Sydney's a big place - even long-time locals keep discovering hidden gems. As a harbour city famous for its stunning beaches, it's only natural that many of these secret sweet spots are of the natural kind. Think quiet coves for picnics and swimming, and public gardens with water views. But let's not forget that Sydney is not just big on nature, it's full of culture, cuisine and all sorts of cool things to do.
Sydney Central Business District, Sydney
This is a beautiful quiet space in the middle of a big city. We just wandered in to see and smell the rose gardens. It turns out there are great tours, shopping and dining at the Calyx, and workshops.
Bronte, Sydney
Bondi is lots more famous but Bronte is great. You can watch surfers (or surf yourself), sun or swim in the waves on the beach, or swim in the pool, which has ocean water flowing in. These natural ocean pools are phenomenal. Not used to them in the US.
Watsons Bay, Sydney
Wedged in between Watsons Bay and Camp Cove lies this scenic rocky point, an immensely picturesque spot that offers unimpeded views across to the city skyline. Explore the rocks, look out for wildlife, or just enjoy the postcard-perfect vista.
Manly, Sydney
Manly says it's "Seven miles from Sydney and 1,000 miles from care." It really is just a short ferry ride from Sydney Harbour, but it has a great beach and some spots for shopping/dining. Get a weekly Sydney Opal Card to pay for ferry, buses, train...
Sydney Central Business District, Sydney
This museum seems to have a bit of everything. The dinosaur skeletons are impressive of course, but I particularly liked the entomology section. Tens of thousands of insects are displayed with lots of info about them. Look for the skeleton smoking a pipe (or drinking a Starbucks or doing something else normal) in a rocking chair with his loyal dog (skeleton) sitting next to him.
Sydney Central Business District, Sydney
This combines seeing a first-run movie on a huge screen, having a picnic under the stars, and viewing great scenery. We didn't learn about this until several days into our visit to Sydney and it took us a few more days before we could get tickets, but it was worth it!
Haymarket, Sydney
Amid the mayhem of Chinatown is an alleyway decorated with a mural by local artist Jason Wing. Come in the evening when hanging neon figures illuminate the walls. Apparently the work represents Australia's indigenous and Chinese cultures.
Eastern Suburbs, Sydney
A historic house with it's own private beach that's open to the public
Manly, Sydney
Shelley Beach. Just walk to the left of Manly beach and you'll find a beautiful scenic 20 min walk over to Shelley Beach. On the way there are great waterfront cafes and once at Shelley Beach there is great snorkeling and The Boat House restaurant which is so beautiful. Move away from Manly beach and explore the lesser known Shelley Beach
Chippendale, Sydney
In the grounds of the city's central train terminal is a haunting and cavernous gothic structure with a bizarre past. It started life as a passageway to transport the deceased to a nearby cemetery and then late became a pancake restaurant. So, yeah, you've got to come here.
Paddington, Sydney
On the otherwise bustling Oxford Street is a serene oasis called Paddington Reservoir Gardens. The beauty in its tranquility is that it is a sunken garden and sheltered from the noise. So drop by after a shopping spree to enjoy the hanging gardens, lawns and arcades.
Palm Beach, Sydney
About an hour away from Sydney city, Palm Beach is a beautiful spot outside of Sydney city with stunning views of the northern beaches. The Barrenjoey light house walk is moderate over 2 km that's great for adults and kids (there are only a few steep stairs). You can enjoy a great day out with brunch in Palm Beach a walk up to the light house and a stroll on the beach.
Coogee, Sydney
This little bay is gorgeous, quiet, and a tucked away piece of bliss to check out on warm, sunny days. Beautiful lone stones to lay on along the water.
$175
Travel by premium coach through the magnificent landscape scenery of the Blue Mountains and experience the spectacular Jenolan Caves for the day. Pass by
$160
Visit the Three Sisters in Katoomba and admire the spectacular panoramic views for the perfect photo opportunity! Ride the world’s steepest railway at
$70
Head to famous Bondi Beach and learn all about surfing while surrounded by the breathtaking scenery and Sydney's beach culture. Whether you are a seasoned pro
$125
See some of Sydney’s best attractions on this guided tour, including the iconic Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and the historical district of The
$168
Get a taste of the famous BridgeClimb. In 90 minutes, ascend the inner arch of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge to a spectacular vantage point halfway to the
$85
Feel the excitement on a 30-minute jet boat ride on Sydney Harbour. Experience a mix of spins, speed, and thrilling stunts, along with stunning scenery and
$35
Cruise past the Sydney Opera House, exclusive eastern suburbs, waterfront homes, and under the Sydney Harbour Bridge on this cruise to explore some of the
$65
Take in charming views of Sydney and its surroundings while enjoying a selection of savory and sweet treats and a glass of sparkling wine. Hop aboard the
$107
Discover Sydney's most famous sights in just one morning. See the world-renowned Opera House, travel through The Rocks, visit famous Bondi Beach, and stop at
$159
Breathe in the clean, crisp air and take in the sights of the captivating Blue Mountains on this premium coach day tour. Admire stunning views over Megalong
$220
Experience an exhilarating and memorable helicopter flight over Sydney. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the buzzing coastal metropolis and landmark sights
$513
Learn to sail in one of the world's most exciting sailing environments, Sydney Harbour. Perfect for beginners, this 2-day course gives you a great
$495
Surf the North Coast of New South Wales and live a surfer's dream of freedom, good waves, and good company on this 5-day adventure. Learn to surf or improve
$181
Set out for a 2-day exploration of the Blue Mountains—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the surrounding region. Talk a walk through the bush, admire the
$799
Get away from the crowds and skyscrapers of Sydney to explore the city's hidden corners and the grand wilderness of New South Wales. This outing features
$475
Prepare yourself for an adventure as you take off and fly high over Sydney in a Pitts Special S-2A Aerobatic Biplane. Soar past the Sydney Opera House,
$125
Join Luciana Sampogna, a graduate from the famous Simili Sisters' school in Bologna and author of Light of Lucia, through a journey of Italian life, love, and
$300
Take to the skies to see Sydney bathed in the evening glow for a helicopter flight offering a unique and memorable view. Admire the scenery of the city and
Summers in Sydney are perfect for the beach-the temperatures are warm (average is 26º) and the days are almost always sunny. If you're there for New Year's Eve, make sure to watch the fireworks off the Sydney Harbour Bridge-the show is world-famous. Winter temperatures are cool, averaging around 16º. Make your way around the city in the middle of June and catch some flicks at the Sydney Film Festival.
Make sure you have these travel essentials:
The public transport options in Sydney can get you just about anywhere. Hop on a train to explore some of the suburbs. You can also rely on the city's extensive bus, taxi and ferry system.
There are passenger and vehicle ferries you can ride to places like Darling Harbour and Cockatoo Island (but you probably won't be making friends with actual cockatoos).
With beautiful beaches like Bondi and Manly only a few kilometres to the east and the Hunter Valley wine region to the north, it's worth going for a drive. Hire a car so you can hit the ground cruising.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Hyde Park and Market City. Pitt Street Mall and Central Park are also within 1 mi (2 km). Museum Station is only a 4-minute walk and Capitol Square Light Rail Station is 8 minutes.
Located in Darling Harbour, this luxury hotel is steps from Wild Life Sydney Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Sydney Town Hall and Hyde Park are also within 15 minutes. Wynyard Station is 8 minutes by foot and Town Hall Station is 9 minutes.
This family-friendly Sydney hotel is located in the business district, steps from Westfield Shopping Centre, Sydney Tower, and Strand Arcade. Queen Victoria Building and The Galeries are also within 5 minutes. Town Hall Station is only a 4-minute walk and St. James Station is 5 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of World Square Shopping Centre, Hyde Park, and Queen Victoria Building. Central Park and Circular Quay are also within 1 mi (2 km). Museum Station is only a 3-minute walk and Town Hall Station is 5 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art. The Rocks Markets and Sydney Observatory are also within 10 minutes. Wynyard Station is 6 minutes by foot and Sydney Circular Quay Station is 7 minutes.
Have an early international flight? Stay at the Rydges Sydney Airport that is connected to the international terminal. Great food and amenities for the perfect start to your holiday!
This family-friendly Sydney hotel is located in the historical district, just steps from Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art. The Rocks Markets and Sydney Opera House are also within 15 minutes. Sydney Circular Quay Station is only a 3-minute walk and Wynyard Station is 7 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Sydney Tower, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and Royal Botanic Gardens. Sydney Opera House and Star Casino are also within 1 mi (2 km). St. James Station is only a 4-minute walk and Martin Place Station is 6 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Circular Quay and King Street Wharf. Queen Victoria Building and Cockle Bay Wharf are also within 15 minutes. Wynyard Station is only a 2-minute walk and Martin Place Station is 10 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australia Square and Circular Quay. Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wynyard Station is only a 2-minute walk and Martin Place Station is 8 minutes.
This family-friendly Sydney hotel is located near the airport, within 3 mi (5 km) of Marrickville Metro, King Street and Enmore Theatre. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Coogee Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km). Domestic Airport Station is 11 minutes by foot and Mascot Station is 11 minutes.
This family-friendly Sydney hotel is located in the business district, within a 10-minute walk of Circular Quay and Sydney Tower. Sydney Opera House and Overseas Passenger Terminal are also within 15 minutes. Martin Place Station is only a 4-minute walk and St. James Station is 7 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Castlereagh Street and St Vincent’s Hospital. Circular Quay and Star Casino are also within 2 mi (3 km). Museum Station is only a 2-minute walk and Town Hall Station is 8 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps from Queen Victoria Building, The Galeries, and Sydney Town Hall. Westfield Shopping Centre and Strand Arcade are also within 5 minutes. Town Hall Station is only a 2-minute walk and St. James Station is 8 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Pitt Street Mall, Theatre Royal, and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Queen Victoria Building and Westfield Shopping Centre are also within 10 minutes. Wynyard Station is only a 4-minute walk and Town Hall Station is 7 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Pitt Street Mall and Sydney Tower. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Art Gallery of New South Wales are also within 15 minutes. Martin Place Station is only a 3-minute walk and Wynyard Station is 5 minutes.
Located in Mascot, this eco-friendly hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Marrickville Metro, Westfield Eastgardens, and King Street. Enmore Theatre and University of New South Wales are also within 3 mi (5 km). Mascot Station is 8 minutes by foot and Domestic Airport Station is 15 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Hyde Park and Central Park are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wynyard Station is only a 3-minute walk and Martin Place Station is 10 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Circular Quay and The Rocks Markets. Government House and Sydney Opera House are also within 15 minutes. Sydney Circular Quay Station is only a 3-minute walk and Wynyard Station is 8 minutes.
This family-friendly Sydney hotel is located near the airport, within a 5-minute walk of University of Technology Sydney and Ultimo College. Paddy's Market and Capitol Theatre are also within 10 minutes. Central Light Rail Station is 7 minutes by foot and Capitol Square Light Rail Station is 7 minutes.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Hyde Park and Central Park. Circular Quay and University of Sydney are also within 2 mi (3 km). Museum Station is only a 3-minute walk and Capitol Square Light Rail Station is 7 minutes.
Located in Darling Harbour, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Harbourside, Australian National Maritime Museum, and Star Casino. International Convention Centre Sydney and Chinese Garden of Friendship are also within 10 minutes. Convention Light Rail Station and Exhibition Light Rail Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Capitol Theatre and Paddy's Market. Sydney Tower and International Convention Centre Sydney are also within 15 minutes. Capitol Square Light Rail Station and Sydney Central Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this hotel is steps from The Rocks Markets and Circular Quay. Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are also within 15 minutes. Sydney Circular Quay Station is 7 minutes by foot and Wynyard Station is 12 minutes.
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