Sydney is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. There are so many things to do and see, you could never get bored. From the iconic Opera House to the stunning Botanical Gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can take a trip on the ferries that cross Sydney Harbour, wander through the markets at The Rocks, or explore some of the city’s trendy neighbourhoods. Who wouldn’t like exploring Sydney without spending much? Whatever you choose to do, Sydneysiders are sure to make you feel welcome.
Exploring Sydney Olympic Park and the Wetlands
Sydney Olympic Park alone has so much to offer for those seeking some kind of activity. Follow the boardwalk at Bicentennial Park and explore one of Australia’s most vital wetland ecosystems. BBQs, picnic areas, playgrounds, pathways, wetlands, salt marsh and bird hides.
Oasis of Ponds at Centennial Park
Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy Sydney’s lush grassy hills, woodlands and oasis of ponds in Centennial Park.
Unique Spot at Royal Botanic Gardens
There is a 30-hectare treasury of green lawns, tropical plants, ponds, and shady trees, overlooking the harbour and free guided walks every morning. Enjoy beautiful views of the city from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair carved out of a rock ledge.
Walking Along The Sydney Harbour Bridge
Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge on foot is a fun-filled family adventure with superb photo opportunities. While tours to climb the bridge are expensive, it is free to walk across the bridge giving great views of The Sydney Opera House and panoramas across the harbour. The best time for pictures is the early morning for the sunrise or the late afternoon when the sun is behind.
The Blue Mountains
One of the best things to do in Sydney is the ancient sandstone of the blue mountains. Some activities in this beautiful national park area include seeing the magnificent rock formation of the so-called ‘Three Sisters’ or hiking along paths that offer stunning views of the valley.
Sydney Opera House
This significant icon of the city can be admired from the outside at almost any angle or inside. The Opera House is possibly the most photographed edifice in Australia. You may wander outside the building for free and glance at the perfect views of the harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Circular Quay with the Opera House behind!
Government House
Once home to the governor of Australia, the Government House offers a lesson in art, history, and the current government. In addition, the House encloses a collection of furniture and art by leading artists of Australia. The House is accessible only with a tour guide.
Marvellous Darling Harbour
Explore and enjoy the stunning Darling Harbour, Sydney’s vibrant, vital, all-seasons playground. Darling Harbour was the first modern, versatile complex in the city of Sydney. Nowadays, you can wander to this pedestrian spot to get a great view of the city highlights, such as the skyline and harbour and many events and attractions.
Australian National Maritime Museum
Visit the National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour for an inspiring display from dugout canoes to a jet-powered hydrofoil and a historical collection of naval vessels. These historic ships are significant attractions, including various military vessels and a seaworthy replica of Captain James Cook’s Endeavour, used to discover Australia in 1770.
Street Culture at Circular Quay & Martin Place
Spend a morning at Circular Quay. Sample the street culture & chill out to some fantastic free street entertainment at its best. Then, head up to Martin Place, which is always full of talented buskers.
Exploring Sydney’s Stunning Beaches
The beautiful terrific Sydney’s city beaches are ideal for a day out at any time of the year, especially for those tired of the city’s hustle-bustle. You would love your day enjoying walking the sheltered harbour beaches, headlands and beautiful beach parks. Few famous beaches include Manly, Coogee, Bondi beaches and many others. Go surfing, swimming, paddling, walking, or simply laze in the sun.
Snorkelling at the Shelly Beach
Enjoy the fantastic walk along the Manly beach to this submarine culture of Cabbage Tree Bay at Shelly Beach. This beautiful Aquatic Reserve has some great examples of sub-tidal reef and seagrass that house seadragons, elegant wrasse and black rock cod.
The Rocks
Sydney’s most significant historical part with fine colonial buildings, many narrow laneways, a maritime past, and sandstone churches. Don’t miss the weekend markets, the street entertainment, The Museum of Contemporary Art and The Discovery Museum. In addition, there are traces of Sydney’s original hospital, plumbing and Tank Stream.
The Art Gallery of NSW
There’s free entry to this whole world of art to discover, including many Aboriginal arts. There are free performances for kids every Sunday to stimulate their minds and educate them.
Nicholson Museum at Sydney University
Enjoy free entry to this most extensive collection of antiquities in Australia. It might look small, but this three-roomed museum in the corner of the Quadrangle at Sydney Uni is excellent. This museum is home to the Egyptian mummies, a treasure trove of ancient pottery, sculpture, glass and tools from Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy and the Middle East.
Paddington Three Foot Square Gallery
When it comes to art and galleries, it’s not how big the gallery is but what’s in it really counts. This tiny little art space part of the University of NSW’s College of Fine Arts (COFA) is just three-foot square. It’s the ultimate hole-in-the-wall art show: a window gallery bright and illuminated at night. Enjoy free entry.
Free entry to Little Penguins Watching
Near Manly, Sydney’s northern harbour is home to the only breeding colony of Little Penguins, also known as Fairy penguins. They are highly endangered; their population is only around 50-60 pairs. You may find them at Collins Beach and around the old Quarantine Station.
Exploring Sydney’s Nuclear Reactor
Join a free tour of Australia’s only nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights on the first Saturday of every month. The boffins who run the show will teach you about neutron scattering and neutron beams. You’ll see the accelerators, the mass spectrometer and the neutron guide hall.
The Museum of Australian Currency Notes at the Martin Place
Have an interest in notes & coins? Wonder what happens to old banknotes? Fun facts and just one of the cool monetary snippets you’ll learn at this shiny new museum that is honestly much more interesting than it sounds. There’s plenty of it on show here, with displays that trace the history of Aussie coins and banknotes from the early days to some excellent, modern-day forgeries, almost impossible to spot.
Paddington Reservoir Garden
Feel very Romanesque and otherworldly at this great place to hide away from the world! This sunken garden was built at the bottom of an old water reservoir; when the roof collapsed in 1990, it became a graffiti cave (which adds to the delightfully shadowy atmosphere). It was restored and reborn as a landscaped park, an ornamental pond and hanging gardens around the edges.
Sydney Observatory
For the Astronomy lovers, what’s best than exploring Sydney’s Observatory? Night time tours have a fee, but during the day, admission is free for you to explore the beautiful garden and wander through the old observatory building.
Queen Victoria Building
The Queen Victoria Building is centrally situated to most hotels and accommodations in Sydney. There is a vast interior glass arena, stained glass windows and beautiful ornate architecture.
