Epic Things to Do in Sydney, Australia

Author : Beasley Lynn | Published On : 19 Oct 2026

We’ve written a whole post on the best times of day to do it and what to do when you get to the other side here. A local favourite, Bennelong the seal can sometimes be seen on the steps of the Sydney Opera House relaxing in the midday sun. This one is only suitable for families used to long walks or parents happy to carry their kids, lol; it’s not for the fainthearted at the 8km in total. Your efforts, however, are well rewarded with not one but two lighthouses and a couple of playgrounds along the way.
The Great Graze, Barangaroo’s family-friendly foodie festival, returns this weekend, bringing a feast of flavours to Barangaroo. Is there any yearly arts event more “Sydney” than 7d cinema sydney Sculpture by the Sea? Each year, artists from around the world are invited to create site-specific works that line the cliffs between Bondi and Bronte (as if the coastal walk wasn’t already unfairly beautiful).

Boat Harbour holds historical significance as part of the site where Captain Cook first landed in 1770. The nearby Kurnell National Park adds to the area's natural charm, offering visitors a tranquil escape within easy reach of Sydney's bustling city center. Taste Cultural Food Tours offer a unique culinary journey through the city's vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods. These guided tours provide an immersive experience, allowing participants to sample a diverse array of dishes from local eateries, markets and hidden gems.
It’s also one of the best ways to enjoy Sydney’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks. Cruises run all year long including during Vivid, Valentine’s Day, whale watching season or Halloween. Sydney looks pretty good from many different angles but high up in the sky gives you an entirely different perspective on the city. Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest building in Sydney and you can enjoy breathtaking bird’s eye views of the city on its 60-minute Skywalk tours. In fact, Sydney and NSW are home to the highest number of ocean pools anywhere in the world so you’ll never be out of choice. It’s no surprise that one of Sydney’s most popular bucket list experiences takes place on the water — aboard the Manly Ferry.
Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge sits at the centre of life for most Sydney-siders and is recognisable the world over. The world’s longest steel-arch bridge also incorporates a scenic walking path. The easy walk across is just 1.5km (1 mile) from one end to the other. Along the way, sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, as well as the experience of walking a world icon, are your reward.

Book your tickets now and choose from one of the five thrilling adventures. The 200‑metre Deepwater Pump Track is now open with free entry for riders of all ages. If you’re after an active, family-friendly outing this weekend, the new more-than-200-metre pump and jump track at Deepwater Park in Milperra has officially opened. It features three riding zones for juniors, novices and experts, alongside upgraded park amenities. The Oriana has newly opened inside the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, a four-level venue featuring a harbourfront Beer Garden, The Oriana Pub, a restaurant and an events Harbour Room.
Take an evening stroll around Circular Quay and The Rocks to see the major light installations, or join a harbor cruise for a different perspective on the illuminated city. Step into a shopper's paradise housed in one of Sydney's most beautiful historical buildings. The Queen Victoria Building, affectionately known as the QVB, is a 19th-century architectural marvel that now serves as a high-end shopping center. Its Romanesque Revival style, complete with intricate stained-glass windows and an impressive central dome, makes it a feast for the eyes as well as a retail destination. Starring Ryan Gosling as a lone school‑teacher‑turned‑astronaut who wakes up light years from Earth with no memory and one job—save the dying sun—the film turns the cosmos into a swirling, neon fever dream. If you want a weekend escape that feels like being shot through a wormhole, book a session at Sydney IMAX and let Project Hail Mary do the rest.
Did you know Old Government House, the centrepiece of Parramatta Park, is the oldest surviving public building in the country? While a tour of the inside is not free, you can explore the outbuildings and gardens. This is one of the best spots to watch the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race start every Boxing Day.

This is one of Sydney’s most artistically-vibrant neighborhoods with old terrace homes. Surry Hills has a great mix of cafes, restaurants, wine bars, and pubs serving a wide variety of cooking styles and cultures. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is one of my favourite free things to do in Sydney. It is a stunning walk and the perfect way to spend a gorgeous few hours in Sydney.
Shelly Beach in Manly is part of Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected aquatic reserve spanning around 20 hectares. To reach it, follow the walking path from Manly’s main beach, past the Manly Life Saving Club and the Fairy Bower Sea Pool. Read our guide on sunset spots in Sydney for a complete list of beautiful locations to watch a sunset. Potts Point is a great spot for nightlife, charming cafes, beautiful Victorian-style properties, and affordable hotels.

Take the opportunity to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride through the skies of Sydney. Another unmissable area of Sydney has to be The Rocks, a historic area of the city’s centre. Set along the central harbour, The Rocks neighbourhood is home to a record number of heritage buildings and offers a charming insight into the city’s past.
You can sip your way through unique cocktails or lighten up with cold brews. Spots like Bar Ombré Rooftop and Employees Only Bar are popular with Sydneysiders (another word for locals) and travelers alike. Don’t let the sharks scare you off; Manly Beach is the perfect spot for some surfing fun. With crystal clear waters and stunning golden sands, Manly Beach is the place to catch some gnarly waves.
Cantina OK is not just about great drinks; it’s an experience that captures the essence of Sydney’s nightlife. Renowned for offering one of the best margaritas in town, this tequila bar serves a unique 50/50 blend of tequila and mezcal over shaved ice with a hint of orange oil. The result is a refreshing and flavorful drink that stands out in Sydney’s vibrant bar scene. From yellowfin tuna cheeseburgers to other creative seafood concoctions, Saint Peter promises an unforgettable meal. It’s the perfect spot to escape and treat yourself to some of Sydney’s finest cuisine.

It's the perfect spot to recharge and reconnect with nature, without even leaving Sydney. It’s a free activity that’s absolutely perfect for families, nature lovers, photographers, or anyone seeking a moment of calm. Forget those history books – want to step into Sydney's wild past? Imagine cobblestone streets echoing with the footsteps of convicts, the salty air of the harbour, and the raucous laughter spilling out of dimly lit pubs.