Top Things to do in Sydney
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney offers plenty of historical and contemporary Australian flavor. The marvelous Sydney Opera House looks like a great origami sailboat, floating peacefully in a harbor. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of The Rocks and then take in a street performance on the Circular Quay before heading into the Museum of Contemporary Art. The views from the Sydney Tower Eye observatory are epic – use this chance to get to know the layout of the city from high above.
Restaurants in Sydney
1. Sydney Harbour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21,842 reviews
Secluded beaches, quiet coves and soaring headlands predominate this harbor, which is considered one of the world's most beautiful.
Reviewed By 410bernadetteh - Sydney, Australia
Amazing ! Best way to explore is by ferry ⛴ stopping at islands such as Cockatoo to explore, shopping areas such as Balmain, Watson Bay, the iconic Luna Park, Lavender Bay, Circular Quay - The Rocks area, markets, pubs, the Opera House, too many to mention.
2. Hyde Park Barracks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,112 reviews
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in the heart of Sydney, the Hyde Park Barracks is an extraordinary living record of early colonial Australia. Originally built to house convicts, the barracks has also served as an immigration depot, asylum, law courts and government offices. Today, you can discover the stories of the Hyde Park Barracks through a self-guided immersive experience that will feel like stepping back in time. Using our groundbreaking interactive audio technology, you’ll follow in the footsteps of real people whose lives were touched by this place – male convicts, immigrants and women in need, as well as the Aboriginal nations that were impacted by colonial Australia.
Reviewed By 338siddharthb - Seattle, United States
I came here last year in November, when it wasn't closed. I didn't pay the 12$ admission regardless, as it was very high but there is a lot to see in the grounds itself without entering the museum. This is the site where the "undesirables" were kept in prison camps in the famed "Australia as a prison convict colony" after Sydney stopped being an open air prison, people complained and put them in these barracks. Look in the original prison, see the crumbled rooms and stop by at least once to see this relic from Sydney's old colonial past.
3. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,074 reviews
The Art Gallery of New South Wales acknowledges the traditional custodians of the country on which it is located, the Gadigal of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. From its magnificent site in Sydney, the Art Gallery of NSW is one of Australia’s flagship art museums and the state’s leading visual arts institution. Our mission is to serve the widest possible audience as a centre of excellence for the collection, preservation, documentation, interpretation and display of Australian and international art, and a forum of scholarship, art education and the exchange of ideas.
Reviewed By borrum - London, United Kingdom
Open daily and free entry, the gallery houses impressive collections of classic and contemporary Australian, Asian and Aboriginal paintings, photographs, drawings and sculptures. European masters also are well represented. Interesting and informative schedule of free guided tours, as well as presentations and discussion groups. The restaurant and comfortable coffee shop are good value too.
4. St. Mary's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,050 reviews
Reviewed By lauraajw - Sydney, Australia
This is actually my local parish. I have always loved this cathedral as its located next to hyde park, a very short walk to both St. James & Museum station, and close walk to Sydneys Westfield, the harbour, and the botanical gardens & domain. Inside is lovely & has a really nice gift shop too. The stain glass windows are my favourite part of this cathedral. Its also very popular for weddings and you can get amazing wedding photos here. Holds mass regularly including the full Latin mass, also had midnight christmas mass!
5. Sydney Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,775 reviews
Built in 1858 Sydney Observatory is a fascinating heritage site and public observatory. The quintessential visit is a night tour of 90 minute duration which includes telescope viewing and a Space Theatre experience with a planetarium experience in cloudy weather. Night tours ($18/22 adult) must be booked and prepaid. Day tours are designed for tourists and include a Planetarium 'virtual sky' experience, solar viewing (weather permitting) and a Space Theatre in 30-40 minute tours. Entry to the Observatory is free during the day, tours are a small extra charge ($10 adult or you can use the iventure Sydney card) but well worth it to experience astronomy and solar viewing with an astronomer.
Reviewed By IgnatiusJBath
Intimate and enthralling. Mitch, our guide was Mr Personality, we learned so much and enjoyed every minute in his company. To handle 19th century telescopes was like feeling history and he even calibrated the night sky to Tassie time for our subsequent trip to Hobart - and thanks to him we saw the Southern Cross and the Space Shuttle the next week. One of the best free things we've done, but spend a little on the tour; you won't regret it.
6. Darling Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,319 reviews
Scenic entertainment complex that features shops, restaurants, museums and other tourist attractions.
Reviewed By Angela1066_11 - Colchester, United Kingdom
Darling Harbour is very family friendly with lots to see and do restaurants galore fireworks every Saturday night a paddling pool area for children and ferries to most places love this place x
7. The Rocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,902 reviews
Reviewed By PapaDonCdn
Great craft breweries, great craft stores and the street market where artists could sell their art was wonderful
8. Manly Scenic Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,714 reviews
A 10km scenic walkway taking in the breathtaking sites from the Spit Bridge to Manly Wharf. Pass through bushlands, beaches,and majestic viewpoints this is a walk not to be missed.
Reviewed By GBertoldi - Sydney, Australia
Taking the bus to the Spit bridge was easy from Wynyard station. The are has toilets and BBQ’s and a resting area to start. When you start the walk you start already with some beautiful scenery and forest area. Plenty of opportunities for photos along the way and the journey climbs and climbs until you get through to the national park and it’s highest peak with breathtaking views form to points round to the top of the city. Plenty of places to stop and rest or even have a quick dip. Don’t underestimate the 3-4hour walk and pack some water and snacks for the journey in case. But there are cafes along the way as well. Finishing in Manly and then taking the ferry back home to the city was a good experience and well rounded trip. Would do it again but a little earlier and with the help of daylight savings to be able to finish with a swim in Manly. I added a map for the one area where you can get a little lost and the signage isn’t the best. Just try and follow the line of the water and beach. You do have to walk on the “beach” or sand and along the water with no path. Then you’re back on track at the end of the beach.
9. Sydney Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,250 reviews
One of the most iconic buildings in the world – the Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and vibrant performance space. It's a place where the past shapes the future, where conventions are challenged and cultures are celebrated. Step inside and discover the stories that make the Opera House so inspiring. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a first-timer or an aficionado, the Sydney Opera House has something for everyone.
Reviewed By francismP2333IV
We have been travelling around in Australia for 9 weeks with friends from Austria and Switzerland. Today we visited the Sydney Opera House at 11:15am. The guides name was Bella. Lovely energetic young lady! It was the BEST, and only tour in the entire of Australia that my friends understood every word of the places she took us to today. Wonderful and very articulate when she speaks. Clear concise and entertaining. It was exactly one hour tour with fantastic stories, great photo opportunities, brilliant setup of lights for the illusionist and the “bumping out” and maintenance of the Joan Sutherland Theatre! Finally tour concluding with a happy ending in the Utzon Room. The building truly is remarkable inside and out with fantastic people working. Must see for all. We are glad we did this and took our friends here today! Do the tour!
10. Bondi Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,715 reviews
Bondi Beach is famous for its glistening ocean, pristine sands, reliable surf and seaside spirit. It's laid back coastal lifestyle, cafe culture, boutique shops and thriving, eclectic community is equally enticing.
Reviewed By Boating0804 - San Juan, Caribbean
Having beautiful beaches at my country home and visiting the most beautiful beaches in the world I can say that bondi is almost perfect. The sand is soft and white as you can get, the sea is a beautiful blue BUT the water is freezing cold. That is the reason I don’t give it a 10 but an 7. Despite that, the vibe, sand sea and restaurants around makes it great. Be aware, if you go with kids, that there are ton of topless all around.
