When hosting visitors to Sydney is is difficult to know where to take them to do something a bit different and cost effective. We've dug into our experience of living here and showing tourists different spots to find the best places to take visitors in Sydney.
Audio + Puzzle tour of Sydney's Highlights
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- Learn about Sydney history, Aboriginal culture, the Bridge and the Opera House
- Understand how the convicts came to Australia, and the impact colonisation had on the indigenous people
- This self-guided tour has audiobook quality commentary and puzzles to solve along the way
Paid: $39 per tour kit, suitable for up to 3 people
Duration: Approx 3 hours
Location: Start on the Harbour Bridge, and finish at the Opera House
Suitable for: Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Visitors to Sydney
The Sydney Highlights is a great introduction to Sydney and Australia, and takes you from the middle of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Opera House. You'll learn about Sydney Harbour and Australian History, the Bridge and Opera House, early Sydney settlement and convict life, and Aboriginal History. As you explore, you'll also solve puzzles that will encourage you to interact with your surroundings to solve the puzzles.
Visit the beautiful Manly Dam for a walk and BBQ
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- Stunning nature within the city limits
- A beautiful hike through the bush
- Plenty of BBQs for parties, socialising etc
Free: Plenty of free parking, free entry
Duration: Typically a few hours to half a day
Location: Manly Dam
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Visitors to Sydney
Manly Dam is a wonderful area to have a bbq, go for a bushwalk, or even go for a swim in the warmer months. The loop track around the dam takes a couple of hours to walk, and has views over the dam, the local bush, and the local area. It's recommended to book a table.bbq especially on busy weekends and holidays.
Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly
Website: Click here
- The cheapest harbour cruise (sort of cruise) in Sydney
- Get a water level view of the city
- Explore, grab a bite to eat or a drink in Manly
Paid: Cost is about $8 each way
Duration: 30 minutes each way
Location: Departs from Wharf 3, Circular Quay
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
Catching the ferry to Manly is like embarking on a mini-adventure, where you leave the bustling city behind and cruise across the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbor, revealing stunning coastal scenery along the way. As you approach Manly, the anticipation builds, promising a day of relaxation on beautiful beaches, exploration of charming streets, and a taste of seaside dining.
Visit the Wendy Whitely Secret Garden at Lavender Bay
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- One of Sydney's best kept harbourside secrets
- Explore the fairy houses, hidden pathways and beautiful plants
- Find a spot to sit and have a coffee or picnic
Free: Completely free to enter
Duration: From 1 to a couple of hours
Location: Right in the heart of Lavender Bay
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
If you asked around, you would find that many people have heard of Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, and some would have already been there and connected with it. It is not really a secret. It is actually one of the worst kept secrets in Sydney. It is a wonderful experience wandering through the different levels of the garden, observing the fairy houses, the artefacts and artworks, and of course the wonderful plants and luscious landscapes.
Visit Taronga Zoo, a zoo overlooking Sydney Harbour
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- Get up close to a diverse range of exotic animals from Australia and worldwide
- Picturesque vistas of the harbor, the Opera House, and the Sydney skyline
- Learn about the zoos commitment to conservation efforts and its educational programs
Paid: Tickets are about $50 per adult, or $30 per child under 15
Duration: Typically 1 to 4 hoursPeople usually spend 1 to 4 hours
Location: Located on the waterfront in Mosman (bus or ferry from Sydney CBD)
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
Taronga Zoo captivates visitors with its diverse collection of animals, offering an exciting chance to get close to exotic species from around the globe. Its scenic location on the shores of Sydney Harbor provides not only a memorable wildlife encounter but also stunning views of the harbor and cityscape. Additionally, Taronga's commitment to conservation and educational initiatives adds depth to the experience, inspiring a sense of responsibility toward the protection of our planet's precious biodiversity.
Swim in the harbour at Barangaroo
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- One of the most unique experiences to Sydney
- A brand new rock-pool has been opened in the harbour
- A truly different experience for singles, groups, couples
Free: Completely free
Duration: As long as you want to swim (15min to a few hours)
Location: Barangaroo, Sydney CBD
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Visitors to Sydney
Swimming at Barangaroo in the heart of the Sydney CBD is a truly unique Sydney experience. This pool has only recently opened at the start of 2023, and is already showing itself to be one of the best pools to swim in the world. It is walking distance from the main part of Sydney, and offers a netted harbour pool, bathrooms, showers, and rocks to sunbake on. Be careful though, because the rocks can be a bit slippery getting in and out.
Look out over the bridge and harbour from Observatory hill
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- Beautiful spot for sunrise, daytime, or sunset
- Close to the CBD and the historical Rocks area
- Book a night tour of the observatory and see the universe up close
Free: Going to Observatory Hill is free, going inside for a tour costs $36 adults / $24 children
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Location: Observatory Hill, Sydney
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
Visiting the Sydney Observatory is a celestial journey that grants stargazers a chance to explore the night sky through powerful telescopes and learn about the wonders of the universe from knowledgeable astronomers. It's a captivating experience that combines education with awe-inspiring views of the cosmos, making it a favorite destination for both astronomy enthusiasts and curious visitors.
Drive the scenic route to Wollongong past the Sea Cliff Bridge
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- Drive through stunning nature in the Royal National Park
- After the Sea Cliff Bridge, enjoy the small towns that dot the coast
- Only a couple of hours from Sydney, finish in the convenient Wollongong
Free: Free to drive through, although you pay if you want to stop in the National Park
Duration: About half to a full day, depending on stops
Location: Driving route past the Royal National Park, Sea Cliff Bridge, and Stanwell Park
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
Driving the scenic route to Wollongong via the Royal National Park, Stanwell Park and the Sea Cliff Bridge is a fantastic experience, offering a mesmerizing journey along coastal roads that reveal stunning ocean views and dramatic cliffside landscapes. This route blends the thrill of driving through the twists and turns of the national park, with the tranquility of coastal beauty, a road trip that captures the essence of the Australian coastline.
Do the world famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
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- Stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean, with its cliffside paths providing panoramic views
- Escape the urban hustle and immerse yourselves in the tranquility of nature
- Stroll along picturesque trails, past rock pools, and through lush green spaces
Free: No cost associated with this walk
Duration: Typically 2 to 3 hours, including stops
Location: We recommend starting at Coogee and finishing at Bondi for food, drink
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
On the Coogee to Bondi walk, you'll be treated to breathtaking coastal vistas, shimmering blue waters, sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery. The path takes you past iconic landmarks, rock pools, and inviting cafes, offering a vibrant blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and the soothing sounds of the ocean. It is easily one of the best ways to spend a stunning Sydney day.
Visit/Picnic/Walk the Royal Botanical Gardens
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- Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens showcase a rich variety of plant species from around the world
- The gardens' stunning location by Sydney Harbor offers breathtaking views of the harbor
- The gardens host educational programs, workshops, and guided tours
Free: Entry to the gardens is completely free
Duration: From 1 to 3 hours
Location: Beside Circular Quay, Sydney CBD
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
Visiting the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens is like stepping into a living encyclopedia of plants, where you can explore lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a diverse range of botanical wonders from around the world. As you meander through this scenic oasis by Sydney Harbor, you'll not only find tranquility but also enjoy sweeping views of iconic landmarks like the Opera House, making it a truly enriching experience.
Go to Balmoral Beach for a swim, a walk, or some coffee & cake
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- One of Sydneys most beautiful harbour beaches
- Swim, walk along the beach, explore the rock pools
- Grab a coffee and cake at the stunning Bathers Pavilion
Free: Free to explore the beach, swim. Book ahead for Bathers Pavilion
Duration:
Location: Balmoral Beach, Mosman
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
Nestled along Sydney's picturesque coastline, Balmoral Beach is a serene oasis that captivates hearts with its natural beauty and inviting ambiance. With its pristine golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views, Balmoral Beach offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you're seeking solitude, a romantic outing, or quality time with loved ones, Balmoral Beach beckons with its enchanting blend of nature's beauty and laid-back charm. Unwind, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in the coastal magic that defines Balmoral Beach.
See the inner harbour with a ferry ride to Parramatta
- Explore the Parramatta river with a ferry ride
- See the stunning shorelines of the worlds largest natural harbour
- Finish in Parramatta, a cultural and business hub of Sydney
Paid: Tickets are approx $8 per person
Duration: Ferry trip takes approx 1hr 20min
Location: Circular Quay Ferry Wharves
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
While many tourists do the Manly ferry (and rightly so), one of the less known but almost as nice ferry rides is the ferry to Parramatta. Catching the ferry to Parramatta is a scenic voyage that allows passengers to relax and enjoy the picturesque views along the Parramatta River, passing through charming suburbs and lush green landscapes. It's a leisurely and convenient way to explore Sydney's outskirts while avoiding the hustle and bustle of city traffic.
Go on a beer adventure around the inner-west breweries
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- Visit up to 13 independent craft breweries
- Explore the Inner West of Sydney, the Craft Beer Capital of Australia
- Visit breweries like Young Henries, Philter and The Grifter
Paid: Visiting the breweries is free, purchase of food and drinks extra
Duration: Depends on how many breweries visited, but typically a few hours
Location: Inner West Sydney
Suitable for: Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
The Inner West Ale Trail is a Sydney institution. People come from all over Sydney and the world to visit the Inner West, the craft beer capital of Australia The trail spans from St Peters all the way to Rozelle – with 12 stops along the way.
Visit the world famous Bondi Beach
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- Surf, sunbathe, and watch the locals and tourists
- Grab a bite to eat or something to drink at one of the famous bars
- See the lifeguards from the famous show Bondi Rescue
Free: The beach is completely free
Duration: Typically 2 to 5 hours
Location: Bondi Beach
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
Visiting Bondi Beach is an invitation to experience the quintessential Australian beach culture, where the golden sands, world-class surf, and vibrant atmosphere create an irresistible coastal paradise. Whether you're sunbathing, catching waves, or strolling along the iconic promenade, Bondi Beach offers a dynamic blend of relaxation and adventure by the sea.
Do the Spit to Manly Walk
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- See beautiful beaches and landscapes
- Get in touch with nature walking through bushland
- Easily accessible in the heart of Sydney
Free: All public land, no entry fees
Duration: Half day
Location: Starts at the Spit Bridge, Mosman/Seaforth
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Professionals, Visitors to Sydney
The Spit to Manly walk is a fantastic walk of about 3 hours. We recommend starting at the Spit and walking to Manly, and then you can enjoy something to eat or drink once you're finished.
Visit the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) at Circular Quay
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- Showcases an ever-evolving collection of modern artworks
- Hosts thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge perspectives and spark conversations
- Situated by Sydney's iconic Circular Quay, the museum's prime location treats visitors to stunning harbor views
Free: Free to enter, although some exhibits have additional costs
Duration: Normally from 1 hour to a few hours
Location: Circular Quay
Suitable for: Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Visitors to Sydney
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney captivates visitors with its ever-evolving collection of cutting-edge artworks, offering a dynamic exploration of modern creativity across various mediums. Situated by Circular Quay, its prime location provides not only artistic inspiration but also breathtaking views of Sydney's iconic harbor.