The capital of New South Wales, Sydney is the biggest city in Australia and is found on the southeastern court. It offers so much for visitors to do that it’ll be hard to know where to start, so to help you out, we’ve listed 9 places to visit in Sydney that should be on your must-do list.
- Sydney Opera House
The obvious place to start, the Sydney Opera House is the most famous and iconic tourist attraction in the city. Found on Bennelong Point, the Opera House is visited for its amazing design and architecture, and it is considered by most to be an architectural masterpiece, with its unmistakable sail-shaped roof. The Sydney Opera House has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a wander around the building, head to one of the many upmarket bars and restaurants for a leisurely drink or meal, and take a guided tour. You’ll learn the history of the Opera House, and even go backstage. The Opera House is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Sydney Harbor Bridge
Sydney Harbor Bridge is another huge tourist attraction and iconic Sydney Landmark connecting the North Shore and the central business district. Its steel arches were constructed in 1932 and it is said to be the tallest steel-arched bridge worldwide. It is 1,149 m long, making it the sixth longest of its kind in the world and also has a railway and pedestrian walkway. If that weren’t enough, it also holds the record as having the widest road of any bridge.
The Opera House has UNESCO World Heritage status and offers amazing views from the top. The more adventurous among you can do the Bridge Climb, 134 m up the south side, where you get an amazing 360° views over one of the busiest areas in the city. Plenty of other attractions are dotted about, making a trip to the Sydney Harbor Bridge a day to remember.
You can visit the bridge 24/7 for free and it will take you around 2 hours to walk across it, stopping to take in the views. If you choose to do the bridge climb, it will take you up to 3 hours.
- Royal Botanical Gardens
Beside the Sydney Harbor, you’ll find the Royal Botanic Gardens, a huge area near the central business district. It covers around 30 hectares and is a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic while you take in the views of the harbor, the bridge, and the Opera House. Established in 1816, it is the oldest botanic garden in the country, home to more than 5000 species of international and native plants, all full of native wildlife, such as birds and flying foxes. Several educational programs run yearly, ensuring that your visit will leave you in no doubt about the country’s ecological efforts.
You can also follow the cultural trail and learn more about the Aboriginal history, or go on a guided tour to ensure you take in as much of the gardens as possible. The Calyx is at the heart of the gardens, a buzzing place with plenty of activities, workshops, flower displays, and more.
The gardens are open daily:
- October: 7 AM to 7.30 PM
- November to February: 7 AM to 8 PM
- March: 7 AM to 6.30 PM
- April and September: 7 AM to 6 PM
- May and August: 7 AM to 5.30 PM
- June and July: 7 AM to 5 PM
It will take you around 2 to 3 hours to get around, and admission is free.
- Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is in the Mosman Suburbs and is home to more than 5000 animals and birds across over 350 species. Many are now endangered, including the koalas, Sumatran Tiger, platypuses, regent honeyeaters, and many more. The zoo covers 52 acres and has plenty of enclosures and exhibitions, and it will take you about 3 hours to explore it. There are plenty of fun activities to get involved in, such as the only cable car in the city and obstacle courses.
The zoo is open daily from 9.30 AM to 5 PM, and it costs 46 AUD for adults and 23 AUD for children.
- Darling Harbor
Another popular harbor in Sydney, Darling Harbor offers tourists some amazing experiences, including wonderful fireworks displays and water sports. There are also plenty of restaurants and some great shopping centers. There is so much to see and do that you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can visit the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Wild Life Zoo, a kid’s water park, and much more. There is even an LG IMAX theater with the world’s largest screen where you can settle down and relax.
The harbor is open from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM.
- Australian Museum
The Australian Museum is on College Street and is the oldest museum still standing in the country, with a global reputation for its anthropology and natural history collections. The museum offers several different learning experiences, including a complete history of Australia, the Torres Strait Islander culture, sustainability, climate change, and more. You can also see some fantastic fossils and dinosaur models, one of the biggest draws to tourists.
It first opened in 1827 but moved to College Street in 1849. After the 1950s ended, the museum was expanded, and the original building was completely revamped. There have been a few exhibitions over the years, some of them with rare specimens and artifacts. It is also a scientific research center.
The museum is open daily from 9.30 AM to 5 PM, and entrance starts at 8 AUD for kids and 15 for adults.
- Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral is one of the most important in the Catholic community and is religiously significant and the Archbishop of Sydney’s official seat. Around 3000 people visit daily, and you can get a free guided tour every Sunday at 2 PM.
Architecturally, the cathedral is genius, built in neo-classical style and has some incredibly intricate detailing on every external side. It is the country’s longest church and one of the largest. Inside, you can see some stunning stained glass windows and the 14 bells – only two are used on special occasions. The cathedral is also home to some treasures, including The Unknown Soldier” sculpture and the “Stations of the Cross” painting.
The cathedral is open from 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM daily, and entrance to the crypt costs 5 AUD.
- Hyde Park
Hyde Park is the oldest park in the country and covers 16 hectares. It is the ideal place to relax or have a picnic. There are plenty of walking trails, plenty of lush greenery, and shade, and it offers plenty of activities for kids and adults. The main attractions in the park are the ANZAC War Memorial, the Archibald Fountain, the Memorial Pond, and lots of other significant statues. There are events and festivals throughout the year, too.
- Sea Life Aquarium
Sea Life Aquarium is an amazing place to while away a few hours, especially if you love underwater life. There are over 4000 marine species at the aquarium, many of them endangered and the aquarium does a fantastic conservation job. Marine life aside, you can do plenty of other things, including private dining, virtual reality tours, shark dives, learning about wildlife rescues, the penguin exhibit, and much more.
The aquarium is open weekdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and weekends from 9.30 AM to 5 PM, although timings differ for holidays, so check before you go. When you book online, general admission starts at 39 AUD, and each attraction comes with its own price.
Sydney is an amazing place to visit, with so much to see and do, you really won’t know where to start. The tourist spots on this list are just a few places for you to start, and, along the way, you’re bound to discover other cool places to visit.