Ten Great Things to do in Sydney, Australia for First-Time Visitors

Ten Great Things to do in Sydney, Australia for First-Time Visitors

Ten Great Things to do in Sydney, Australia For First Time Visitors

Sydney, Australia is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with its stunning harbor, iconic Opera House and Harbor Bridge, and magnificent beaches and coastline.  On your first visit to Sydney, this guide will be great to peruse as it lists the best things to add to your itinerary for the ultimate Sydney experience.

About Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia is the largest city in the country and continent of Australia and is located in the state of New South Wales.  Sydney lies within a sparkling harbor front on the eastern coast of Australia.  Miles of coastline with dramatic cliffs and bluffs, golden beaches, and iconic landmarks form this incredible city.

Australia became the place Great Britain sent its convicts to in the 1700s -1800s to help alleviate overcrowding in prisons in England.  Of course Australia had already been inhabited for thousands of years by Aborigines, the indigenous people of the land.  Over time, the Aborigines lost their culture and land as the new English settlers took over, building a colony on the shores of what would one day become Sydney.  With this complicated past, today the Australian government is working to make amends, recognizing the Aborigines as first peoples of the land and bringing to light their culture and history as it intermixes with modern day Australia.

When we went

We traveled to Sydney in January/February 2025.  It was the height of summer with very warm temperatures and high humidity.  This is a great time to go for beaches and sunshine.  Sydney is a very sunny city with a high UV index many days of the year, so wearing sun protection is an absolute must.  We only had one rainy day but it quickly turned from slightly overcast skies into wind, rain, thunder, and lightning in no time.  A good rule of thumb in Sydney is to always be prepared for suddenly changing weather!  

Ten Great Things to do in Sydney, Australia

This guide shares the city’s most iconic sites and things not to miss while here, especially during your first visit.  Take into account the time of year you are visiting and always check the websites for up-to-date information.  Sydney hosts many festivals and events throughout the year which can impact plans.

The Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is the iconic symbol of Sydney, with its massive white sails adorning the roof of the harbor front building. 

Designed in the 1950s, the Opera House had several setbacks due to rising costs and disagreements on design.   It was finally completed in 1973, with Queen Elizabeth II officially opening it.  What began as a building created to fulfill the city’s need for an entertainment venue is now one of the most recognized structures in the world.  Today, the Opera House hosts many events throughout the year and remains Australia’s number one tourist attraction.  It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can see the Sydney Opera House from many angles in the city:

From Luna Park

From a Harbor Ferry

From the Harbor Bridge

From Mrs. Macquaries Chair

…and from a helicopter tour!

The Sydney Harbor Bridge

Wherever you are in the city, chances are you’ll get a glimpse of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, whether popping up above the tree line or in the distance as part of the skyline. 

Sydney Harbor Bridge as seen from The Rocks area of Sydney

While in Sydney, you might find yourself driving over it, walking on it, taking a ferry under it, or climbing to the top of its steel arch.  

The Bridge Climb is a popular thing to do in Sydney, taking you in groups up stairs to the top of the bridge.  From here you’ll no doubt get incredible views.  However, there are a few caveats with this.  First of all, you are with a group so must move as one.  Second, you cannot have anything on your person, which means no phone or camera.  And finally, you are exposed the whole way up. 

Bridge climbers, as seen from the South Pylon

Depending on weather and time of year, you could be out in the scorching sun while wearing a jumpsuit.  For these reasons we actually suggest visiting the South Pylon over doing the Bridge Climb, which is what we did.

Bridge climbers, as seen from the South Pylon

The South Pylon is one of four pylons that help to support the Harbor Bridge.  From the South Pylon, you get incredible views of the city from every direction, including a birds eye view of the Opera House.  Enter the museum to learn about the engineering and construction of the Harbor Bridge and you will likely leave with a greater appreciation for it.  While we were on it, we saw climbers moving up the stairs for the ultimate lookout of Sydney. 

We enjoyed our views of the city, harbor, and Opera House up here.

Great views from the South Pylon

Sydney Harbor Bridge

WEBSITE:  South Pylon Lookout & Museum

WEBSITE:  Bridge Climb

COST:  In 2025, it cost $29.95 AUD per adult to visit the South Pylon.  The cost to do the Bridge Climb depends on the day you choose to do so.  In February 2025 it varied from $181 AUD to $207 AUD per adult.  Given the cost and restrictions, in my opinion the South Pylon is the way to go.

GETTING HERE:  We parked on Cumberland Street, right in front of the entrance to the Bridge Climb gift shop (also where we purchased our tickets).  Directly across the street is the Glenmore Hotel.  To enter the Harbor Bridge there is a glass lift or stairs to the left.  Follow the stairs up and you will soon be on the Harbor Bridge.

Tour Sydney Harbor via the Ferries or a Cruise

The best way to see the beautiful harbor is to be on the water, whether via ferry or a harbor cruise.  We recommend the ferries as the system is well connected to various points around the city and you’ll see the same views for much less money.

The sturdy Sydney ferries are great for exploring the city’s harbor

When we visited, we took the ferry from Circular Quay to Watson’s Bay and then on to Manly Beach.  

Watson’s Bay was a lovely place to disembark, with restaurants sitting right on the waterfront.  It was also a lot less busy here than many of the other areas we visited in Sydney.  

Watson’s Bay

From the waterfront, we continued on up the pathway that leads to The Gap, a beautiful coastal area with views of the cliffs plunging into the rocking ocean.  The views from the Gap are incredible!  

Incredible views at The Gap

While here, we dined at the Beach Club Watson’s Bay and had a great lunch with lovely water views.

Back on the ferry, we headed up to Manly Beach, a hopping beach destination in Sydney.  Stroll the promenade, enjoy ice cream and iced coffee, and check out the massive beach. 

Hopping Manly Beach

We took a walk on the coastal path which led up to Shelly Beach.

Manly to Shelly Coastal Path

 Along the way, we watched surfers catch waves, sunbathers catching rays, and took in more of the amazing coastal views.  On our way back, the lifeguards were hurriedly racing along the waves, making sure all the swimmers were out as shark and jellyfish had been sighted.  The once swarming waters of Manly beach were now clear as beach goers waited on the shore for the go ahead to get back into the water!

Heeding the warnings at Manly Beach

We had an amazing day taking the ferries around the city.  Not only did we see the city from the viewpoint of the water, but we stopped at great places along the way.  

Great views of Sydney from the ferries

Sydney Harbor Ferries

WEBSITE:  Sydney Ferry System

The ferry system is extensive.  You can build a great day exploring the city by perusing the ferries.  Here is how we spent one great day on the Sydney Ferries:  One Awesome Day Exploring Sydney via the Ferries.

Go on a Coastal Walk

One of the best things to do in Sydney to appreciate its stunning coastline is to walk the beautiful walking paths that run along the coasts.  There are several beach walks taking you from point to point and beach to beach.  We did the Coogee to Bondi walk and the views were breathtaking all along the way.

We started off in Coogee and the beach was already hopping at 8:00 am!  Even though it was Australia Day, we were surprised at how packed the beaches were so early in the morning! 

The beaches were busy at 8:30 am!

After Coogee, we came up on Bronte Beach, where little swimmers were learning Australia’s popular pastime of surfing, sunbathers were soaking up the rays in the sand, and swimmers were floating in the waves. 

Bronte Beach

Bronte is a large expanse of sand, giving beach goers plenty of space to spread out and enjoy one of Sydney’s greatest pastimes – beaching it.

Bronte Beach

From Bronte,  we continued on arriving at Tamarama Beach, which is actually my favorite.  As a small protective cove, the waves here were intense and we saw surfers successfully catching waves.  The water was a beautiful blue and the horseshoe shape made this beach feel intimate and cozy.

Tamarama Beach

Continuing on, we stopped at Mark’s Park for our first glimpse of the famous Bondi Beach from afar. 

First glimpse of Bondi Beach and the Icebergs

As we walked on, we watched people swimming in the Bondi Icebergs, a popular swimming pool that is refilled with ocean water as the waves crash up! 

The Bondi Icebergs

Bondi Beach is a massive expanse of sand and Sydney’s most popular beach. 

Bondi Beach

Surfers were catching waves, swimmers enjoying the surf, and people lounging in the sun worshipping the rays. 

Surfers at Bondi

Bondi has a plethora of dining options from cafes to restaurants to bars and pubs.  We enjoyed an espresso at a café, seeking respite in the shade after our coastal walk.

Beaches on our Coastal Walk

Visit Bondi Beach and the Icebergs

As stated above, Bondi is Sydney’s most famous beach and a must see.  The Icebergs are neat to watch as waves crash into the pool while swimmers are swimming in their lanes feeling the fresh saltwater crash over them! 

The Bondi Icebergs

Along the back wall of Bondi Beach are colorful murals, so be sure to stop and enjoy the art, clearly marking Bondi a pride of Sydney.

Murals at Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is gets very busy, with beachgoers in the sand and catching waves.

Bondi Beach

There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to fill your time if you need a break from the beach.

The town, just beyond the beach

See the Australian Animals

Who doesn’t want to see koalas, kangaroos, and more when visiting Australia?!  The animals here are unique to the country and you must see them while here!

The Taronga Zoo is a popular place to visit, easily accessed by a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.  It’s a large zoo with great views of Sydney while checking out the animals.

For a much more intimate option, how about an animal sanctuary?  We visited Koala Park and got our “Australian animal fix” in this intimate venue just outside of Sydney.

Koala Park

Here you can feed kangaroos, explore the emu area, watch cocktaoos fly about, and come face to face with a dingo. 

The best part of all was getting up close to koalas.  

Koala Park

WEBSITE:  Koala Park Sanctuary

Koala Park Sanctuary is located in West Pennant Hills, west of the city, and is open 9 am – 5 pm every day (closed on Christmas Day).  Pay attention to the schedule posted at the koala area as you can get up close to them during these times.  You cannot touch them nor hold them (in the entire state of New South Wales), but seeing them up close is not to be missed!

Dine with a View 

Adding dinner with a view to your Sydney itinerary will enhance your experience in the city.  What better way to see the beautiful city unfold before you than while sipping on a cocktail and dining on a delicious meal?!  We dined at the O Bar and had a fabulous dining experience. 

The restaurant completes the 360 degree rotation in two hours, giving you great views during your entire meal.

Great views while dining at the O Bar

Visit the Queen Victoria Building and The Strand

The Queen Victoria Building (a.k.a. QVB) is quite possibly the most beautiful shopping mall in the world.  Filled with great stores with everything from clothing to jewelry to an Aboriginal art gallery to a high end whiskey shop, the venue itself is a work of art.  Featuring ornate architecture and a grand clock in the center, taking in the beauty while shopping feels like a grand venture.

The Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

Right across the street from the QVB is The Strand, a long corridor filled with shops, including the must try chocolate shop, Haighs. 

The Strand

Famous for their chocolate frogs, you can’t go wrong getting some delectable bites to snack on during your shopping trip or to save for later.

Check out The Rocks, Circular Quay, and Darling Harbor

Sydney is filled with nooks and crannies to explore, but some areas deserve more time.  The Rocks is my personal favorite area as it’s a beautiful, historic area near the Harbor Bridge. 

While here, we enjoyed shopping at art galleries, getting some great souvenirs.

For lunch consider dining at the historic Glenmore Hotel. 

When we were there, the restaurant opened at noon and we arrived shortly before, heading straight up for the roof top for a great open-air meal with city views.  It was perfect timing as people soon flooded in behind us and within ten minutes the roof top restaurant was full.  This is a great option following your visit to the South Pylon at the Harbor Bridge.  We parked on the street and were directly across from the hotel.

Circular Quay is the heart of Sydney, where transportation hubs converge and also where the Opera House is located. 

It is the busiest area of Sydney, so plan on an early start for lower crowds while checking out the Opera House up close.  You can walk all around it and even inside for a brief look around.  If you want to see whats on in terms of entertainment or take a tour, check out the website for more information. 

Darling Harbor is a lovely waterfront alcove with the W Hotel as an interesting centerpoint, a promenade along the water, and a ferry stop. 

We stayed at the W Hotel during our final night in Sydney and it was a fabulous experience!  I went for a morning walk before our long journey home taking in the beautiful views of Darling Harbor from the promenade. 

Try Australian Foods

There are several foods you must try while in Sydney.

Seafood is very fresh here so if you love seafood, this is your place!  Barramundi is a light and flaky fish specific to Oceania and Asia and is on many Sydney menus. 

Barramundi, a light and delicious fish

Fish and chips is also on nearly every menu.  The fish is so fresh and tasty, so dining on this classic pub dish in Australia is a must.

Meat pies are everywhere, in convenience stores, bakeries, and grocery stores.  A flaky crust is filled with slow-cooked beef in a thick gravy, although there are many varieities.

Vegemite is an Australian staple that many Australians enjoy with their morning toast.  The key to this salty spread is to use it very sparingly!  It’s something you must try while in Australia so definitely give it a go!

Chicken chips are a popular potato chip flavor in Australia and New Zealand. 

The chips are flavored with chicken salt, originally created to season rotisserie chicken.  Chicken chips are in every chip aisle so we had to try it.  They tasted a bit like sour cream and onion and were quite tasty.

Sydney is one of our favorite cities in the world as it has so much to see and do, with friendly people, a stunning coastline, and a laid back atmosphere.  If you are considering a trip to Sydney, put the above on your list for the best things to see and do in this amazing city.

Read more!

Tags: , , , ,

Leave a Reply