Sydney is a city that I can hand on heart say I fell in love with during our recent stay. The weather was fantastic, people were friendly and there is just so much to do no matter what type of traveller you are! So here are my top picks for things to do in Sydney for the cultural, family, budget, outdoorsy and basically every other type of traveller!
What to do in Sydney for the family traveller
If ever a city can be classed as child friendly then Sydney is that city! Easy transport and accessible city centre mean parents won’t be stressed getting around. On top of that there are great child friendly attractions!
This might simply be the best zoo we’ve ever been to! Interesting exhibits and as an added bonus the Zoo boasts unrivalled views of Sydney Harbour! The cable car should be taken on at least one journey!
A great attraction on the trendy darling harbour! We were invited to the first anniversary penguin party which the wandermust toddler loved! If you are not so lucky as to party with the real penguins of Sydney, then take the penguin boat round this exhibit for close up interaction included in your admission!
The second Zoo we visited in Sydney! Next to the sealife centre and dual tickets available, this Zoo concentrates on the Australian big five! You can get up close to kangaroos or have an interaction with a koala. Though I think we came away with a new favourite animal – the adorable wombat!
What to do in Sydney for the Budget traveller
Ok so Sydney isn’t the cheapest city in the world to visit! But here are some great options if you are a budget traveller or a backpacker in Sydney!
The Royal Botanic gardens Sydney
One of my favourite attractions in any city is a botanic gardens and Sydney’s has become one of my world favourites. It might be the most instagrammable place in Sydney! Not only does it have a great plant selection and awesome exhibition space, it has some of the best views of Sydney harbour. But on top of all that it’s free to enter!
If you do have some cash to spare then the choo choo train tour round the garden is well worth the ten dollar ticket cost!
Last year when I visited Melbourne, I went on my first ever free walking tour! Which does exactly as it says on the tin! There are no upfront costs to these tours and you tip whatever you think the tour is worth. Since I had such great fun on this tour in Melbourne I simply had to do one in Sydney! And as a bonus there are two options – a day and night tour so you have plenty of choice
Further reading
The cost of travelling Australia by car
Inspiration for Budget romance in Sydney
What to do in Sydney for the Cultural Traveller
Sydney is a cultural powerhouse when it comes to museums and for any cultural traveller then you simply must visit the
A science and applied art museum, The Powerhouse museum has some great exhibits from transport and space to the Wigggles – making it also a destination for family travellers. Just be warned you will come out with the fruit salad song stuck in your head!
This offers some great natural history exhibits and some hands on activities for kids.
The favourite of wandermust daddy during our stay. It’s free to enter but admission charges apply to board the historic boat collection. The American Australian gallery that tells the WW2 Australia story can’t be missed! Includes some great footage of a young JFK!
If you’ve got kids there is a great play area to take a rest or tag team going round the galleries!
These ideas are great for a rainy day in Sydney!
For foodies why not check out this post on Sydney must eats!
What to do in Sydney for outdoors loving traveller
Sydney is a city I associate with the great outdoors! And of course if any city is synonymous with beaches it’s Sydney!
Sydney’s beaches
From the famous Bondi, to the lesser known Bronte and Manly! Sydney will have a beach for you. Take some sausages and throw some on the beach bbq
The Blue Mountains
The one thing we didn’t do and the thing that is making me want to book a holiday back to Australia right now is the Blue Mountains! I can’t believe with missed it’s beautiful rugged scenery and lush rainforests but it means we have an excuse to return soon!
Looking for more weekend away ideas from Sydney – check out this post
What every traveller must do in Sydney
And of course no visit to Sydney is complete without a visit to Sydney harbour no matter what type of traveller you are!
Travelling through Australia? I recommend checking out this guide to the 101 things you need to know before visiting Australia!
Post written in collaboration with Flight Centre
What type of traveller are you and what attractions do you recommend in Sydney?
Kat
Monday 5th of February 2018
Sydney is my favourite city in Australia! Taronga Zoo is the best zoo that I have ever seen in Asia-Pacific (though some people say that Singapore Zoo is much better). And the views of the Opera House and Sydney Bridge are simply iconic, amazing! #Citytripping
Elizabeth (Wander Mum)
Thursday 1st of February 2018
I haven't been to Sydney since having children. We'll definitely go soon though - especially as I know have a list of child-friendly options for our stay. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Sara
Wednesday 31st of January 2018
I've never been to Sydney, but I definitely think all of these things would be on my list. I might be interested in the BridgeClimb too - though I'm slightly terrified of heights, so I'm not entirely sure how that would work. When I was planning my trip to Sydney previously (had to cancel for surgery, still bitter, lol), I was going to see a ballet at the opera house. I was so excited about that. I just need to find a way to convince my husband that the long flight is worth the trip... because I want to experience all of these things! #citytripping
Wandermust Mummy
Wednesday 31st of January 2018
We had to cancel a trip to Singapore earlier this year so know how you fee! Hope you get back soon
California Globetrotter
Tuesday 30th of January 2018
The Royal Botanical Gardens look lovely! I don't know why, but we never make time for botanical gardens and we should because I looove gardens! #CityTripping
Wandermust Mummy
Tuesday 30th of January 2018
They are my absolute favourite - even more so now we are travelling with a little