Discover Sydney: Top Trendy Activities You Can’t-Miss

Sydney the icon is full of world-class attractions and cool things to do for every kind of traveller. From coastal walks and ferry rides to art galleries and famous landmarks there’s no shortage of things to get stuck into. Whether you’re visiting Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden or sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar in the city there’s always something happening in Sydney.

Here’s a list of the top cool things to do.

Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach

No trip to Sydney is complete without walking the Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach coastal walk. This 6km path has ocean, cliff and Shelly Beach views. You’ll pass by natural wonders like Camp Cove and scenic lookouts and hidden coves. Along the way you’ll find cozy cafes and weekend markets to stop for a break.

Bondi Beach, the surf capital of Sydney, has a buzz with trendy cafes, fresh seafood restaurants and boutique fashion shops along the promenade. It’s the perfect spot to sunbake, people watch and live the Sydney beach life.

Sydney Tours and Circular Quay

If you’re new to the city join a Sydney Tour and see the city’s landmarks and learn about its history. Start at Circular Quay, the ferry hub and gateway to the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Royal Botanic Garden. Circular Quay is also the departure point for the Manly ferries to Manly Beach and Lavender Bay which have harbour views as you cross.

For the more adventurous a bridge climb on the Sydney Harbour Bridge will give you a new perspective on the city. As you climb the world’s largest steel arch you’ll have city views, harbour views and beyond.

Art and Culture in Surry Hills and Oxford Street

For a more cultural experience Sydney’s art scene is in areas like Surry Hills and Oxford Street. These neighbourhoods are full of art galleries, fashion boutiques and Aboriginal art galleries. Visit the Paddington Markets for local made goods – from unique clothing to handcrafted jewellery – or Hyde Park Barracks for a taste of old Sydney.

Sydney has special exhibitions at museums and galleries like the White Rabbit Gallery which features contemporary Chinese art and the Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay. These are tourist and local favourites with interactive exhibitions and something for every kind of art lover.

Vivid Sydney

Sydney’s biggest event is Vivid Sydney, a festival of light, music and ideas. Held every winter Vivid Sydney turns Sydney Harbour into a light show at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The festival also includes talks, workshops and performances and attracts all sorts of visitors.

Make sure to check out the harbour views of Vivid Sydney from Watsons Bay or Sydney Tower Eye for the city views.

Rooftop Bars and Dining at Sydney’s Hotspots

Want to drink Sydney Harbour with a drink in hand? The city has plenty of rooftop bars with water, views and icons. Opera Bar, next to the Sydney Opera House, is a Sydney wedding venue and popular with tourists and locals. With the Harbour Bridge in the background, it’s the perfect spot for sunset drinks.

Other great rooftop bars include the Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks, where you can see the Sydney Tower and city skyline and Zephyr Rooftop Bar, where you can have evening cocktails over Darling Harbour.

Beaches at Palm Beach and the Northern Beaches

You can’t go to Sydney without getting out of the city and visiting the Northern Beaches. Palm Beach is famous for its white sand and blue water and was the location of the Australian soap opera Home and Away. The ferry from Circular Quay to Palm Beach at sunset is a romantic and beautiful way to see the harbour.

Further south you can also visit Camp Cove, a smaller more secluded beach with harbour views.

National Parks

Sydney is surrounded by nature with several national parks to choose from. Royal National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are favourite spots for both locals and tourists with hiking trails, waterfalls and wildlife. These national parks are an escape from the city and offer bushwalking, swimming in rock pools and picnicking with stunning views of the bush.

Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley

For a day trip out of the city head to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley. The Blue Mountains are famous for their arch bridges, hiking trails and range of activities and offer views of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and eucalyptus forests. Take a walking tour to see the region’s beauty or ride the scenic railway for a thrilling view of the canyon.

Or Hunter Valley is a shopper’s heaven for wine enthusiasts. It’s home to some of the country’s best wineries and has daily Sydney tours that include wine tastings, vineyard tours and gourmet dining.

See Sydney’s Wildlife at Taronga Zoo

For animal lovers Taronga Zoo is a must. Located on the Harbour, the zoo has all sorts of animals, including the famous Asian elephants. The ferry from Circular Quay to the zoo has great views of the city and the zoo is a great place to spend the day learning about Australian and exotic animals.