You’ll climb to the bridge’s summit and look down on the shores of Gadigal land; learn the origins of the harbour’s names, from Bennelong Point to Barangaroo; and gain a deeper perspective of the city and its Aboriginal history. In the quiet before the ferries start, watch the sun rise above Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park as you glide across the water with Sydney Harbour Kayaks. Or paddle out at sunset to see the famous Sydney Opera House sails silhouetted against a burning orange sky with Sydney Kayak Experience. Just 12mins from the city by ferry, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals. Open 365 days a year, admission includes daily keeper talks and shows.
- Or jump aboard a Tribal Warrior cruise and explore Aboriginal culture, the world’s oldest living culture.
- Ferries and harbour cruises are a memorable way to experience the beauty of one of the world’s great natural harbours.
- The iconic sails host more than 1,600 performances a year – everything from classical ballet performances, innovative theatre and symphony music to contemporary dance and, of course, stunning opera productions.
- Stay connected to Sydney for all the latest news, stories, upcoming events and travel inspiration.
- Just 12mins from the city by ferry, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals.
Choose from a myriad of harbour cruises, including lunch cruises and tall ships, or go kayaking or boating. To learn about the harbour’s fascinating history, join an Aboriginal tour. Sydney locals looking for a serene waterfront experience head north to the Hawkesbury River, where thick bushland spills down sheer sandstone cliffs to the water’s edge.
- Start with a lesson at URBNSURF in Western Sydney, a high-tech wave pool that lets you perfect your technique on gently rolling waves specifically engineered for consistency – you can choose your difficulty.
- This is the place to take in the majesty of its iconic structures which overlook the glittering water.
- Sydney shines year-round with an action-packed calendar of events.
- It’s also home to The Heads, the dramatic sandstone cliffs at the entrance of the harbour, which protect the surrounding harbour islands.
Take a train to lovely beachside Cronulla for a ferry to charming Bundeena on the edge of the wilderness near ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. And there are beautiful hidden places in Sydney, from the Royal’s tranquil rainforest to secret beaches. Of course, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a memorable way to appreciate the beauty of the area.
Head to Bondi, rent a board from Surf Republik and join the locals riding the swells before they head off to work in the morning, then follow the sandy footprints to Bondi’s cafes for a post-surf breakfast at Glory Days or Bills. Or get tips on paddling, catching waves and maintaining your balance from the experienced instructors at Let’s Go Surfing. Not ready to tackle the unpredictable ocean waves just yet? Start with a lesson at URBNSURF in Western Sydney, a high-tech wave pool that lets you perfect your technique on gently rolling waves specifically engineered for consistency – you can choose your difficulty. Then visit the vibrant inner Sydney neighbourhoods, such as Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Paddington, Chippendale and Newtown. You’ll find buzzy cafes, small bars, lively theatres and delicious restaurants.
Top attractions for kids
The vista is just as stunning at nearby InterContinental Sydney’s rooftop bar Aster. Across the water, Sails on Lavender Bay has a front row seat to the Harbour Bridge and outdoor seating to best enjoy the scenery, while in Pyrmont, LuMi Dining matches its enviable outlooks with delicious degustations. Discover more about the area on one of the various walks that take in stunning Sydney landmarks. One of the world’s best city walks is from Woolloomooloo to Barangaroo, stopping at the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquaries Chair for a perfect postcard selfie. Alternatively, hire a bike or join a guided tour and explore on two wheels.
Aboriginal experiences
A great range of tours leave from the quay, including guided walks, tall ships, jet boats, delicious lunch and dinner cruises and Aboriginal-led Tribal Warrior Harbour Cruises. Between May and November, whale-watching cruises depart for the ocean outside The Heads to spot humpbacks. If you want to explore the harbour on water, hop on a ferry at Circular Quay and glide past the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Taronga Zoo or Manly.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city
There are gorgeous beaches for sunbathing and surfing, sparkling waterways for boating and fishing, and great national parks for bushwalking and cycling. The 309-metre-tall Sydney Tower Eye takes you to the highest point above Sydney for breathtaking 360-degree views. On a clear day, the vistas stretch from the golden beaches of the Eastern Suburbs to the distant Blue Mountains. Starting with the 4D experience – a short film giving you a bird’s-eye view of the city – the visit then takes you to the observation deck, 250 metres above ground.
Hidden restaurants down historic laneways, famous icons on Sydney Harbour, an endless calendar of events. Sydney Harbour is known for being home to the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but there’s so much more to discover. Spend some time here and you’ll be awed by its natural beauty, from hidden beaches to pristine bushland and charming islands that are made for exploring. Book into the island’s waterfront camping for unbeatable views of the water. One of the most multicultural cities in the world, Sydney sydney name meaning celebrates its cultural diversity and heritage, and passion for arts and sports. Begin your discovery in the cultural heart, Sydney City, where you’ll find the iconic Sydney Opera House near Circular Quay’s trains, ferries and buses.
Hugging the edge of Sydney Harbour you’ll find some of the city’s oldest areas as well as one of the newest. Discover delicious restaurants, cute cafes, cosy pubs and cool bars in Sydney City. The vista is just as magical, and the prices are more budget-friendly, at more casual venues along the edge of the water. Opera Bar has a prime position underneath the Sydney Opera House, then there’s Hyde Hacienda, Bar Patron, Graze MCA, Cruise Bar, The Glenmore and The Squire’s Landing. Follow Sydney’s main strip, George Street, straight through its vibrant centre packed with shops, restaurants and bars.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Sydney shines year-round with an action-packed calendar of events. The list is endless, explore more of Sydney’s top attractions.
The picturesque 6km track is carved into sandstone cliffs and offers uninterrupted views of the ocean, passing Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach, before finishing in beautiful Coogee. Throughout October and November, you will also be able to view the world’s biggest annual free outdoor sculpture exhibition – Sculpture by the Sea – along the route. The Sydney Opera House is more than just an architectural marvel set on beautiful Sydney Harbour, it’s also a world-class working opera house. The iconic sails host more than 1,600 performances a year – everything from classical ballet performances, innovative theatre and symphony music to contemporary dance and, of course, stunning opera productions. Hop on a ferry at Circular Quay for Taronga Zoo, Manly or Watsons Bay.
Sydney City
Circular Quay is one of Sydney’s major transport hubs, making it a great base to explore the city on public transport. It’s the main ferry terminal in Sydney, plus there’s the light rail, trains and buses which will take you all over the city. The Sydney Opera House isn’t just a World Heritage-listed architectural masterpiece, it also hosts world-class shows.
Arts & culture activities
The city fans out from beautiful Sydney Harbour to Bondi Beach in the east, Palm Beach in the north, fun adventures in the west and Australia’s oldest national park in the south. With more than 40 exhibitions annually and vast collections of Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, European and Asian art, there is always something new to discover at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The gallery is only a 15min walk from the city centre and admission is free, as are the daily guided tours.
Hikes & walks
You’ll be amazed with the many wonderful things to do and see throughout the year. An exciting events calendar includes spectacular Vivid Sydney and the world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks. Visit zoos and aquariums, picnic in harbourside parks, go whale watching, and relax on Bondi Beach.
