Whether you just moved to Sydney or are here on vacation, here is a list of the 30 best tourist attractions in Sydney. From the best zoos and cruises to museums and beaches, this list has everything you need to know about Sydney attractions.
Top Best 30 Tourist Attractions in Sydney
Welcome to Sydney, a fascinating city with the best of Australia tourist attractions, that captures the attention of tourists from all over the world. Sydney, is an energetic metropolis that blends natural beauty, historical museums, delectabled restaurants and a flourishing cultural scene. Some Sydney tourist attractions will amaze and thrill tourists of all ages and interests. Tourist attractions in Sydney are one of Australia's most well-known destinations. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the best places to visit in Sydney as you see the enchantment of the city come to life before your eyes. Embark on this adventure with us as we explore the top 30 of the best tourist attractions in Sydney has to offer here:
1. Sydney Opera House
Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney, New South Wales
Review: “Great iconic location to visit! Beautiful architecture and amazing to know the history of how it was built.”
The Sydney opera house is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the world's greatest icons. The building is shaped like sails or shells and is surrounded by water. You can relax at one of the restaurants there or enjoy a photo shoot by the harbour cruise or take a detailed tour of the Opera House, where you will find studios, a concert hall, a cinema, theatres and exhibitions. The ticket lets you join any tours on that day between 9 am to 5 pm that takes place every half hour. This is definitely one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sydney.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Address: 5 Cumberland Street, Sydney, New South Wales
Review: “A world heritage landmark bridge. The main attraction of Sydney is the Harbour bridge. It was an amazing experience seeing a bridge on a ferry or cruise.”
This is the world's largest steel arch bridge and was built in 1932, supported by 2 huge piers on each end of it. It is also nicknamed the ‘Coathanger’. There are many activities you can do near the Sydney Harbour Bridge, One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sydney. You can cruise under it on a boat or drive over it or go over it on a train, but the most fun activity you can do is climb the 135-meter-high summit. It takes approximately 3.5 hours to get to the top of the outer arch, and this iconic bridge connects the north and south shores. Be sure not to miss the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of the most exhilarating tourist attractions in Sydney.
3. Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Address: Aquarium Wharf Darling Harbour NSW 2000 Australia
Review: “While the other reviews were complaining about the number of children, remember this is an attraction for families.”
This aquarium has the most extraordinary journey of the underwater world. It has 9 themed zones that you visit to encounter over 700 different species, and this is one of the largest collections of Australian aquatic sea life. You can wander through the Jurrasic Seas and Dugong Island and the underwater shark valley. There's an underwater tunnel where you can come face to face with sharks and meet the Dugong. You can watch the iconic Great Barrier Reef transform its beauty from day to night, making this one of the best tourist attractions in Sydney.
4. Australian Museum
Location: 1 William Street (opposite Hyde Park) Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Review: “The museum has some genuinely rare and special exhibits. Its collection of preserved Australian birds is impressive, for example.”
The Australian Museum is the oldest in Australia being founded in 1827, and now has over 21.1 million objects focusing on Australia and the Pacific and is an internationally recognised culture and natural science institution. There is access to all the permanent exhibitions, and the Prehistoric Playground that hosts all kinds of activities, like an interactive dinosaur design station and a fossil lab. This should definitely be on your list of tourist attractions in Sydney to visit.
5. Taronga Zoo Sydney
Location: Bradleys Head Road Mosman NSW 2088 Australia
Review: "Bird enclosure / exhibits are the real standouts of this zoo. Bug exhibit needs significant work (would love to see a butterfly enclosure similar to Melbourne's."
The Taronga Zoo is open 365 days a year and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sydney. The admission includes the daily shows, Sydney's only cable car and access to the Sky Safari. Featuring some of the world's most spectacular birds are the QBE Free Flight bird show and the Daily seal show, which has Australian and Californian sea lions who will blow your mind with their grace and skill. This zoo has over 4,000 animals that are native Australian as well as endangered and rare exotic animals. This is definitely one of the tourist attractions in Sydney, with a lot of fun things to do, like tackle obstacles, cross suspension bridges and more!
6. Manly Beach
Location: North Steyne Manly NSW 2095 Australia
Review: “Beautiful beach with a large stretch along the shoreline including designated swimming and surfing areas.”
Manly beach was where the first surfing contest was held in 1964, and it has a 1.5 km Norfolk pine-lined golden beach. A lot of people learn surfing on these prized waves, and snorkelling and diving are also popular here. There are plenty of activities to do here, from playing volleyball and visiting the endless cafes and restaurants here, making this one of the best tourist attractions in Sydney. There is also a good selection of vegan restaurants in Sydney that you should check out.
7. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Location: Starts at the southern end of Bondi Beach, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
Review: “Highly, highly recommend this walk as it was the highlight of our trip to Sydney.”
This is a 6 km which is medium to easy with a steep section and takes about 2 hours to finish, but it's more fun to explore the cafes and beaches along the way and take a dip in the ocean. This is one of the tourist attractions in Sydney where part of the walk is transformed with the Sculptures by the sea exhibition every spring.
8. Queen Victoria Building
Location: 455 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Review: “I just have three words; Enchanting, enticing and elegant!”
The Queen Victoria Building occupies a whole block on George street and has some of the finest jewellery stores, homewares, boutiques and cafes and restaurants. This quickly became one of the more popular tourist attractions in Sydney and is now one of the most popular and prestigious shopping centres. The centre dome, where the Christmas tree goes every year, is majestic, and the most beautiful stained glass windows is what you will find here at one of the most majestic tourist attractions in Sydney.
9. Captain Cook Cruises
Location: Circular Quay Wharf 6, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Review: “I was surprised to visit here. Such a visual treat it is to visit this place.”
This is one of the premier Sydney harbour cruises, and its fleet offers private charters from 2 to 2000 guests. There are many kinds of cruises you can opt for that offer fine dining, lunch, dinner and high tea, along with sightseeing and stops at the top tourist attractions in Sydney, like Taronga zoo, Many and Circular Quay. They offer a variety of private charters for special events like Christmas, Boxing day, New Years' eve and a lot more making it the best Sydney’s attractions.
10. Tribal Warrior
Location: Cope St, Redfern NSW 2016, Australia
Review: “This is a fascinating place and everyone should visit this place once in a lifetime!”
This is a 2 hour long journey where you get to hear the stories from Guringai, Cardigan and many more. Here you can enjoy and relax with the Aboriginal crew and hosts. There is also an authentic Aboriginal Cultural performance you can watch. This is the only Aboriginal-owned and operated Aboriginal cultural cruise and was started in 1998. You can also refuel yourself at some of the best restaurants in Sydney.
11. Sydney Harbour National Park
Location: Manly NSW 2095 Australia
Review: "What a surprise this place turned out to be! I had no idea it existed."
This park is definitely one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Sydney. It protects a variety of islands, foreshore areas and harbours. There are so many trails, picnic spots and a huge range of other activities you can enjoy. You can take a walk in the park's cultural history and enjoy the beautiful coastline and can find convict-built buildings and military fortifications and a heritage lighthouse.
12. Cockatoo Island
Location: Cockatoo Island Sydney Harbour NSW 2000 Australia
Review: “It is so cheap and so beautiful! A must visit!”
The Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal People call this island Wareamah, and it was a former convict penal establishment and naval shipyard, and it is located in the heart of Sydney Harbour. There are waterfront cafes, paranormal tours and guided tours to enjoy, and this is just a ferry ride away. Be sure to visit this as it is one of the more unique tourist attractions in Sydney.
13. Royal Botanic Garden and the Domain
Location: Mrs Macquaries Road Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Review: “It is the prettiest garden here in Sydney. I prefer going here every month!”
Located in the heart of Sydney, this is a 30-hectare paradise, and there is plenty of natural beauty to enjoy. It is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the country and also one of the prettiest tourist attractions in Sydney. It has a number of different plants and abroad and is also home to rare plants and a romantic rose garden to visit with your partner. You can also get some nice refreshments at some of the best cafes in Sydney.
14. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Location: Art Gallery Road Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Review: "An outstanding gallery, truly the mainstay of Sydney’s art scene."
This Art gallery is visited by over 1 million people every year, and admission is free, like most of the permanent galleries and most events. It is located very close to the city centre and overlooks the Sydney harbour. The cafes and restaurants offer the best refreshments, and the gift shop has the cutest little gifts. The guided tours are offered in many languages so don't miss this, one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Sydney.
15. Capitol Theatre
Location: 13 Campbell Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Review: "Very nice venue that looks really cool on the inside."
This is one of the tourist attractions in Sydney that you don't visit just for a show; you visit for a whole experience and a total night out. The elegant bars and beautifully curated drinks are a great way to start the night early before you enjoy one of their theatre, ballet, concerts, musicals or performances.
16. Museum of Contemporary Art Australia - MCA
Location: 140 George Street The Rocks NSW 2000 Australia
Review: "Really loved this museum! Free entry and so much good stuff to see! I spend a couple hours here exploring"
This museum has contemporary art from all over the world, and Australia exhibited here which makes it one of the best Sydney’s attractions. It is located in the former Maritime building at Circular Quay and is an excellent example of late Art Deco Architecture. There are free guided tours, and they display over 4000 different artists placing a strong emphasis on Aboriginal And Torres Strait artists.
17. The Star Sydney
Address: 80 Pyrmont Street Pyrmont NSW 2009 Australia
Review: “I have been there so many times and everytime it is so great!”
This Premier tourist attraction in Sydney features the most award-winning fine dining experience bars, restaurants, cafes, five-star accommodations and spas and a nightclub, World class casino and designer retail arcade. The star is home to The star event centre and the Sydney Lyric theatre.
18. Bondi Beach
Location: Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
Review: “It's one of the best Australian beaches!”
A nice breakfast at the beach after a morning dip in the sea sounds like heaven, and that's what you get here at Bondi beach, one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Sydney. There are plenty of showers by the beach to wash off the sand, and you can also walk along the Sculpture by the Sea sculpture exhibit in October and November. You can also check out some of the best museums in Sydney.
19. Sydney Zoo
Address: 700 Great Western Highway Bungarribee NSW 2767 Australia
Review: "A decent zoo with a good collection of animals from across the globe!"
This new zoo is one of Sydney's tourist attractions, having more than 4000 native and exotic animals from all over the world. There is also an aquarium and Australia's biggest reptile and nocturnal house. You can get a cute photo with a koala at the koala trail and many more such activities. You can watch kangaroos play and stand tall next to a giraffe and also ride in the huge giant wheel. This zoo is also extremely accessible, with no steps or hills.
20. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Address: Aquarium Wharf (right next to Sea Life Sydney Aquarium) Darling Harbour NSW 2000 Australia
Review: "I accidentally booked tickets thinking this was the Sydney zoo in western Sydney. It was a happy accident!"
This zoo is home to the Aussie big 5. You can hang out with Ringo the wombat at the Wallaby Cliffs or take an iconic picture with cute koalas at Koala encounters. There is also a Kangaroo walk to walk amongst them, and you can find Jackie, the platypus, at the Platypus Pool. If you dare, you can also visit Rocky the Saltwater Croc at Kakadu Gorge! This is one of the top tourist attractions in Sydney for sure.
21. Luna Park
Address: 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, Sydney, New South Wales
Review: "Luna Park is just an amazing place for all ages. There is something for everyone and some amazing views of the Sydney Opera house and Sydney Harbour bridge."
Luna Park is a well-known Sydney's tourist attraction that promises unending fun and excitement for guests of all ages. From traditional Ferris wheels and carousels to heart-pounding roller coasters and gravity-defying thrill rides, Luna Park offers many thrilling rides. There are always live performances, street entertainers, and games of skill taking place around the park. A day filled with hilarity, excitement, and priceless memories is guaranteed at Luna Park.
22. Centennial Parklands
Location: Centennial Park, Woollahra, New South Wales
Review: “It's the best place in Sydney for picnics”
Vast open landscapes, sloping meadows and serene ponds welcome you as you enter Centennial Parklands. The plethora of picnic places and shaded locations makes it the top attraction in Sydney for a laid-back get-together with friends or family. A network of hiking and biking trails can be found throughout the park, which includes marshes, gardens, and woodlands. Centennial Parklands is a true gem with its serene ambiance and picturesque landscapes.
23. Barangaroo Reserve
Address: Hickson Road, Barangaroo, New South Wales
Review: "A native Australian flora reserve set alongside the harbour that makes for a great place for a stroll or run."
Barangaroo Reserve, a beautiful waterfront park that perfectly combines modern design with indigenous history, is located on the western fringe of Sydney's CBD. This 14-acre reserve, named after a prominent indigenous woman named Barangaroo, proves to be top attractions in Sydney. There is always something going on that celebrates Sydney's rich culture, from outdoor concerts and cultural festivals to art installations and social gatherings. A must-see location, it displays how history and contemporary coexist peacefully.
24. Watsons Bay
Location: Military Road, Watsons Bay
Review: “Best experience I ever had in my life was at Watsons Bay.”
Watsons Bay is a lovely harborside community that offers a fusion of natural beauty and a laid-back coastal attitude. It is located on the southern head of Sydney Harbour. Watsons Bay; top attraction in Sydney is a popular getaway for both locals and visitors looking for a peaceful retreat from the city because of its breathtaking vistas, sand beaches, and rich nautical heritage. Don't forget to stop by Robertson Park, a stunning public park with a view of the harbor. You can relax here in the shade of the trees, have a picnic with loved ones, or just take in the views of Sydney's attractions.
25. Paddy’s Markets
Location: Haymarket, Sydney
Review: "A variety of products to buy from groceries to souvenirs at cheap prices."
Another top attraction in Sydney is Paddy's Markets, which is recognised for its products, including gourmet foods and fresh vegetables as well as apparel, accessories, electronics, and mementoes. Paddy's Markets' food court is amazing, which tempts taste buds with a variety of exotic cuisines. There is food to fulfil every taste, from Middle Eastern delicacies and Asian street food to Mediterranean flavours and classic Australian dishes. Paddy's Markets offers both quick snacks and full meals, making it the most reasonable attraction in Sydney.
26. Chinese Garden of Friendship
Address: Pier Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales
Review: "I totally live this place is easy to access and you can walk for a fair price."
This lovely garden gives a tranquil retreat from the busy city and offers a peek into Chinese traditions. It was created in the form of a traditional Chinese garden. Pagodas, pavilions, bridges, and water features are just a few of the classic Chinese features you'll see as you stroll through the garden. These architectural wonders offer a stunning backdrop for introspection and thought because of their complex detailing and vibrant ornamentation. The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a must-see Sydney's tourist attraction, whether you're looking for solitude or just a brief moment of peace.
27. Sydney Tower Eye
Address: 100 Market St, Sydney, New South Wales
Review: “Experience was amazing! obviously stunning views, pristine weather and just a good all round vibe.”
The Sydney Tower Eye, which dominates Sydney's skyline, provides an unrivalled bird's-eye view of the city and its stunning environs. This Sydney's attraction offers guests a genuinely breathtaking experience and the ability to view the city from new heights since it is the tallest building in Sydney. The Sydney Tower Eye offers a mesmerising perspective that highlights the majesty of Sydney's skyline, making a trip there an essential component of experiencing the city.
28. Hyde Park
Address: Elizabeth St, Sydney
Review: “A must-stop for anyone who loves trees, big trees, visiting Sydney.”
Hyde Park is well known for its verdant lawns, imposing trees, and perfectly kept gardens. The Archibald Fountain, the park's main walkway, passes through a tranquil setting and lends the area a touch of elegance. Significant monuments that reflect Sydney's history and heritage can be found in this Sydney tourist attractions. The Anzac Memorial, built in honour of Australia's armed personnel, serves as a mournful monument shedding light on the country's experiences during World War II. There are peaceful places for remembering in the Sandringham Gardens and Pool of Reflection.
29. Circular Quay
Address: 50 Bridge Street, Sydney
Review: “Always a fantastic experience being here”
Sydney's Circular Quay is a Sydney's tourist attraction, a lively meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. It is an iconic and energetic waterfront district. The quay is surrounded by lively promenades, cafes, bars and eateries that urge you to sit back and take in the lively environment while savouring a cup of coffee or a mouthwatering meal. Circular Quay is bustling with market stalls, street performers, and artists, which gives the area a lively and festive vibe.
30. Sydney Observatory
Address: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000
Review: “Visited a while ago. Very well preserved. Facilities and information provided. Great lookout of the harbor views. Nice walk and fresh air that is just in the city. Definitely recommend a visit.”
The Sydney Observatory blends scientific advancement and historical significance. It is perched atop Observatory Hill, overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour. In addition to stargazing, the Sydney Observatory provides exhibitions and hands-on activities that highlight the development of astronomy and the observatory's role in scientific study. You can look around the exhibits that detail the observatory's rich history and its contributions to Australian astronomy, meteorology, and timekeeping. This is one of the top attractions in Sydney which promises an extraordinary journey of research and enlightenment. Make sure you checkout the best bars in Sydney where you can have a gala of a time. Along with that don't miss out the best cafes in Sydney.
These were the top 30 tourist attractions in Sydney that you should definitely not miss. From the sunniest beaches to the best art, museums and zoos, Sydney has a little bit of everything. This is one trip you won't forget. Check out some of the best student accommodations in Sydney with amber!