SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (2026) | 15 Best Things To Do In & Around Sydney (+ Travel Tips)
364K views · 18 min · 2025
Open on YouTube43 places in this vlog
In the order they appear. Tap a time to play it here, or ↗ to open YouTube at that second.
Sydney Harbour
Landmark · Sydney CBD
Public ferries from Circular Quay cost about AUD 8–11 one way; a return trip after sunset shows the city lights.
Circular Quay
Landmark · Sydney CBD
The foreshore stroll gives close-up views of the landmarks, and this is where the city's energy is strongest.
Rotunda Observation Deck
Landmark · Circular Quay
The view is blocked when a cruise ship is docked in the harbour.
Kirribilli Lookout
Landmark · Kirribilli · brief mention
Observatory Hill Park
Park · The Rocks · brief mention
The Corso
Shopping · Manly · brief mention
Manly Beach
Landmark · Manly · brief mention
Shelly Beach
Landmark · Manly · brief mention
Surry Hills
Neighborhood · Surry Hills
It sits right by Central Station, which makes it a well-connected base for the CBD and the airport.
Newtown
Neighborhood · Newtown · brief mention
Marrickville
Neighborhood · Marrickville · brief mention
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Hike · Bondi
About 6 km (3.7 mi) one way with some stairs and inclines; both ends are reachable by bus from the CBD.
Clovelly Beach
Landmark · Clovelly · brief mention
Bronte Beach
Landmark · Bronte · brief mention
Tamarama Beach
Landmark · Tamarama · brief mention
Clovelly Bowling and Recreation Club
Activity · Clovelly
Barefoot bowling sessions can be pre-booked.
Bondi Beach
Landmark · Bondi
Good for sunbathing, watching surfers or surfing, but less convenient as a base for exploring the city.
Bondi Icebergs Club
Activity · Bondi · brief mention
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Museum · The Rocks · brief mention
Sydney Opera House
Landmark · Bennelong Point
The performance halls can only be seen on an hour-long guided tour, which may include catching a rehearsal.
Blue Mountains National Park
Day trip · Blue Mountains
Easy to see on a guided day trip that takes in the main lookouts.
Three Sisters
Landmark · Katoomba · brief mention
Lincoln's Rock
Landmark · Wentworth Falls · brief mention
Wentworth Falls
Hike · Blue Mountains
The stairs are steep and can be slippery, so wear proper hiking shoes.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Park · Sydney CBD
The rose displays and the small lotus pond are highlights.
Darling Harbour
Neighborhood · Darling Harbour
During Vivid Sydney in late May, the area is lit up with light projections and art installations.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Activity · Darling Harbour · brief mention
Australian National Maritime Museum
Museum · Darling Harbour · brief mention
The Rocks Markets
Market · The Rocks
Food stalls offer everything from gourmet street food to sweet treats.
Hermitage Foreshore Walk
Hike · Vaucluse
The route crosses an unmarked residential section, so a tracked route or map helps.
Queens Beach
Landmark · Vaucluse · brief mention
Milk Beach
Landmark · Vaucluse · brief mention
Shark Beach
Landmark · Vaucluse · brief mention
Watsons Bay
Neighborhood · Watsons Bay
A peaceful sunset spot before catching the ferry back to Circular Quay.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Landmark · The Rocks
The walkway is reached by stairs on Cumberland Street in The Rocks.
BridgeClimb Sydney
Activity · The Rocks · brief mention
Pylon Lookout
Landmark · The Rocks
A more relaxed alternative to the BridgeClimb, with one of the best panoramas of the harbour.
The Rocks
Historic site · The Rocks
A 1.5-hour guided walking tour covers hidden alleyways and the area's history from convict settlement onward.
