Top 10 Things To Do In Sydney

What to do in Sydney?

You'll find information and links to Sydney's top attractions and tours as well as local tips and advice. Please bookmark before you start clicking in case you lose us.

6 Sydney Harbour Bridge (and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb)

Sydney Harbour Bridge Things to do

It's just a bridge right so you just cross it? Well no, this is the Sydney Harbour Bridge which we all love to death, so there's a bit more to it than that. You can climb it; there's the Sydney Harbour Pylon Lookout and the famous Bridge Climb (see below). So that's surely it right? Well no - you can go under it - a ferry to Darling Harbour will do that quite well, and then there's flying over it, which is pretty good too. On special occasions (see the what's on pages for anything pending) you can run or walk down the middle of it and, for a couple of years, you could even have your breakfast on it (bring back Breakfast on the Bridge!).

The Good Looking Sydney Harbour Bridge

That would be it for most bridges, but the Sydney Harbour Bridge has another quality most others lack. You can look at it! Now that's daft right? Of course you can look at it! But our bridge gets looked at from all over the place - from Sydney Heads and Sydney's Harbour Islands to all sorts of wonderful places; it's there. And just to prove a point, on New Years' Eve, thousands of people in Sydney watch the grand finale of our fireworks from all around the harbour, as they burst from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and millions of people check out our bridge on the television...yes, it's a bridge worth looking at.

Where to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge

One tip is to take your camera around the Rocks area for some stunning views. Then there's Kirribilli and Milsons Point on the North side of Sydney Harbour. The issue maybe too many photographs but hey, it's a good looking bridge, just enjoy it.

Sydney Harbour Bridge - Looking Good

Sydney - a photographers dream

There's is no rule, of course, on how many photographs you take of Sydney but everybody wants those extra special photographs worthy of framing and treasuring.

Photography Tour of Sydney

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is easier than it first appears as the gradient leading to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge is not that steep. Negatives are the cost, the long period of preparation and 'training' before you go up, no cameras (they will sell you photos) and it can also get a little sweaty in their 'fashion' gray suits.

Worth it? - Absolutely! - it is an experience and a half - a must do, particularly if you like being chained to something .

Tips - if you can, avoid climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the middle of the day, the light is better and the Harbour Bridge Climb is less likely to be a sweat. Climb the Harbour Bridge alongside someone you like (or like the look of) - as once you start that's it for the duration - no trading places. Having sheltered on the Sydney Harbour Bridge whilst we waited for a storm to pass I can testify that the weather has to be pretty bad for the Bridge Climb to be cancelled.

More details on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

I Don't Want to Climb The Sydney Harbour Bridge (so do the Sydney Tower Sky Walk instead)

Sky Walk at the Sydney Tower Eye

Suspended over Sydney Tower's edge you will experience sensational 360 degree views of Sydney. At a height of 260 metres above street level, Sydney Tower is the same height as the Eiffel Tower. Being twice as high as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this is the best view in town (and its a cheaper and easier than the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb).

You are guaranteed to have an amazing experience and see spectacular views of Sydney, voted the most beautiful city in the world.

Sydney Tower Eye Sky Walk

Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

There are a few different ways to cross the world's widest long-span bridge and tallest steel arch bridge. Train, bus, walk or cycle are all good options. Swimming under it is not so good and could prove fatal, but it has been done. If you are driving you can avoid paying the Sydney Harbour Bridge Toll by only driving north. This is a bit of a challenge and not really worth the hassle

How to Pay the Sydney Harbour Bridge Toll (e-Pass)

So how do you pay? If you are hiring a car there is a good chance they have it covered for you. Ask if you are unsure. Failing that you will need an account as they no longer take cash. The good news is you have two days after you cross the bridge to set up this account. If you don't, they will fine you. We have provided a link on our links page to set one up - click below.

Sydney Harbour Bridge e-Pass

7 Open Air Cinema (and Moonlight Cinema)

The Open Air Cinema is another must. The Open Air Cinema, close to Mrs Macquaries Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens, is the most expensive, hardest to get into and the most 'must do' of a number of outdoor cinemas in Sydney. With a drink in hand, big screen with the Sydney City Skyline, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop it is hard to beat. If the movie is getting dull just watch the fruit bats fly off to feed or admire Sydney at its best - at night. Sadly, the Open Air Cinema is only open during the summer.

Mrs Macquaries' Chair

Book your ticket to the Open Air Cinema well in advance and arrive as early as possible. Reasonably good nosh and drink are available. Reserve your Open Air Cinema seat as soon as you get in and then, if you can, grab a table – or better still, you reserve the seats whilst someone else grabs a table. When you’ve finished eating give the table up to someone else – you’re be sat down for most of the night anyway. Expect to have to wait to get out and it may take you a little while to find a cab. Better option is to drive. If you arrive early enough you should be able to park in the Domain on the road to Mrs Macquaries' Chair. If you’re staying in the city consider walking.

We urge you to book your tickets ASAP as the best shows will sell out in days if not hours.

Open Air Cinema Official information

You'll find the Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park. No seats, more of a BYO (Bring Your Own - see below) affair. See below for the Moonlight Cinemas Web site for details. Moonlight Outdoor Cinema Centennial Park

BYO - Bring Your Own (Alcohol)

Bring Your Own (BYO) is an Aussie institution favoured by the majority of Sydney restaurants and cafes. The major exception being high class, expensive restaurants. BYO Rules and charges (corkage) vary. BYO may be just limited to wine only. Corkage maybe charged per bottle. At other times it is charged per person.

Recommended Sydney Restaurants

8 Palm Beach, Whale and Bilgola Beach (on Sydney's Northern Beaches)

The 35 kilometre trip or so up to Palm Beach will make you feel at Home whilst you're Away - if you like your Aussie soaps that is. An hour or so drive from the airport, Palm Beach was my first stop and should be yours to if you love beautiful beaches.

Palm Beach is a very idyllic location with more than its fair share of resident millionaires. Palm Beach is at the end of the peninsular so the ocean beach and Pittwater are walking distance apart.

Pittwater

You can hire a boat and go for a paddle down Pittwater. The excellent and recently opened 'Boathouse' on the wharf is an wonderful spot to grab something to eat, soak up the scenery and watch the Seaplanes.

Palm Beach Lighthouse

There is a trek up to the Palm Beach Lighthouse to enjoy although you may have to 'rough it' slightly as the main path was being upgraded the last time I did it. There is also a slightly hard to find public footpath at the end of the road, by the swimming pool, at the southern end of Palm Beach.

Seaplanes at Palm Beach

As mentioned above, there are Seaplanes:

Seaplane at Palm Beach

Be blown away by a scenic flight over Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches before landing you on the Pittwater at Palm Beach. Dine at the renowned Jonah's Restaurant, before being flown back to Rose Bay. This is a day to dress up for.

Enjoy a scenic seaplane flight over Sydney Harbour, and it's famous beaches. Bring your cameras at the ready to capture the rapture of seeing Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from the air.

Jonah's Restaurant at Whale Beach

Your pilot will then descend for a water landing at Palm Beach where you will be collected and taken to Jonah's Restaurant, for a beautiful 3 course a la carte lunch (excluding beverages) whilst enjoying the magnificent views of Whale Beach. You will then be taken back to the seaplane for your flight back to Rose Bay.

Seaplane to Jonah's restaurant near Palm Beach

How Do I Get To Palm Beach?

The L90 bus regularly runs all the way to Palm Beach from the bus terminus near Central Train Station. Its a long journey in excess of two hours. On the way you will get to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge (as you travel over it), Sydney Opera House, glimpses of Balmoral, Middle Harbour, Long Reef, Narrabeen and magnificent views into Palm Beach. Sounds good doesn't it. Trouble is you will see far more of the road and traffic than the sights.

Whale Beach

The neighbouring Whale Beach is arguably a ‘better’ beach than Palm Beach but it doesn't have as many cafes and restaurants. The trees along the edge of Whale Beach offers lots of shade, it has BBQ facilities, an ocean pool and a children's play park right on the beach. Understandably, it is popular with families.

Bilgola Beach (further south from Palm and Whale Beach)

Bilgola Beach can be found just south of Palm Beach and Whale beach. A beautiful spot surrounded by bush and if you're lucky, peace and quiet. Bilgola is an excellent chill out if you avoid weekends and/or arrive early. Bilgola has a pleasant kiosk by the beach and an ocean pool if you don't like the look of the Bilgola waves.

Sightseeing on Sydney's Northern Beaches

Explore the Northern Beaches by Trike

Ride in style on the back of a trike along Sydney's northern beaches coastline. The Northern Beaches are known locally as God's Country and you are about to find out why. Departing from Manly you will roar along the coast, taking in the glistening ocean and feeling the sea breeze in your face. Making your way to the furthest point on the peninsula, get the camera ready for some memorable photos of the beautiful Palm Beach.

You continue your adventure through the peaceful bush of the Ku-ring-gai National Park, passing Church Point and the glorious Akuna Bay. You will then be taken back to Manly to conclude a very memorable day.

Northern Beaches by Harley or Trike

Romantic Slice of Northern Beaches Paradise

Alternatively, for those looking for a more romantic slice of paradise:

Scenic Flight and Romantic Beach Picnic - Tour from Sydney

Wear Sunscreen

Australia excels in many ways and is, sadly, top of the skin cancer league. Slap it on every time you step outside – the sun here is a killer. As anyone who's experienced it will testify, sunstroke is extremely unpleasant and will cost you at least a day or two of your holiday as you recover, so bring or buy a hat.

9 Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney is a beautiful park on the foreshore of the most beautiful Sydney Harbour in the world.

A walk through the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens at dusk will make you feel like you’re David Attenborough as the resident flying foxes get in a flap.

There's a cafe in the middle of the Royal Botanic Gardens where you can compete with creatures of various sizes for your lunch. Alternatively bring your own, find a patch of grass and watch the boats go by. The Royal Botanic Gardens is a must place to visit and it won't cost you a cent.

Cycle tour including the Royal Botanic Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens - Free Twice Daily Guided tours

Explore the world of plants and the history of Sydney’s magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens with a knowledgeable Royal Botanic Gardens volunteer guide.

Daily at 10.30 am (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday) - allow 1.5 hours.

1 hour lunchtime walk - Monday-Friday at 1 pm (March-November only, except Good Friday) - allow 60 minutes. :)

Tours depart from the Information Booth outside the Gardens Shop at the Palm Grove Centre.

Royal Botanic Gardens - Free Guided tours

10 Mrs Macquaries' Chair and Point

Classic Sydney Harbour Bridge / Sydney Opera House views and a great vantage point for photographs

The only problem with Mrs Macquaries' Chair is its popularity - beware the tourist bus (if you’re riding on one sit at the front and get off first!). Best bet is to arrive early morning or late afternoon. If you want to avoid having the ugly Blues Point Tower appearing in the background of your photographs move south along the point - at the right angle it will be suitable obscured. (Alternatively pop in to see Prime Minister Julia Gillard and have the monstrosity knocked down).

Panoramic Sydney Half Day Sightseeing Tour (including Mrs Macquaries Point)

Sydney Morning City Sights and Bondi Tour

Bondi Beach

This AAT Kings' tour takes you to the must see sights in Sydney.

• Pass through the historical Rocks area and Circular Quay as your driver/guide points out and tells you about the history and significance of the areas. *
• View the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquaries' Chair. A chair specially designed for the governor's wife to look out over the harbour.
• Travel through Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Kings Cross and Double Bay. *
• Stop at "The Gap", the heads of the Harbour photo opportunities.
• Morning Tea at the world famous Bondi Beach (own expense).

See the Historical Rocks To World Famous Bondi Surf

(Bondi Beach currently ranks 15 on the Sydney100 list)

See Sydney and Beyond Attraction Pass by iVenture Card

The attraction card can be used on consecutive calendar days within 12 months from the date of purchase. See Sydney's top attractions including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Wildlife World, Sydney Tower, Oz Jet boating, Majestic Sydney Harbour Cruises, Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium and Ocean World Manly.

Sydney's Top Attraction Passes