25 things to do in Sydney, Australia
If you’re heading or thinking of going to Australia then I’m sure a trip to Sydney is somewhere up there at the top of your list!
And rightly so, it’s one hell of a place.
To conclude our 7 week backpacking adventure through New Zealand and East Coast Australia in 2015, we eagerly headed to our final destination Sydney – with a week to play with.
Lucky, my travel partner had friends living in central Sydney who just so happened to have a spare room for the week we were there. So as you can imagine, we saved SERIOUS MONEY by hopping in with them (Nando – you’re the bestest).
You can otherwise expect to pay around $20-49 AUD for a hostel bed here (and some go up to 70/80$!).
See my ‘Guide to Choosing a Hostel In Sydney’ here.
Okay so, where to start…
SYDNEY IS MASSIVE.
There is SO much to Sydney, and even with a week there we felt we had only just begun uncovering it.
From the Botanical gardens, Darling Harbour, and it’s stunning beaches to the CBD (central business district), Hyde Park and the Opera house… Sydney is so diverse and can cater for every type of traveller.
Top tip: If you’re tight on time, check out my perfect 4 day itinerary for Sydney post here or my guide to spending 3 days in Sydney here.
I always describe Sydney as a sunnier version of London with the addition of beaches and a consciousness of health and outdoor activity. It is one of my favourite places in the entire world.
Sound good? YOU MUST GO.
In no particular order…
Here are my top 25 things to do in Sydney…
1. Catch sunrise or sunset from Mrs. Macquarie’s Point
Walk past the Opera House and continue along the waterfront until you reach this point, where you will get a view like no other of the sun over the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
2. Wander round Darling Harbour and have dinner by the water.
3. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge.
For more information, click here.
Top tip: If you’re on a tight budget, a cheaper option would be to climb to Pylon Lookout. For more information click here.
4. Have sunset dinner & drinks at the Opera bar.
Located just beside the Opera House itself with incredible views over the landmark, grab your favourite cocktail or glass of bubbles and toast to the incredible adventure you are on! Check out their website here.
5. Take a selfie with the Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge.
7. Explore The Blue Mountains (Greater Sydney Region)
Click here to see my post about my self-guided experience – the cheapest way of doing it.
Top tip: If you’d prefer to be on a group tour, book your Coast Warrior Blue Mountain trip through Ratpack Travel using the code MOLLIE10, and you’ll get 10% off this epic excursion! WMGT did this one and it was amazing!
8. Head over to Toronga Zoo, ‘The Zoo With A View’.
Head down to Circular Quay and hop on a 12 minute ferry to Taronga where you can view over 4,000 animals including Kangaroos & Koalas! Tickets start at $42.30 for an adult day pass, and can be purchased on the website here.
9. Meander through The Rocks.
Wander around one of the oldest parts of Sydney, located just beside Sydney Harbour Bridge. Look around the boutique shops, stroll through the markets and pick up souvenirs, grab lunch in one of the gorgeous cafes, or grab a smoothie on the go.
Paddy’s market is also great!
10. Explore Manly
My favourite place in Sydney! See my complete guide to Manly here.
11. Hop on a ferry from Sydney Harbour to somewhere new.
Watson’s Bay, Double Bay, Cockatoo Island… the world is your oyster!
12. Discover Sydney’s beautiful botanical gardens.
13. Have breakfast in Wooloomooloo and take the ocean-side walk to the Opera House.
14. Immerse yourself in Sydney’s nightlife.
Recommendations:
– World Bar (King’s Cross)
– The Ivy (Thursdays student night, free entry but expect queues)
– Chinese Laundry
– Sunday nights at Sash (House music)
– Drinks at The Glenmore Hotel
– St. George’s open air cinema with views over the opera house
15. Visit HOME Thai Restaurant, Sussex Street
(Beef Massaman curry is to DIE for)
16. Eat your way through China Town and pick up some custard puffs from Emperor’s puffs…
Don’t knock em till you’ve tried em.. 30cents each. You’ll also find deep fried timtams and oreos here!. See their website for the dessert shop and the restaurant here.
17. Kick back and relax on Bondi Beach.
19. Eat at a sustainable fish restaurant.
Many places in Sydney are doing their best to protect the environment while still delivering the exquisite flavours we desire. Try out Love Fish or Fish and Co.
20. Hire a car and take a trip down to Hyams Beach.
See more and my full adventure here.
21. Explore Surry Hills
See my complete guide here.
22. Go on a Hunter Valley Wine Tour
See my full experience here.
23. Enjoy brunch in the city centre.
Sitting amongst my top 3 favourite things about Australia has to be the brunch culture and just how well the ozzies do it. Check out my top brunch spots in Sydney here.
24. Swim at Bondi’s Iceburgs Pool.
One of Sydney’s most instagrammable locations, this ocean pool makes a great day out! It’s $8 casual entry – giving you access to the pool, the sauna and the changing rooms. Click here for more info.
25. Road trip to feed the kangaroos in Morissett.
See more and my complete experience here.
LISTEN UP! My good friend Sammy owns RatPack Travel (a discounted booking platform). The team at RatPack are ready to help you plan and book all your trips and transport for your adventure down under.
Click here to send RatPack a WhatsApp message (+61 450381801) and start planning your trip today.
Don’t forget you can use my code MOLLIE10 for 10% off any trip or transport booking you make.
Have you been to Sydney?
What were your favourite things to do? I’d love to know!
Love as always + happy adventuring,
Mollie.
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