To many living outside Australia, Sydney seems a world away. Airfares can be expensive, and flights can be long. But, it’s certainly worth it. Seeing the spectacular Sydney skyline, drinking cocktails beside the Opera House, experiencing the sights and sounds of the bustling city, and visiting some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You’ll never want to go home!
But where do you begin in a city that’s all style and all substance? There’s only one thing for it. Buckle up, people, here we go…
These are some of the essential things to add to your Sydney itinerary if it is going to be your first time visiting this amazing city.
1. Climb Up the Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour is what most people think of when they think about Sydney. The Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the water, cafes, restaurants and sunshine. To be fair, it’s not always sunny, but it is always beautiful. If you are feeling adventurous, do the Harbour Bridge climb, but beware, it’s not for those afraid of heights, or those afraid of spending a few bucks.
Take a tour of the world-famous Opera House, or even take in a show. Head over to Milsons Point to visit Luna Park, or take a ferry ride, a boat trip, or blow out the cobwebs on a jetboat.
If you are looking for an active adventure with great views head way, way up, to 134 meters above the Sydney Harbour, and get the phone camera at the ready. Yes it sounds like a cliché, but the views of the city after climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge really are a sight to behold. You’ll be forced to wear a strange — and wholly unattractive — jump suit, but it’s all for health and safety so we’ll just have to let it slide.
2. Beaches
Sydney truly is a beach city, and when you visit, you will never be far from the beach. Whatever you want from your beach trip, you are sure to find it at one of the city’s many beaches. Visit world-renowned Bondi Beach for surf and people watching. Visit Manly for its scenic Corso and Norfolk Island Pines. Or take the coastal walk from Coogee to Tamarama, to see the sights and take some photos.
Sydney really is blessed with some of the best beaches in the country, we already mentioned Bondi, but other beaches to check out include Shelly Beach, Palm Beach, Balmoral Beach, Bronte Beach, Bilgola Beach and Nielsen Park (Shark Beach). If you want to visit somewhere a bit off the beaten track head to the hidden gem that is Wattamolla Beach.
3. Markets
Sydney plays host to a number of markets, selling everything from vintage clothes and hard-to-find vinyl, to fresh produce, books and gifts. What better way to spend a lazy weekend morning than sipping a coffee, eating a pastry and browsing for a bargain?
Check out Manly Markets on the Corso, Sydney Flower Markets at Flemington, the Fish Markets at Pyrmont, or the excellent Paddington Markets. If you’re looking to pick up a souvenir, head to Paddy’s Markets near Chinatown.
4. Food and Eating Out
Often described as a city of villages, Sydney is made up of a number of suburbs, each with its own personality. People drawn from all over the world to Sydney, have chosen to stay and have all brought a little bit of home with them. This makes for an eclectic mix of cultures, languages and cuisines. It’s a foodie’s dream! Go to Newtown for Thai, Leichhardt and Five Dock for Italian, Lakemba for Lebanese, and Cabramatta for Vietnamese.
5. See Sydney Harbour by Tall Ship
Discover Sydney harbour in style! Yes you really can discover the Harbour from the confines of a tall ship. Set sail aboard the Southern Swan, an 1850′s style tall ship that cruises beautiful Sydney Harbour. Get involved and help hoist the sails or sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Ooo arrr me hearties!
6. Enjoy the Nightlife
Sydney has amazing nightlife, and there are so many different eniehgbourhoods to enjoy. The Rocks is one of the most popular and touristy areas, due to the views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Here you can visit some of the oldest pubs and many of the upscale restaurants in the city.
7. Hit the Surf on Bondi
Live your life by the waves and learn to surf on Bondi Beach; there really is no better place to learn. Taking to the waves in Australia is practically a religion and those who do it are worshipped like gods. At least by me. Take the chance to learn all the cool moves, and you’ll be showing off your water skills in no time – this is the best country to learn in by far.
8. Watch an Aussie Rules Game
If you love sports you have to see one of the local passions, Aussie Rules. This game, a king of cross between football and rugby, is an action packed game and tons of fun to watch live. There are 126 teams in Sydney, including one of the top teams in the country the Sydney Swans.
9. Bondi Icebergs Pool
In Bondi be sure to also swim at the Bondi Icebergs Pool, a 50-metre saltwater pool which is a popular destination for locals and tourists.
10. Ride the Manly Ferry for Amazing Skyline Views
The Manly Ferry is used by locals to get to work, but it is also a popular trip to take for tourists due to the amazing harbour views you get.
11. Spend the Day in Solitude at the Blue Mountains
A trip to Sydney would not be complete with visiting the Blue Mountains. Less than two hours from Sydney by car or train, the Blue Mountains offer great walks, amazing scenery, and the chance to get your pulse racing.
This is one of the best places to see near Sydney where you can try canyoning, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, 4WDriving and much more. The mountains are spectacular, and can be seen on a day trip or a long weekend.
Get absorbed in the amazing wafts of the eucalypt trees that give these mountains their famous blue colour. Plus, you’re very likely to spot a kangaroo in their natural habitat, which is always nice. Right, Skippy?
12. Get a Job (it’s way more fun than it sounds!)
Fancy spending a gap year in Australia? At risk of sounding like your mum, getting a Working Holiday Visa and a job would be the best way to ensure you make the most of Sydney. Work in a boutique, a coffee shop, a bar, a club… the possibilities are endless!
Australia isn’t the cheapest place on the planet and think of all the extra things you can do with your hard earned cash. Browse our gap year jobs for options.
Plan a City Break to Sydney
Sydney really is one of the most iconic cities in Australia, with some of the most world famous and recognisable tourist attractions in the world and hopefully our guide has given you some ideas what to do here.
This is also a great place to start an amazing adventure. If you drive an hour or so north of Sydney and you will find the glorious Hunter Valley. One of the most popular wine regions in New South Wales, the Hunter Valley is a great spot for a quiet weekend away from the city. Try a range of excellent wines, fantastic locally grown produce, play a round of golf, and relax in beautiful surroundings.
Check out our East Coast Australia road trip itinerary and get ideas for amazing places to visit up the beautiful coastline.