Sydney

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
22/08/2025
Stunning night view of Sydney Opera House and city skyline with vibrant lights.
Nishess Shakya, Pexels

Sydney is a vibrant Australian city renowned for its iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, world-famous beaches like Bondi, and extensive natural parks. It offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and a lively urban atmosphere.

For those looking to socialise, areas around the city centre and popular beaches like Bondi and Coogee offer numerous backpacker hostels known for their social atmospheres and organised events. Key districts for nightlife and meeting others include Kings Cross, The Rocks, and Darling Harbour, which feature a variety of bars and entertainment venues.

Top 7 Things to do in Sydney

Visitors to Sydney can immerse themselves in a blend of iconic architectural marvels, stunning coastal landscapes, vibrant cultural hubs, and engaging wildlife encounters.

1. Sydney Opera House Tour

Stepping inside the Sydney Opera House reveals the architectural genius and rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed masterpiece. A guided tour takes visitors through its unique venues, sharing fascinating stories of its creation and the dramas involved. It offers an immersive experience, allowing for appreciation of its advanced facilities and exceptional acoustics. Many performances are held weekly, providing an opportunity to witness world-class artistry.

Cost: A standard guided tour for adults costs approximately A$48, with children aged 5-15 paying around A$28. Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) are about A$124. Booking online is encouraged to secure seats and potentially find cheaper rates.

Transport: The Sydney Opera House is a short walk from Circular Quay. Visitors can reach Circular Quay by train (T3, T4, T8 lines), bus (numerous lines including 115, 293, 304, 343, 333, 373X, 396X, 374X, 165X), light rail (L2), or ferry.

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Embarking on a climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers an exhilarating adventure and unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of the city, extending to the Blue Mountains on a clear day. Guided tours provide historical insights into this engineering marvel as participants ascend along its arches, ensuring a memorable experience. Various climb options are available, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.

Cost: Climb prices vary based on the time of day, day of the week, and type of climb (Dawn, Day, Twilight, Night). Adult prices typically range from approximately A$294 to A$424, while child tickets (ages 8-15) can be over 50% lower, starting around A$149. Booking in advance is recommended for better rates.

Transport: The BridgeClimb base is located on Cumberland Street in The Rocks. Visitors can reach Circular Quay by ferry, bus, or train, then walk via Argyle Street and the Argyle Stairs to Cumberland Street.

3. Bondi Beach and Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Spending time at Bondi Beach allows visitors to soak in the iconic Australian beach culture. One can swim in the patrolled areas, try surfing with a lesson from a local school, or relax by the famous Bondi Icebergs Club ocean pool. The breathtaking Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk provides stunning clifftop views, leading past other beautiful beaches like Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly, offering a fantastic blend of exercise and scenic beauty.

Cost: Visiting Bondi Beach and walking the coastal trail are free activities. Surfing lessons typically start from around A$57.76.

Transport: Bondi Beach is approximately 8km from the city centre. Public buses (e.g., 333, 380, 381, 382, 389) run directly from Circular Quay to Bondi Beach, with fares ranging from A$1 to A$4.50 depending on the distance. Alternatively, one can take a train to Bondi Junction and then a short bus ride to the beach.

4. Manly Beach Ferry Trip

A ferry journey from Circular Quay to Manly Beach offers a picturesque cruise across Sydney Harbour, providing excellent views of the city skyline, Sydney Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Manly itself is a vibrant beachside suburb known for its golden sand beaches, a lively Corso, boutique shops, and diverse dining options. It is an ideal spot for swimming, enjoying water sports, or simply relaxing by the sea.

Cost: A one-way ferry trip from Circular Quay to Manly using an Opal Card or contactless payment costs approximately A$8.04 to A$8.49. Buying a single-use ticket from a machine can cost around A$10.20.

Transport: Ferries to Manly depart frequently (every 15-20 minutes) from Circular Quay.

5. Taronga Zoo Sydney

Taronga Zoo, situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour, provides a unique opportunity to encounter Australian wildlife and exotic animals with the backdrop of the city skyline. Visitors can explore various themed trails, attend daily keeper talks and animal presentations, and enjoy a ride on the Sky Safari cable car directly from the wharf for stunning views. It is a highly recommended experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Cost: Online adult tickets are approximately A$49.50, while children (4-15 years) pay around A$29.70. Family tickets are also available, for example, 2 adults and 2 children for about A$140.80. Ferry and zoo entry combo tickets are also offered.

Transport: The most scenic way to reach Taronga Zoo is by ferry from Circular Quay, which takes about 12-17 minutes and costs A$5-A$12. Alternatively, the 100 bus route operates between Mosman (Taronga Zoo) and the city (Queen Victoria Building), costing A$1-A$4 and taking approximately 35 minutes.

6. Explore The Rocks

Wandering through The Rocks, Sydney's oldest European settlement, transports visitors back in time. This historic neighbourhood offers cobblestone laneways, charming pubs, weekend markets featuring local crafts and food, and unique art galleries. Exploring The Rocks allows for an appreciation of Sydney's colonial past and its transformation into a vibrant cultural precinct. Numerous walking tours are available to uncover its hidden stories.

Cost: Exploring The Rocks independently is free. Costs for specific tours, shopping, and dining will vary.

Transport: The Rocks is within walking distance of Circular Quay, which is a major public transport hub accessible by train, bus, light rail, and ferry.

7. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

A tranquil escape in the heart of the city, the Royal Botanic Garden provides a lush green sanctuary with diverse plant collections, stunning horticultural displays, and picturesque views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, discover various themed gardens, and relax amidst nature. Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a viewpoint within the gardens, offers an iconic photo opportunity.

Cost: Entry to the Royal Botanic Garden is free, except for special ticketed events.

Transport: The Garden is a short 5-minute walk from the city centre and is easily accessible from Circular Quay by foot. Buses also stop near the garden; for example, a bus from Sussex St After King St takes about 9-14 minutes and costs A$3-A$4.

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