Top things to do in Sydney, events & more

Along the way, you get an up-close view of the Sydney Opera House. Taronga Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Australia, home to over 5,000 animals from over 350 species. From a great range of local Australian wildlife as well as giraffes, elephants, and Komodo dragons, there is an exhibit for everyone to enjoy. Also, the views themselves just seem to be a lot better once you’re in the open air.
There are also plenty of viewpoints where you can spot passing humpbacks free of charge, and on solid ground. Take your kids on a walk along one of the top coastal vantage points. Pop-up restaurants will be serving melted raclette, bratwursts, schnitzels and sugar-dusted crêpes, among other comfort dishes. You’ll come face-to-face with some of Australia’s most fascinating native animals, including Princess, the resident Southern Cassowary stuff to do in sydney who looks like she came straight from Jurassic Park. You can also pop your head into the Devil’s Den to catch a glimpse of the mischievous Tasmanian Devils, Nara and Bluey— you might even catch them in a game of tug of war. Read on to find out about giant inflatable courses, dance lessons, baking classes, ice rinks in Bondi and more, with our best things to do in Sydney during the school holidays list.

The Blue Mountains are around 1.5 hours from downtown Sydney and make for the perfect day trip when seeking more than the Australian city. One of the best ways to truly experience a city is to walk its streets and Sydney is no different. Taking a walking tour is one of the most rewarding free things to do in Sydney, for many reasons. With awe-inspiring 360 views over the Camden Valley, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Watch the sunrise and clear the morning mists, feel the cool winds of the dawn being replaced by the golden threads of light as you watch the rolling land 2,000 ft below. Slowly rotating, you will see the iconic city of Sydney from every angle and depending on the time of day, may even catch a picturesque sunset from this unique point of view.
It offers a perfect blend of stunning nature, recreational activities, and cultural experiences. Overall, Cockatoo Island provides an enriching experience combining history, art, and beautiful views. It’s a great day out for those seeking something different in Sydney. Whether you’re a family with kids or a solo traveler, Taronga Zoo has something for everyone. You can explore various galleries that cover topics from navigation to naval battles.
Luna Park Sydney, is a heritage-listed amusement park offering a blend of classic amusements and modern rides. More beaches to check out include Shelly Beach for hidden coves, Palm Beach for a luxurious feel, Coogee Beach for its coastal walk, or Bronte Beach for a chilled atmosphere. Book a “Breakfast with the Koalas” session and enjoy a delicious meal while learning about these gentle giants from a zookeeper.

Sydney’s coastline, stretching from Palm Beach in the north to Cronulla in the south, is dotted with a surprising number of ocean and rock pools. The heritage-listed State Library of New South Wales, located between the Domain and the Royal Botanic Garden, is Australia’s oldest library, established in 1826. Read our guide on pubs in The Rocks to help you plan your day out in this popular area in Sydney. This charming neighbourhood is a great place to explore, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, pubs, and museums to discover. The museum is housed in two 19th-century courthouses and a former police station, offering an extensive collection of historical artefacts, photographs, and documents related to law enforcement and justice.
We provide detailed itineraries, location guides, and useful travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip. There are lots of boutique hotels in Potts Point, but Spicer Potts Point is our pick. The number 311 bus heads into the city from the doorstep or it’s a thirty-minute walk through the Botanic Gardens.

Sail with a crew of passionate navigators, explore the natural beauty of the harbour and learn about its history. You can also take a tour of the Opera House to learn the history of this unique building and how it came to be. It’s one of the most iconic things to do with kids in Sydney as it gives them an amazing view of the city and a whole new way of experiencing it. The Observatory also has an immersive family tour to take kids on a journey into space with all sorts of astronomical knowledge. The Sydney Observatory is a great place to visit if your kids love astronomy and science. It is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, including Australian native wildlife like Kangaroos and Koalas.
Their ability to ground you and your partner in the moment with cinematic visuals. So while the City of Love might have its unique charms, Sydney is a romantic destination in its own right. In fact, it’s  one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations for couples. Just last year, the UK’s Bucket List Company, which analyses social media data to find travel trends, named Sydney as the third most popular place in the world for proposals. In the new Wild Australia Zone, you’ll find Australia’s most beloved family, the Irwins, in the recreated Daintree Rainforest.

Sydney has an awesome hidden bar scene if you know where to look, with secret speakeasy-style bars serving up cocktails and delicious snacks. For the best margarita  in town and Old Mate's Place for rooftop views. Head west for an adrenaline rush at iFLY and try indoor skydiving. No jumping out of a plane is required, but you will experience the same thrill as real skydiving. There are plenty of other adrenaline activities in Penrith, if you still have energy to spare. If you have a sweet tooth, then nothing beats a cosy hot chocolate on a cold rainy day.
The fun-filled, fully-fenced spaces include wheelchair ramps, accessible swings and play equipment with plenty of space for kids of all abilities to play together. The North Shore is home to St Leonard’s Wadanggari Park, where colourful, angular climbing frames and slides are flanked by oversized sculptures inspired by Australia’s native flora. In nearby Ryde check out the small-but-mighty Santa Rosa Playground. Designed for older kids, this park is all about climbing – over twisting spaghetti net, through the ninja circuit and up the climbing cubes.
The best way to view the panarama of lights is on a Vivid Sydney Harbour Cruise. Cruise around the waterways of Sydney at night viewing the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and more in the spectacular light display of Vivid Sydney. Select your cruise and dates and book online today with Experience Oz. Bondi Beach surf lessons are suitable for beginners with no experience necessary.

From understanding the distilling process to choosing your own botanicals, a lot goes into making the perfect gin. Try it for yourself at some of Sydney’s distilleries, including Archie Rose and Manly Spirits Co. Take a cocktail-making class or simply just enjoy sampling some of the city’s spirits. Or for something a little different, head to Govinda's for movies and all-you-can-eat Indian food. A rainy day is the perfect excuse to enjoy some delicious ramen.