Whatever you're into, there are plenty of things to do in Sydney during the weekend. It’s a bustling city laden with accessible nature getaways that will keep your days off (or your kids’ school holidays) filled with fun and recreation.
If you’re having a hard time picking from the tonne of fun activities one can do here, we’ve listed the top 18 things to do in Sydney everyone can enjoy.
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- Manly Stand Up Paddle Board Lesson
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- Wild Life Sydney Zoo Entry Ticket
- Madame Tussauds Sydney
- Taronga Zoo
- Sydney Virtual Reality Military Jet Experience
- Sydney Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours (Open-Top)
- Sydney Opera House Guided Walking Tour
- Sydney Hop On Hop Off Cruise 1 or 2 Day Pass by Captain Cook
- Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
- The Rocks Walking Tour
- Australian National Maritime Museum
- Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise
- Sydney Tower Eye
- Sydney Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour with Mobile App
- Manly Kayak Hire
- Manly Stand Up Paddleboard Hire
- Stand Up Paddle Ball (SUP) Game in Manly
1. Manly Stand Up Paddle Board Lesson
A scenic view when paddleboarding at Manly
If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney that are a bit more outdoorsy, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) lessons at Manly is a must-try! Get all the perks of a weekend getaway with a scenic view of the sea while still staying within Sydney.
Let the expert instructors guide you as you learn to paddleboard. Pretty soon you’ll be cruising by the beautiful waters of Manly Cove.
2. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Let your childhood mermaid/Aquaman dreams thrive! Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, home to 13,000 marine animals and the largest shiver of sharks in any aquarium around the world.
Explore the world under the sea through its 14 themed zones including the Day & Night Reef, which takes you through the daily cycle of life in the Great Barrier Reef. You can also dare to swim among the sharks - or technically walk right under them - in Shark Valley.
3. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Indulge the inner animal lover in you by taking a trip to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, home to Australia's “big five” native animals—the kangaroo, koala, Tasmanian devil, quokka, and echidna.
They have an assortment of attractions such as the Kangaroo Walkabout, Devil's Den, Gumtree Valley, Wallaby Cliffs, Kakadu Gorge and Nightfall where you can discover the diverse wildlife of Australia—Rocky the saltwater croc, Topsy and Bub the endangered Tasmanian Devils, and the cutest koalas you will ever see!
4. Madame Tussauds Sydney
Whether you’re looking for great photo opportunities with your friends or a chance for your kids to pose with their heroes, Madame Tussauds Sydney is a great choice. Just a 10-minute walk from SEA LIFE and WILDLIFE, this wax figure museum is a great addition to your day trip itinerary.
Take creative photos with your favourite character, celeb, or politician and pose with your friends and family. You can even help Superman lift a helicopter and record your next chart-topping hit!
With all the wacky sculptures and exhibits, it’s definitely a fun-filled activity to do in Sydney during your kid’s school holidays or your day off.
5. Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo views | Image credits - @globallyjames
Taronga Zoo needs no introduction - situated amongst lush bushland and boasting stunning views overlooking Sydney Harbour, it is definitely a zoo you won't want to miss! Taronga Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals from 350 species with a Sky Safari cable car which takes you high above the zoo grounds giving you bird’s-eye views of Sydney Harbour and the many zoo inhabitants below.
Only a short 12 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, your entry ticket includes an iconic Seals for the Wild show as well as a Free-Flight bird presentations and plenty of keeper talks throughout the day.
6. Sydney Virtual Reality Military Jet Experience
lying the F/A-18 Military Jet at the Sydney Virtual Reality Military Jet Experience
Become a pilot for a day and man the F/A-18 Military Jet through the mountains of Switzerland or the New York skyscrapers.
A commercial pilot will brief you so you’re ready to take-off, climb, turn, and do some military manoeuvres in a virtual environment. To make the experience more realistic, the controls and headset are replicas of the real jet.
Did we mention that you’ll also try to land the jet while travelling at 300kph? Talk about thrilling!
7. Sydney Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
The open top bus near the Sydney Opera House
When was the last time you became a tourist in your own country? Why not explore Sydney again with the Sydney Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours. Get a fresh perspective of the city from the comfort of an open-top bus where you can get the best views of all the sites and landmarks.
The tour has 34 spots you can visit and explore, and you can hop off the bus at any chosen stop and explore at your own pace. You’re the captain of this voyage!
8. Sydney Opera House Guided Walking Tour
Entryway to the Sydney Opera House. Credits: C.Valdez on Unsplash
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most easily recognizable landmarks in the world. In 2007, it was even added to the World Heritage list. We dare say that a tour of Sydney is incomplete without stepping into the world-renowned architectural marvel.
With your Dine & Discover vouchers, you can go to the tour for FREE - so there’s no excuse not to go!
Get to know why this site is such an icon with the help of knowledgeable guides. You can even do so in various languages such as Spanish, Korean, and Mandarin.
9. Sydney Hop On Hop Off Cruise 1 or 2 Day Pass by Captain Cook
One of the ferries of the Sydney Hop On Hop Off Cruise sailing by the Sydney Opera House
Explore Sydney through its coastal waters and feel the cool breeze brush your face on the Sydney Hop On Hop Off Cruise by Captain Cook. Similar to the Big Bus Tour, you can hop on and hop off at any of the following 11 destinations as you please, such as Darling Harbour, ICC Sydney, Barangaroo, Manly, Taronga Zoo, and more!
With this, you get the dual experience of a cruise and a tour of Sydney’s best sites. You can learn about each stop with the informative onboard commentary while taking in the views and enjoying the breeze.
For more information on the stops, the routes, and schedules for each stop, check out this timetable: https://res.klook.com/image/upload/v1535438381/time_table_ivee02.pdf
10. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
A baby and wallaby bonding at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park. Credits: @featherdalewildlifepark on Instagram
There’s plenty of things to do in Sydney that involve meeting fluffy, scaly, or feathery creatures. One of them is visiting Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, home to the largest collection of koalas in NSW and the world’s largest collection of native Australian animals.
Here you can pet and hand-feed the koalas, wallabies, and kangas. And since Featherdale has the world’s largest collection of Australian wildlife, there’s an assortment of animal species for you to discover.
11. The Rocks Walking Tour
Strolling through the Rocks with the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in sight. Credits: sam manchester on Unsplash
Go back in time and re-learn history once again. The Rocks district in Sydney offers rich historical insight with its restored nineteenth-century buildings, hidden alleyways, shady courtyards, and cobbled lanes. Its known for having the oldest streets in Sydney and the area's oldest surviving cottage, Cadman's Cottage, which was built in the 1800s.
With the Rocks Walking Tour, you’ll get your fill of legends and stories about the First Fleet 1788, Nurses Walk (which is a laneway that was used as a shortcut that provided access to the first hospital constructed in the colonial era), the Rum Rebellion 1808 and other historical tidbits thanks to the expert guides.
12. Australian National Maritime Museum
The Australian National Maritime Museum
History lovers, here’s another thing you can do in Sydney—visit the Australian National Maritime Museum where you can unearth Australia’s rich maritime history by exploring the artefacts, exhibits, and archaeology. Learn about the earliest boats built by Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples, as well as the modern-day marvel of ships, fleets and submarines.
You can also unleash your inner pirate and see the world's largest in-water fleet and tour several historic ships including the full-scale replica of Captain Cook's 18th-century ship.
13. Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise
Enjoying the food and cocktails aboard the Sydney 2000 on the Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise
Take a sip of your favourite cocktail as you cruise by Sydney’s waterfront. Whether you’re looking for a quick romantic getaway or a hassle-free hangout with your friends, the Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise is perfect for you. Hop on at Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, and spend the afternoon, drink in hand, as you cruise through Sydney waters.
Spend 90 minutes aboard and delight in the lounges, live music, tapas-style menu and the assortment of cocktails including its signature Southerly Buster Mojito.
14. Sydney Tower Eye
Basking in the view of the city atop the Sydney Tower Eye
Get a 360-degree view of Sydney 250 metres above its bustling city streets. The Sydney Tower Eye provides a phenomenal view of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and even as far as the Blue Mountains on a clear day!
Take Instagram-worthy photos with the tower’s light installation, or even visit during sunset and make the picturesque orange and pink sky your backdrop!
15. Sydney Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour with Mobile App
View of Sydney’s iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Credits: April Pethybridge on Unsplash
If you’d love to explore Sydney and avoid the crowds while you’re at it, you can explore the wonder of the city at your own pace and at your own time with the Sydney Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour. Simply download the app for your own personal audio guide and let it take you through the marvels of Sydney, including The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, St James Church, Government House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
15. Manly Kayak Hire
A merry group kayaking in the crystal clear waters of Manly
Have a weekend getaway without leaving Sydney, and explore the crystal clear waters of Manly via kayak. Explore hidden gems like scenic beaches and waterfalls only accessible via water.
Whether you want to go solo or tandem up with a friend on a double kayak, the Manly Kayak Hire is a perfect way to relax and explore the beautiful sites of Manly.
16. Manly Stand Up Paddleboard Hire
A merry group kayaking in the crystal clear waters of Manly
Another way to explore Manly’s surroundings is via Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP. Paddle away into the moored yachts and hidden beaches of Manly to your heart’s desire. You can rent your paddleboard for one hour for a quick getaway or extend up to 8 hours for a full day of exploration.
If you’re a beginner, no worries! The paddleboard offers great stability in flat waters so you can get the hang of it in no time! For a boost of skill and confidence, you can even opt for basic instruction.
17. Stand Up Paddle Ball (SUP) Game in Manly
A fun game of SUPBALL at Manly
Bring out your competitive spirit and challenge your friends to a friendly game of Stand Up Paddle Ball or SUPBALL, a combination of netball, water polo, lacrosse and rugby but on the waters of Manly. Feel the rush and adrenaline as you throw and dodge balls while balancing on your paddleboard.
It’s fun, great for beginners and players of all ages, and sure to bring a good laugh and a good time for everyone.
A minimum of 6 people is required for the court hire, but if you’re unable to gather your own group, you can join pre-organised games on a Friday. All necessary equipment will be provided, including the stand-up paddleboards, ball, and paddles.
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