10 Action-packed things to do in Australia’s biggest city, Sydney
From the gleaming Opera House to the unmistakable bridge, Sydney Harbour alone has more iconic attractions than you can shake a selfie stick at. There’s also a close animal encounter around every corner, whether at waterside Taronga Zoo or in the depths of the Sea Life Aquarium. With the Ultimate Sydney Attractions Pass, you can skip the queues at four popular Sydney attractions (leaving more time to become a Bondi board master).
Read on for our top 10 favourite things to do in sunny Sydney.
1. Take a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House
It’s one of the world’s most recognisable buildings. Overlooking the glittering harbour, Sydney Opera House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973 – and it’s certainly a place fit for royalty. With over a million white roof tiles, the building shines like a beacon in the sizzling sunshine; it also hosts hundreds of theatre, musical and cultural performances every year.
Join a guided walking tour and learn all about the famous white sails in under an hour.
2. Conquer Sydney Harbour Bridge with a climb to the heavens
You could sit and admire Sydney Harbour Bridge from the comfort of a nearby café – but where’s the adventure in that? Forgo the finger-licking French toast and embark on a thrilling 3.5-hour Sydney bridge climb to see the city from above. At 134 metres tall and with 1,332 steps to scale, it’s not for the faint-hearted. But reach the top and you’ll be dazzled by panoramic views across the harbour. Wave to the ferries as they pass beneath you and see if you can spot ibis birds wandering the nearby Royal Botanic Garden.
3. Summon your inner surfer at Bondi Beach
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.
While you’re here, why not try a Bondi surf lesson? Jump on board for a two-hour taster of the surfing life in the company of other beginners, or extend to a three or five-class pass to hone your skills.
4. Cruise the crystal-clear waters of Jervis Bay
From Sydney, you can easily explore more of the cerulean-sea-fringed east coast. Just a 4-hour train ride south of Sydney is Jervis Bay, a place renowned for having some of the whitest sands in all of Australia. The area is peppered with picturesque national parks rich in Aboriginal heritage and an eye-popping bounty of wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas and bottlenose dolphins.
Soak up the best of this coastal gem by boat from the town of Huskisson. From here, you can take a cruise across clear waters to catch pods of dolphins often found feeding around the reef systems!
5. Marvel at the majestic Blue Mountains
If sweeping valleys and rugged peaks are your thing, then a day trip to the Blue Mountains is a must. Take a 2-hour train ride from Sydney’s Central Station to the quaint town of Katoomba, where quirky cafés and independent boutiques encircle an informative visitor’s centre. From here, you’re just a short walk from eucalyptus-dotted summits, tumbling waterfalls and mighty rock formations such as the Three Sisters.
If you’d prefer an organised trip with door-to-door service, Klook a Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Day Tour of this nature-packed region.
6. Saturate your senses with a wine-soaked Hunter Valley trip
Wine – it’s delicious. And as one of the world’s largest wine producers, Australia is awash with the stuff. Just 3 hours’ drive north of Sydney, you’ll find the Hunter Valley. One of the best places to go in New South Wales for boutique wineries, it’s visually stunning, with rolling verdant hills and undulating vineyards.
Take in this grape-lovers haven on a fascinating Hunter Valley wine experience day tour. You’ll learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a tasty lunch of fresh local produce.
7. Tour Taronga – the zoo with a view!
Australia is packed with wildlife and Taronga Zoo lets you meet many native species up close. Your ticket not only comes with zoo entry but also a ride on the thrilling Sky Safari cable car. Watch cute koalas munching on eucalyptus leaves or catch nocturnal kangaroos snoozing in the shade. All the regulars are here too, from cheeky chimpanzees to elegant giraffes and even endangered Sumatran tigers.
Klook Tip: Catch the outdoor bird show at the amphitheatre, which boasts an incredible view of Sydney Harbour as a backdrop.
8. Visit Sydney’s underwater wonderland to really sea life
Okay, so our pun is terrible, but the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium certainly isn’t. Perched on the edge of Darling Harbour, this sprawling attraction draws you into a mind-blowing world of tropical fish, colourful cuttlefish, graceful rays and toothy sharks. Hit the Discovery Rocks pool for a chance to handle a starfish or two, then see if you can spot an elusive dugong when you wander through the submerged glass tunnel.
9. Head to lively Luna Park for some old-fashioned fun
Dating back to 1935, Luna Park is Sydney’s heritage-listed amusement hub. There’s an old-world charm about this place that greets you from the moment you enter – through the mouth of a giant smiling face. For a taste of tradition, seek out the hand-painted carousel and indulge your sweet tooth at one of the fairy floss stands. Prefer a dose of adrenaline? The Hair Raiser will blast you 50 metres above sea level.
10. Chow down in Chinatown
Sometimes when you’re travelling, you seek a taste of home. If you’re craving a cup full of wonton soup or starving for steaming sweet and sour pork, then head to Sydney’s Chinatown. Dixon Street Plaza hosts a thriving Friday night market where you’ll find some of the very best dim sum (or ‘yum cha’ as the local Ozzies call it) as well as delicious treats such as dragon’s beard candy.
Klook’s handy Sydney hop-on, hop-off bus pass skirts the edge of Chinatown and is the easiest way to get yourself to the heart of the foodie action.
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