Sydney, Australia, is a city that skillfully blends the best of big-city life with natural beauty. There are many things to do there, so there is something for everyone. Sydney has something for everyone, whether you’re a first-time visitor learning about the city’s sights or a local eager to get to know your neighborhood better. It’s also one of my favorite places I’ve been!
Here are the top 5 things I’d recommend doing in Sydney, Australia:
1. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
I love a good adrenaline rush, so I decided to not only look at the Sydney Harbour Bridge but also climb it! To climb the bridge, you’ll need a reservation, but I promise this adventure is so worth it to see the amazing panoramic views of the city and the world-famous harbor. There are many different climb options, such as day, twilight, and night climbs. I booked the night climb and had about 13 other people with me. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a guided experience that typically takes around 3.5 hours from the time you arrive at the Climb Base to the time you return. This includes the time for preparations, safety briefings, and the actual climb itself. Depending on the type of climb and the time of day, the price might vary from $174 to $403 AUD. They also have a professional photographer climb up with you to capture the best photos!
2. The iconic architecture and culture of the Sydney Opera House
Any trip to Sydney must include a stop at the famous Sydney Opera House. With its recognizable sail-like appearance, this famous architectural wonder provides guided tours that let you learn more about its complex construction and rich history. Alternatively, you can go to a live performance. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an Opera show when I went, however, there was an incredible performance. Whether you take a guided tour to understand the significance of the Opera House culturally or you go to a performance that highlights its excellent acoustics and stunning views of Sydney Harbor (or both as I did), this venue guarantees that everyone who enters will have an amazing and culturally educational experience.
3. The Great Barrier Reef
While the Great Barrier Reef isn’t exactly in Sydney, it’s worth a day trip! The colorful corals and various fish are absolutely incredible to see in person. You can book several tours to get out to the Great Barrier Reef, and once there, you can decide if you want to go snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Scubadoo (like I did, which is like riding a scooter underwater), or just hang on the boat and take in the views. Each option comes with a professional to walk you through the process and help point out the amazing animals in the water. Whether you’re a pro diver or a newbie, the Great Barrier Reef has a world of beauty waiting for you in its clear waters, and by exploring it, you’re helping protect this natural wonder for future generations.
4. Australia Zoo
This was one of my favorite places to visit and well worth the drive to ger there! The Irwin family started the Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland. It is famous for its work to protect wildlife and for giving visitors amazing experiences with animals. The park is home to many native Australian animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. It also has animals from Africa, including tigers at the Tiger Temple. The daily crocodile shows are both exciting and sometimes you get a personal show from one of the Irwin family members. At the zoo you can get up close and feed Kangorgoos and walk around them, as if they’re in the wild. The zoo cares a lot about protection and has a Koala Hospital and other programs to help, which you can sometimes tour as well. You can spend hours here, as there is so much to see!
5. Bondi Beach
As one of Sydney’s most accessible and picturesque beaches, Bondi attracts many domestic and international tourists every year. Bondi Beach is perfect for both surfers and sunbathers and should definitely be on your list, especially if you’re looking for a place to relax. You can relax in the sun, catch some waves, or enjoy the free Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which offers stunning ocean views and access to beautiful beaches and rock pools. It’s a versatile destination for beach lovers, surfers, and anyone seeking a picturesque coastal experience. The beach has also been featured in many movies and TV shows.
Sydney offers much more than simply these five activities. Sydney promises an unforgettable experience for everyone with its vibrant cultural scene, plethora of museums and art galleries, historic neighborhoods, and abundant outdoor activities. These famous sights will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city, whether you’re a guest or a local. So gather your belongings and go out on an amazing adventure in Sydney, Australia! Prices are estimates that could change depending on the time of year and availability.