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What to See in Sydney

Whether it’s scaling the heights of the harbour bridge, catching a performance at the opera house, sailing on the harbour, swimming at Bondi beach, or soaring above in a seaplane, the ways to enjoy Sydney are almost limitless. Sydney’s must-dos are different for everyone, but try the following for starters.

The inner-city suburbs

Sydney’s inner-city villages each have their own vibe. Surry Hills is a creative hub, where fashion, music and style rule. Rich in history, Potts Point is home to trendy cafes, boutiques and grand old mansions; while colourful and unconventional Newtown is where the bohemian crowd dwells.

The Rocks

With its glorious old sandstone buildings (which gave the area its name), The Rocks a hodgepodge of cobblestone streets dating back to the city’s settlement. Sydney's convict history can be seen in historic pubs and colonial architecture; which today house elegant boutiques and art galleries.

Bondi Beach

With a kilometre of golden sand, surf and sun, it’s easy to see why Bondi is one of Sydney’s most popular beaches. Join the cafe society on beachfront Campbell Parade, with its stylish shops and outdoor eateries; or rub shoulders with celebrities at Bondi Icebergs.

Sydney Opera House

Australia’s most recognisable building is one of the world’s greatest masterpieces, as well as a busy performing arts complex. Admire it from every angle on the outside as you make your approach from the busy Circular Quay or else the leafy surrounds of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Then scale those grand stairs and step inside for sneak peek into the stars’ dressing rooms on a backstage tour.

Sydney Harbour from the water

Day or night, getting out on the harbour is a quintessential Sydney experience. Captain Cook Cruises’ ‘Harbour Story’ cruise tells of the people and events that have shaped the city; or step back in time on an historic tall ship and discover Sydney’s convict past.

Manly

The ferry trip from Circular Quay to Manly is one of the most spectacular crossings in the world. The Corso links the harbour with the ocean beach, lined with breezy seaside cafes. “Seven miles from Sydney and a million miles from care” say the locals.

Sydney with a bird's eye view

Take in the 360-degree views from the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge; or Skywalk around the outside Sydney Tower for a bird's-eye perspective. Let Red Baron thrill you from the seat of an open cockpit bi-plane; or fly to the northern beaches with Sydney Seaplanes.

More of Sydney on tour

Uncover Sydney Harbour’s hidden coves on a sea kayak safari with Life’s an Adventure; learn to hang five at Bondi with Let’s Go Surfing; or be immersed in the culinary scene of Cabramatta, often referred to as “Little Vietnam”, on a private guided tour with Context. There are plenty of ways to soak up the city, complete with expert guidance and commentary. 

The perfect backdrop

Forget about bad selfies. TravelShoot will hook you up with a local professional photographer and put you in the frame of Sydney’s most famous icons and lesser-known local haunts. Or capture the city and surrounds with postcard-perfect precision on an educational photo-safari with Remember Forever.

Whether it’s scaling the heights of the harbour bridge, catching a performance at the opera house, sailing on the harbour, swimming at Bondi beach, or soaring above in a seaplane, the ways to enjoy Sydney are almost limitless. Sydney’s must-dos are different for everyone, but try the following for starters.

The inner-city suburbs

Sydney’s inner-city villages each have their own vibe. Surry Hills is a creative hub, where fashion, music and style rule. Rich in history, Potts Point is home to trendy cafes, boutiques and grand old mansions; while colourful and unconventional Newtown is where the bohemian crowd dwells.

The Rocks

With its glorious old sandstone buildings (which gave the area its name), The Rocks a hodgepodge of cobblestone streets dating back to the city’s settlement. Sydney's convict history can be seen in historic pubs and colonial architecture; which today house elegant boutiques and art galleries.

Bondi Beach

With a kilometre of golden sand, surf and sun, it’s easy to see why Bondi is one of Sydney’s most popular beaches. Join the cafe society on beachfront Campbell Parade, with its stylish shops and outdoor eateries; or rub shoulders with celebrities at Bondi Icebergs.

Sydney Opera House

Australia’s most recognisable building is one of the world’s greatest masterpieces, as well as a busy performing arts complex. Admire it from every angle on the outside as you make your approach from the busy Circular Quay or else the leafy surrounds of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Then scale those grand stairs and step inside for sneak peek into the stars’ dressing rooms on a backstage tour.

Sydney Harbour from the water

Day or night, getting out on the harbour is a quintessential Sydney experience. Captain Cook Cruises’ ‘Harbour Story’ cruise tells of the people and events that have shaped the city; or step back in time on an historic tall ship and discover Sydney’s convict past.

Manly

The ferry trip from Circular Quay to Manly is one of the most spectacular crossings in the world. The Corso links the harbour with the ocean beach, lined with breezy seaside cafes. “Seven miles from Sydney and a million miles from care” say the locals.

Sydney with a bird's eye view

Take in the 360-degree views from the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge; or Skywalk around the outside Sydney Tower for a bird's-eye perspective. Let Red Baron thrill you from the seat of an open cockpit bi-plane; or fly to the northern beaches with Sydney Seaplanes.

More of Sydney on tour

Uncover Sydney Harbour’s hidden coves on a sea kayak safari with Life’s an Adventure; learn to hang five at Bondi with Let’s Go Surfing; or be immersed in the culinary scene of Cabramatta, often referred to as “Little Vietnam”, on a private guided tour with Context. There are plenty of ways to soak up the city, complete with expert guidance and commentary. 

The perfect backdrop

Forget about bad selfies. TravelShoot will hook you up with a local professional photographer and put you in the frame of Sydney’s most famous icons and lesser-known local haunts. Or capture the city and surrounds with postcard-perfect precision on an educational photo-safari with Remember Forever.