Things to do in Sydney

Things to do in Sydney

1. DoCity Centre

   Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour

   A walk around the Royal Botanic Garden with an Aboriginal guide who will tell you about native plants that have been used by Aboriginal Australians for generations, as food, medicine, and tools. You can sample a few on the way, including fruits and herbs. Book in advance.

   Thu Fri Sat 11AM–noon·$30 for adults, $20 for children 7 and older, free for children under 7

2. DoInner West

   Annandale Hotel

   The Annandale Hotel is another of Sydney's best pub venues. It hosts many of Australia's best known indie bands and international acts. Under receivership, but still running.

3. DoSydney Olympic Park

   Archery

   Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre

   Want to learn how to start in the sport of Archery? The centre regularly runs 1.5 hr introductory sessions for anyone to try the sport. Archery Australia members can use their facility casually, but contact them if you are an international archer.

   Tue-Fri 10AM-4PM, Sat Sun 9:30AM-4PM (summer 9:30AM-5:30PM)·Introductory session (Bronze Arrow): $26

4. DoSydney Olympic Park

   Badminton

   Sports Halls

   The Sports Halls are used for a variety of indoor sports, but getting a Badminton court is probably the easiest. Order and pay online, and then rock up 15 minutes before your session. You'll need to bring your own equipment. Table Tennis tables are also available.

   Mon-Thu noon-10PM, Fri 4-10PM, Sat Sun 8AM-9PM·From $26 per court

5. DoSydney Olympic Park

   Bicentennial Park

   Other than having a barbecue, while you're there, walk, cycle or fly a kite. Bicentennial Park is a 100-hectare park created to celebrate Australia's bicentenary in 1988. Although older than Sydney Olympic Park, it is now part of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct. Facilities include electric barbecues, extensive gentle paths suitable for children cycling and for wheelchairs, and enormous amounts of grass on which to picnic or play sports. It is popular with families. Admission and parking is free but hard to find around lunchtime on some weekends, and it may be simpler to walk from the train stations.

   Free

6. Do

   Bradleys Head

   Take the ferry to Taronga Zoo wharf and then head to your right along the promontory. There's pristine bushland (almost unchanged from the time of European colonisation), quiet beaches, and knockout views across the harbour, and in the warmer months you'll spot plenty of Eastern Water Dragons, a type of large lizard. Once you reach the tip of the headland, you can either amble back to the wharf or - if you're feeling more ambitious - follow the track several more kilometres to Clifton Gardens, ogling the gigantic houses along the way. From there, you can either hike all the way back to Taronga or get a bus to a ferry wharf.

7. DoThe Rocks

   Bridge Climb

   You can climb to the top of the arch of the bridge. For those who are good with heights and enjoy a spectacular view of the harbour, there are organised climbs to the top of the bridge. This climb is more demanding than climbing a set of stairs, although it is not so demanding as the name implies. You will be fitted with special climbing suits and secured by safety tethers, you must be 10 years old or over to take the climb. The climb takes 3½ hours and a group leaves every 10 minutes. You can ascend during the day, at twilight and at night. Book your climb as early as possible as the climb is very popular. Loose items including cameras are prohibited on the climb; Bridge Climb staff will take a photo of you, but you may not take photographs yourself.

   Standard rates are around $360 adults and $160 children, with extra cost for special times

8. DoCity South

   Capitol Theatre

   Housed in a 1920s historical building and host to many theatrical productions, from plays to ballet to musicals like Wicked and Mary Poppins when they come to Sydney.

9. DoSydney Olympic Park

   Cathy Freeman Park

   The Olympic Cauldron, which was the centrepiece of the water themed opening ceremony is now a large fountain that the kids (or adults) can run under. The park can also be used for picnics.

   Free

10. DoSydney Olympic Park

    Cycle

    Sydney Olympic Park offers possibly the most extensive and pleasant recreational cycling opportunities in Sydney, with water and park views, and some interesting historical sites to explore. Bike Hire is available from the Visitors Centre in Bicentennial Park. Get a copy of the bike circuits map from the visitors centre or online. There are three planned routes that are marked by coloured discs on the edge of the path. Paths tend to be quieter away from the picnic areas of Bicentennial park.

11. DoCity East

    Darlinghurst Gaol

    Darlinghurst Gaol was founded in 1822, and is a complex of sandstone penal buildings which now house the National Art School. The complex features several early 19th century sandstone buildings, including a central circular watchtower. There is no signage but the complex is free and open to visitors during business hours. If the large gate on Forbes St is closed, try the gate on Liverpool St. Captain Moonlight, a bushranger, was the last man to be hanged in NSW, outside Darlinghurst Gaol on Forbes St.

12. DoInner West

    Enmore Theatre

    The Enmore Theatre is one of Sydney's premier smaller live venues. International acts who have performed here include the Rolling Stones, Ani Difranco, Flaming Lips, Eels, the White Stripes and Asian Dub Foundation, Joe Cocker, Michelle Shocked, Dandy Warhols, Jethro Tull, and Mars Volta.

13. DoCity East

    Entertainment Quarter

    Fox Studios Australia

    Contains an open air shopping strip, bars and cafes, weekend markets, cinemas, and a number of live television events. It is next to Fox Studios, which is an active film studio and not open to the public. However the nearby entertainment facilities include cinemas, restaurants, bars and promenade areas that are open to the public. There is no entrance charge to access the entertainment quarter. Ample parking in multi-storey carpark.

14. DoCity Centre

    Event Cinemas

    Large cinema complex with a variety of different screens, including 4D and VMAX. This is the only multiplex in the city of Sydney itself, although some of the latest films can also be found at the nearby IMAX on Darling Harbour.

15. DoLower North Shore

    Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace

    The Orpheum shows mainstream and art house films in beautiful refurbished theatres. Call ahead to find out when the organist is playing for a real old rime treat.

16. DoCity East

    Hordern Pavilion

    With a capacity of up towards 10,000, the Hordern is a common choice for touring bands. It has played host to the likes of Sigur Ros, Interpol and many others. See website for upcoming shows.

17. DoDarling Harbour

    IMAX

    In Darling Harbour, the Sydney IMAX was completely rebuilt and reopened in 2024.

18. DoCity South

    K-Square Karaoke Lounge

    Sing through your favorite K-pop songs, or just your regular top 40 with mates. Drinks and Food also available.

    Mon-Fri 2PM-1AM, Sat Sun 1PM-1AM·From $58/hr (1-5 people)

19. DoLower North Shore

    Luna Park

    Luna Park is an older style amusement park on the harbour's edge. The huge grinning face over the entrance is a Sydney icon.

20. DoThe Rocks

    Marrinawi Cove

    Free swimming spot in the harbour! Shark netting installed. Free showers as well, but no other facilities. Cafes are close by, however.

21. DoSydney Olympic Park

    Monster Skatepark

    A privately run skatepark with an indoor street and outdoor vertical set-up. They regularly run classes and programs for beginners. Check their Facebook page for availability.

    Holiday Hours: Tue,Wed,Fri 12-5PM, Thu 12-4:30PM, Sat-Sun 9AM-6PM. Programs Generally Mon,Wed 4PM-8PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-5PM·Day Pass $20

22. DoInner West

    New Theatre

    New Theatre is one of the oldest continuously producing theatre companies in Australia with a proud history that is intertwined with much of Sydney's social development and Australian theatre history. Productions range across drama, comedy, musicals, gay theatre, family shows, political cabaret and specialised education programs. Classic texts with bold new interpretations and some of the finest contemporary writing.

23. DoLower North Shore

    North Sydney Olympic Pool

    An outdoor public pool almost under the Harbour Bridge with spectacular views. It opened in 1936 and features sea water, sauna and outside snack area. Conveniently close to Sydney CBD. Winter water temperature can be very cold.

    Closed until 2026 due to renovations (likely longer due to budget blowouts)·Adult $7.30, child $3.60 for a swim

24. DoInner West

    Palace Cinema

    Palace Norton Street, one of Sydney's most comfortable and well-equipped cinemas, is located amongst the noted restaurants and cafés of vibrant Leichhardt. Norton Street screens a carefully selected range of quality films and is one of Sydney's premier venues for international cinema, hosting the French, Spanish, Greek, German and Italian film festivals each year.

25. DoCity South

    Peter Forsyth Auditorium

    Tucked away from Broadway Shopping Centre, this auditorium is used for a wide variety of sports.

    Daily 7AM-midnight

26. DoCity South

    Purikura Photoland

    One of the largest collections of Japanese claw machines in Sydney. Try your luck in getting a plush.

    Mon-Wed 10AM-11PM, Thu Sun 10AM-midnight, Fri Sat 10AM-1AM·varies

27. DoCity Centre

    State Theatre

    Hosts a range of events and performances, particularly international comedy acts and musicians. The building itself is heritage-listed, and has a lavish interior dating back to 1929.

28. DoSydney Olympic Park

    Surfing

    Urbnsurf

    Surfing is a part of beach life in Sydney, however it can be difficult for those out west to get a chance to surf. Urbnsurk is a surf park facility, allowing for everyone from beginners to professionals to practice surfing technique in a heated pool.

    Daily 6AM-10PM·From $39, $10 Spectator pass

29. DoSydney Olympic Park

    Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

    This complex was built for the Olympics and houses the main competition pool. Many state and national swimming events are still held here. It contains a 50-m competition pool, a 50-m training pool, children's pools, a waterslide and a spa, sauna and gym. Worth checking that no major events are on if you plan to visit just to use the pools.

    Year-round: Mon-Fri 5AM-9PM; Oct-Apr: also Sat Sun and holiday 6AM-8PM, 6AM-7PM the rest of the year·$9.30 adults, $7 children and $5 for spectators

30. DoCity Centre

    Sydney Opera House

    The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic 20th-century buildings in the world. Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House also has dedicated theatres for drama including the Drama Theatre, the Playhouse, and The Studio. Student rush tickets are often available for the current day's performances, only at the box office at the Opera House (usually these are single tickets, spread around the theatre).

31. DoCity Centre

    The Basement

    Famous place for small gigs in Sydney. Attracts some leading acts.

32. DoSydney Olympic Park

    The Royal Easter Show

    The show is held every year in Olympic Park in the fortnight around Easter and is the most prestigious agricultural show in New South Wales. Competitive exhibits of livestock and produce are theoretically the point of the show, but for many visitors the main attractions are the fairground food and rides and the showbag pavilion in which large bags of themed merchandise are sold, with themes ranging from superheros to chocolate. Ticket prices are $45 for adults, $28 for children and $34 for concession holders. All tickets include free travel on public transport to the show; as using private transport is discouraged there are no cheaper tickets exclusive of transport.

33. DoDarling Harbour

    The Star

    Its newer competitor across the bay, the, caters more to high rollers, but both are open anybody who enrolls as a member (free). They also have the usual assortment of expensive boutiques and celebrity chef restaurants, as well as more utilitarian eateries that stay open late. Don't expect much in the way of views or local flavour: on the gambling floors, there are no windows and you might as well be in Vegas or Macau.

34. DoThe Rocks

    The Wharf Theatre

    Pier Walsh Bay, on an old, renovated finger wharf. There is a bar and restaurant open during the show and at intermission. Booking for the restaurant is a good idea.

35. DoCity Centre

    Theatre Royal

    Home to many international productions during their stay in Australia.

36. Do Not mapped

    Biennale of Sydney

    A contemporary arts and multimedia festival held in winter in even numbered years.

37. Do Not mapped

    Big Day Out

    An Australia-wide rock/alternative music festival with a side of dance, plays to up to 60,000 Sydneysiders at a time for one or two days in late January (normally on the January 26th public holiday). Past acts have included Nirvana, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against The Machine, Muse, the Chemical Brothers and Marilyn Manson from overseas, and Powderfinger, Regurgitator and Gerling from Australia. It normally sells out the day of ticket release.

38. DoBondi Beach Not mapped

    Bondi Icebergs

    A popular rock swimming pool with restaurant and bar facilities upstairs that look over the entire beach. It is named for the brave swimmers who compete here in the winter months. Opening hours: M-F: 6AM-7PM, Sa-Su: 6.30AM - 6.30PM. Entry $4 Adults/$2.50 Children/Seniors. (Many other Sydney beaches have rock pools with no charge for access, including nearby Bronte and Clovelly.)

39. DoBondi Beach Not mapped

    Bondi Winter Magic Ice Rink

    Ice skate seaside at the Bondi Beach front during the annual Bondi Winter Magic festival. Every year the Waverly Council assembles an ice rink on the Bondi beach front, open to the public. Contact Waverley Council via email to register interest, book tickets and for pricing. In 2015, the ice rink is open from the 20th June until the 12th of July.

40. DoThe Rocks Not mapped

    Bonza Bike Tours

    Offers a range of guided bicycle tours that start in The Rocks and take in various precincts throughout Sydney. Bicycle hire and bike rentals are also available.

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Sydney (CC BY-SA 4.0).