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How To Spend 48 Perfect Hours In Sydney, Australia

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You really need more time in Sydney – and we don’t say that everywhere.

You’ve probably traveled a long way, but fortunately, Sydney is well worth the trip. Australia is open again to fully vaccinated visitors and there are few better ways to escape the northern hemisphere in winter than a trip down under. It’s also a nice break in summer from winter sun.

Full of world famous landmarks, gorgeous beaches, excellent food, chilled out vibes and lovely weather – 48 hours is better than nothing — but it’s really not enough.

Here’s how to have the best, fun, action-packed weekend possible – and if you can squeeze longer, you just won’t need to wake up so early to get in all in!

Transit And Hotels In Sydney

Getting from Sydney International Airport to the city center (CBD) is extremely easy. The train is cheap, cheerful and quick costing roughly $10 one way. If you get off at Circular Quay for a centrally located hotel, you’ll be right outside the Sydney Opera House.

Otherwise, Uber works just fine and is about 25-35 minutes and $20USD into the center depending on traffic. Generally, very friendly drivers in Sydney too!

If flights were expensive – there are excellent hotel options in Sydney using points . Staying near the Opera House or Central Business District (CBD) is great, because you’ll have direct access to most transit options, such as the Ferry from Circular Quay.

If you stay elsewhere, you’ll just spend time connecting via Circular Quay, which makes Sydney somewhat unique. Staying central actually makes sense for most trips.

For a more local feel, renting an AirBnB in Potts Point, Manly or Balmain can be stunning, where you’ll really be spoilt for choice with restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Just note, if you do this, you’ll be a two hop ferry from most spots other than the CBD.

There are so many good spots for breakfast in Sydney, you’ll be wishing you were staying weeks, not days. Australia is coffee heaven — Sydney is no exception, though we’d give Melbourne the edge.

Excellent coffee, pastries, muffins, eggs, granola and fresh fruits are literally everywhere – and at quality we rarely see in other major cities. Aussies in general are amongst the most passionate breakfast snobs on the planet. We mean that in a nice way.

A few standouts well worth a try: Bowery Lane , Cabrito , Gypsy Espresso , Berlin BAKR and Cafe d’Yvoire . But no matter which neighborhood you’re in, if you wander, you will be sure to pass some quaint, tasty looking coffee shops.

The Must’s Do Tips For Sydney

If you just want quick inspiration, here’s a guide of our 10 must do’s for your first trip to Sydney .

Whether you’ve been before or not, casting your eyes on the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge is always spectacular. Get the train or Uber to Circular Quay and walk all along the harbor, taking in every angle and view.

Next, stroll through the botanical gardens to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, it’s a gorgeous and peaceful walk with endless picture-worthy shots. Just hope there’s no massive cruise ship parked there that day – which generally happens on weekends, FYI!

Since you’re in the CBD, think about planning to hit the Rocks Market , which happens on weekends and is a great mix of eclectic food and goods. It’s a bit touristy, but the food certainly isn’t, and the views are dreamy.

Beaches Are Not Optional

We’ll get into the coastal walk below, but you can’t leave Sydney without setting foot in Bondi and Manly beaches. These are the creme de la creme and bring such a wow factor, it’s hard to describe. On a beautiful day, make a day out of it and bring a picnic.

The ferry ride to Manly is a must in itself, with views of the entire harbour including Double Bay, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and so much more. It’s like a hop on hop off tour that actually leads somewhere great.

Darling Street

While you’re in Circular Quay, take the ferry to Balmain East. They’re cheap, at about $5USD one way and run frequently. The ferry offers a relaxing and beautiful ride, zipping passengers under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with more cool shots of the Opera House.

You can hop off at Balmain or Balmain East which leads you shortly to Darling Street. Wander up the street where you’ll find boutiques, charming coffee shops, restaurants and a local, friendly vibe that makes you feel you could live here. Perfect for a spot of shopping and lunch.

Coastal Walk: A True Must

This is a definite must-do! Take an Uber to the famous Bondi Icebergs Club, or if you’re fit – head for Maroubra to take the walk even further, and end up at Bondi.

This gorgeous walk takes you along surf spots dotted along the jagged coast, with dedicated walk ways to make things easy. Almost every bit is a perfect photo. It’s about 6km from Bondi to Coogee, but you can turn back at anytime if you’re not feeling up to all of it. Starting in Maroubra would add a bit more, making the journey to Bondi 10k.

The scenery is spectacular and you can cool off at one of the many ocean pools along the way or in the ocean itself. There are plenty of refreshment stops along the way, and if it’s a hot day – it’s best to go in the morning or mid-late afternoon. A truly, unforgettable route.

Lunch In Sydney

If you’re on Darling Street or in Potts Point, it will be hard to choose just one spot. There are honestly so many good options. The same could be said for the CBD. Time Out keeps a fantastic list of spots, covering all geographies.

But one reasonable option you absolutely must try is Chester White   Cured Diner in Potts Point – a small space with bar seating and a few tables serving up the freshest and tastiest pasta cooked literally right in front of you.

Get the carbonara, which they mix together in front of you, immediately before serving, or the truffle spaghetti served out of a parmesan wheel. It makes you wonder how so many Italian restaurants go oh-so-wrong with basic dishes. Absolutely delicious!

Though we love his work with Qantas, Neil Perry’s Rockpool Grill has in the CBD always disappoints, and is usually replete with cruise tourists.

Best Dinner Spots In Sydney

The food scene in Sydney is constantly changing, and almost always for the better.

For easy but delicious bites in the CBD area, Bórn by Tapavino is a super strong option for good views, and in the area around Born, you’ll find plenty of other choices, all with equally enviable views.

If you’ve made the smart choice to head over to Manly on the gorgeous ferry ride, Pilu at Freshwater is a great choice with absolutely stunning beach sunset views, but then again,  just about anything over that way will be a treat.

Other great options include: Restaurant Hubert , Indu , Blue Ginger , and Yellow . In our opinion, though we love the lounge food – Rockpool Grille is pretty overrated these days, and caters way too much to tourists.

Sydney Cocktail Spots

For location and fun, there’s hardly a better cocktail spot in Sydney than the Butler , nestled into the hillside with epic city views and potent drinks. The picture just above is from the terrace where you can take in super high quality nibbles and watch the sun set over the harbour and skyline below.

Sydney offers a wonderfully laid back but vibrant atmosphere, and if you’re looking for some cocktails that are worth staying up for a tipple , head to one of these cool spots: The Lodge Bar , PS40 , The Baxter Inn , Papa Gede’s Bar and The Cottage Bar & Kitchen .

Check out the menus, pick one (or a few) and go for it – you can’t go wrong. Generally, they’re all in cool neighborhoods too. Cocktails and cool – they go together, right? Enjoy the night!

Sydney Markets

If you happen to be in Sydney over the weekend, head to one of their iconic open street markets. Carriageworks Farmers Market  is full of fresh, local, seasonal produce – with tempting tastings galore. While there, keep your eyes peeled for some well-known chefs, known to make appearances and even occasionally, open up a food stall.

The Rocks Market also boasts charming and authentic stalls, selling things from chocolates to soap, clothes, paintings and much more, perfect for gifts to take home. Whichever market you choose, be sure to get there on the early side when they open, as crowds can build up fast.

If you don’t want to leave Australia without hanging out with some kangaroos and koalas, your best bet is to head to Featherdale Wildlife Park , a 45 minute drive from the city center.

You can book different experiences to enjoy personal encounters with the animals, or just a normal day pass. Yes, you can pet kangaroos or wallabies here.

For more convenient and general animal sittings, particularly with kids, Taronga Zoo makes for a fun afternoon and is easy to reach with a direct ferry.

One tip: book any Taronga extras like animal pettings early, they sell out fast every day and are space available only.

About The Bridge Climb

A bit like going up the Empire State Building or the London Eye, it’s a cool thing to do once for some.

We passed because of the tragic looking jumpsuit and price you pay when you could just walk on the pedestrian part of the bridge for free, but the views over Sydney are spectacular, especially at night time.

It will set you back over A$250, but it’s a nifty thing to say you’ve done, if you’re into novelty and stuff.

Honestly, 48 hours is just not enough time to fit everything in. Sydney is an incredible city you’re bound to fall in love with – and instantly book a trip back to.

If you have longer, there are more beautiful beaches to visit such as Manly and Bilgola, as well as some excellent art galleries and museums. Just find the ones best suited to you. If you could only pick one extra,

Manly Beach really is something special, with a vibe much like the best of Santa Monica in Los Angeles. Just with better coffee and prices…

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly... More by Gilbert Ott

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11 Comments

Don’t forget to try the world’s first rosé bar in Potts Point..: Rosè Royale.

We just left Sydney a few days ago and loved the city. It felt like everywhere you walked there were a dozen cafes waiting to serve you espresso.

The beach walk from Coogee to Bondi was awesome – we watched a storm roll in during our walk and the vistas were incredible.

We did the BridgeClimb and it was excellent. Even though it was a tad rainy on our day, the views were outstanding all the way up to the top and we got a Sydney history lesson along the way. I would recommend it for people who can afford it and don’t mind the heights.

We toured the Sydney Opera House, but I’m not sure most people would get much from it that they can’t get from outside. I was a little let down by the tour compared to some of the musical venues we visited in Spain, for example. They didn’t even play music in any of the venues to let us experience the acoustics.

The other big experience we took in was “Shark Dive Xtreme” at SeaLife Sydney Aquarium where you get to dive with grey nurse sharks and giant rays for about an hour. It was something we won’t soon forget and good practice for cage diving with great whites off of Cape Town that we want to do later this year.

We loved Sydney – we will likely return at some point, but there’s so much left of the world to see!

Shark Dive Xtreme has shown it was not in operation for months, still showing that on the website. How did you get tickets?

Good advice, though I have to encourage folks not to use AirBnB unless it’s the local’s primary residence. Many are corporate investments that upend and transform neighborhoods into tourist areas and price out locals. Disappointing to see travel blogs so often overlook this aspect of that business model.

We went sailing and were blown away by all the neighborhoods directly on the water……..the real estate of San Francisco with the weather of LA! We were there a week and it was too short……going back again in February 2020 for another week before heading to Hamilton Island.

Wife & I have traveled the world & Sydney is definitely 1 of our all time faves! Stay @ the Marriott Circular Quay & can walk everywhere downtown–even to Patty’s Market! Bondi Beach hike is a must do as well. The other must do is being ‘so close’ to NZ, a trip across the ‘ditch’ to Queenstown is another must do, THE #1 favorite spot in the world, just in front of Sydney, especially if your in to extreme sports not to mention the unbelievable beauty of the South Island. NZ/Australia–like dying & going to Heaven!

Perfect timing! I am heading there next week and will be there for just under 48 hours before getting a cruise to NZ 😊

This won’t let you down!

• Pingback: Sydney Travel Guide: 48 Hours Of Must See's, Best Eats And Best Hotels - MGSN

What about on arrival mandatory Covid testing? Do you easily get the covid tests done on arrival?

Sailing in the Bay easily our best experience! Even better than a private tour of the zoo letting you pet the koala bears.

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50 of the best things to do in Sydney

Kristie Lau-Adams

Travel Journalist

30 August 2024

The Harbour City is overwhelmingly dazzling so we’ve whittled down the best things to do in Sydney to enhance every visit.

World-class dining , pristine beaches , unparalleled cultural experiences  — there’s a heck of a lot to cover in Sydney. And while Circular Quay and The Rocks  are filled with top-notch views and bucket-list attractions , there’s entertainment for every tastebud right across the glittering NSW capital. Here, we round up some of our favourite things to do in Sydney to help you build your own itinerary – you can use the menu below to jump ahead.

Fun things to do in Sydney Free things to do in Sydney Unique things to do in Sydney Things to do in Sydney for Adults Things to do in Sydney at night Things to do in Sydney when it’s raining Things to do in Sydney with kids Things to do in Sydney with toddlers Things to do in Sydney for young adults

Fun things to do in Sydney

Thrilling escapades, indulgent menus and unforgettable sights encourage visitors of any age to really let their hair down.

1. Soak up the views from Sydney’s tallest building

BridgeClimb  steals the spotlight but did you know SKYWALK atop the Sydney Tower Eye offers a higher vantage point than the Sydney Harbour Bridge? Take a secure stroll along the city’s highest outdoor viewpoint, at a whopping 268 metres above the CBD, to gaze adoringly at the city and as far out as the Blue Mountains.

Get the best views of the city on top of the Sydney Tower Eye. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Catch a performance inside the Sydney Opera House

Taking selfies out front is great but totally immersing yourself in the country’s most iconic landmark is a must.

See a performance at the Sydney Opera House. (Image: Destination NSW)(Image: Destination NSW)

Many of the globe’s most acclaimed performers can be seen spinning magic within the Sydney Opera House ’s unique venues. Its annual performance count has been recorded at more than 1,800, ushering in at least 1.4 million people through its doors per year.

3. Unleash your inner child at Luna Park Sydney

Swing like a pendulum on board the 30-metre-high Sledgehammer, whiz down silky-smooth slides in Coney Island and take it nice and slow on the Ferris Wheel. There’s no shortage of fun to be had inside Luna Park Sydney , which was built in 1935 and retains its art deco influence.

Embrace your inner child and go for a spin on the Ferris wheel. (Image: Destination NSW)

It underwent enormous renovations in 2021, introducing nine rides including a new-look Big Dipper, but even more exciting Luna Park Sydney unveilings  can be experienced at the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Milsons Point.

Luna Park is a go-to spot for the whole family. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Jump on board the Manly to Circular Quay ferry

Whether you’re starting from the iconic Sydney beach suburb or venturing from the heart of the city, the Manly Ferry  offers a budget-friendly way to see Sydney Harbour and the city’s dramatic waterfront structures. Regular services run between the two central tourist hubs, sailing past Kirribilli House, the official residence of the Prime Minister, Bradleys Head, South Head and much more.

Hop on a ferry from Manly to see Sydney Harbour up close.(Image: Destination NSW)

5. Indulge in a bottomless Sydney brunch

And you thought Melbourne did it well. Get your breakfast mimosa fix at one of the best bottomless brunch menus in the city , which span the city’s CBD, eastern suburbs, northern beaches, north shore and Southerland Shire. Offering multi-course banquets paired with uncapped thirst-quenching concoctions, it’s one of the most fun ways to kick start a day of touring this remarkable city.

Indulge in a French-Japanese-inspired bottomless brunch at Luc-San. (Image: Trent van der Jagt)

Free things to do in Sydney

It’s one of the world’s most expensive cities but getting a feel for Sydney’s natural beauty doesn’t have to set you back a fortune.

6. Soak up Sydney’s best beaches

Spoilt for choice, visitors are urged to discover some of the city’s best secret swimming spots  at Sydney’s most outstanding beaches. While icons including Bondi, Manly, Palm Beach and Gordons Bay need no introduction, lesser-known hot spots such as Great Mackerel Beach in the northern beaches and Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offer great vibes away from thick crowds.  

Cool off away from the crowds on Mackerel Beach. (Image: Andrew Gregory/Destination NSW)

7. Tackle a Sydney bush or coastal walk

From beginner trails to multi-day expeditions that take in endless natural wonders, the city’s most spectacular hikes and coastal walks  are vast and full of adventure.

Hike the trails within peaceful Lane Cove National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Pack a picnic and prepare for a full day out as walks including Castlecrag’s Harold Reid Foreshore Track and Lane Cove National Park’s Riverside Walking Track offer views to rival those found along Sydney’s popular Bondi to Manly or Coogee to Bondi walks.

The Bondi Coastal Walk is even more of a draw during Sculptures by the Sea. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Get up close and personal with Sydney’s underwater life

Venture below the water’s surface in Sydney to discover vibrant underwater ecosystems. The best way to stickybeak? With a snorkel mask and flippers. Sydney’s best snorkelling spots  include Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly and Fairlight Beach in the northern beaches while Clovelly Beach makes waves in the east and the south is dotted with standouts like Cronulla’s Oak Park.  

Get up close and personal with the marine life in Cabbage Tree Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Picnic right along Sydney Harbour

Perch yourself in a world-class dining location without the hefty price tag. A relaxed picnic lunch in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden offers front-row seats to Sydney Harbour while its meticulously manicured grounds set a heavenly scene. Open daily from 7am until sunset, Australia’s oldest botanic garden is free to enter and located on Mrs Macquarie’s Road, just a few minutes’ walk from Sydney’s CBD.

Enjoy a relaxed picnic at Royal Botanic Gardens with views of Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

10. Get lost in a Sydney museum

Providing extraordinary insight into the city’s rich history, plus plenty of artefacts from right around the country and globe, the best museums in Sydney  are delightful time warps. From the Museum of Sydney, Australian Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art in Circular Quay to cultural gems like Old Government House in Sydney’s west, there’s a portal into every past.

Embark on a creative journey at the Museum of Contemporary Art. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Unique things to do in Sydney

Journey off the beaten track to explore the city and its under-hyped charms from a true local’s perspective.

11. See a different side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

There’s a great alternative to BridgeClimb Sydney that involves schlepping up a stack of steps inside one of those decorative stone pillars. The views from the  Pylon Lookout  aren’t quite as good as those from the top of the bridge, but they’re no shabby imitation. Once on ground, head to Dawes Point and look at the bridge from underneath. The humungous grey rivets are impressive and bring home how monstrous the Coat Hanger is.

Swap the BridgeClimb for a Pylon Lookout experience. (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Jump on board the Riverboat Postman

The posties on the run from Brooklyn, located one hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD, travel a plum route, delivering to small communities that can’t be reached by land. To spend a day in their shoes, dropping off the odd letter along the way, members of the public are invited to join the Riverboat Postman  on the Hawkesbury River for their very own ride.

Cruise along the Hawkesbury River onboard the Riverboat Postman. (Image: Destination NSW)

13. Spot a TV star at Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the last stop on the northern beaches run, heading past quiet alternatives such as Whale Beach and Bilgola but there’s more to this neck of the woods than sand and surf. Up your chance of seeing Home and Away being filmed by dropping in on a weekday. Got extra time? Take the long walk to the Barrenjoey lighthouse at the far end to marvel at some stunning coastline.

Take in incredible coastal views from Barrenjoey lighthouse. (Image: Destination NSW)

14. Reconnect with nature at Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden

Wendy Whiteley, the wife of Sydney artist Brett Whiteley who passed away in 1992, has created a wonderland of sculptures, flora and fauna in her favourite corner of Lavender Bay in Sydney’s north shore. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden  attracts visitors from around the world for its distinct zen and astounding views. Go there with plenty of time up your sleeve — its powerful ambience is tough to kiss goodbye.

Find your inner zen at Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

15. Catch a film at Golden Age Cinema and Bar

This isn’t your ordinary theatre experience. Golden Age Cinema and Bar was first built in 1940 when it was owned by Paramount Pictures and screened everything from newsreels to locally produced films. Today’s reimagined venue, which pays tribute to its Art Deco roots, opened in 2013 and transports visitors back to the Golden Age of cinema itself. Expect underground flicks, vintage furnishings and live music.

Catch live music performances at Golden Age Cinema and Bar. (Image: Destination NSW)

Things to do for adults

Soak up Sydney’s world-renowned restaurants, bars and boutiques with our pick of adults-only things to do.

16. Unwind in a Sydney day spa

Kick up your feet in one of the city’s best day spas , which dot Sydney from suburb to suburb. While divine pampering and results-based treatments abound in long-established venues including Pyrmont’s The Darling Spa and Venustus in Paddington, Nature’s Energy Day Spa & Bathhouse  in Glebe is also worth trialling as it took out several wins at the 2023 World Luxury Spa Awards.

Get your well-deserved R&R at Pyrmont’s The Darling Spa. (Image: The Darling)

17. Feast at an exceptional Sydney restaurant

World-famous chefs, Instagram-perfect fit-outs and some of the country’s finest hospitality — Sydney’s best restaurants are destinations on their own accord. Celebrating diverse flavours, local produce and evolving techniques, hot spots like Saint Peter, Kiln, Bennelong, Quay, Oborozuki and King Clarence are always great options – and you’ll find plenty of gems in Surry Hills too.

Oborozuki serves Japanese-French fare. (Image: Steve Woodburn)

18. Treat yourself to one of Sydney’s freshest hotels

While long-established chains provide luxurious lodgings, a crop of newish hotels should be considered while booking your next Sydney visit. Hotel Indigo in Potts Point, Capella in the city’s CBD  and the W Sydney at Darling Harbour  are just a handful of the city’s most exciting offerings.

Stay in the opulent W Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)

19. Hunt for unique goodies at a Sydney market

Showcasing everything from farm-fresh produce and condiments to vintage fashion and knick-knacks, the city’s best markets  offer unique treasure hunting meccas. Savour excellent bacon and egg rolls at Orange Grove Organic Food Markets in Leichhardt, stalk fresh seafood at Pyrmont’s Sydney Fish Markets, find unique art at The Rocks Market or discover homewares you never knew you needed at Paddington Markets — there’s standouts right around the city.

Grab something to eat at The Rocks Friday Foodie Market along Playfair Street. (Image: Destination NSW)

20. Indulge in boutique retail therapy

It’s no coincidence that the city’s trendiest can be found in Sydney’s inner west, inner city and eastern suburbs — it’s where all the great shopping is. Explore strings of boutiques selling fashion, furniture, homewares, jewellery and more in hot spots like Oxford Street, stretching from Taylor Square to Bondi Junction, Cross Street in Double Bay, King Street in Newtown and William Street in Paddington.

Find fashionable items at the Sonia Hopkins store on William Street, Paddington. (Image: Destination NSW)

Things to do at night

Sydney’s most vivid colours come out when the sun sinks, luring visitors to an eclectic collection of bars, world-class entertainment venues and truly kooky activities.

21. Brave Sydney’s spookiest ghost tour

The Rocks offers frightening varieties but our vote for the scariest ghost tour in Sydney goes to The Quarantine Station  in North Head. Book an after-dark expedition and be fascinated, and often disturbed, by a tour around the somewhat grim facilities renowned as one of the country’s most haunted sites. Into the paranormal? There’s a 3.5-hour Paranormal Investigation tour with your name on it.

Stroll along the country’s most haunted sites at the Quarantine Station. (Image: Andrew Gregory/Destination NSW)

22. Uncover a secret Sydney bar

Sure, easy-to-find bars shake up delectable spoils but it’s always extra gratifying to grab a drink somewhere exclusive. Sydney boasts a string of excellent hidden bars , providing intimate date nights and catch-up spots without too many tourists. Standouts include Shady Pines Saloon in Darlinghurst, The Cumberland in Manly and Earl’s Juke Joint in Newtown.

Head downstairs to the classic underground drinking den at The Cumberland. (Image: The Cumberland)

23. Gaze up at the stars well beyond Sydney

Sky-rise towers and endless commotion clutter the city by day but come nightfall, the clear evening sky is often littered with stardust. The perfect spot to spy on some of its most spectacular constellations is Sydney Observatory , serving also as one of the city’s best museums, which offers evening tours to help guide wide eyes right across the galaxy. Located in Millers Point, it’s open from Wednesday to Saturday.

24. Dance like nobody’s watching in a Sydney nightclub

Is the bar closing? Keep the good times rolling in a Sydney club where great tunes spanning every era are pumped well into the early hours. The Albion Hotel in Parramatta is famed for its R&B and hip hop, Goros in Surry Hills will get you interpretive dancing to karaoke sing-a-longs, Home in Darling Harbour attracts the world’s biggest DJs and The Abercrombie in Chippendale is always a good time. Trust us.

Let loose and simply dance the night away at Goros. (Image: Destination NSW)

25. Hop around Sydney’s best breweries

If craft beer’s your jam, there are plenty of stellar options to explore across the city. The Rocks is home to a handful including the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel with Sydney’s oldest continuous pub licence, and the inner west is another brewing magnet offering Young Henry’s, Kicks Brewing, the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, Wildflower and more. There’s also plenty going on in the northern beaches, like Bucketty’s Brewing Co and Modus Operandi Brewing.

The ambience at The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre transports you back into the 1980s. (Image: The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre)

26. Fill your belly at a Sydney night market

Sink into a food coma at one of the city’s flavour-packed night markets. Consistent players include the Chinatown Night Markets on Friday and Paddy’s Night Food Markets held once a month. Seasonal markets also pop up throughout the year but these two standouts are Sydney mainstays and attract thick crowds.

Shop your way around Chinatown Night Markets. (Image: Daniel Boud/Destination NSW)

Things to do in Sydney when it is raining

Indoor culinary feasts, cultural immersions and activity galore are all waiting to be explored when it’s too much of a mess out there.

27. Feast like a king at a Sydney yum cha

Piping hot barbecue pork buns, sizzling sensations and flash-fried calamari — yum cha in Sydney offers the perfect opportunity to whip out your elastic waistband. Head straight for Chinatown for authentic cuisine arriving fresh off trolleys at The Eight and East Ocean but there’s great yum cha in most suburbs including Mr Wong’s in Sydney’s CBD, East Phoenix in Zetland and Silks in Barangaroo.

The Yum Cha offering in Sydney is not to be missed.

28. Cosy up to a Sydney pub fireplace

Pub grub, just-poured beer and the warmth of a fireplace against your cheeks . Is there any better way to spend a rainy day? Sydney’s best pub fireplaces include the Lord Nelson Brewery and the Hero of Waterloo in The Rocks, The Lord Dudley in Woollahra, The Glebe Hotel and The Riverview in Balmain.

Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is one of the oldest pubs in Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)

29. Spy native critters at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Koalas, Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, Freshwater Crocs and many more of our iconic animals can be spotted inside the expansive WILD LIFE Sydney  at Darling Harbour. The enclosures are planned out excellently, offering vantage points to cater for large crowds and there’s plenty of interactive experiences to help kill the time.

Spend a day with the animals at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. (Image: Merlin Entertainment Group)

30. Catch a flick at a Sydney cinema

Sure, your shopping centre cinema chains are packed with amenities but there’s something simply irresistible about a boutique cinema. Watch the latest releases at the city’s most character-filled cinemas including Randwick’s Ritz Cinema, Cremorne’s Hayden Orpheum, Paddington’s Chauvel and Palace Veronas across Sydney.

Grab your popcorn ready for a movie night at Paddington’s Chauvel.

31. Book a Sydney cooking class

Learn your way around the ocean’s crustaceans and how to prepare them for devouring with a class at Sydney Seafood School  within the Sydney Fish Market. Offering cooking classes themed by unique cuisines in addition to masterclasses with high-profile chefs, the cooking institution provides lifelong cooking, produce selection and flavour pairing skills.

Level up your cooking skills at Sydney Seafood School. (Image: Destination NSW)

32. Belly laugh at The Comedy Store

While the world’s most celebrated comedians grace a wide range of venues in Sydney, The Comedy Store  in Moore Park is a guaranteed good time no matter who you’re seeing. Expect a handful of performers at every show including, if you’re lucky, familiar faces like Akmal, Lawrence Mooney and Aaron Chen who have all hit its stage.

Things to do in Sydney with kids

Grab the little ones and rustle up your own inner child — it’s time to dial up the energy with the city’s most action-packed activities.

33. Make furry friends at Taronga Zoo

Everyone’s living their best life at Taronga Zoo Sydney , located in the north shore. Kids will delight in the variety of animals while grown-ups will be treated to Instagram-worthy views. Opening its doors back in 1916, the iconic venue has evolved significantly over time but its elephants, monkeys, aviaries and seals have always remained the hottest attractions.

Enjoy a giraffe encounter at Taronga Zoo. (Image: Destination NSW)

34. Get dolled up for a Sydney high tea

Itty bitty sandwiches and pastries may fit snug in child-sized hands but who doesn’t love a towering collection of edible treats? Choose from any one of Sydney’s excellent high tea venues including the Gunners Barracks in Mosman, The Tea Room in the Queen Victoria Building and Aperture in the new Capella hotel in Sydney’s CBD, which is set beneath mechanical flowers to further mesmerise the littlest of lunch mates.

Elevate your high tea experience at Hyatt Regency Sydney.

35. Expend serious energy at Sydney’s best playgrounds

Magnificent playgrounds filled with brilliant ways to tire tots out can be found right across the city. If you’re in the east, try The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden at Centennial Parklands. If you’re in the west, head to Blaxland Riverside Park at Sydney Olympic Park. Other standouts include The Canopy Playground in Lane Cove, Fairfield Adventure Park and Domain Creek Playground in Parramatta Park.

The Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden in Centennial Park is a wonderland of play for kids. (Image: Destination NSW)

36. Explore Sydney’s best indoor play centres

Keen to occupy the kids in a confined environment? An indoor play centre is just the ticket. Stellar picks across Sydney include H’ome Kids Café in Rhodes, complete with its own carousel, Vitaland Kids Café in various locations, Planet Mino Kids Club in Chatswood and JUMPd, a trampoline fun house, in Brookvale.

JUMPd is a trampoline wonderland for kids.

37. Visit the world’s largest LEGO store

Who doesn’t love LEGO? Pretend it’s for the kids and visit the largest LEGO store  in the world, located in the heart of Sydney. The 900-square-metre space, located at 400 George Street in the CBD, is fitted out with every brick imaginable in addition to a ton of interactive experiences and installations, giant models and just general jitteriness.

Drop by the world’s largest LEGO store to complete your collection.

38. Tour Sydney’s best bike tracks

Pop on their helmets and get the kids out on their two-wheelers. Sydney is filled with so many stunning bike trails tailored to little ones including Centennial Parklands’ Learner’s Cycleway for those still on training wheels, Ryde Park in the city’s west, Sydney Park in the inner west and Heffron Pedal Park in the east.

Explore Sydney’s CBD on two wheels. (Image: Destination NSW)

Things to do in Sydney with toddlers

Grab all of the snacks and make the most out of the city’s thriving café culture, public facilities and free activities.

39. Dine in a family-friendly Sydney restaurant

Mini gourmands are raised right thanks to a diverse scattering of excellent toddler-friendly eateries throughout the city . We love Paddington’s Centennial Homestead and South Coogee’s Bistro on the Greens for their ample spaces inviting tiny humans to run free, as well as The Tea Cosy in The Rocks for its quirky smile-sparking charms.

Bistro on the Greens is renowned for its relaxed dining inside a bowls club. (Image: Wasa Media)

40. Drown babycinos at Sydney cafes

Only have time for a cuppa? Superb babycinos with all the bells and whistles will keep little ones occupied as you savour your morning brew. Check out Flower Drum in Newtown for a solid dusting of chocolate and marshmallows, The Lion & Buffalo in South Coogee for their famed ‘Unicorn milk with fairy magic dust’ as well as any Oliver Brown, located right across the city, for more sugary goodness.

There are plenty of family-friendly cafes in Sydney, like the Grounds of Alexandria. (Image: Destination NSW)

41. Get creative at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s ARTplay

Budding Picassos up to the age of five are invited to flex their creative muscles in the Museum of Contemporary Art’s ARTplay program  which runs throughout the year two or three times a month. It’s a pretty popular playgroup welcoming prams and clans of all sizes, so bookings are required to secure your spot.

42. Discover new favourites at The Children’s Library

The State Library of NSW is a great day out for bubs and adults alike but did you know it has its own dedicated kids space? The Children’s Library , located on the lower ground floor of the Macquarie Building, boasts an enormous collection of classics and newbies from the world’s most exciting authors. Plus, there are plenty of toddler-sized nooks to encourage quiet time spent exploring new finds.

Bring your little ones into a cosy reading nook at the Children’s Library.

43. Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Little ones are guaranteed to lose their mind at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium  where incredible displays just keep coming. From the ocean’s most intimidating predators to the cuddliest of creatures (don’t miss the ice-cold penguin enclosure), there’s a water-loving species to utterly awe every child.

Marvel at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. (Image: Destination NSW)

Things to do in Sydney for young adults

Keep not quite-grown-ups off their mobile phones, momentarily anyway, with outstanding action-packed activities spread right across Sydney.

44. Take hilarious selfies at Madame Tussauds

It’s probably the closest your youngsters will ever get to their idols so make a day out of snapping Madame Tussauds Sydney ’s life-size wax sculptures. While the likes of Harry Styles, the Hemsworth brothers and Lady Gaga offer the ultimate contemporary selfie opportunities, all-time icons including Albert Einstein, ET and Marilyn Monroe are also plenty entertaining.

Snap a photo with notable figures.

45. Join a Sydney whale-watching tour

If you’re dropping in between May and November, it’s the perfect time to catch sight of the annual whale migration from Antarctica. Check out our ultimate whale-watching guide to Sydney  for everything you and the kids need to know including which tours suit your specific needs and exactly what time of the day you should head out to sea.

See the fascinating mammals of the sea up close on a Sydney whale-watching tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

46. Paddle a kayak around Sydney Harbour

It’s one of the world’s most scenic bodies of water so elevate your time on Sydney Harbour by experiencing it via a kayak. Many companies offer guided tours with expert commentary and family canoes are also available if there’s a bunch of you. Try Sydney Kayak, Sydney by Kayak and Sydney Harbour Kayaks for great options.  

Go kayaking around Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

47. Learn archery at Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre

Reckon you’ve got a good aim? If you’re six years old and over, you can prove it with a bow and arrow at Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre . The 6.5-acre space was used as the official Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games site, so it’s built for elite athletes and amateurs to give the sport their best shot.

Kids can learn how to shoot arrows at the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre.

48. Ride a horse at Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre

You never bought them a pony so offer your tweens and teens the next best thing – horse riding with Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre , less than one hour from Sydney’s CBD. The long-established company provide guided trail rides as well as private lessons and school holiday day camps.

Experience guided horse rides at Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre. (Image: Destination NSW)

49. Get competitive at a Sydney bowling alley

If you’ve got a young adult in your household, you’ll be all over Strike and how awesome an experience it is right across the country. Strike Bowling Entertainment Quarter  is especially excellent thanks to its on-site laser tag arena and private karaoke rooms. If you’re just bowling, eight lanes cater for crowds who roll into the venue by the truckload come school holidays. Avoid it during the period if you prefer quieter conditions or jump on board to soak up the atmosphere.

Join in the fun and up your game at the Strike Bowling Bar.

50. Bust out of Sydney’s most famous panic room

Set your mind racing as you plan your escape from PaniQ Room in The Rocks. A thrilling game to play with youngsters, the fun-filled hot spot is built with six unique rooms each with its own dramatic scenario. No matter which one you choose, you’ve got 60 minutes to figure out how to get out. If you’re a fan of puzzles, this is your perfect match.

For more travel tips and insider guides, head to our Sydney travel guide.

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.

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Excellent article! Looking forward to trying out all of these adventures.

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