Attractions

Things to do in Sydney

Sydney is famous for its sun, sand and surf – and rightly so. But when you alight on the city's shores you will discover a vast realm of other attractions including beautiful natural wonders and some of the globe's most iconic landmarks.

Natural wonders

Sydney is blessed with some of the world's finest beaches, from the famous Bondi Beach to the booming surf beaches of Manly and Dee Why. Scenic walks skirt the harbour and coastline and hiking trails weave through pristine bushland.

The city is built around the sparkling Sydney Harbour, which is rich with islands, bays and inlets. You will find vast swathes of greenery in and around Sydney, from spacious local and national parks to the manicured grounds of Centennial Park, Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Landmarks

Many of Australia's iconic landmarks are found around the city's harbour, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.  Other heritage-listed sites include Fort Denison and Cockatoo Island, which are located in the middle of Sydney Harbour and can be reached by Sydney's  historic ferries.

In fact, by boarding a ferry you can reach the enchanting landscape of the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the carnival rides of Luna Park, the wild animals at Taronga Zoo and famous Manly Beach.

Shopping

International fashion houses line the streets of Sydney's CBD, including Chanel, Gap, Gucci, Prada, Tiffany & Co and Zara. You will also find boutique Australian stores in and around the CBD's major shopping destinations – the city centre, the David Jones and Myer department stores, the Queen  Victoria Building, the Strand Arcade, The Galeries Victoria and Westfield.

Beyond the CBD, Sydney's suburbs are also major shopping hubs, with Bondi Junction, Broadway, Chatswood, Paddington and Parramatta offering a wide range of stores and shopping complexes.

Dining and entertainment

Sydney has a lively café culture and an eclectic dining scene serving traditional cuisine from around the world. Here you can find French, Greek and Italian restaurants; Chinese, Japanese and Thai cafes; or Middle Eastern and modern Australian eateries. The city is also home to a thriving small bar  scene and boisterous local pubs.

Sydney abounds in museums and galleries and has myriad theatres showing small local performances as well as globally touring productions.

Festivals

In Sydney, not a month goes by without a lively festival entertaining visitors and locals with global talent. The city buzzes with free and ticketed events, performances, movies, carnivals and festivals all year round.