Things To Do in Sydney

The only problem with visiting Sydney is fitting in everything you want to do and see. Of course, you won’t want to miss the iconic attractions: the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

You should also check out the native wildlife in Taronga Zoo, stroll around the tourist precinct of Darling Harbour, and get a dose of Down Under culture at the Australian Museum. If it’s hot, take your “cozzie” (swimsuit) and towel to Bondi Beach or Manly.

I also recommend a quick trip out of town. Go bushwalking in the Blue Mountains, wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, or dolphin spotting at Port Stephens.

Deals on Sightseeing?

Several major Sydney attractions offer discounts if you buy passes for entry to more than one of them. If you plan to visit the Sydney Tower, Sealife Sydney Aquarium, Manly Sealife Sanctuary, Wildlife World, or Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, it would be worth checking out their websites. Passes can be used for two, three, four, or five attractions. After you've entered your first attraction, you've got 3 months to visit the remaining three attractions on the pass, and you can make considerable savings.

Meanwhile, The Explore Four Pass is shared by Sydney Tower, Sydney Aquarium, Manly Oceanareum, and Wildlife World, and you can buy it online at their websites or at the attractions themselves. Once you've entered your first attraction you've got three months to visit the remaining three attractions on the pass.

Paddington's Oxford Street is one long stretch of fashion and home wares selling up-and-coming street gear to designer-label evening wear. It is also home to the famous Saturday market. Department stores like David Jones are in the city centre. Pick up a practical - and typically Australian - Akubra hat from Strand Hatters in the historic Strand Arcade. Most shops open daily 10am-6pm (until 8pm Thursday), except Sunday which is generally 11am-5pm.

Glitzy nightclubs and cutting-edge dance venues are Sydney's specialities. Join the throngs in Darling Harbour or find intimate lounge clubs in Kings Cross and Darlinghurst. Newtown boasts live bands and jazz. The dress code is smart-casual at sophisticated bars like Blu Bar on 36 but it's generally come as you please. Sydney's famous backstreet pubs close at around midnight but clubs stay open until 4am or later. Smoking is banned in enclosed public areas.