnal Country (animals of the night), African Savannah, Rainforest Trail, and Tiger Trek. There are special programs for kids, and they can participate as zookeepers to learn about the conservation of various endangered species.
Visit Iconic Parks in Sydney
Visit these picturesque parks in Sydney to enjoy a calm and relaxed evening away from the hustle of cities. The parks are well-maintained and the perfect spot for picnics with family and friends. Plan romantic dates in these parks and enjoy nature with your loved ones. Visiting these parks is a must in Sydney to get the real essence of the city and a wholesome experience to take home.
Hyde Park, Sydney
The oldest park in Australia, Hyde Park, was used for cattle grazing and sports like cricket and rugby in the past, and today, it has developed into one of the top tourist spots in Sydney. This beautiful park is perfect for picnics with kids. The park hosts amazing events in Australia, like the Sydney Festival and the Food and Wine Fair. Visitors praise this location for its hidden gardens and calming greenery. Some must-visit theme gardens with perfect fountains are Nagoya Gardens and Sandringham. It’s a quiet place for a perfect day in Sydney.
Sydney Harbor National Park
If you find unique places fun and thrilling, this is the perfect spot for you. This national park is situated on the shores of Sydney Harbor. Equipped with perfect picnic spots, this place is a fun adventure, providing several activities like whale watching from lighthouses and perfect cottages for your secluded, peaceful stay.
A hidden gem is Fort Denison, from where you get a phenomenal 360-degree view of the Harbor and visit the tidal gauge room where the tidal benchmark is still recorded to date. Find a perfect picnic spot on Clark Island, from where you can spot the Harbor Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and a breaking view of Sydney Harbor.
Royal Botanic Garden
If you are searching for the best things to do in Sydney, put this on your bucket list. The Royal Botanic Garden is the oldest scientific garden and a fantastic place to learn about plants while relaxing at a picnic table. You can find more than 4000 trees and almost 9000 plant species here. Spot the oldest trees, watergum tree, and hoop pine, planted in 1820 with your kids, and enjoy watching adorable koalas curved on plants and trees. In the lower garden, you can find ponds placed right in front of big buildings, portraying an innovative urban landscape.
You can also plan a date at the romantic rose garden and enjoy its beauty with your loved ones.
Museums Sydney
The museums of Sydney are filled with the rich cultural heritage of the land of Australia. In these museums, you can find a blend of the country’s glorious historical past and the treasures of art and culture. Here is a list of the museums you should visit during your Australian tour.
Reserve Bank of Australia Museum
The Reserve Bank of Australia Museum is a masterclass in the history of currency and a perfect place for you to find interesting facts about exchanges in the past. This might become your favorite spot in Australia if you are a history buff. You can find rare archives of Australia’s Reserve Bank on display in the museum.
The building has a shooting range for training guards and an interesting tube system. To understand the intriguing design and architecture of the museum, you can go on a behind-the-scenes tour with your friends and learn about the development of this unique building. Art lovers can find interesting historical pieces preserved by the bank. The Reserve Bank promoted the development of Art from the beginning. For instance, in the 1950s, the central bank distributed an artsy Christmas card, which is displayed in the museum today.
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
This museum is monumental for Australia as it is located right where the first contact between the Indigenous people and Europeans was made on the Sydney Harbor, making this place an eminent part of history. It is free to visit. It hosts more than 4000 artworks, and it is the only public exhibition where the work of living artists is celebrated.
You can find collections of acclaimed artists on display here, including The Ramingining Collection, The Maningrida Collection, and Arnott’s Collection. The museum displays all art forms, from photographs, papers, and moving images to sculptures. It celebrates the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and provides their art with a platform.
If you like art that shakes you up, then this is your place to visit.
Sydney Jewish Museum
This museum is a testament to the courage and historical struggles of Jews during the holocaust. The museum, located in Darlinghurst, was established by a holocaust survivor, John Saunders, who relocated to Sydney after the war. The exhibits at this museum are thought-provoking as they are personal belongings of holocaust survivors and their lost loved ones. ‘Her sister’s blouse’ is one such art form where the blouse of a woman who lost her life in the holocaust is displayed.
The museum library is a must-visit as it contains more than 6000 tapes, personal journals, and written testaments of holocaust survivors. The museum provides a deep dive into the reality of the holocaust and presents an authentic picture of their struggle. You will also learn about Jewish culture through their art forms and exhibitions in the museum. This is a must-visit because it is the closest you get to understanding the past. That’s pretty clear from the museum’s tagline, “Where history has a voice.”
Hop-on Hop-off Sydney
A traveler’s dream is to cover as much as possible in their limited time, and the Hop-on Hop-off bus service in Sydney is created to make your dreams come true.
Book a Hop-on Hop-off Sydney bus service through Big Bus and get the best touring experience. You will get an audio guide in multiple languages and customized Sydney tours varying from single to multiple days as per your availability. These double-decker buses are ideal for sightseeing, especially from the open-air top deck. You can enjoy the visuals of Sydney Harbor, Sydney Tower, and the Harbor Bridge and see the perfect sunrise from your moving bus.
This exclusive bus service allows visitors to explore the city of Sydney via multiple bus routes. You can find the best things to do in Sydney and stop at your convenience at your favorite spots without fear of the itinerary, allowing you to hop on or hop off wherever you wish.