Sydney, Australia’s sparkling harbor city, is packed with iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and scenic coastal escapes. Whether you’re drawn to its rich culture, stunning beaches, or world-famous architecture, Sydney has something for every type of traveler. From bustling markets and historic precincts to marine life encounters and sun-soaked shorelines, this diverse destination invites exploration at every turn.
In this article, we’ll guide you through 15 must-visit attractions and coastal hot spots that showcase the best of Sydney. Start your journey with the architectural marvel of the Sydney Opera House, then dive under the sea at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. For a dose of history and stargazing, head to Observatory Park, or uncover the eerie past of the Quarantine Station.
Food lovers will want to explore the fresh flavors of the Sydney Fish Market, while art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in world-class collections at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Wildlife experiences await at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Taronga Zoo, offering unforgettable encounters with Australia’s native animals.
Wander the c”obblestone streets of The Rocks, relax at the peaceful Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and explore the natural history treasures inside the Australian Museum. Soak up the sun at iconic Bondi Beach, shop in the grand Queen Victoria Building, walk the legendary Sydney Harbour Bridge, and round out your visit at the vibrant Darling Harbour.
Let’s dive into what makes each of these spots unforgettable!
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognized buildings in the world. Australia’s iconic landmark is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Sydney Opera House features a concert hall, multiple bars and restaurants, an opera house that seats 1,500, and three other theaters.
Multiple tours are available, including:
Featuring a dugong exhibit and the largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit in the world, the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is open every day from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., with last entry at 5 P.M. Over 700 species can be found here, including penguins, sharks, rays, tropical reef fish, and two of the five dugongs on display in the world. For an even more eventful visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, ride a glass bottom boat over the reef exhibit tank, dive with sharks, head out on the ice with penguins, or have a private dining experience next to the floor-to-ceiling windows of the reef exhibit.
Head to Observatory Park that offers incredible views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is a popular spot for picnics and watching the sun set. The Sydney Observatory is found here as well, where you can take a tour or go stargazing at night.
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Perhaps the most haunted place in Australia, the Quarantine Station was used from the 1830s to 1984 as a place to house migrants who were suspected of having contagious diseases. Ships would drop off infected passengers in order to reduce the chance of an epidemic. Hundreds of migrants, infected with diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, influenza, typhoid fever, cholera, and the bubonic plague died here. History tours are operated during the day, and ghost tours are run at night for the more adventurous visitors.
Find the freshest catch of the day at the Sydney Fish Market. Though the fish market is open from 7 A.M. to 4 P.M., the best catches are often picked up quickly in the mornings. Early risers can do a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Fish Market on weekdays at 6:40 A.M.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales has one of the largest collections of indigenous art in Australia. It also has a substantial amount of contemporary works and collections from European and Asian artists. Screenings, lectures, workshops, and artist talks are held throughout the year. Admission and guided tours are free. Some of the temporary exhibits may have a fee.
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Meet koalas, crocodiles, kangaroos, wombats, and platypuses at the Wildlife Sydney Zoo. Found in Darling Harbour, the Wildlife Sydney Zoo is open every day of the year from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M., though last entry is at 4 P.M.
Daily feeds and talks include:
The Rocks is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Australia. This was the first permanent settlement for Europeans, and in the late 1800s was full of taverns and brothels. You can still get a drink at Fortune of War, the oldest pub in Sydney. A restoration project starting in the 1970s revived the neighborhood into a trendy spot with boutiques, galleries, cafes, historical buildings, and of course, pubs.
Discover over 4,000 animals at Taronga Zoo, with indigenous Australian creatures as well as animals found all over the globe. The Roar and Snore experience allows visitors to sleep overnight at the zoo and check out the nocturnal animals. Open every day from 9:30 A.M. to 5 P.M., day tickets are $44.10 AUD for adults and $26.10 AUD for children between the ages of 4 and 15. Adults can be a Zoo Keeper for a Day for just $350 AUD, preparing food, feeding animals, and creating enrichment activities. Close-up animal encounters are also available with elephants, koalas, penguins, tortoises, and owls.
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Spanning an impressive 74 acres (30 hectares) is the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Full of over 7,500 types of plants, both exotic and native, this is the oldest botanical garden in Australia. Entrance and guided tours are free, and you’ll likely see beautifully colored birds and flying foxes as well as other animals in the garden.
The oldest museum in Australia, the Australian Museum, was opened in 1827 and is currently home to an estimated 21 million cultural objects and scientific specimens. An extensive renovation lasting until mid-2020 will see a number of improvements to the Australian Museum including new interactive exhibits, an exhibition hall, additional amenities, and a museum shop.
The white sands of popular Bondi Beach stretch a mile long, with surfers frequenting the south end for the roughest waves. Swimmers prefer the calmer north end, where visitors can also find coin-operated barbecues. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk takes you 6km between Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach.
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The Queen Victoria Building is a five-story shopping center with close to 200 retailers. The building itself features a 19th century staircase and a huge glass dome covered in copper. Shop until you drop in the Queen Victoria Building, then head to one of the cafes or restaurants in the building.
Known to locals as “Coat Hanger,” the Sydney Harbour Bridge rivals the Sydney Opera House as an iconic Sydney landmark. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb takes you 134 meters above sea level up to the summit of the bridge for incredible views of Sydney Harbour and the city of Sydney.
Darling Harbour is where you can find popular tourist attractions such as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum, and the Harbourside Shopping Centre. Here you’ll also find the LG IMAX theatre, with the world’s largest screen. Stroll through the waterfront neighborhood and stop at one of the many bars, restaurants, and shops.
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Hyogo Prefecture, bordered by both sea and mountains and adjacent to the cities of Osaka and Kyoto, offers striking natural scenery. A route that takes you from the historic port city of Kobe to Awaji Island in the Seto Inland Sea invites travelers to embrace “wellness tourism,” engaging with nature while reconnecting with body and mind.
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