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  • Top Things To Do, See, Eat In Sydney Including Sushi Donuts, Dolphin Watching & More

    Noelle Ong
    Noelle Ong
    Last updated 18 Jun 2024
    things to do sydney cover

    Top things to do in Sydney: Attractions, Activities & More

    There are some experiences in Sydney you just can’t miss checking off your list, especially if it's your first time visiting. Strolling along the beautiful Bondi Beach, visiting the Sydney Opera House and of course getting up close to the cuddly Koalas of the Featherdale are just some of the things to do. 
    But, there’s more to Sydney than that! Award winning gelato, sushi donuts and whale watching are just some other things you MUST add to your list. 

    Sydney Must Visit Attractions

    1. Sydney Opera House

    Of course, you can’t say you’ve been to Sydney without pictures in front of the Sydney Opera House. The most iconic attraction of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage site and her iconic sails shells is one of the most photographed attractions in the world.
    sydney opera house guided tour
    Go on a guided tour of this stunning performing arts center and explore the hidden gems of the house.
    You can also take a short walk to Mrs Macquerie’s Chair for an alternative viewpoint of the Sydney Opera House. We recommend coming in the evening, strolling to Mrs Macquerie’s chair for the sunset and coming back when the Opera House is lighted up!
    The Opera House will continue to require that all workers onsite, and visitors aged 16 years and over entering the Opera House building, are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless medically exempt)

    2. Taronga Zoo

    Taronga Zoo Koala
    The Taronga Zoo is a non-for-profit conservation society boasting stunning views overlooking Sydney Harbour. Home to over 5,000 animals from 350 species, here’s where you’ll catch sight of the adorable Koalas! 
    taronga zoo sky safari cable car
    Hop onto the 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
    Make sure to catch the iconic Seals for the Wild show as well as a Free-Flight bird presentations and plenty of keeper talks throughout the day. 
    Address: Bradley's Head Road, Mosman, NSW 2088Opening hours: Sep-Apr Monday-Sunday: 09:30-17:00 | May-Aug Monday-Sunday: 09:30-16:30
    Taronga Zoo Sydney is now open to guests aged 16 years and over who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and all young people aged under 16. All guests must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or medical exemption documentation upon entry

    3. Sydney Tower Eye

    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!
    P.S. Visit during sunset and make the picturesque orange and pink sky your backdrop! 
    Address: Level 5, Westfield Centre, 100 Market Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    4. Luna Park

    Thrill seeker or just there to bask in the atmosphere of a theme park, Luna Park is the place to be. Jam packed with thrill rides like the Hair Raiser, the Wild Mouse and the Mystery Manor, you can expect unexpected plunges, dips, turns, drops and the works. 
    There are also the classic Ferris Wheels, Carousels and arcade games if you’re not into thrills. Pre-book your ticket on Klook for open-dated entrance, allowing you to visit on a bright sunny day. 

    Sydney Must Do Activities

    5. Whale Watching Cruise 

    Sail out onto the open seas and catch the whales on their migration path on a whale watching cruise! Get up close to these majestic sea animals as they splash about in the waters, and if you’re lucky you might even spot dolphins along the way! Keep your cameras ready and rolling because you never know when they’ll pop up.
    The cruise can be pretty bumpy on choppy waters so if you suffer from seasickness, we recommend taking seasick pills before heading on board the cruise.
    #Klooktip: Bring a warm jacket because it can be pretty chilly out at sea.
    Meet up address:Circular Quay Wharf No.6: Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

    6. Stroll along Bondi Beach

    bondi beach iceberg pool
    A glistening, kilometre-long stretch of shoreline, Bondi Beach is an Instagram-worthy blend of crashing waves and vast golden sands. Soak up some rays, or browse the local boutiques and homely hipster cafés of nearby Gould Street.
    Also iconic to Bondi beach is the Bondi Icebergs Pool, an oceanside pool that the waves crash into. Take the cliff top walk from Bondi to Coogee and take in the sea breeze and beautiful rock formations. You’ll also be able to spot plenty of dogs on their daily walks and if you look out into the ocean, you might even spot a whale or two. Don’t forget to snap a photo on the rocks!  
    P.S. Hop into a 2 hour Surf taster course of what it’s like to ride the waves!

    7. Day trip to the Blue Mountains

    blue mountains sydney
    Credit: Tourism Australia
    The Blue Mountains are a good day trip out of the city, with lush green rainforests, steep ravines and the magnificent Jamison Valley all in sight. Not forgetting the famous mountain range the Three Sisters, it’s no wonder this national park was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. 
    scenic railway blue mountains
    Credit: Destination NSW
    Ride the steepest passenger railway in the world, with a whooping 52-degree incline or hop onto the glass carriages of the scenic skyway for beautiful views of the Jamison Valley and the lush rainforests below. 
    Pre-book your Blue Mountains Unlimited Discovery Pass to skip the long ticketing lines at the counter! It comes inclusive of :
    • Park entry (including rainforest walkway)
    • Unlimited use of skyways, railways and cableways (only available on the travel date selected)
    • Glass roof railway
    • Glass floor skyway
    • Aerial cableway
    If you’re not planning on driving there, opt for the Blue Mountains Unlimited Discovery Pass along with the Hop On Hop Off bus! Be sure to get a seat on the upper deck and feel the breeze in your hair as your drive past the vast landscapes. 

    8. Sip on wine at Hunter Valley

    hunter valley tour sydney
    Embark on the Hunter Valley Gourmet Tour and enjoy the best of Australia’s gourmet scene. Stop by the water’s edge of the Hawkesbury River and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Visit 3 hand-picked boutique vineyards and enjoy a progressive lunch which involves Modern Australian Food such as Kangaroo and Barramundi with a great selection of local wines.
    With convenient 2-way transfers and a friendly local guide, you won’t have to worry about anything but enjoy the food and wine!

    9. Kayak at Byron Bay

    byron bay kayak
    With this unforgettable kayaking experience, you’ll not only explore the awe-inspiring waters of Byron Bay. You’ll also kayak to a unique spot where you can catch a glimpse of dolphins, whales, and other marine life up close! Truly a must-do during the summer in NSW, especially if you’re already heading up to Byron for some sun and surf! 

    Sydney Must Eats

    10. Cow and the Moon gelato

    You might be thinking, ice cream? What’s so special about ice cream in Sydney? Cow and the Moon gelato is an AWARD WINNING gelato parlour that serves up some of the best ice cream in the city. Awarded the Best Gelato Producer in the world in 2014, try a scoop of the award winning Mandorla Affogato. The owner even trained the people at the famous Gelato Messina.
    Address: 181 Enmore Road, Enmore NSW 2042, Sydney Australia (Newtown)
    Opening hours: 8:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Thu), 8:30am – 11:30pm (Fri — Sat), 8:30am – 10:30pm (Sun)

    11. The Grounds of Alexandria

    Credit: @thegrounds on Instagram
    A trip to the Grounds of Alexandria, probably one of the most iconic cafes in Sydney, is a MUST. Not only will you be greeted by insanely elaborate and ‘gramworthy decor, these change seasonally!
    The food is top-notch as well! We love the deconstructed hot chocolate, Steak and Eggs and the classic full breakfast sets. Don’t forget to save space for dessert!
    After your meal, take a walk around the grounds and try to spot the resident pig!

    12. Sydney Fish Market

    Sydney Fish Market
    Credit: James Horan Destination NSW
    If you’ve been to the Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market and Seoul’s Noryanjin Fish Market, Sydney’s Fish Market definitely does not pale in comparison. You’ll find fresh live seafood that you can pick off the ice and have prepared in a myriad of ways. Whether it’s raw sashimi slices, aburi scallops or garlic butter lobsters, you’ll find it here.
    One unique find in the Sydney Fish Market is the Sushi Donut. A sushi rice base topped with fresh sashimi and a variety of toppings like ebiko, avocado and even edible flowers. Be sure to come with your foodie friends so you can order a huge feast!

    13. KOI Dessert Bar

    Fans of Masterchef Australia will definitely remember the legendary Reynold Poermono desserts. Drop by the KOI Dessert Bar for a taste of the too-beautiful-to-eat desserts. The cakes, tarts, and dessert jars often rotate in flavours but you’ll definitely be in for a treat no matter what’s on display. 
    One thing likely to stay on the menu is a rehash of Reynold’s perfect-score dessert with coconut pannacotta, black-sesame sponge, yuzu curd and crumbled meringue. 
    Address: 46 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia