Whether you’re just visiting or a Sydney local, this is the ultimate bucket list guide to the absolute BEST places to visit in Sydney, Australia.
First, let’s talk Logistics- Planning a Trip to Sydney, Australia
What to Pack
Visiting Sydney, Australia is on the top of everyone’s bucket list and you can be so busy planning your trip you may forget to pack some essential items. That’s why I’ve made an essential Travel Packing list that you can use when you visit Sydney, so you have everything you need for your trip and be prepared for any season. You can also download a FREE PDF version too!
If you are interested in upping your photography game then you may also want to see what’s in our camera bag for all the best travel photography gear we use when we travel. There is plenty of beautiful spots around Sydney so be sure to pack a good camera!
Accommodation in Sydney City
I always find the cheapest rates by searching Hotels Combined– I’ve pre-filled Sydney CBD for you below so just click search and explore what’s on offer!
Here are the BEST places to visit in Sydney, Australia
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Experience the wonders of the underwater world. One of my favourite parts was walking through the underwater tunnels watching the sting rays and sharks swim above me.
Purchase your tickets to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium online (due to new Covid-19 regulations), and you will also get a discount!
Sunset at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is a popular and one of the most beautiful Sydney landmarks. Back in 1810, convicts hand carved an exposed sandstone rock into the shape of a bench, on a peninsula in Sydney Harbour, for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales. The best time to visit this incredible landmark is during sunset where you can enjoy the colourful show setting behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. You can also opt to do a Kayak Tour around Sydney Harbour!
Sydney Opera House
There’s 2 obvious landmarks in Sydney that you need to visit, whether you’re a local or tourist. The Sydney Opera House is one of them, and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Sydney. It took $102 million AUD and 14 years to construct. Did you know you can also take a guided tour of the Opera House!
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The largest steel arch bridge in the world, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic landmark spanning one of the finest natural harbours known to mankind. Opened in 1932, the bridge is fondly nicknamed the Coathanger by Sydneysiders. You can walk and cycle across the bridge or climb to the top for stunning views. For an aerial view of the Harbour Bridge and the rest of Sydney Harbour, check out this 20 minute Helicopter Flight!
Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a heritage-listed 1.03-hectare Chinese garden at 1 Harbour Street, in the Sydney central business district. Modelled after the classic private gardens of the Ming Dynasty, the garden offers an insight into Chinese heritage and culture. If you grab yourself a Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Bus ticket, the Chinese Gardens/Chinatown is one of the stops included.
Sydney Taronga Zoo
Sydney Taronga Zoo should be on everyone’s list of the best places to visit in Sydney. Located in the suburb of Mosman on the shores of Sydney Harbour, the Zoo boasts some of the best views of Sydney.
See my full guide on 7 Things You Need to Know About Visiting Sydney Taronga Zoo.
Bondi
Iconic Bondi is one of the best places to visit in Sydney and there’s no visitor that should leave Sydney without a visit here. Stroll through the streets and take your pick on the many cafe’s and pubs. Browse through the boutique stores and then dip your toes in the ocean along Bondi Beach. Enjoy cocktails at the famous Bondi Icebergs, take a guided walking tour of Bondi or take a scenic walk along the coast on the popular and highly rated Bondi to Coogee walk.
Not sure what to pack? See my Packing List for more tips!
Chin Chin
Chin Chin is one of my most favourite places to eat in Sydney! An overload for the senses, Chin Chin cuisine is quintessentially Australian with a South-East Asian injection.
See my full guide on Sydney’s Best Restaurants & Bars to see more amazing ideas on where to eat in Sydney.
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is a must on the list of best places to visit in Sydney. Beautiful landscapes, amazing rock formations, lots of history and culture, plenty of hikes and waterfalls- there’s so much to do here!
If it’s all a bit overwhelming and not sure where to start then get yourself on board the Blue Mountains Tour and experience a taste of all the highlights the Blue Mountains has to offer.
Sydney Tower Eye
Enjoy 360° views of Sydney from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Anzac Bridge and all the way around to Hyde Park. I would recommend visiting just before sunset as the colours are really dazzling during the golden hour!
While up there you can also opt to do the Skywalk– where you walk outside along a platform.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is in the heart of Sydney CBD. The park is beautiful and a great place to chill and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You will also find the historic Anzac Memorial at the south end of the park which was built in honour of the Anzacs. Other points of interest nearby include- Chin Chin, QVB (Queen Victoria Building), St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney Tower Eye and the Pitt St Mall. You can enjoy a full day city tour and see all the sights of Sydney!
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