Things to do in and around Sydney
Things to Do in and Around Sydney: Top Attractions, Lookouts, Walks, Beaches & Hidden Gems
Sydney dazzles with its world-famous harbour, golden beaches, vibrant culture, and unforgettable coastal walks. From iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to secret gardens, scenic lookouts, local food markets, and wildlife encounters, there’s no shortage of things to do in Australia’s most iconic city. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a budget-friendly exploration, this guide brings you the best attractions and experiences across Sydney and its surrounding regions — all grouped for easy browsing and ready to inspire your next adventure.
Sydney sparkles with its world-renowned harbour, sun-drenched beaches, vibrant culture, and cliffside coastal walks. From the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to secret gardens, scenic lookouts, local markets, and wild native encounters, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Australia’s most iconic city. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a fun-packed family day, or a budget-friendly weekend wander, this guide shares the top experiences in Sydney and its surrounds — grouped for easy browsing and ready to fuel your next adventure.
For curated day plans in the city, explore our Sydney Day Itineraries: Plan Your Perfect Day in the Harbour City — ideal for couples, families, seniors and more, with insider tips and local flavour woven into every stop.
Or head beyond the city limits with our Best Day Trips from Sydney: Scenic Getaways & Regional Hidden Gems — featuring train-accessible escapes, beach hikes, vineyards, quirky finds and more, all within a few hours of the CBD.
Below is a list of all attraction categories featured in this guide:
- 🏖️ Best Beaches & Coastal Walks in Sydney
- ☔ Best Things to Do in Sydney on a Rainy Day
- 🌿 Easy Nature Walks & Green Spaces
- 👨👩👧👦 Top Sydney Attractions for Families
- 🏛️ Iconic & Historic Sites in Sydney
- 🛍️ Markets, Food & Shopping Destinations
- 🖼️ Museums, Art Galleries & Culture Highlights
- 🎭 Sydney Nightlife, Live Music & Events
- 🌳 Parks, Nature Reserves & Wildlife Experiences
- 🚶 Scenic Walks, Trails & Harbour Paths
- 🌄 Top Lookouts & Scenic Views in Sydney
🏖️ Best Beaches & Coastal Walks in Sydney
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Tags
Surf, swim, brunch, or people-watch
Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Iconic, Nature, Budget, Scenic
6 km of clifftop views, beaches, and rock pools
Starts at Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Nature, Scenic, Active, Couples, Budget
Bronte & Tamarama Beaches
Quieter alternatives near Bondi with great surf and grass
Bronte Park, Bronte Rd, Bronte NSW 2024
Nature, Budget, Family, Hidden Gem
Coogee Beach
Calm surf, picnic-ready foreshore, and cafés
Arden St, Coogee NSW 2034
Nature, Budget, Family, Accessible
Classic ferry-accessible beach with shops and surf
The Corso, Manly NSW 2095
Nature, Scenic, Iconic, Family
Milk Beach (Vaucluse)
Hidden gem with skyline views and harbour swim
Inside Hermit Bay, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Hidden Gem, Couples, Scenic, Nature, Budget
Shelly Beach
Calm cove for snorkeling and marine life
Marine Parade, Manly NSW 2095
Nature, Family, Wildlife, Budget
Watsons Bay & The Gap
Clifftop views and seaside dining
Marine Parade, Watsons Bay NSW 2030
Nature
☔ Best Things to Do in Sydney on a Rainy Day
Activity
Description
Address / Location
Tags
Aboriginal & Australian works
Art Gallery Rd, The Domain NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Wheelchair-Friendly, Rainy Day, Budget
Indoors with penguins and reef tunnel
1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour NSW 2000
Family, Rainy Day, Wildlife
Manly Ferry Ride
Stay dry, soak up views
Circular Quay Wharf No. 3, Sydney NSW 2000
Scenic, Budget, Rainy Day, Couples
Modern art + rooftop café
140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Scenic, Rainy Day, Budget
Historic arcade & boutique shops
455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Rainy Day, Couples, Budget
Covered garden café & food stalls
7A/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Foodie, Rainy Day, Couples, Budget
Indoor eats & foodie vibes
1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge NSW 2037
Foodie, Budget, Rainy Day, Hidden Gem
Moving personal stories & exhibits
148 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Culture Seeker, Rainy Day, Seniors
Bold Chinese contemporary art
30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Culture Seeker, Rainy Day, Budget
🌿 Easy Nature Walks & Green Spaces
Trail
Highlights
Address / Location
Tags
Urban bushland & sculptures
Hickson Rd, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Nature, Wheelchair-Friendly, Culture Seeker, Budget
Fig trees, ponds, and bike loops
Grand Dr, Centennial Park NSW 2021
Family, Nature, Wheelchair-Friendly, Budget
Cremorne Point Walk
Flat circuit with skyline views
Milson Rd, Cremorne Point NSW 2090
Nature, Scenic, Couples, Wheelchair-Friendly, Budget
Hermitage Foreshore Track
Harbour beaches & bush
Greycliffe Ave, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Nature, Hidden Gem, Scenic, Couples
Glebe Foreshore Walk
Quiet parks & water views
Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Nature, Dog-Friendly, Budget, Scenic
👨👩👧👦 Top Sydney Attractions for Families
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Tags
Inner-city playscape near food & fun
Harbour St, Darling Harbour NSW 2000
Family, Budget, Accessible
Amusement rides & waterfront views
1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061
Family, Budget-Friendly, Couples, Scenic
Powerhouse Museum
Science, design & interactive zones
500 Harris St, Ultimo NSW 2007
Family, Culture Seeker, Rainy Day
Sharks, rays, and reef tunnel
1–5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour NSW 2000
Family, Rainy Day, Wildlife, Wheelchair-Friendly
Harbour-view zoo with Sky Safari cable car
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Family, Scenic, Wildlife, Wheelchair-Friendly
Aussie creatures in the city
1–5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour NSW 2000
Family, Rainy Day, Wildlife, Wheelchair-Friendly
🏛️ Iconic & Historic Sites in Sydney
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Tags
Anzac Memorial
WWI monument and reflective space in Hyde Park
Elizabeth St, Hyde Park South, Sydney NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Seniors, Accessible, Budget
Hyde Park Barracks
UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict site
Queens Square, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Seniors, Rainy Day
Grand 1890s architecture filled with boutique stores
455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Rainy Day, Couples
Tours, performances, and stunning harbour views
Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Couples, Scenic, Accessible
Walk across or try the thrilling BridgeClimb
Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Scenic, Active, Budget
Historic laneways, pubs, markets, and museums
George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Hidden Gem, Budget
Macquarie Street
Parliament, State Library, and historic buildings
Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Hidden Gem, Seniors
🛍️ Markets, Food & Shopping Destinations
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Tags
Carriageworks Farmers Market
Local produce and gourmet bites (Sat only)
245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015
Foodie, Culture Seeker, Rainy Day, Hidden Gem
Chinatown & Thai Town
Dumplings, street eats, and bubble tea
Dixon St & Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Budget, Foodie, Culture Seeker
Floral café complex with food stalls & photo spots
7A/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Foodie, Couples, Rainy Day, Hidden Gem
Paddington Markets
Fashion, jewellery, and handmade goods
395 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Culture Seeker, Couples, Budget
Fresh seafood, sashimi, oyster bar
Bank St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Foodie, Culture Seeker, Budget
Indie shops, murals, and multicultural eats
King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Foodie, Hidden Gem, Budget, Couples
Tramsheds
Indoor food hall with artisan eateries
1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge NSW 2037
Foodie, Rainy Day, Hidden Gem, Wheelchair-Friendly
Flagship shopping meets heritage arcades
Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Rainy Day, Couples
🖼️ Museums, Art Galleries & Culture Highlights
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Tags
Dinosaurs, natural history, and First Nations culture
1 William St, Sydney NSW 2010
Family, Culture Seeker, Rainy Day
Aboriginal to contemporary masterworks
Art Gallery Rd, The Domain NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Rainy Day, Wheelchair-Friendly, Budget
Powerhouse Museum
Innovation & technology through the ages
500 Harris St, Ultimo NSW 2007
Family, Culture Seeker, Rainy Day
Holocaust history & Jewish culture
148 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Culture Seeker, Seniors, Rainy Day
Bold Chinese contemporary art
30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Culture Seeker, Hidden Gem, Rainy Day, Budget
Chinese Garden of Friendship
Peaceful landscaped oasis
Pier St, Darling Harbour NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Couples, Budget-Friendly
Cutting-edge exhibitions + rooftop views
140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Scenic, Rainy Day, Budget
🎭 Sydney Nightlife, Live Music & Events
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Tags
Popular harbourside spots for sunset drinks
Hickson Rd & Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Couples, Scenic, Nightlife
Retro amusement park lit up at night
1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061
Family, Budget-Friendly, Scenic, Nightlife
Outdoor Cinema (Summer)
Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park
Centennial Parklands NSW 2021
Couples, Budget, Seasonal, Nightlife
Opera House Performances
Opera, ballet, concerts, and comedy shows
Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Couples, Nightlife, Wheelchair-Friendly
Drama, musicals, and indie shows
Haymarket / Surry Hills / Kirribilli
Culture Seeker, Nightlife, Rainy Day
Citywide lights, projections, and live music
Various CBD & harbour locations
Culture Seeker, Couples, Scenic, Nightlife
🌳 Parks, Nature Reserves & Wildlife Experiences
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Tags
Hands-on wildlife experiences near Gosford
Pacific Hwy, Somersby NSW 2250
Family, Wildlife, Budget, Rainy Day
Barangaroo Reserve
Rewilded foreshore park with native landscaping
Hickson Rd, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Nature, Accessible, Culture Seeker, Budget
Vast open space with ponds, trails, and playgrounds
Grand Dr, Centennial Park NSW 2021
Nature, Family, Budget, Accessible
Close-up Aussie animals, including koalas
217 Kildare Rd, Doonside NSW 2767
Family, Wildlife, Budget
Riverside bushwalking, kayak hire, and BBQs
Lady Game Dr, Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Nature, Family, Budget
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Harbour views, walking trails, and The Calyx
Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Nature, Scenic, Couples, Culture Seeker, Budget
Harbour-view zoo with native and exotic animals
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Family, Wildlife, Scenic, Accessible
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
Artistic, whimsical garden with harbour glimpses
Clark Park, Lavender Bay NSW 2060
Couples, Hidden Gem, Culture Seeker, Budget
🚶 Scenic Walks, Trails & Harbour Paths
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Tags
Forest path with historic sites and lookouts
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Nature, Hidden Gem, Couples, Budget
Hike Grand Canyon or see the Three Sisters
Echo Point, Katoomba NSW 2780
Nature, Scenic, Day Trip, Active
Cremorne Point Walk
Flat loop with skyline views and harbour pool
Milson Rd, Cremorne Point NSW 2090
Nature, Scenic, Couples, Accessible, Budget
Coastal bush trail with harbour beaches
Nielsen Park, Greycliffe Ave, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Nature, Couples, Hidden Gem, Scenic
Circular Quay to Opera House
Iconic waterfront stroll with ferries and harbour views
Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000
Culture Seeker, Scenic, Accessible, Budget
Spit Bridge to Manly Walk
10 km coastal trail with beaches and bushland
Spit Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Nature, Scenic, Budget, Active
🌄 Top Lookouts & Scenic Views in Sydney
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Tags
Balls Head Reserve
Romantic harbour views & city lights
Balls Head Dr, Waverton NSW 2060
Couples, Hidden Gem, Nature, Budget
Cremorne Point Walk
Flat loop with skyline views & harbour pool
Milson Rd, Cremorne Point NSW 2090
Nature, Scenic, Couples, Accessible, Budget
Dudley Page Reserve
Wide-angle clifftop city + harbour views
Military Rd, Dover Heights NSW 2030
Couples, Scenic, Budget, Nature
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Classic photo spot for sunset with Opera House backdrop
Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Scenic, Culture Seeker, Couples, Budget
North Head Lookout
Panoramic ocean cliffs with skyline in the distance
Scenic Dr, North Head, Manly NSW 2095
Nature, Hidden Gem, Photography, Couples
Hermitage Foreshore Track
Harbour beaches & clifftop bushland
Greycliffe Ave, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Nature, Hidden Gem, Scenic, Couples
Opera Bar Promenade
Night lights, ferries, and waterfront atmosphere
Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Couples, Scenic, Accessible, Culture Seeker
Observatory Hill Park
Quiet grassy hill with rotunda and harbour views
Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000
Scenic, Budget, Hidden Gem, Couples
Budget-friendly views from the bridge tower
Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Scenic, Budget, Culture Seeker, Active
SkyFeast at Sydney Tower Eye
360° revolving dining with city views
100 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
Scenic, Couples, Culture Seeker, Rainy Day
Milk Beach
Hidden sandy cove with Opera House views
Inside Hermit Bay, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Couples, Hidden Gem, Nature, Budget
Plan Your Sydney Adventure
From sunrise over Bondi to sunset at Barangaroo, Sydney rewards those who take the time to explore its many layers. Whether you’re here for a few days or lingering longer, the city’s blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and urban energy makes it an inspiring destination to visit and photograph. I hope this guide helps you plan your own Sydney adventure – or sparks a desire to see it through fresh eyes.
New South Wales Travel Inspiration & Stories
Taronga Dubbo Zoo – Australia’s Ultimate Safari Experience
Go on safari without leaving the country! Taronga Dubbo Zoo offers unforgettable wildlife encounters in the heart of NSW, perfect for families, photographers, and animal lovers alike.
Visit Jervis Bay, NSW
Visit Jervis Bay NSW for a perfect weekend getaway! Jervis Bay is known for its beautiful beaches, national parks and wildlife.
Whale watching in Sydney Harbour
Every year Humpback Whales travel from Antarctica to the warmer waters of QLD to calve. If you are staying in Sydney, make sure you go whale watching in Sydney Harbour.
Surfing in Yamba
Although there are many seaside places for surfers along the Australian coastline, one destination that stands out is to go surfing in Yamba.
Hiking in the Blue Mountains
Hiking in the Blue Mountains is an incredibly beautiful experience. With endless viewpoints and over 1,000 canyons, it’s a unique area full of flora and fauna including koala and kookaburra.
Subscribe for Travel Ideas & Itineraries
Plan your next trip with fresh ideas, straight to your inbox.
