Maximizing Every Moment in Sydney, Australia: What to See & Do

Sydney Opera House (backstage tour): Seeing the Sydney Opera House in person is spectacular—it’s an architectural masterpiece. The backstage tour gives you a whole new appreciation for its history and the incredible work that happens behind the scenes. If your visit lines up with a concert (opera to pop), get a ticket—it’s well worth it.

Bondi Beach: Bondi Beach is pure Sydney energy: surf, sun, and that iconic Icebergs pool. Take a swim and wander around town to fully understand why locals—like Hugh Jackman—treat this place as their backyard. But heads up—the currents can be strong. If you’re not a confident swimmer, stick close to shore or enjoy the Icebergs pool instead.

Bondi to Coogee Walk: Starting at Bondi, this 3.7-mile shoreline walk winds past cliffs, coves, and constant ocean views. Plan for 2–3 hours and a camera roll that could fuel your social posts for months

Sydney Harbor: The harbor is the city’s heartbeat—boats aren’t just for fun here, they’re a way of life. Locals commute by ferry the same way others take a subway, making places like Manly Beach and Watson’s Bay incredibly easy to reach. You can literally hop on a boat at any time of day. For a truly indulgent experience, book a private charter and explore Sydney from the water with a glass of champagne in your hand.

Manly Beach: A quick ferry ride transports you from city life to beach vibes in only 30 minutes. Manly Beach is wide, breezy, and full of energy, with a quirky little town behind it that I loved. Pro tip: This was the one place I wished I’d stayed longer—the shops and cafes are great for wandering during the day, and the restaurant scene was hopping at night.

Chinese Garden of Friendship: This peaceful escape sits at the edge of Darling Harbor. Koi ponds, stone bridges, waterfalls, and pavilions create a setting that feels far removed from the city around it. And when you’re ready to shift gears, Chinatown is just moments away with outstanding authentic cuisine.

Royal Botanic Garden: This peaceful stretch of green wraps around Sydney Harbor. Wide lawns, shady paths, and beautifully curated plant collections make it an easy place to wander, and the harbor views are some of the best in the city. Pair it with a visit to the Sydney Opera House—they’re right next to each other and make a perfect combination

Blue Mountains/Featherdale Wildlife Park: Just 90 minutes from Sydney, this region delivers towering cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. Many tours also include a stop at the Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can get an up-close look at kangaroos, koalas, and other native animals of Australia.

Nanjing Dumpling: Casual, inexpensive, and delicious dumplings the size of your head. My kind of place.

Hugos: Located on Manly Beach, relaxed and elevated—food, drinks, ocean view all in one. Lunch or sunset—you can’t go wrong.

The Cumberland: A hidden cocktail bar tucked behind Cove’s Deli with a secret entrance straight out of a movie. The vibe, drinks, and atmosphere make it worth the hunt...and finding it is half the fun.

Ester: Located about 10 minutes from Sydney, Ester is one of those places where the food is simple yet inventive. The deep flavors come from everything being cooked in a wood-fired oven. The potato bread alone is worth the visit.

Altitude Restaurant: Located on the 36th floor of the Shangri-La, Altitude delivers incredible views of Sydney Harbor. While the food is very good, nothing compares to the view over the Opera House and Harbor Bridge.