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Sydney: Things To Do
Updated: 2024
OVERVIEW
One of the most beautifully located cities in the world, Sydney is all about life by the water and it's chock full of things to do. Iconic buildings, history, capital city attractions and "enjoying life" combine to create an unforgettable destination to visit.
Capital of New South Wales and home to approximately 5million people, Sydney is the biggest city in Australia. It's divided in two by the beautiful harbour, with most of the action(and CBD) on the southern side of the magnificent bridge.
You could do the main attractions in a couple of days, but you wouldn't get bored if you spent 2 weeks here. Take a look through the ranked list below to decide which 'things to do' in Sydney you want to do.
All Things To Do In Sydney
Ranked by popularity
See below for the section on Suburbs and Islands to visit in Sydney
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Visiting The Daintree and Cape TribulationThe Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Crocodile cruise, Daintree tours and Mossman gorge - all detailed above - can all be done in a single day trip from Port Douglas. You can do this by taking a tour but it can also be done by yourself. With little public transport options however, hiring a car would really be the only option. Links: - - Daintree Discovery Centre - Cape Trib Cruises - Aboriginal Dreamtime Walk - Kuku Yalanji crab hunting tours - River drift snorkelling Note that the ferry to cross the Daintree river is $30 per car return and long queues can form due to the limited space on board.
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Day tours / activities available in Port DouglasLinks to Day Tours / Activities mentioned above: - - Cape Trib Cruises - Lady Douglas river cruises - Horse riding - Hot Air Balloon ride - Helicopter flight - Microlight flight - Fly to a deserted island - Swim with Minke Whales - Stand up paddle board or surfing - Bike 'n' hike - Rainforest mountain bike tour - Devil thumb hike - Fishing - Ride a dirt bike - Ride a motortrike - Ride a segway - Coconut tour - Bush tour with 'Man and a dog' - Brett's outback tasting adventure
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Sunset cruises and SailingLinks to sunset cruises: - - Sailaway - Lady Douglas - Shaolin Sailing: - - Wavedancer - Escape
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Safety Tip - Swimming in Port DouglasFour Mile beach is the only beach you can swim at in Port Douglas - the inlet on the opposite side of town (around the marina) has a high risk of crocodiles being present. Crocs can be found at Four Mile beach too, but it is rare and lifeguards are watching out for them. Stinger (jellyfish) season comes with a stinger net that protects an area of the beach near to the town centre, so be sure to use this when advised (usually November to May). Always follow the advice on the warning signs and only swim between the flags where the lifeguards are present. More info here and here. Other swimming options include your hotel swimming pool (most have them) or freshwater swimming holes that are too cold for crocs (see above).
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Inner City Suburbs To Visit In Sydney
Aside from the suburbs like Woolloomooloo and Manly mentioned above, there are a few others not too far from the CBD that you may wish to visit.
INNER CITY - SOUTH
Darlinghurst
Here you will find an area focused very much on entertainment. If you want a drink, bite to eat, live music or clubbing, you will find it here. This is also the main gay and lesbian area of Sydney and host of the annual mardi gras on Oxford Street.
Click here for more info.
Surry Hills
South of Darlinghurst, this area is full of interesting shops and more good nightlife and food options.
The Belvoir Street Theatre is well respected. There are some art galleries to check out here too.
Click here for more info.
Redfern + Waterloo
Further south still, these two areas used to be no-go areas. They are still a little rough, but have been gentrified by creatives with galleries, shops, a comedy club, restaurants, a market and an aboriginal dance theatre.
Click here for more info.
INNER CITY - WEST
Pyrmont
The main attractions - the fish market and star casino - have been mentioned already.
You may also find of interest, Pyrmont point park, beautiful historic buildings in Union square, colonial heritage spread around the area and the historic Jones Bay Wharf.
Click here for more info.
Chippendale
Just west of Central train station is this small area with a couple of interesting points. The modern and sustainable Central Park building features greenery up the building and an overhanging "mirror", plus a mall at the bottom. White Rabbit is a multi level art gallery.
Click here for more info.
Balmain
Located on the peninsula directly west of the harbour bridge, Balmain has some great views along Darling Street that leads down to a small park and the ferry wharf.
It has a village like feel and features many boutique shops, lovely pubs and Balmain markets.
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Newtown
Just after Sydney Uni and Carriageworks, Newtown is a thriving creative centre. King street is where is all happens and you'll find great places to eat and shop, including a book arcade, and the two theatres.
Click here for more info.
Leichhardt
This area is Sydney's little Italy. Head here if you want some fine food or a cultural tour.
Click here for more info.
EAST OF THE CBD
Paddington
Just east of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, this area is known for it's shopping along Oxford Street and in the Paddington Markets on Saturdays. There are lots of nice streets and old houses to have a wander past in this 'heritage village'.
Click here for more info.
Double Bay
North east of Paddington is Double Bay, a harbourside area with more shops and cafe's, plus the added benefit of being between Darling point and Point Piper, where you can find expensive mansions to be jealous of and parts of the walk that starts at the nearby Rushcutters park. Seven Shillings beach is a good place for swim in the enclosed tidal swimming pool.
Click here for more info.
Neilson Park
Beside Vaucluse is this waterside park which sits perfectly facing back across the entire harbour. Aside from the spectacular views, it features the historic Greycliffe House, picnic areas, shark beach and a cafe.
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Watson's Bay
Right at the end of the peninsula is the historic centre that started as a fishing village (Australia's oldest) not long after colonial settlement. It's a short walk from the harbourside to the ocean side, at the Gap lookout. The southern head heritage trail and national park is just north(see above). There is an aboriginal culture tour available, waterside restaurants and the secluded camp cove beach.
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Coogee
Heading south from Watson's bay will bring you to Bondi, which then leads onto Bronte and Coogee (see above for the walk). Coogee is smaller and quieter than Bondi but still with some life and party to it and a worthwhile place to visit for the quaint beach, swimming baths and laidback vibe.
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NORTH OF THE HARBOUR
Middle Harbour
This is the largest inlet of the harbour and can be explored on foot from middle head and on the Spit to Manly walk or is also great if you can get on a boat or kayak.
Balmoral Beach
Here you will find a great beach that's as big as a lot of Sydney's coastal beaches, but here it's sheltered from the waves. There is a netted section of water with swimming lanes at the southern end. You can hire kayaks, take a sailing lesson or hire stand-up paddle boards.
Click here for more info.
IN THE HARBOUR
Islands
Beside Cockatoo Island mentioned above, there are some smaller spots you can try and get too: -
Goat Island
Closest to Balmain but a stones throw from Barangaroo and the CBD, this historic island is perfectly positioned for fantastic views. You can visit on a heritage tour from Circular Quay to discover the convict history and incredible views.
Click here for more info.
Fort Denison
On the opposite side of the bridge and perfectly positioned for defence, this tiny island fort can usually be visited on a tour but it is currently closed for conservation work until the end of 2021.
Click here for more info.
Shark Island
Positioned between Bradleys head and Neilson park, this is the last island before the ocean. The island is largely empty(a gazebo and toilets) and provides an incredibly unique place for a picnic. Get here via a tour operator from circular quay, such as captain cook cruises.
Click here for more info.
Clark Island
This island is located between Shark island and Fort Denison. It is another picnic spot but rockier and with more foliage. It can only be reached by private vessel or water taxi.
Click here for more info.
AUTHORED BY
Christopher Jubb, Founder of Travel Unpacked
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