Things to Do Near Sydney

Sydney is the largest city in Australia, with a population of more than 5 million people. It is known for its iconic Opera House, vibrant nightlife, and stunning Harbour Bridge. The city enjoys a mild climate all year round, making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike. With its stunning beaches, lush forests, and vibrant streets, Sydney has something to offer everyone.

From its world-class museums and galleries to its breathtaking natural attractions, Sydney is an exciting place to explore. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended holiday, there’s plenty to do in and around the city. Here are some of the best things to do near Sydney.

Explore the Harbour

No visit to Sydney is complete without exploring the iconic Sydney Harbour. This stunning destination offers visitors a chance to take in the magnificent views of the city skyline, Bondi Beach, and the surrounding islands. There are many ways to explore the Harbour, including cruises, sightseeing tours, and kayaking trips.

For a truly unforgettable experience, take a cruise around the Harbour and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. Take in the spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you sail past lush gardens, serene islands, and vibrant waterfront parks. For something more active, consider booking a kayaking tour and explore the hidden coves and secret beaches of the Harbour.

Visit the Beaches

Sydney is renowned for its stunning beaches which attract locals and tourists alike. The most popular beach is Bondi Beach which is known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the ocean. Other popular beaches include Manly Beach, Coogee Beach, Maroubra Beach and Cronulla Beach. Each beach has its own unique charm and offers endless activities including swimming, surfing, kayaking, and fishing.

For a more relaxed beach experience, consider visiting one of the many smaller beaches around Sydney. These secluded spots offer breathtaking views of the ocean and are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying a picnic with friends.

Explore the National Parks

Sydney is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful national parks, including Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Royal National Park, and Blue Mountains National Park. These stunning natural habitats are home to a variety of wildlife including wallabies, kookaburras, bandicoots, and koalas.

Exploring these parks is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience nature at its best. There are plenty of walking trails to explore as well as picnic spots and lookouts where you can admire the breathtaking scenery.

Shop at the Markets

Sydney is home to some of Australia’s best markets where you can find locally-made arts and crafts, handmade jewellery, organic produce, vintage clothes, and much more. The most popular markets are held at Paddington Markets on Saturdays and Sundays, the Rocks Markets on Fridays and Saturdays, and Glebe Markets on Saturdays.

These vibrant markets offer an exciting shopping experience where you can browse unique items from local artisans and enjoy delicious international cuisine from around the world.

Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

For a truly unforgettable experience, take a day trip to the Blue Mountains which is located just outside of Sydney. The stunning national park is home to some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery including sweeping valleys, cascading waterfalls, stunning walking trails, and lush forests.

You can explore the Blue Mountains on your own or choose from a variety of guided tours which offer unique experiences such as abseiling, canyoning, skywalking, or rock climbing. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley from Echo Point or take in the stunning views from Govetts Leap Lookout. For something more relaxing, take a leisurely walk through one of the many rainforest trails or enjoy a scenic ride on the world’s steepest railway, Scenic Railway.

Take a Tour of the Opera House

The iconic Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Sydney. Take a guided tour of this spectacular building where you can learn about its fascinating history and admire its unique architecture from up close.

Choose from one of several guided tours which offer different experiences such as backstage tours or behind-the-scenes looks at the Opera House’s various performance halls. For an unforgettable experience, book a dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour which includes a tour of the Opera House.

Experience a Wildlife Tour

Sydney is one of Australia’s best wildlife-viewing destinations with plenty of opportunities to spot koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, dolphins and more in their natural habitats.

Book a wildlife tour with experts who will take you to some of Sydney’s best wildlife reserves where you can get up close with native animals in their natural habitats. Alternatively, explore one of Sydney’s many zoos or wildlife parks where you can learn about native species in their enclosures or feed kangaroos in their natural habitat.

Take a Harbour Cruise

As mentioned before there are many ways to explore Sydney Harbour but nothing beats taking an unforgettable cruise around it. Book a harbour cruise with expert guides who will take you past some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Darling Harbour. Onboard you can enjoy delicious food, drinks and entertainment as you take in sweeping views of the harbour.

Visit Taronga Zoo

Take a trip to Taronga Zoo for an up close look at some of Australia’s native species such as koalas, kangaroos, dingoes and more in their natural habitats. As well as viewing native animals in their enclosures you can take part in interactive activities such as feeding kangaroos or holding koalas. The zoo also offers behind-the-scenes tours where you can learn about conservation efforts as well as night tours which are perfect for stargazing enthusiasts.

Book an Example Tour on Viator

If you want to explore Sydney with ease while learning all about its history and culture then book an example tour on Viator today. This full-day tour will take you through some of Sydney’s most iconic attractions such as Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour and the iconic Opera House. You will also get to experience some of Sydney’s best attractions such as Taronga Zoo and Manly Beach on this comprehensive tour. The experienced guides will be sure to provide plenty of interesting facts about each destination throughout this exciting day out in Sydney. Book an example tour on Viator today for an unforgettable experience exploring this iconic city!

Book Another Example Tour on GetYourGuide

If you’re looking for something more unique then book another example tour on GetYourGuide today! This two-hour tour takes you through some of Sydney’s best attractions such as Hyde Park and The Rocks as well as some hidden gems such as narrow laneways filled with street art and trendy cafes. As well as exploring these iconic attractions you will also learn about Sydney’s history from an experienced guide who will regale you with fascinating stories about this vibrant city. Book another example tour on GetYourGuide for an experience like no other!