2026: The Best Things To Do In Sydney

Just past the Sydney Opera House, you’ll find the expansive grounds of the The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. If you need a break from city life and crowds, head to the oasis of the botanic gardens. You can also walk around the gardens and see native and exotic plants throughout the garden. Taronga Zoo is a must-visit for families with teenagers in Sydney.
This world-famous zoo offers a unique blend of breathtaking harbour views, wildlife encounters, and activities, making it a perfect vr experience half-day or full-day thing to do in Sydney. Sydney has plenty to offer aside from, y’know that bridge and that very, very famous opera house. The city is packed full of thrilling things to do, whether you’re a long-time resident (and fancy seeing what all the tourists see) or fresh off the flight. Below is a tried and tested checklist of Sydney’s finest attractions that no one, resident or day-tripper, should overlook.

There are also free art exhibitions at public galleries, and exploring historic neighbourhoods like The Rocks or Circular Quay is always a great day out. Even just wandering the city on foot can lead you to hidden gems and great people-watching spots. Enjoy gorgeous beaches, devastatingly beautiful cliff tops, bay’s and little pit stops like cafes and shops along the Bondi to Coogee walk . It’s just 6km so it’s not too long and can take anywhere from 2-3 hours until you reach the shores of Coogee Beach. Local brewer Young Henrys is the perfect spot to enjoy one of Sydney’s best local brewers. Sit and sample one of the several offerings of Young Henry’s beers while watching the brewing process take place right in the bar.
That makes it the largest home of Australian flora and fauna on the planet, so it’s a great little microcosm of the country and a unique way to better explore and understand our nation’s ecosystem. Learning something together is always the recipe for a great,  memorable date. Maniax in Marrickville is your best bet if beer and axe-throwing sounds romantic to you.
Now in its 18th year, the Hunter Valley Gardens’ annual extravaganza will shine with over 4.5 million lights across 8 acres of themed displays, inviting visitors to step inside a reimagined world of wonder. Where every corner tells a story, every pathway glows with Christmas cheer, and Santa seems to be around every turn. Get ready to cool off and make memories as you slip, slide, and splash through a world of inflatable fun.

Taking a Sydney Harbour ferry ride to the iconic Taronga Zoo is one of the city’s must-do experiences for visiting families. The zoo is home to more than 5000 animals from over 350 species, many of which are threatened. See Sumatran tigers, gorillas, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, sun bears, meerkats, kangaroos, koalas and lots more. By day, Sydney Harbour is constantly crisscrossed by commuter-packed ferries, giant cruise ships and private pleasure craft out for a salty spin. However, before the sun rises, these usually busy waters are as calm as a mill pond.
Learn more in our Guide to the Blue Mountains and How to Spend One Day in the Blue Mountains. One of the best things to do in Sydney is to visit its long list of world class bars and restaurants. Words cannot describe the rush of adrenaline as you take the leap from the plane and begin to fall back towards Earth. I found it to be surprisingly peaceful up in the air, with extraordinary views that stretched on for miles in every direction.

One of these tours is of Quarantine Station, a location which was used to isolate people believed to be carrying contagious diseases. Several different companies offer ghost tours, where you’ll hear true stories of murders, suicides, hangings and more. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner, then Luna Park is perfect too – you can actually enjoy first-class dining inside a ferris wheel carriage on Sundays. Circular Quay is known for its excellent gourmet dining options, and the views of the crystal-blue Sydney Harbour waters are truly stunning. The “I’m Free” walking tours are a great way to get to know Sydney.
Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Australia, and it is a top spot to take the kids. The beach has a dedicated children’s pool that is perfect for younger children. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, making it a great place to spend the day. Welcome to underwater life with all of its fascinating inhabitants. With a series of glass viewing tunnels, Sydney Aquarium is a must-do family attraction.

It’s here that you will find some of the most popular kids activities in Sydney, such as the SEALIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and the Australian National Maritime Museum. Since opening in 1992, the Sydney Jewish Museum has been teaching visitors about the Holocaust and its long-lasting impacts through more than 12,000 artefacts and 1,000 testimonials. But its lessons don't stop there, as it also hosts extensive, detailed exhibits on the history of Judaism and Jewish involvement in Australia's military.
Throughout this list, you’ll find a batch of natural rock pools, old-school baths and beautifully built landmarks that are perfect for swimming in with kids. There’s truly no better way to end a ripper day than watching the sunset at one of these top-tier lookout spots. Choose between a leafy perch, a breezy beachside spot or a grassy hill with panoramic harbour views.
Located in Millers Point, it’s open from Wednesday to Saturday. Since opening in 1858, Sydney Observatory has transformed from guiding ships and charting stars to a public education hub for sky exploration. Join guided tours, view terrestrial objects through telescopes, attend night photography workshops and explore sky-focused exhibitions. There's a mix of free and ticketed program events that you can book online. You don’t need a car to get there – the train runs straight from Central to nearby Hawkesbury River Station seven days a week.Why go? The car-free island is a genuine idyll – with shrouded bush walks and deserted swimming spots (best accessed at high tide).

It is also the central port for the ferry network, enabling you to get around the harbour by ferry. Wondering where you can enjoy culture late at night in Sydney? The Culture Up Late initiative sees some museums and galleries around Sydney open late with live music, workshops, screenings and more. These include Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW and MCA Late. If a long-haul flight to Europe isn’t on the cards for you anytime soon, you can experience something close to the real deal less than an hour’s drive from Sydney. There’s an Italian-style bed and breakfast in the semi-rural suburb of Arcadia that boasts Tuscan-style gardens, cobblestone laneways and gelato and wine nights.