10 Things to Know BEFORE Booking a Walking Tour in Sydney, Australia

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Sydney is such a beautiful city full of iconic landmarks and with its great weather, warm summers, mild winters, and over 300 days a year of sunshine, a walking tour is a fantastic way to get out and explore.

We have spent quite a bit of time in Sydney over the years and Bailey lived here for a while, so we’ve crisscrossed the city and definitely gotten our steps in! There’s something we love about a walking tour to discover a new part of the city or explore its famous highlights. We actually took a guided walking tour of the Sydney Opera House on our most recent visit because I had passed by the outside a million times, but wanted to go inside!

Walking tours are a great idea when you visit a new city because it’s a good way to get your bearings. But you don’t need to be a first-timer to enjoy a Sydney walking tour! There are so many available, from pub crawls to true crime walks, so you should still be able to find a new experience, even if you’ve been here many times before like we have! 

However, with so many great options, it can be tough to narrow it down, which is exactly why we’ve created this guide. So keep reading to find out everything you need to know before booking a walking tour in Sydney!

Our Top Choice

As the name suggests, this Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour really is the ultimate way to experience Sydney on foot! So if you don’t have time to read this entire blog, then no worries, this one is our favorite.

What we love about this tour is that it covers so much ground. It’s a great intro to the city as you see a ton of Sydney’s most famous sights, including St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Rocks, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. It even finishes at a local brewery so you can enjoy a cold beer with amazing views. You can book this highly-rated tour online here for $65 AUD!

1. Are walking tours in Sydney worth it?

Yes, we love walking tours! You can see a lot of important sights while walking around the city, and it’s a fun and cheap way to explore Sydney. We also feel like we learn so much on walking tours, even though we’ve visited plenty of times before. Whether this is your first, second, or 50th visit to Sydney, you can always learn something new on a walking tour!

2. When is the best time to do a walking tour in Sydney? 

If you’re visiting in the summer (December to February), we suggest doing your walking tour in the morning to avoid the heat. Summers in Sydney can get pretty hot, so walking around in the heat can leave you feeling a little sweaty and tired.

If you are here in the summer, then you can beat the heat with a tour later in the day. There are some fun walking tours that you can do in the evening such as this historic pub crawl and this true crime tour.

However, in the winter, you can do tours at any time of day. Winters in Sydney are pretty mild so you don’t need to worry too much about bad weather, either! 

Related Read: Sydney is the perfect launch point to explore more of Australia. In fact, there are some great day trips out of Sydney, like visiting the Blue Mountains or sandboarding in Port Stephens!

3. What are the best areas to do walking tours in Sydney?

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is a world-famous landmark and arguably the most iconic thing to see in Sydney. Doing a walking tour around here will offer you fantastic views of this beautiful building, and it’s right next to the Harbour Bridge, so you’ll get to see that, too. If your tour includes passing through this area, you’re basically guaranteed incredible views and amazing photo opportunities!

The Rocks

Not only is The Rocks Sydney’s most historic area but it’s also located right underneath the iconic Harbour Bridge! It was where the first European colony settled in Australia and was originally an overcrowded and rather dirty area, although much of it was demolished during a plague outbreak and later to make way for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

Nowadays, it’s a thriving tourist area with tons of cafes, restaurants, and bars. However, there are still plenty of historical sights around such as Cadmans Cottage, which is the oldest residential building in Sydney, and the Sydney Observatory. There are also some awesome souvenir shops, a fantastic weekend market, and some great museums and galleries. 

We could go on, but our point is that The Rocks is a really cool area to visit on a walking tour. We wrote a full review of one of our favorite walking tours that visits The Rocks if you want more info!

Circular Quay

Circular Quay is one of Sydney’s major transport hubs, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a public square where you’ll find the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, as well as a ton of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s probably the most famous part of the city and a really popular area for tourists because of the attractions here, as well as the amazing views! 

Barangaroo

Barangaroo is a pretty new area of Sydney – in fact, it’s not even totally finished yet! It used to be a shipping container terminal, but now it has been transformed into a glamorous waterfront district with lots of shopping and dining for visitors to enjoy. Meanwhile, the Barangaroo Reserve next door is a park full of native Australian plant life. There’s also a ton of public artwork to check out in the area by Aboriginal and international artists. 

4. What are the best sightseeing walking tours in Sydney?

Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour

The Sydney Opera House is without a doubt the most famous building in the whole of Australia. I could barely contain my excitement when I saw it for the first time! It’s definitely worth catching a show here, but on this walking tour, you actually get to go behind the scenes and explore areas that the public doesn’t usually get to see! 

Over the course of an hour, your guide will take you all around this fascinating building to give you a deeper appreciation of its design and history. The Opera House puts on 1,500 shows a year, including concerts, ballets, plays, and musicals. It’s pretty impressive to see how they coordinate the logistics of so many performances. Within the world of showbiz, you’re guaranteed some drama, so you will hear some fun anecdotes and learn about all the struggles that were involved in developing this now world-famous performance center. 

While many tours include a brief stop at the Opera House as you explore other areas of the city, I appreciate that this one is dedicated solely to this iconic sight. It really is a symbol of Sydney itself, so spending some time digging into what makes this place stand out is insightful. The vaulted ceilings and astounding acoustics, the exterior shell tiles, and the construction of this building are just some of the things you’ll learn about in this hour-long tour!

You can easily fit this tour into a day of sightseeing as it’s pretty quick! It costs $43 AUD per person, or you can upgrade and add a meal and a drink in the Opera Bar or House Canteen for $80 AUD. This is the most in-depth way to explore the Opera House, so we definitely think it’s worth it. 

You can book this walking tour of the Sydney Opera House in advance here!

Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour

The Rocks is one of the most historic areas of Sydney – in fact, it was the first town center in Australia. So it’s safe to say that there are a ton of secrets just waiting to be discovered here! 

On this walking tour of The Rocks, you’ll check out some of Sydney’s earliest buildings, including the oldest residential property in the entire city and a church from the 1840s. Your guide will teach you all about the area’s admittedly turbulent history and take you to hidden spots that you’d never find on your own. Since this is such a historic area, we think that a walking tour of The Rocks is a fantastic starting point for learning more about Australian history as a whole.

You’ll also learn about how the area was hit by the bubonic plague in the early 1900s and changed dramatically by the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Plus, you’ll get amazing views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as you explore the area, which makes the experience even better! 

The tour lasts for 1.5 hours and costs $35 AUD. We think it’s great value for money because you really do get to know this area’s important role in Sydney’s history and see it for what it is today! You can book this walking tour of The Rocks online here.

Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour

This truly is the ultimate walking tour of Sydney! We love this tour because it not only teaches you all about the city’s history, but it also shows you some of its most famous sights at the same time. It’s basically a super comprehensive sightseeing tour in Sydney and a fantastic introduction to the city!

You’ll start at Customs House and learn about how Australia was colonized by the British. Sydney was the first colonial settlement in Australia, and learning about this part of Australian history is incredibly important when it comes to understanding modern-day Australian society. You’ll also discover how the British built so much of Australia using convict labor, and you’ll learn about a ton of historical figures who shaped the city. 

You’ll also visit The Rocks, which as we’ve mentioned is a super historical area, as well as St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and more! You’ll see a lot in 3.5 hours and there’s quite a bit of walking involved, so we especially love that the tour ends at a brewery overlooking the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Nothing’s better than a cold beer after a few hours of exploring!

This tour is actually our top choice for walking tours in Sydney because you can see so much in just a few hours. It lasts a bit longer than other tours, which lets you see more, and is a small group tour with no more than 12 travelers. We think it really does merit the $65 AUD price tag! Book this walking tour of Sydney before spots fill up!

Small-Group Sydney City Walking Tour

If you want to see as many famous Sydney attractions as possible in just a few hours, then this small-group tour is an excellent choice. We know how frustrating it can be when you’re short on time in an exciting city, which is why we think this tour is a fantastic choice if you have one or two days to spend in Sydney.

Your guide will show you around the city’s best-known areas, such as Circular Quay, The Rocks, and Sydney Harbour, where you’ll see a ton of famous attractions. From Hyde Park and the Sydney Tower Eye to St Mary’s Cathedral and Parliament House, you can tick off so many must-see places in Sydney on this tour. 

Plus, you’ll also learn a lot along the way as your guide teaches you all about the city’s fascinating and sometimes dark history, rather than glossing over it. Sydney certainly has an interesting past, with colonialism and convict labor to more modern-day developments, and we also like that this tour teaches you about the city’s Aboriginal roots and heritage. 

We would definitely recommend this to a first-time visitor to Sydney, or to anyone who’s keen to learn more about Australia’s history in a fun and engaging way. It’s also a great way to do a ton of sightseeing because the tour moves at a good pace but it doesn’t feel too rushed.

The tour can accommodate 12 travelers, which is a good size as you can make some friends but it isn’t too large! It has two departure times throughout the day at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm and lasts for 3 hours. This tour costs $127 AUD per person and can be reserved online here!

Related Read: Seeing the Sydney Harbor on land is certainly gorgeous, but it’s even more epic to get on the water! Check out the best Sydney Harbour Cruises and add this to your Sydney itinerary!

5. What are the best food and drink walking tours in Sydney?

Taste of Sydney – Barangaroo and The Rocks

We love walking tours, but food and walking tours take the experience to the next level! These tours are great if you’re more of a foodie and less of a history buff. On this Taste of Sydney walking tour, you not only get to explore two of Sydney’s coolest areas on foot, The Rocks and Barangaroo, but you also get to eat at some of their best restaurants, too!

You’ll start in Barangaroo, which is home to one of Sydney’s most beautiful parks and gives stunning views of the Harbour Bridge. You’ll explore the swanky new Barangaroo development and try some delicious Italian gelato. You’ll also get to visit a pub in Millers Point for some pub grub and, of course, a local beer, and learn a bit more about the history of the area.

After that, it’s onto The Rocks, where you’ll have amazing views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and try some yummy French tarts. Finally, you’ll head back to Circular Quay and visit a great Thai restaurant for some freshly made cuisine. 

This is such a great way to explore Sydney and eat some of the city’s best food. It’s a great way to try all of the foods that Aussies love, discover Sydney’s multicultural food scene, and see the sights along the way! We love that you get to visit such a big range of spots, from cute cafes to pubs and classy restaurants.

The tour costs $157 AUD, lasts for 3.5 hours, and includes all food and beverages. We think it’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in the city, but you might want to skip lunch beforehand because you’ll be eating a ton of food along the way!

Book this tasty walking tour in advance here!

Sydney The Rocks Historic Pub Tour

The Rocks is a very historic area and so it stands to reason that it’s home to a bunch of awesome, old-timey pubs. We love exploring pubs in a new city and checking out the best beers on offer, which is why we think that this historic pub tour sounds like a blast! 

You’ll visit some of Sydney’s oldest watering holes and experience true Aussie pub culture, so it’s a great way to get to know the city beyond your usual sightseeing. We always love doing “ghost” or “after dark” tours that teach you all about the goings on in historically seedy areas, and this tour certainly fits the bill. We think that this would be so much fun for groups of friends or anyone who’s keen to meet some fellow travelers and bond over a pint or two. 

You’ll visit five pubs throughout the tour and your guide will share all the shady secrets along the way. One drink at each pub is included in the price of the tour, plus a meal! You’ll also get to tour a brewery to see its inner workings and get discount vouchers for more local spots if you want to continue exploring after the tour ends. It is really great bang for your buck!

This 2.5-hour tour costs $153 AUD per person including 5 drinks and a meal. You can choose to do the tour at 2:30 pm or 6:30 pm, and we definitely think it would be an awesome way to kick off a night out in Sydney. It definitely shows you a different side to the city than your typical walking tour! 

Grab your group of friends and book this tour online here!

Forkabout Sydney foodie walking tour

We love food tours and have taken them all over the world, but our favorite ones are always those that really show you the locals’ top spots. So if you feel the same way, then we highly recommend this Forkabout Sydney foodie walking tour!

You’ll explore Surry Hills, which is an area known locally for its trendy cafes and global cuisine. Locals love this place and as you explore, you’ll see why. The guide does a great job of explaining the history of Surry Hills, which is a little off the tourist track so you can learn about a new area through this tour! Your guide will take you to all the best spots and even order secret menu items that you’d never otherwise have known about, so you really do get to eat and drink like a local. 

We got so much food on this tour that we weren’t able to finish it all! But luckily, they let us box it up and save it for later! 

This is a private tour, so just you, your group, and your local guide! We love private tours when food is involved because then there’s no waiting around for a larger group and it feels like the ultimate date night!

So if you really want the inside scoop on Sydney’s food scene, you can’t go wrong with this tour. It starts at 12 pm, lasts for 3-4 hours, and costs $160 AUD, which is a good price considering just how much you get to eat. This tour is only available on Saturdays, so if it fits in your schedule you can book this walking food tour online here!

6. What are the best private walking tours in Sydney?

Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide Sydney

What we love about this private tour is that you can customize it exactly to your liking! You can ask your guide to see the areas that most interest you, or if you’re not sure where to start then you can leave it up to your guide and enjoy being shown around the city by a friendly local. 

Most private tours have some kind of set itinerary that you can tweak, but this tour really doesn’t have one – it’s all about you and what you want to do. This company is also really passionate about showing visitors the local side of Sydney and providing a really authentic and personal experience. They asked us what our preferences were and then built an itinerary around what we wanted to see!

Plus, you can even choose how long you want your tour to be. Options range from 2 hours to 8 hours, which we think could be a great option if you’ve only got a day or two here. 

This walking tour includes your guide and their expertise, but any extra expenses are not included in the tour. So if you book a longer tour, be sure to have cash to stop for food at some point! The tour guide can also help facilitate any entrance fees or bookings for attractions if that’s required for your “must-see” activities!

The price of this tour varies from $101 AUD for a 2-hour tour to $237 AUD for an 8-hour experience. We really do think it’s worth it if you want to see the real Sydney and have an itinerary that’s tailored entirely to you by a local who knows their stuff! 

Be sure to reserve this exclusive experience in advance, you can do so here!

The 10 Tastings of Sydney With Locals: Private Food Tour

We love food tours but admittedly they can be tricky if you’re vegetarian or have special dietary requirements. If this is the case for you, there’s no need to miss out because this private food tour can be tailored to you so that you don’t have to skip a single dish!

One of the coolest things about this tour is that it takes you to Newtown, which is one of Sydney’s most alternative neighborhoods. You’ll find Bohemian hotspots, hipster vintage shops, and multicultural cuisines. This place is a favorite among Sydney’s student population, as well as local creatives, and once you visit, you’ll see why! 

On this tour, you get to try 10 different dishes at multiple trendy spots in Newtown. Your tour will have an itinerary created around you so we can’t tell you exactly what you’ll be eating, but fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, Japanese-style tacos, and vegemite are likely to be on the menu. All 10 food and drink stops are included in the price of the tour, so you can simply enjoy this culinary experience!

The guides are local foodies who clearly love what they do and all in all, this is a fantastic way to experience Sydney’s food scene. Lots of tourists never make it to Newtown, so we also think it’s such a good way to check out Sydney’s thriving alternative hub and see a more local side to the city. 

This tour is priced per person but the price depends on group size. For example, it’s $353 AUD each for two people, or $206 AUD each for a group of six. It lasts for 3 hours and you can choose from a range of time slots between 12 pm and 4:30 pm. We’d probably advise having a light breakfast that morning, though, because you’ll definitely be stuffed by the end of this tour! 

You can reserve this customizable food tour in Sydney here.

7. What are the best night walking tours in Sydney?

Sydney Dark Stories True Crime Tour

If you’re a true crime fan, then you will absolutely love this dark stories tour in Sydney. You’ll learn about the grizzly crimes that have rocked the city over the years and discover its dark history. This is certainly not the stuff you’ll read in the guidebooks! 

The tour focuses on The Rocks, which has a somewhat (okay, very) checkered past. You’ll visit sights where real crimes have taken place and hear some darkly fascinating stories, but at the same time you’ll get stunning views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge lit up at night. 

Nowadays, Sydney is such a modern, polished, and beautiful city that it’s really interesting to delve into its sinister past. Plus, the guides are great storytellers and hilarious, making the crazy tales even more entertaining with their wit and humor. We have always enjoyed any after-dark tour we’ve taken, it makes for a really fun night and is a unique way to learn about Sydney!

This tour lasts for 1.5 hours and costs $34 AUD, so it’s a pretty cheap way to spend an evening in Sydney. It’s so interesting and we also think that nighttime walking tours are a particularly great thing to do in the summer, because you don’t have to walk around in the heat! Book this true crime tour in advance here!

Related Read: If you’re looking for a little adventure, head to Exmouth, Western Australia. You can actually swim with whale sharks in Exmouth, one of the few places in the world where you can do this!

8. What are the most unique walking tours in Sydney?

Behind The Scenes: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Guided Walking Tour 

This Sydney Cricket Ground walking tour is a great opportunity for cricket fans to explore behind the scenes of one of the city’s most important sports stadiums. And even if you don’t know much about cricket, it’s a great chance to understand why Aussies have such an obsession with the sport! 

Although it’s called the Sydney Cricket Ground, rugby, soccer, and Aussie rules football matches also take place here. You’ll get to see famous trophies that have been lifted by some of Australia’s top sporting icons, check out the dressing rooms, and even walk through the tunnel as though you’re about to take the field. 

Your guide will also teach you about the history of the stadium and share anecdotes about all of the crazy things that have happened here over the years. If you’re a sports fan, you will really get a lot out of this tour. The history of this stadium runs deep, and the passion for these teams is strong, so it is a great look at Australian culture as a whole!

This tour meets at Sydney Cricket Ground Stadium and includes your knowledgeable guide. It lasts for 1.5 hours and costs $33 AUD per person. You can book this tour online here!

Bondi Beach Walking Tour with Optional Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

As you’ve probably gathered by now, there are lots of Sydney walking tours that will take you all around the city, but we love really this Bondi Beach tour because it also showcases the city’s natural attractions. You’ll visit Bondi Beach of course, which is one of the most famous beaches in the whole world. 

You can visit this beach by yourself anytime but on this tour, you’ll get to discover how it became such an iconic hotspot for celebrities, surfers, and of course tourists. You’ll also see where Bondi Rescue is filmed and get a glimpse of some nearby celebrity homes. 

Another thing that we think sets this tour apart is that you get to learn about the Aboriginal heritage of Bondi Beach, which is often overlooked by visitors. You can also check out the Bondi Aboriginal rock engravings and discover the area’s significance to the Indigenous people of Australia. 

You can then choose whether you want to stick to Bondi or do a one-way guided walk to Bronte Beach. We recommend that you do this because not only is the coastal walk really scenic, but Bronte Beach is one of our favorite spots in Sydney! We always come here to hang out when we’re in the city, and it’s one of the best places in Sydney to meet locals who tend to avoid touristy Bondi Beach. 

This tour costs $61 AUD per person and we think it’s such a great way to explore Sydney’s best-known beach in more depth. We love the focus on Bondi Beach’s Aboriginal heritage, as well as the chance to check out our favorite beach. You can choose between morning or afternoon departure times, and we highly recommend taking this tour in the morning if you’re visiting in the summer, as the beach gets quite hot!

You can book this walking tour of Bondi and Bronte Beach here!

9. What should you bring on a walking tour in Sydney?

Comfortable walking shoes 

Comfy shoes are a must on any walking tour! You don’t need sturdy hiking boots or anything like that but go for comfort over style. You’ll be walking anywhere between 1-5 kilometers (0.6-3 miles) on a Sydney walking tour, and blisters will really ruin the experience for you. 

Hat and sunglasses 

Sydney is famous for its sunny weather, so remember a hat and sunglasses. These are a must during the summer but there are plenty of bright days during the winter, too. 

Sunscreen 

Sunscreen is essential, especially during the summer. You’ll be spending a fair amount of time outside on your walking tour, so you’ll need to protect your skin from that strong Australian sun. Make sure you’re wearing an SPF of at least 30 but personally, I think 50 is the way to go! Sydney has one of the highest UV levels in the world, so you’re way more likely to get burnt even if you normally don’t.

Water 

With all this sunshine and walking, you’re bound to get thirsty when exploring Sydney so it’s a good idea to bring some water with you. There are quite a few water bubblers (drinking fountains) across the city where you can refill your bottle, so we like to bring one reusable bottle each and just fill up when we get the chance.

Layers 

If you’re doing a Sydney walking tour during the winter, make sure to bring some layers. If your tour departs in the morning it might be chilly at first, but the day will quickly warm up, and of course, you’ll get warm as you walk around. 

Similarly, if you’re doing a nighttime tour you might get chilly, so a light jacket or sweater is a good idea. And if you’re doing a walking tour where you’re going to be in and out of pubs or restaurants, we recommend bringing a light layer that you can put on and take off as needed.

Camera or phone

Naturally, you’ll want to snap tons of photos of your Sydney walking tour. Even though we’ve seen the Opera House a million times by now, it’s always so tempting to get our phones out and snap photos of it every time we’re nearby. If you’ve got a good quality camera then you should certainly bring it along, but most smartphone cameras nowadays are equally capable of taking stunning photos.

Cash 

This last one is optional, although it never hurts to have a little cash on you. If you’d like to tip your tour guide, you should bring cash to do so, however, do bear in mind that tipping isn’t custom in Australia. You’re not obligated to tip the same way you are in somewhere like the USA or Canada. You can trust us on this one – Daniel is from Australia and we’ve both spent a lot of time living here! 

10. Will you do a lot of walking on a tour? 

It really depends on the tour. On a 3-hour sightseeing tour like the Ultimate Walking Tour, yes, you’ll do a lot of walking. In fact, you can expect to walk 4-5 kilometers (2.5-3 miles) on a tour like this. However, there are tours that won’t rack up as many steps.

For example, with this customizable private tour, you can always tell the guide how much walking you’re prepared to do and they’ll create an itinerary accordingly. 

Similarly, tours that visit specific attractions don’t involve as much walking as you’re staying in one place. The Sydney Opera House walking tour and the Sydney Cricket Ground tour won’t have you walking for miles on end! 

Food tours also have plenty of time to sit down and rest, and they tend to stay in one area. This food tour sticks to the Newtown neighborhood or this pub crawl takes place solely in The Rocks.

Don’t worry, you can still enjoy a Sydney walking tour without doing tons of walking. If walking a long distance is an issue for you, you don’t have to let that completely stop you from taking a walking tour!

Related Read: Take a break from city life and head outside! Litchfield National Park is the ideal Australian Outback experience, full of gorgeous waterfalls, swimming holes, and camping.

Other Activities to do While You’re in Sydney

Now that you’ve explored Sydney by foot, it’s time to dive into some other activities! Sydney is a city full of exciting things to do and see, so you’re going to want to fill your schedule while visiting this iconic city. Below are a few of our favorite activities that you should consider adding to your Sydney itinerary:

• Helicopter Ride – Sydney is a beautiful city; there is just no doubt about it! But it’s even more stunning from the sky on a helicopter ride! We did this helicopter ride the last time we were in the city and it was incredible! We got the most amazing views of the bridge and Opera House, not to mention the beautiful coastline. And to top it off, we even saw whales!

• Visit Manly Beach and/or Bondi Beach – There are some pretty amazing beaches right in Sydney, so you should definitely plan for a beach day (or three!). Manly Beach is one of our favorites and you can easily get there via the public ferry. Or, head to the famous Bondi Beach! Once there you can do the walk to Bronte or Coogee Beaches – they are both also stunning!

• Day Trip to the Blue Mountains – The Blue Mountains is a beautiful wilderness area where you can enjoy hiking, waterfalls, mountain views, and charming local towns. It’s about an hour’s drive and makes for a great day trip from Sydney or even a weekend getaway. This Blue Mountains day full-day tour is our top choice as it includes a gourmet lunch, Scenic World, the wildlife park, as well as a cruise! Plus, the 3,400 5-star reviews are pretty reassuring that it’s an excellent tour!

• Take a cruise – With a nickname like “Harbour City” it would be a shame not to get out on the water! There are tons of Sydney Harbour cruises available for a front-row seat to famous sights (looking at you, Opera House!) along with the cliffs and wild bushland nearby. Lunch and dinner cruises are popular and this specific Sydney dinner cruise we did was the highlight of our most recent trip!

• Explore Darling Harbour – One of our favorite areas in Sydney is Darling Harbour. This trendy harbour features more restaurants, bars, and cafes than I can count! Plus, almost everything is waterfront! Here you can also enjoy the Chinese Garden of Friendship, walk across the Pyrmont Bridge, or visit other popular attractions like Madame Tussauds, the SeaLife aquarium, and Wildlife Sydney Zoo.

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.

Thanks for reading!

Sydney is such a beautiful and diverse city, that exploring it on a walking tour is one of the best ways to dive into its history and culture. I especially love the wide range of walking tours, whether you want to see a broad scope of the city or focus on one neighborhood and activity. I always find walking tours so insightful and a great activity whether you’re visiting a city for the first time or could nearly lead the tour yourself!

I hope you found this blog helpful. If Sydney is your first stop as you continue to travel the country, be sure to check out our other Australia blogs! I am an Aussie, so I have a bit of insight into the best places to travel and even more fun activities to do. Here are some of my favorites below!

11 Things to Know BEFORE Booking a Lunch Cruise in Sydney

10 Things to Know BEFORE Whale Watching in Sydney

17 Things to KNOW before Visiting Kakadu National Park, Australia