Australia

Top 30 things to do in Sydney

 

Surrounded by water and with the world-famous harbour at its heart, there’s no denying Sydney is a handsome city. Sydneysiders are a spoiled bunch with beautiful beaches, national parks, outdoor swimming pools and the great outdoors right on the doorstop. Quality of life in this city is pretty damn good, which is probably why its continuously voted one of the world’s most livable cities. Here are our top 30 picks of things to do in sun-drenched Sydney.

 

Sydney

Climb the Pylon Lookout
For epic views over the iconic Opera House, climb this lookout which is located on the Harbour Bridge. You’ll learn all about the construction of the largest steel arch bridge in the world as you climb the steps to the top.
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Sydney

Explore the boutiques in Paddington
Paddington is a shopaholic’s dream with all the Australian household names, as well as independent boutiques. Head to Zimmermann for unique prints, Hansen and Gretel for all things linen, Magali Pascal for silk dresses and Mecca for designer skincare.
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Sydney, Australia

Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
If there is one must-do coastal walk in Sydney, this is it. Start the morning with brunch in Bondi before venturing passed idyllic coves and pretty beaches. Favourite stops along the walk include Tamarama beach and Gordon’s Bay.
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Sydney

Drink tea at the Rabbit Hole
Turkish delight, tiramisu and ginger snap lattes are just a few of the concoctions you can expect to find at this whimsical tea bar. Not to mention their extensive menu of loose leaf tea and pretty brunch fare.
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Sydney

Sail a boat around the harbour
If you’ve got an occasion to celebrate, consider renting a boat and celebrating at sea whilst cruising around Sydney’s iconic harbour. It doesn’t have to be pricey as you can divide the costs between a big group of you.
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Sydney

Brunch at Boat House
Located right on the beach, the Boat House is one of Australia’s most iconic cafes with summery dishes and sky blue crockery. The brunch menu has all the classics of smashed avo, Bircher muesli and nourish bowls. Don’t leave without taking a snap of your coffee decorated with a chocolate-dusted anchor.
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Sydney

Take a dip at the Andrew Boy Charlton
The Andrew Boy Charlton is easily the most idyllic outdoor pool in Sydney. There is no better place to spend a hot and humid day in Sydney than swimming lengths at this sea water pool. Work up an appetite for a wholesome breakfast at their cafe and then spend the day relaxing on deck feeling the sea breeze coming off the ocean.
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Sydney

Paddington market
Every Saturday, Sydneysiders head to this trendy market in search of unique treasures in the form of Balinese wicker bags and soft suede espadrilles. Local fashion designers, craftspeople, jewellery makers and artists set up their stands and wait for the crowds to roll in.
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Sydney

Lunch at Bread & Circus
The breakfast and lunch dishes at this organic eatery are some of the best in Sydney. Think rainbow salads, fluffy bio-dynamic omelettes and crunchy sourdough, all served on pastel pink crockery.
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Sydney

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Located inside the beautiful Botanic Gardens, this lookout offers a perfect view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The chair itself is somewhat underwhelming, but the view wows me every time.
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Sydney

Sip on cocktails overlooking the Harbour Bridge
For a pinch-yourself Sydney moment, head to the Hotel Palisade for a cocktail or two. Inside you’ll find plush pink sofas and outside you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking view of the Harbour Bridge. Stay for lunch and order a few sharing platters from the seafood menu.
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Sydney

Visit Freshwater
This beachy suburb is where you’ll find some of Sydney’s trendiest boutiques, among them Kivari and Splice. Head to this area after your next pay day for a morning of shopping, followed by an afternoon of sunbathing at the uncrowded beach.
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Sydney

Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains
Save this one for a Sunday if you can, when the public transport is capped at $2.60 a day. Spend the day hiking trails through epic mountain ranges and cascading waterfalls.
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Sydney

Watch the sunrise over the Opera House
Wake up at the crack of dawn and head to Milsons Point train station. From here, you can make your way along the Harbour Bridge in the morning darkness and watch the city come to life as the sun rises just behind the Opera House.
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Sydney

Eat an acai bowl
Born in Brazil, but made fashionable in Australia, you can find acai bowls in all of Sydney’s beachside cafes. Grab it to go and enjoy it on the beach with sand between your toes.
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Sydney, Australia

Manly to Spit coastal walk
This 10km coastal track is worth every effort. The ever changing scenery passes through wide seascapes, shaded pathways, wisteria-framed bridges and sparkling water holes.
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Sydney

Watch a movie at the outdoor cinema
In the summer months, the Royal Botanic Garden hosts the city’s outdoor cinema and oh boy is it a good spot to watch a movie. The screen juts out from the sea with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in full view. The setup is on point with a bar, restaurant and benches to bring your own picnic.
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Sydney

Visit the MCA
Sydney’s museum of contemporary art showcases modern art from the across the world and hosts interactive exhibitions. Don’t miss the cafe terrace which has killer views of the Opera House and surprisingly gourmet fare.
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Sydney

Visit Balmain
Spend a day exploring this pretty residential area with its leafy cul-de-sacs and romantic terrace houses. Come on a Saturday to enjoy one of Sydney’s oldest markets and peruse the up-market boutiques. Don’t leave without getting a donut from Nutie (vegan options available).
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Sydney

The Grounds of Alexandria
One of the most charming places to spend a morning in Sydney, this outdoor market is complete with flower-covered decking, beautiful cafes and stands selling local honey and homemade lemonade. If you happen to be in Sydney for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, the Grounds will be decorated to match the festivities.
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Sydney

Take in the view at George’s Head lookout
This lookout offers sweeping views of the city, with none of the tourists. You can drive up to it or otherwise pass it on the Balmoral to Chowder Bay coastal walk. I would opt for the coastal track option if time allows.
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Sydney

Catch a ferry from Circular Quay
Surrounded by water, Sydney is a very special city. Catch a ferry from Circular Quay to get a glimpse of all the sights from the water.
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Sydney, Australia

Day trip to Palm beach
This breezy coastal town with its sparkling waters and golden sands makes for a perfect day trip. Hike the short trail to the heritage-listed Barrenjoey Lighthouse and if you’re lucky you might spot a pod of dolphins in the ocean below.
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Sydney

Visit Hornsby Lighthouse
This red and white pin-striped lighthouse has become an emblem of the city. Catch a ferry to Watson’s Bay and walk the short path to this iconic site. Be prepared for crashing waves and heavy winds.
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Sydney

Try vegan cashew nut ice cream
Who knew vegan ice cream could be this creamy? Don’t judge vegans until you try the peanut butter flavour at Chachas, located right opposite Bondi beach.
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Sydney

Visit Cronulla
Hop on a train to this beachside suburb to escape the crowds for a day. It has all the ingredients for a perfect day trip with beautiful beaches, sparkling rock pools, trendy surf shops and ice cream stands.
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Sydney

Eat brekkie like an Aussie
Breakfast is undeniably Australia’s national dish and trust me no country does it better. After all they did invent the ubiquitous avocado on toast and the flat white. If your dish doesn’t come with edible flowers, you’re entitled to send it back.
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Sydney

 

Visit the Archie Rose gin distillery
Served in pubs and clubs all over the city, Archie Rose is Sydney’s favourite gin. Enthusiasts can visit the distillery in central Sydney and learn all about the process. Right next door is the intimate bar flanked by a wall of aging whiskey barrels and a wicked gin menu.
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Sydney

Stock up on local produce at Carriageworks farmers market
This is where locals do their weekly grocery shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables. You’ll find local suppliers selling organic kombucha, freshly baked loafs, creamy cheeses and bouquets of flowers.
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Sydney

Make your own elixir at Orchard
Pick a vegan milk, superfood powder and flavour and they’ll make you a cup of magic that warms you from the inside out.
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Cristina – Memories of the Pacific says:

May 7, 2018 at 6:42 pm

I was in Sydney last august and fell in love with the city. My favorite things were The Grounds and sunset from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair,