5 Iconic Places to Visit in Sydney, Australia

places to visit in sydney

Sydney is a huge city and can be overwhelming your first trip.

When you do your research, you’ll come across tons of lists that will tell you all the places to visit in Sydney. The problem with these lists is that you can’t tell which activities are worth doing and which are ok to skip.

That’s why we created this short list of the best places to visit in Sydney. It’s meant to help you cut out the clutter and focus on being outside during the Australian spring and summer.

See All Sydney Harbour Has to Offer

When most of us hear Sydney, we immediately think of the Sydney Opera House located right on Sydney Harbour. Completed in 1973, the opera house is one of the most iconic pieces of modern architecture. You can see films, live shows, experiences at the opera house at any time of the year.

If seeing a show isn’t up your alley, head over to the Harbour Bridge where you can admire the largest arch steel bridge. For those of you with no fear of heights, sign up for the experience to climb up to the peak of the bridge. You’ll get a 360-degree view of the hustle and bustle Sydney Harbour.

Bask in Centennial Park

Centennial Park was opened as a public space in 1888. But just because it’s old doesn’t mean that it’s got boring activities.

An easy (and cheap) activity you can do in Centennial Park is buy a few sandwiches, crisps, and drinks and have a picnic in the park. You can enjoy the Sydney sunshine, rest your feet, and people watch for a couple of hours.

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For something a bit more active, you can rollerblade or cycle on the dedicated tracks that are found in the park. And, for any horse lovers, you can go horseback riding in the park.

If you’re on a budget, staying in hotels near Randwick racecourse and Centennial Park can help you save a bit of money each night.

Surf at Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches and a must-visit if you’re an avid surfer or windsurfer. This beach has reliable wind and waves that make it a haven for beach sports.

Even if you’re not a surfer, Bondi Beach is still a great place to visit for a bit of sun and to grab a bite at one of the restaurants on Campbell Parade.

Visit History at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum

If there are any history buffs in your group, you need to visit the Barracks Museum in Hyde Park.

The museum’s location served many purposes before it became a museum. It started as the main barracks for British convicts. Once Britain stopped sending convicts to Australia in the 1840s, it became a depot for female immigrants.

Before closing in the 1880s, the barracks also served as a hostel for orphan girls fleeing the Irish Potato Famine.

You can learn all this and more in a couple hours visit to the Barracks Museum.

Admire Exotic Flowers at the Royal Botanic Garden

To see some of the most beautiful flora and fauna species in the world, you need to go to the Royal Botanic Garden. Founded in 1814, the 74-acre garden is known for its wide variety of exotic plants.

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The Garden also has special sections to include a rose garden of nearly 1,800 roses and Latitude 23, an area dedicated to orchids and lilies.

These gardens are a must-see for flower-lovers, gardeners, and photographers.

See the Best Places to Visit in Sydney for Yourself

Even if you get through all these locations on the list, there are still plenty other places to visit in Sydney. The city has a great food and coffee scene plus tons of other outdoor activities for the whole family.

Ready to pack your bags and go? Get our top tips on packing here.