Looking for the best attractions in Sydney for some for family fun time? Whether you’re a Sydneysider or heading to Sydney with the fam you’! Sydney has a world-famous harbour with iconic attractions, as well as nature and wildlife getaways scattered within the city which are perfect for a day out with the fam.
Here are the best Sydney tourist attractions you should check out with your family:
- Taronga Zoo
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- Sydney Tower Eye
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
- Madame Tussauds
- Australian National Maritime Museum
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Sydney Observatory
- Darling Harbour
- Manly Beach
- Luna Park
- The Rocks
- Chinese Garden of Friendship
- Powerhouse Museum
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Bondi Beach
- Barangaroo Reserve
- Hyde Park
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
1. Taronga Zoo
You don’t have to wander far from the CBD for a fun family trip to Taronga Zoo. Image credits: @tarongazoo on Instagram
Taronga Zoo is a well-loved Sydney attraction for families situated in the heart of the Central Business District, where you can take a peek at the harbour’s icons while checking out the zoo’s 5,000 animals!
2. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Enter an underwater world right in the heart of Sydney at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Image credits: @Sealifesydneyaquarium on Instagram
Another must-visit Sydney tourist attraction is SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, home to thousands of breathtaking marine animals from giant sharks, colourful fish, friendly penguins, and more!
3. Sydney Tower Eye
Sydney Tower Eye provides an amazing vantage point for you to see the beautiful city of Sydney. Image credits: @sydneytowereye on Instagram
See all of Sydney from 250 metres above sea level from the top of Sydney Tower Eye, where acclaimed landmarks such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, even Blue Mountains are in sight!
4. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Get up close and personal with the furry friends at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Image credits: @wildlifesydneyzoo on Instagram
One of the best attractions in Sydney for families with little ones and animal-loving tourists is WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, where you can find the big five Aussie animals: kangas, koalas, quokkas, echidnas, and the Tasmanian devil.
5. Madame Tussauds
Pose with Aussie icons such as the great Steve Irwin at Madame Tussauds. Image credits: @tussaudssydney on Instagram
Strike a pose with all your favourite celebrities, musicians, comic book characters, and pop culture icons—or at least their life-like wax figures—at Madame Tussauds, another must-visit attraction in Sydney.
6. Australian National Maritime Museum
Unleash your inner sailor with the whole fam at the Australian National Maritime Museum.
With Sydney having one of the most beautiful harbours globally, it naturally has a rich maritime history. You can explore this history at the Australian National Maritime Museum with their national maritime collections, archaeological research, and exhibits.
7. Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is a true architectural icon of Australia that you have to explore. Image credits: @deanbennett on Unsplash
The definitive Sydney attraction for tourists and Sydneysiders alike is the globally acclaimed and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House, which you can explore on this guided walking tour:
8. Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is another picture-perfect city landmark. Image credits: @marekpiwnicki on Unsplash
Another recognizable landmark in Sydney is the Harbour Bridge, the largest steel arch bridge in the world. You can bring the whole fam and go on a bridge walk on the bridge's eastern side or go cycling on the west side.
9. Sydney Observatory
Become an astronomer for a day (or night) at the Sydney Observatory. Image credits: @sydneyobservatory on Instagram
The Sydney Observatory is the heritage-listed attraction in Sydney that’s perfect for lovers of all things astronomical. This sandstone museum gives you the best vantage point for stargazing and a tremendous educational experience for the whole family.
10. Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is home to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Image credits: @Eriksson Luo on Unsplash
Darling Harbour is a dazzling waterside location lined with shopping, dining and entertainment centres that’s just a short walk from the city centre—great for a fun night out with friends and family!
11. Manly Beach
Only 23 minutes away from the city centre, Manly Beach is a favourite among locals who want to go on a quick weekend getaway. Image credits: @Adrian Rem on Unsplash
North of Sydney CBD is Manly Beach, one of the most famous surfing beaches in the world. Here you soak up the sun while kayaking, surfing, stand up paddleboarding, or just taking a dip in the water with your fam.
12. Luna Park
Enter the iconic gates of Luna Park for a family fun time you won’t forget! Image credits: @lunaparksydney on Instagram
A classic attraction in Sydney that has brought joy to families for generations is Luna Park, a heritage-listed theme park with exciting rides for all ages!
13. The Rocks
Explore the city’s oldest historical neighbourhood: The Rocks.
The Rocks is a historic district in Sydney, home to some of the oldest streets in the city with hidden laneways and restored nineteenth-century buildings that you can explore on this guided walking tour.
14. Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship was created in 1986 to symbolize the friendship between Sydney and Guangzhou, China.
Take in the beauty of the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a masterfully landscaped garden with exotic plants and colourful flowers and koi swimming in the ponds, perfect for an afternoon stroll with the whole family!
15. Powerhouse Museum
Check out the Powerhouse Museum’s exciting displays about science and technology. Image credits: @powerhousemuseum on Instagram
The Powerhouse Museum, a major division of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences or MAAS, with demonstrations, lessons, and exhibits on science, technology and arts— both fun and educational for families!
16. Royal Botanic Gardens
Enjoy the myriad of plant species and beautiful sights of Sydney at Royal Botanic Gardens. Image credits: @rbgsydney on Instagram
Another great attraction in Sydney for lovers of nature and flora is the Royal Botanic Gardens, another marvel of botany and landscapes that overlooks the beautiful Sydney Harbour—perfect for scenic picnics!
17. Bondi Beach
You and the fam will love the easygoing vibe at Bondi Beach. Image credits: @paulajnaes on Unsplash
Another well-loved beach in the city is Bondi Beach, where you can surf and swim, and even go whale watching and golfing at the sandstone headlands.
18. Barangaroo Reserve
Enjoy a slice of nature amidst the busy city at Barangaroo Reserve. Image credits: @barangaroosydney on Instagram
Barangaroo Reserve is a six-hectare foreshore park overlooking the Harbour, converted from an old industrial park. Here you can enjoy a slice of nature, take it slow, and unwind amidst your hectic day-to-day lives.
19. Hyde Park
A walk in the park, specifically Hyde Park, is just what the doctor ordered! Image credits: @deborahlittle2320 on Instagram
Situated in the heart of Sydney, Hyde Park is the oldest park in Australia that has been providing reprieve to busy city-goers. Take it slow and enjoy the 16-hectares of greenery and iconic fountains.
20. Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is filled with the finest works of art from all over the world! Image credits: @newsouthwales.artgallery on Instagram
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s leading art museums that houses the most important Aussie, European, and Asian artwork. What’s better than an art retreat with the fam to feed your creativity?
