When one thinks of Australia the first city that usually comes to mind is Sydney. It’s home to world renowned landmarks, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, which makes up the post card image many people have of Australia. Sydney is a vibrant city with beautiful beaches, vast harbors, a great number of attractions, and endless entertainment options.
So without further ado here is a list of top attractions you should visit during your trip to Sydney!
1. Sydney Opera House
Of course Sydney’s iconic Opera House is definitely a must-visit! Come see a live performance or simply marvel at Australia’s famous landmark from the outside.
2. Royal Botanic Garden
Situated next to the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden is a massive garden with an extensive range of flora. It’s a green oasis in the heart of Sydney CBD.
3. Sydney Habour Bridge
Nearby the Opera House is the other well-known landmark, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Wander Tip: Take a cruise for an epic view of the bridge from the water!
4. Darling Harbour
Sydney’s bustling Darling Harbour is full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Frequented by both locals and tourists alike there is an abundance of activities available here. Come unwind by the water as you take in the harbor view.
5. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
For some fun at Darling Harbour, swing by SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. This grand aquarium houses a large array of Australia’s marine creatures. The highlight is its underwater tunnel where you can observe sharks swim overhead.
6. Chinese Garden of Friendship
Just a short walk from Darling Harbour, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is nestled in the middle of the city near Chinatown. Enjoy some peace and tranquility away from the hecticness of the city.
7. Bondi Beach
Gorgeous Bondi Beach is a long stretch of white sand alongside beautiful pristine water. Go for a swim, sunbathe, surf the waves, or take a stroll. As a bonus you might even spot a pod of wild dolphins in the ocean.
Wander Tip: Make sure to have plenty of sunscreen on deck because that Australian sun is no joke!
8. Taronga Zoo
Go wild at Taronga Zoo and observe a wide selection of animals. The sky safari cable car is included with admission!
9. Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains lie west of Sydney sweeping with natural beauty. It’s a great place to take a break from the city and embrace the wilderness. There is a wide range of attractions here including walking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. One popular lookout is Echo Point which offers a remarkable view of the Three Sisters pictured above.
10. Jenolan Caves
Jenolan Caves are the largest caves in Australia with spectacular rock formations and underground rivers. The highlight is a section lit up with colorful lights with music playing showcasing the chamber’s fantastic natural acoustics.
My #1 Pick
My favorite spot was Bondi Beach because of its overall chill vibe. The turquoise water was absolutely stunning and spotting wild dolphins was a plus! It’s definitely one of the prettiest beaches that I’ve been to.
A trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Sydney. So if you’re visiting you definitely don’t want to miss out on these 10 top attractions in Sydney!
Learn more about my trip to Sydney in my other post. If you happen to be visiting Melbourne as well, be sure to check out my list of best attractions in Melbourne.
Did I miss anything? What is your favorite attraction from this list? Let me know in the comments!
