Sydney is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Australia, so if you are coming to the country, you’ll no doubt be stopping by. But what is there to do in Sydney? Here are a few ideas for fun days out when you hit the city and where to get started.
- Visit the beach
If you’ve never visited Sydney before, you may be surprised how many beaches are close to the city. Some are just a short stroll from the CBD, while others are under 15 minutes away. You can even hop in a boat on Sydney Harbour and reach beaches that are hard to access by road, avoiding the crowds and giving you your own little paradise.
- See wildlife
When you visit a city, you don’t expect to see much wildlife, but you’ll be amazed at some of the species that live close to Sydney. One of the most popular tours for visitors is whale watching Sydney, which leaves from the harbour, and allows you to see these amazing creatures up close. You can also see penguins at certain times of year in Manly Harbour, or go snorkelling to see colourful fish.
- Do some sightseeing
Sydney is a great place to simply wander around and see the sights. Some places that first time visitors will want to visit include:
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Bondi Beach
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Queen Victoria Building
It’s worth booking a tour if it’s your first visit, which allows you to see a lot in a half or full day, and you can then go back and explore further if you like.
- Go shopping
Sydney is a great city for shopping as it has a number of malls and outdoor shopping areas. Westfield is full of designer brands, while Harbourside offers upmarket shopping with views of the skyline. Head over to Surry Hills and you can browse lots of unique boutiques, so there’s something for all sorts of shopping tastes. You’ll find lots of cute local cafés close to the shops, so you can stop and refuel whenever you like.
There’s much more to Sydney than you may think. While many people come here for a city break, it’s surprising how close you are to the beaches and wildlife, so it’s easy to escape for the day and enjoy the natural world. Boat trips are particularly popular because they are an excellent way to see the ocean just a few minutes away from the heart of Sydney. You can also do plenty on dry land, from sightseeing to shopping and enjoying the amazing cafés, making it a great destination for all sorts of travellers and lots of different types of break.