Ten Attractions in Sydney that You Should Not Miss

 

First time to Sydney? Even if you haven’t been here in a while, here are ten attractions that you really shouldn’t miss experiencing, even if it’s for the second or third time!

 

sydney opera house photo
Photo by filipecastilhos

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is Australia’s most-iconic building and one of the 20th century’s most famous and distinctive buildings. Best of all, it’s free to explore. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a host to over 1,500 performances annually.
Location: Bennelong Point Bennelong Point NSW 2000
Online: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/

 

Sydney Harbour National Park photo
Photo by Brian Giesen

Sydney Harbour National Park

Sydney Harbour National Park includes a number of islands, foreshore areas, swimming spots, bushwalking tracks and picnic areas.
Location: Sydney Harbour Sydney Harbour NSW 2000
Online: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

 

Taronga Zoo Sydney photo
Photo by Bob Linsdell

Taronga Zoo Sydney

Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals.
Location: Bradleys Head Road Mosman NSW 2088 Aust
Online: https://www.taronga.org.au

 

sydney Royal Botanic Garden photo
Photo by cherry-blossom1

Royal Botanic Garden and the Domain

Wrapped around Sydney Harbour is an oasis of 30 hectares right in the heart of the city. Royal Botanic Garden offers spectacular views over Sydneys iconic harbour and bridge along with themed garden areas. Fascinatingly, it is the oldest scientific institution in Australia and home to an amazing collection of plants, many rare and threatened, from Australia and overseas.
Location: Mrs Macquaries Road Sydney NSW
Online: https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/

 

Art Gallery of New South Wales photo
Photo by roryrory

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Featuring five levels of Australian art, Aboriginal art, European, Asian treasures and leading local and international contemporary art.
Location: Art Gallery Road Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Online: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/

 

Hyde Park Barracks photo
Photo by denisbin

Hyde Park Barracks

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks provides an insight into Australia’s convict foundations and its impact on Aboriginal Australia through 4000 original artefacts and groundbreaking audio technology.
Location: Queens Square Macquarie Street Sydney NS
Online: http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au

 

Paddys Markets photo
Photo by Brian Giesen

Paddys Markets at Haymarket

With a history dating over 150 years, Paddy’s Markets over 1000 stalls featuring food, fashion, gifts and gadgets in a lively market atmosphere.
Location: Hay Street Corner of Thomas Street, Haymarket
Online: http://www.paddysmarkets.com.au/

 

Sydney Tower Eye photo
Photo by Pablo Rodríguez Madroño

Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney Tower Eye offers 360 degree views over the city including the spectacular harbour, beaches and even the Blue Mountains. There’s also a 4D theatre to enjoy.
Location: Pitt Street Level 5, Westfield Sydney
Online: http://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/

 

Australian Museum photo
Photo by Sydney Heritage

Australian Museum

Established in 1827, the recently refurbished Australian Museum (AM) is Australia’s first museum. The museum introduces the unique flora, fauna, the cultures of Australia, and much more.
Location: 1 William Street (opposite Hyde Park)
Online: https://australianmuseum.net.au/

 

bondi beach photo
Photo by D-Stanley

Bondi Beach

A great way to take in the spectacular Bondi beach is via the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk featuring beautiful coastline vistas, beaches and cafe culture. The six kilometer walk also passes Waverley Cemetery, a resting place of the famous Australian poet and writer Henry Lawson.
Location: Begins at the southern end of Bondi Beach
Online: https://www.sydney.com