It’s been nearly a decade since I first visited the incredible city of Sydney. I visited with my grandparents to see family and fell in love along the way. It was my first trip to a place in the Southern Hemisphere and it certainly won’t be my last; I’m headed to New Zealand this November. But Sydney is special. The weather is great, even in the late fall when we went, and there’s even more to do than you can imagine. With its iconic skyline and landmarks, this is one city you can’t afford to miss (as long as you can manage the long-haul flight).
Here are my top 11 things to do in Sydney, Australia:
Sydney Harbour
While Sydney Harbour is mostly known for the landmarks it’s home to, you’ll have to take a sail around the harbour itself and pass under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are plenty of harbour cruises to choose from or if you’re on the more adventurous side, you can go boating or kayaking too. You can also explore Circular Quay and one of the many harbour islands, including Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sydney Opera House
Of course, I can’t mention Sydney Harbour without mentioning the Sydney Opera House. This might be the first location that comes to mind when one thinks of Sydney and for good reason: it’s an unparalleled architectural masterpiece that’s fully functional. You can watch a show, take a tour (which are done in more languages than just English) or simply walk in on your own. I got ice cream and set on the steps to do some people-watching as we waited for the sun to set.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Having opened in 1932 after eight years of construction, this engineering marvel is still the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and is a sight to behold, particularly at night. You can walk the span of the bridge (starting on the eastern side) or you can bike across, either by renting your own bikes or choosing one of many guided tours. You can also choose to do the BridgeClimb experience, which takes you all the way to the top for panaromic views of the city.
Luna Park
This face might be a familiar one. Similar to the original Luna Park built at Coney Island in New York, this amusement park is home to more than a dozen rides and attractions, including the Big Dipper: the first single rail coaster in the country and the first to be launched in the world. It’s also been a filming location in several TV shows and movies, including the 2001 Bollywood classic Dil Chahta Hai.
Bondi Beach
No trip to Sydney would be complete without a coffee and a walk along Bondi (bond-eye) Beach. It’s one of the city’s most frequented places and it’s a prime destination for surfing all year round, even during the late fall when it’s colder than anticipated under an overcast sky. But it’s more than just a beach: the surrounding neighborhood has chic boutiques and excellent restaurants to explore. Get up early to watch the sun rise before sitting down for a beachside brunch. Though I can’t give any personal recommendations, a quick Happy Cow search shows many vegan-friendly dining options, including an all-vegan cafe called “Funky Pies” if you’re looking for a bite to eat.
Manly Beach
Don’t want to deal with (as many) crowds? Check out Manly Beach instead. Perhaps it was the weather but I preferred Manly over Bondi. We walked along the beach and got breakfast (I had banana pancakes!). You can go surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, or kayaking, and if you come between the months of May and November, you might even spot some whales.
Blue Mountains
For a quiet adventure away from the hustle and bustle of the main city, head east to the Blue Mountains, situated at a little over an hour’s drive from city proper. Known for its rock formations, the most iconic of them all is the Three Sisters, viewable from the Echo Point Lookout. If you only have a few hours, head here early in the morning before walking one of the many trails and then visit one of the nearby towns for lunch. If you can stay longer, you can hike hidden canyons, visit ancient caves and see glow worms, visit Scenic World and more.
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is the perfect place to spend a day if you can squeeze it in. Stroll along Cockle Bay Wharf; visit one of the many museums; go shopping; and more. There are always plenty of events, so be sure to check the calendar before you visit.
Queen Victoria Building
The QVB is a stunning Sydney landmark and shopping center akin to a cathedral with five floors. It’s an architectural wonder built in the late 19th century with dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants, and more. If you have time, definitely stop by The Tea Room (QVB) for a high tea. Since it’s been almost a decade since I visited, I can still say that the tea was great but can’t speak to vegan food options. On their site, however, they do note the following:
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- We require 24 hours’ notice to accommodate for all nut and severe allergies. Please note however, items containing gluten, eggs, dairy and a variety of nuts are prepared on-site.
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- Though best practice is used in the preparation of our menu items, there is trace elements present within the kitchen and as such we cannot guarantee that cross-contamination will not occur.
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- Guests with a combination of a nut and another allergy cannot be catered to, unfortunately.
I would call ahead of time to ask if this is something you’re interested in doing.
Sydney Olympic Park
Though it’s been a while since the Summer Olympics at the turn of the millenium, Sydney Olympic Park still hosts a number of sporting events, leagues, clinics, festivals and other events. You can visit the park even without coming for a specific event and walk around the grounds to marvel at the different structures. You might even be able to catch a concert or a rugby match in ANZ Stadium.
Vivid Sydney
If you happen to visit in May or June like I did (my visit lasted six weeks), you can’t miss the Vivid Sydney festival. The city and its most recognizable landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, light up at night over the course of three weeks in vibrant colors that dance along to music. It’s a ton of fun and a great night out. Some of the local ice cream shops will also have Vivid Sydney-only flavors that you can try, though at the time, the one I had was not vegan or dairy-free.
Let me know if I missed one of your must-do things to do in Sydney below!
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