Sydney is perhaps the most popular city in Australia for tourism. It is the capital of New South Wales state. Sydney is located on the south western coast of Australia facing the Tasman Sea. There are several places to visit in Sydney along the coast. People embark on Sydney travel to enjoy the beaches, wildlife, and beautiful landmarks. The best beach in Sydney going by popularity is the Bondi beach. The beach itself holds several Sydney tourist attractions to keep you occupied all day and even at night. There are several activities in Sydney which can be explored at the Bondi Beach including surfing, jet skii, shopping, dining, and simple beachside leisure. Among things to see in Sydney is a pool which connects to the ocean at the Bondi Beach. Though there are charges to enter this beaches pool party. You can also enjoy many fun things to do in Sydney for free at the beach as well.
You can take a stroll along to coast on foot or ride a bicycle along the coast from one beach to another enjoying several things to see in Sydney along the way. There are two particular coastal hike trails popular among Sydney tourist attractions. One runs between Bondi Beach and Bronte Beach and another between Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach. Both of these beaches are incredible Sydney attractions.
The wildlife is yet another major Sydney tourist attraction. You can visit the various zoo parks during Sydney sightseeing or head to the National Parks to witness the animals in their natural habitat. Taronga Zoo is among the best places to visit in Sydney to see the animals up close. The zoo also offers certain fun activities in Sydney which involve interaction with the animals. There are also a few other zoo parks among places to go in Sydney which you find below in the article. Though if you are looking for some wildlife adventure, you can visit one of many National Parks for adventurous top things to do in Sydney. National Parks located closer to the city include Ku rain Gai Chase, Sydney Harbour, Kamay Botany, and Lane Cove. These are great places to see in Sydney on foot exploring nature. Then there are Blue Mountains, Yerranderie and Kanangra Boyd which would require a day trip from Sydney.
Though the first attraction that comes to mind when you visit Sydney is the Opera House. It is the most iconic places to visit in Sydney. Enjoying an evening of opera performance is a must do in Sydney. Another major Sydney sights is the Harbour Bridge. Though most bridges are meant to be traveled or seen from a distance, you can actually climb the Harbour Bridge. It is one of the unusual things to do in Sydney, Australia. You can also enjoy a boat ride or a cruise ride under the bridge and around the city enjoying several Sydney tourist spots. You can get a coastal cruise tour as well among fun things to do in Sydney. For Sydney attractions within the city, you can take bicycle tour or a walking tour. There is a walking tour where you are guided by local volunteers among things to do in Sydney for free. They will give you great insight regarding various Sydney tourist attractions which you might not get otherwise.
Explore The Best Tourist Places of Sydney in 5 Days
This section helps you navigate through various things to see in Sydney in the span of 5 days.
Day 1
1. DARLING HARBOUR
This harbor is among the most popular places for taking long walks. The harbor is a happening waterfront precinct with all the usual leisure joints such as bars, clubs, restaurants and so on. It is also a popular spot for Sydney sightseeing. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this Harbour. There are many activities or things to at Darling Harbour. You can do below mentioned any activities as per your interest.
2. SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM
This aquarium has over 650 species of sea life and is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It is among top Sydney attractions for all those who enjoy watching different types of sea animals. You will need about 2 hours to explore this aquarium.
3. WILD LIFE SYDNEY ZOO
This zoo is dedicated to indigenous animals of Australia. Along with the aquarium, it is one of the most popular venue to enjoy for families who visit Sydney. You will need about an hour at this zoo.
4. QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING
This building was built in 1898 and is well known for its Romanesque revival architecture. Inside the building is an ornately decorated shopping center featuring many fun things to do in Sydney, Australia. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for Queen Victoria Building.
5. SYDNEY TOWER
This is the tallest freestanding structure in the city. It is among the best places to visit in Sydney to get a 360 view of the city. You should keep 15 to 20 minutes for this tower.
6. SYDNEY TOWER SKYWALK
The skywalk can be considered among fun activities in Sydney as you walk a transparent walkway hanging 268 meters above land. You should keep 20 to 30 minutes for skywalk experience during Sydney travel.
7. ST. JAMES CHURCH
This anglican church was consecrated in 1824 and is one of the best known examples of colonial architecture in the city. You should keep 20 to 30 minutes for this church.
8. ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL
This church exhibits incredible Gothic revival style of architecture and is one of the most intricately designed buildings among Sydney sights. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for St. Mary’s Cathedral.
DAY 2
1. SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the most well known landmark among places to see in Sydney. This opera house is best known for its unique architecture, but it is also a great place to gain some cultural experience. Your Sydney travel guide would tell you to explore it from outside and be done with it. But the true experience of the Opera House is by enjoying a performance in its halls. You should keep at least an hours time for this monument.
2. GOVERNMENT HOUSE
This building used to be a castle built in Colonial Gothic revival style. It now serves as residence for the governor. You would need about 30 to 45 minutes for this castle.
3. MUSEUM OF SYDNEY
This museum should be among the first places to visit in Sydney. You get to enjoy a city more if you know its story and its history. You would need 2 hours to explore this museum.
4. THE ROCKS
This was the site of the very first European landings in 1788. There are several restored historical buildings among things to see in Sydney which can be found at this harbour. You will need an hour to explore this precinct.
5. THE ROCKS DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Situated in the Rocks precinct, this museum is focused on the Rocks area itself featuring several exhibits including photographs, interactive displays, artifacts, paintings and so on. You will need about an hour for this museum.
6. CADMANS COTTAGE
This is the oldest surviving residential building in the city. It is among important historical Sydney sights which you can still see today. You should keep 20 to 30 minutes for this place.
7. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AUSTRALIA
This museum exhibits contemporary art which originated from Australia as well as other parts of the world. You will need about an hour to explore various exhibits of this museum.
8. SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE
Nicknamed the “Coat Hanger”, this bridge is among the most iconic landmarks to see during Sydney sightseeing. You should keep 15 to 20 minutes to see this bridge.
DAY 3
1. STATE LIBRARY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
This building is included in Sydney travel guide for being the oldest library in the city. It is quite huge, so you would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.
2. AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
This museum focuses on natural history and anthropology of the nation. It is also the oldest museum of Australia among places to see in Sydney. You will need a couple of hours to explore this museum.
3. SYDNEY TOWN HALL
This is one of the most beautiful buildings among things to see in Sydney. The interiors of designed in victorian style and look extremely posh. You should keep about an hour to explore Sydney Town Hall.
4. CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP
This is a very decorative garden featuring sculptures, art work and structures inspired by the Chinese culture. It is among the best things to do in Sydney with kids. You will need about an hour to explore this garden.
5. POWERHOUSE MUSEUM
This used to be an electric tram power station and is now converted into a museum focusing on history and technological evolution in power generation. It is again among fun activities in Sydney if you are traveling with kids.
6. AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
This is among the best places to visit in Sydney. Aside from land, the museum also extends to a beautiful ship, which is the replica of HMB Endeavours. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.
DAY 4
1. BONDI BEACH
Bondi is perhaps the best beach in Sydney, at least the most well known. You can enjoy all sorts of leisure, sports, entertainment and adventure activities in Sydney at this beach. It is surrounded by several great joints and important attractions of the city as well. Some of the top things to do in Sydney, Australia are centered around this beach. You should keep half a day to enjoy this beach.
I suggest you can take a guided walking tour of Bondi Beach. And if you want to do some adventure then you should take a surfing lesson at Bondi Beach.
2. SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK
If you are looking for outdoor things to do in Sydney, like hiking, nature exploration and camping; you should head here. This place is a vast expanse of coastal land where nature and natural sights prevail. This too would require half a days time to fully enjoy.
DAY 5
1. KOALA PARK SANCTUARY
You cannot visit Sydney and leave without seeing the koalas, it is almost sacrilegious. You can get up close with these cute and cuddly animals at this sanctuary. It is one of the most fun Sydney tourist spots. You would need about an hour for this sanctuary.
2. ELIZABETH BAY HOUSE
This mansion also hails from the colonial period. It has one of the most opulent interiors as any Sydney tourist attractions. You should see about an hour aside for Elizabeth Bay House.
3. ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
This art gallery exhibits a mix of old, modern and contemporary art works. It is among the best places to visit in Sydney for those who admire art. You will need about an hour to explore this art gallery.
4. HYDE PARK BARRACKS MUSEUM
These are restored barracks where convicts who came form the British Isles were kept. It was also designed by an architect who was a convict himself. It is one of the most interesting Sydney tourist spots. You will need an hour to explore this museum.
5. SYDNEY OBSERVATORY
This Old observatory is also among heritage buildings in the Rocks precinct. You will need an hour and a half to explore this observatory.
