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Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Sydney? You’ve come to the right place!
Sydney is one of the most desirable cities in the world to live in because there’s so much culture and natural beauty here. It’s one of those places where it feels impossible to get bored because there’s so much to do in the city and surrounding areas.
We’ve visited Sydney a ton of times and Bailey even lived here for a while when she first came to Australia, so we know the city pretty well. That’s why we’ve created this list of the absolute best things to do while in Sydney so that you don’t miss out on the top experiences while visiting!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Experience
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE experience in Sydney is this day trip to the Blue Mountains. You’ll explore this stunning UNESCO site, get up close to Australian wildlife, and cruise along the Parramatta River! Check out the 4700+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: This tour is popular, so secure your spot in advance and have free cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Experience
- The Best Things to do in Sydney
- 1. Visit the Blue Mountains
- 2. Take a scenic helicopter flight
- 3. Explore the city on a bike
- 4. Take a tour of the Sydney Opera House
- 5. Go whale watching
- 6. Go on a jet boat ride
- 7. Explore the city on a sightseeing tour
- 8. Enjoy a dinner cruise
- 9. Visit the Hunter Valley wine region
- 10. Take a cruise around the Sydney Harbour
- Where to Stay in Sydney
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
The Best Things to do in Sydney
1. Visit the Blue Mountains
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: Around 6:45 am
- Highlights: Small-group tour, go on sightseeing rides at Scenic World, get close to Australian wildlife, cruise down the Parramatta River
- Inclusions: Professional guide, select hotel pick-up/drop-off, entrance fees to all activities, lunch
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 5,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Blue Mountains is a beautiful UNESCO wilderness area that’s just under an hour’s drive from Sydney. There is so much to do here, and planning a trip can be overwhelming, which is why I think it’s really worth taking a full-day guided tour.
This small group guided tour of the Blue Mountains is the one we did and it really does have it all! First off, we thought the ticket paid for itself just with entry to Scenic World, a tourist park with several rides that have amazing views of the area.
As a group, you’ll also enjoy a chef-prepared lunch and a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, which has one of the largest collections of native Australian wildlife in the world. You can meet kangaroos, koalas, quokkas, penguins, and more!
Then, the day ends with a scenic boat ride along the Parramatta River for yet more amazing views. You’ll get to enjoy views of the countryside and arrive back in Sydney Harbour, which is a pretty cool experience.
We think that the Blue Mountains wilderness area is one of the best day trip destinations from Sydney. It’s perfect for getting out of the city and exploring some of the dramatic natural landscapes that Australia is known for!
Book this tour with over 5,000 5-star reviews here, before it sells out!
2. Take a scenic helicopter flight
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Multiple departures available
- Highlights: Scenic helicopter ride with views of the Sydney skyline, Pacific Ocean, coastline, and Syndey Harbour
- Inclusions: 20-minute helicopter tour, in-flight commentary, transfers from City Center or free parking
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of the best ways to admire the beautiful city of Sydney is from above! We took this scenic helicopter flight over Sydney and it was one of the best helicopter tours we’ve done anywhere in the world!
The views were insane. It really is amazing to see famous landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from a bird’s eye perspective! You’ll fly over the iconic Bondi Beach, as well as Coogee Beach, Manly Cove, and the beautiful eastern coastline – which is stunning!
To top it all off, when we did this helicopter ride we actually saw whales too! The pilot told us that it isn’t uncommon during the whale watching season in Sydney and that all of his flights on that day saw whales down below as we flew over the ocean.
Even though this flight is only 20 minutes long, it feels way longer when you’re up in the air, and you get to see so much.
You can book a spot on a group flight for $250 AUD per person, which is what we did, or you can book a private flight for $350 AUD per person, which can accommodate two people.
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
3. Explore the city on a bike
- Duration: 2.5 OR 5 hours (depending on the option chosen)
- Time: Departure times vary
- Highlights: See Sydney’s famous and lesser-known sights, enjoy a relaxing bike ride through the city, learn the history of the city’s top attractions
- Inclusions: Experienced guide, necessary equipment, sandwich and drink
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re keen on a sightseeing tour but don’t feel like sitting inside a tour bus, this bike tour is a fantastic way to see the sights while enjoying some fresh air.
You’ll be led by an expert guide who will take you on a cycling route that really showcases the beauty of Sydney. You’ll see iconic landmarks like the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, learn about the city’s history and culture, and see some local spots!
There are a few different options when it comes to this tour. You can book a 2.5-hour highlights tour, which takes you to Circular Quay, Walsh Bay, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. This is a great option for people with kids, as there is a discounted rate for families.
Or, if you want to see as much as possible, you can book the Classic Tour (4 hours) or Sydney Harbour Bridge Tour (5 hours), which are longer and run on select days of the week.
Of course, I’m a sucker for a good sunset and Sydney has plenty of those! So on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays they also offer the chance to take a sunset bike ride to Manly Beach and North Head – talk about views!
Book this tour here to access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
4. Take a tour of the Sydney Opera House
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Guided tour through the UNESCO World Heritage site, get an insider look, learn about its history and architecture
- Inclusions: Local guide (English or Spanish speaking), entrance to the theatre, meal and drink (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.5 Stars (check 2,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
You’d be hard-pressed to name a building more famous than the Sydney Opera House. It’s one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, and this guided walking tour is a rare opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes at areas that are normally closed off to the public!
I was so excited the first time I saw the Sydney Opera House, and I couldn’t wait to get inside! Our guide spilled all of the secrets about what goes on in the world’s most famous Opera House, from scandalous stage stories to fun pre-performance traditions.
This is one of the best Sydney Opera House tours and such a great way to dive deep into the heart of Sydney’s culture and gain a deeper appreciation for the building’s unique architectural style.
Can you believe that over 1,500 performances take place here each year?! When we did the tour, our guide also told us a lot about the current shows taking place at the Opera House, as well as how they set up everything in such a unique space.
This is definitely a can’t miss activity in Sydney and with over 2,000 5-star reviews, I’m not the only one who thinks so!
This tour is likely to sell out, book your spot in advance here.
5. Go whale watching
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 12:15 pm
- Highlights: See Sydney’s top sights from the water, spot humpback whales (whale sighting guarantee)
- Inclusions: Onboard commentary, BBQ buffet lunch or breakfast, coffee/tea
- Rating: 4.5 Stars (check 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re in Sydney between May and November, then don’t pass up the opportunity to go on this whale watching cruise!
More than 15,000 humpback and southern right whales pass through Sydney each year as they migrate to the Great Barrier Reef, so why not get out on a boat and spot some?
Not only did we spot whales, but we got to see some classic Sydney sights from the water! You’ll pass right by the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Manly Beach before entering the Pacific Ocean. There’s also a buffet breakfast or barbecue lunch provided – yum!
Once you’re on the ocean, the guide is great at providing commentary so you know where to look and more about the amazing creatures you’re trying to spot! I loved getting to learn all about whales, including local conservation efforts. The humpback whale population in Sydney actually once dwindled as low as 200, so it’s great to hear about how those numbers were brought back up again.
There’s complimentary tea and coffee on board the boat, and alcoholic drinks are available to buy at the bar. The tour also has a whale-sighting guarantee, so if you don’t spot any whales then you can return for another tour, free of charge!
Reserve this tour in advance here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Go on a jet boat ride
- Duration: 30 mins
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Exhilarating jet boat ride, experience thrilling tricks, go up to 47 mph (75 kph), enjoy sightseeing between boat tricks
- Inclusions: Experienced driver, 30-minute jet boat ride, waterproof ponchos, lockers, lifejackets
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 670+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want something a bit more thrilling than your typical sightseeing tour, then jet boating in Sydney Harbour should scratch that itch!
On this tour, you’ll take in the sights from the water as you speed through the harbor making fast twists and turns, and fishtails. You’ll be traveling at speeds of up to 75 km (47 miles) per hour!
The tour only lasts for 30 minutes so it’s a short and sweet activity to fit into a day of exploring, but you do get to see a lot during that time since the boat zooms through the water so fast!
Also, it should be a given, but prepare to get wet on this tour! On our ride, the spins and skids made some pretty big splashes … but we loved it! Our boat driver also slowed down when we passed close by the famous landmarks so we did get to enjoy the sights before ramping up the speed again.
We’re kids at heart and had a ton of fun zooming around the harbor, but the kids on our tour seemed to be having the BEST time, at least based on all the giggling and happy screams we heard!
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this thrilling tour here!
7. Explore the city on a sightseeing tour
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 8 am OR 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Small group bus tour, see Sydney’s top attractions, enjoy Bondi beach, take a photo in Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
- Inclusions: Professional driver/guide, hotel pick-up/drop-off, bottled water, onboard commentary
- Rating: 4.5 Stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
A sightseeing tour in Sydney is a fantastic way to get to know a new city, and we love taking tours like this to get our bearings and find new favorite spots. That’s why we think this half-day sightseeing tour of Sydney is such a great option.
The tour starts in Sydney Old Town and the CBD as you stroll along the banks of Sydney Harbour. One of the best views of Sydney is from the area around Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Yes, there really is a “chair” here (it’s made of stone) and you’ll get the entire story of why it was built, so I won’t spoil it for you!
Of course, no trip to Sydney is complete without seeing Bondi Beach! I love Bondi and this stretch of golden sand is pretty famous and one of the busiest beaches in the entire country. You’ll have about a half hour to wander along the sand and watch the surfers.
The tour finishes off in Darling Harbour where you can choose to stay or get a ride back to the tour’s starting point. I recommend exploring Darling Harbour, as there’s a lot to see!
Overall, this is the best way to see Sydney’s top areas!
Check availability and book this sightseeing tour here.
8. Enjoy a dinner cruise
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 6:10 pm
- Highlights: View Sydney’s top landmarks from the water, enjoy a 3 course meal, sip on wine from New South Wales, watch the sunset over the city on the panoramic top deck
- Inclusions: 3-course dinner, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, coffee/tea, bottled water
- Rating: 4.5 Stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We think that a cruise through Sydney Harbour is among the best things to do in Sydney. So when we were looking for an extra special night out, this Sydney Harbour dinner cruise was our pick!
This all-inclusive cruise is on a luxury catamaran boat and also includes a 3-course gourmet dinner, an open bar, and the best views!
Dinner cruises in Sydney mean you get to glide past some of the city’s most beautiful sights and see the stunning sunset from the water. Then, after dinner, you’ll see the Opera House lit up at night when you return after dark, which is even more spectacular than seeing it during the day.
Often, dinner cruises are buffet meals, we think that this cruise really takes it to the next level with a 3-course plated dinner made with locally sourced ingredients.
Our starters were based around poached chicken and wagyu bresaola and the delicious main course was slow-cooked Junee lamb shank. The menu is also paired with wine from New South Wales which is excellent. And make sure you have room for dessert!
This such was one of the most memorable things we did in Sydney – hands down!
You can reserve a spot on this luxury dinner cruise online here!
9. Visit the Hunter Valley wine region
- Duration: 11 to 12 hours
- Time: Around 7:25 am
- Highlights: Visit 3 local wineries for a tasting, go gin & vodka tasting, enjoy local cheese & chocolate, have lunch with a beautiful view
- Inclusions: Pick-up/drop-off central Sydney, professional guide, transportation, wine production tour, gin & vodka tasting, wine tasting fees, lunch
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and it’s known for producing some of the country’s best wine, so it’s a must-visit if you’re partial to a glass or two!
The Hunter Valley is a 3-hour drive from Sydney, so it’s not ideal to drive yourself there and back in a day. Plus, it would mean someone would have to play designated driver, which is why we think that this wine tour is a must.
One of our favorite things about the Hunter Valley region is all of the artisanal goodies on offer. You’ll sample some of the region’s amazing cheese, chocolate, gin, and vodka as you visit three wineries and a local distillery.
There’s also lunch at a scenic spot which includes more wine, or you can switch to craft beer or cider if you want to shake it up.
This is a relaxed tour with beautiful scenery and tons of tastings and we found it to be the perfect way to experience the Hunter Wine Valley. We like that it’s a small group tour because it’s easy to make new friends as you bond over all of the booze, cheese, and sweet treats.
Secure your spot in advance here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
10. Take a cruise around the Sydney Harbour
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 2 pm
- Highlights: See Sydney’s iconic landmarks from the water, learn about the area with commentary, enjoy a charcuterie board and beverage with the Premium Package
- Inclusions: Guided commentary on your smartphone, refreshments & snacks for purchase, cheese & Charcuterie Board with house drink (if the premium package is selected)
- Rating: 4.5 Stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
A harbor cruise is such a relaxing way to do some sightseeing in Sydney, and we always try to get on one while we’re visiting. Most recently we hopped aboard this cruise and it was the best one yet!
The cruise lasts for around 1.5 hours and there’s an outdoor deck and a comfy lounge where you can enjoy the views of the Sydney Harbour as you sail past all of the city’s most famous spots. We love that this cruise includes interesting commentary that’s linked directly to your smartphone, so you can learn all about the iconic sights while seeing them from the water.
When we went, we upgraded to the Premium option at the time of booking which I highly recommend. It’s only $20 AUD more per person and includes a delicious charcuterie board, a house drink (beer, wine, or soft drink), and reserved seating. Believe me, snacking on some local cheese with a glass of wine in hand made this experience so much more fun!
This is one of the more affordable Sydney tours. We think it’s well worth the money and something everyone should do while in Sydney!
Check availability and book your spot in advance here!
Where to Stay in Sydney
With so many things to do in and around Sydney, you’re going to need a place to stay. Luckily Sydney has a huge variety of accommodations to fit every budget. If you’re overwhelmed with where to start, check out our top picks for places to stay from luxury rooms to budget-friendly hostels. We’ve got you covered!
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – $$$
For stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the iconic Opera House, book a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. You’ll have unobstructed views of the city from the comfort of your room. The hotel is located in the city center within the historic Rocks neighborhood – nice and close to lots of activities and restaurants.
Rooms here start at $400-$500 AUD per night and can be reserved with Booking.com.
Meriton Suites Kent Street Sydney – $$
Stay right in the heart of Sydney in a modern luxury apartment at Meriton Suites Kent Street. The suites are air-conditioned and have laundry facilities and either a kitchenette or full kitchen to make longer stays more comfortable. You’ll also have access to an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and hot tub.
These full apartments are $230 AUD nightly when booked in advance with Booking.com.
Sydney Harbour YHA – $
For a hostel with a view, head to the rooftop terrace at the Sydney Harbour YHA. Located in the historic Rocks district, you’ll have amazing views of the harbor and be within walking distance of all the major sights. You can opt for a shared dorm room or a private room here. There’s a communal kitchen, TV lounge, billiards, and a 24/7 reception desk.
Dorm rooms are around $70 AUD nightly and private rooms are more around the $180 AUD mark. You can check for the best rates and book on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Sydney is one of our favorite places to explore in Australia! There’s so much to see in this famous city and we want to make sure you don’t miss the highlights – whether you’re cruising on the water, flying over the city, or touring behind the scenes of the famous Opera House.
If you need more ideas for your trip here, have a look through our other blogs about Australia including a few related reads below:
11 Things to Know BEFORE Booking a Lunch Cruise in Sydney
5 Tours in Melbourne That Made Us Fall in Love With the City!
7 BEST Waterfalls near Darwin, Australia
10 Things to Know BEFORE Booking a Rottnest Island Tour + Best Tours
Gamini nallapruma
Wednesday 9th of April 2025
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