Sydney trip planner

Home to a large selection of indigenous wildlife, this park allows you to interact with some of Australia's iconic animals.

Today, the area has been transformed into one of the city’s gems. On the edge of the harbor - near the piers of the Circular Quay from which the cruise ships and ferries depart and at the foot of the iconic Harbour Bridge - you will find a place touched by history in every nook and cranny. There are picturesque alleys full of shops, galleries, museums, and charming pubs as well as excellent restaurants and cafes which are full of life until the wee hours of the morning.

Come during the day and wander around the narrow streets full of travelers, see the historic buildings, check out what the various shops and boutiques have to offer, enjoy lunch at one of the food stalls, and be sure to photograph the Opera Building and the nearby Harbour Bridge from different angles. This is also a great opportunity to venture the climb up Sydney’s iconic bridge…

Are you thirsty? There’s nothing better than sitting in one of Sydney's oldest pubs, like the one in the Lord Nelson Hotel, and sipping a chilled glass of homemade beer. Or, try the beer at the cozy Fortune of War pub – opened in 1828, this is where many Australian soldiers drank their last glass of beer before leaving for the war fronts. By the way, both pubs claim the distinction of being the first in the city. We’re not going to decide who’s right, but we will say that the beer in both pubs is excellent! If you want to hear more stories about the area, join the free tour that departs every day at six o'clock from Cadman's Cottage, which is considered the oldest surviving residential structure here. The tours are led by I’m Free Walking Tours, and you’re encouraged to “pay what you think it's worth.”

You can end the evening with a meal at one of the charming local restaurants, some of which have a view of the illuminated harbor.

If you’re there on a Friday, you can expect a street food market, Italian ice cream, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, cheeses of various types, and many other delicacies. On Saturdays and Sundays there is an arts and crafts market with more than two hundred stalls where residents and local artists present their handicrafts.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is Australia’s leading museum for contemporary art, and it exhibits, collects, and interprets a diverse collection of over 4000 works by today’s Australian and international artists. The museum is located in a building that was once used by the Sydney Port Authority, and, following its facelift, it was opened in Art Deco style in 2012.

An important part of the exhibits are dedicated to Australian Aboriginal works of art. In fact, Aboriginal art is an integral part of the lives of Australian natives, and it includes several different types of artistic expression such as rock paintings in the open landscape, works of art on perishable materials, and body painting of participants in various ritual ceremonies. The body painting is composed of prominent elements such as intersecting lines and dots and are designed to describe events, animals, plants, roads, and other places in the "dreamtime.” This is a genre that until a few decades ago was foreign to the Western world but today is in great demand.

When you’re finished at the museum, we recommend a stop at the rooftop café where you can have a drink and enjoy the wonderful views of the bay. 

Considered to be the most important public gallery in Sydney, this huge museum houses a vast and eclectic collection of exhibits.

Transport yourself to another world, take time out from the bustling city, and enjoy a stroll through this serene Chinese garden.

The museum was established in 1992 by a generation of Holocaust survivors who live in Australia in order to memorialize those who were killed in the Holocaust, share their experiences, and preserve their historic objects. By teaching the lessons of the past through compelling narratives and exhibitions, the museum strives to inspire change - the importance of tolerance and the dangers of prejudice. It is also dedicated to the story of Australian Jews and the Jews of Sydney in particular.

The museum highlights Jews who fought in the Australian army and focuses on issues of social justice, democracy, and human rights in the Australian context: the question of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees in Australia, the human rights of the aborigines as well as issues related to the Australian LGBT community.

A visit to the museum is thought-provoking and intriguing – and is highly recommended.

Visit this interactive museum to see a huge range of sea vessels, and learn about the importance of ships in Australia's history.

The Rocks was a starting point for the new European immigrants who arrived here in 1788 and the densely populated home of the working class throughout the 19th century and into the 20th. Following the plague that hit the city at the beginning of the 20th century and as part of the construction process of the nearby Gulf Bridge, a large part of The Rocks was redeveloped. While many of the original residences, warehouse, and businesses were destroyed, Susannah Place, built by Irish immigrants in 1844 and home to more than 100 families over 150 years, managed to survive almost unchanged.

This living museum, consisting of the original four small stone buildings and many of its contents, commemorates this period. It gives a glimpse into the lives of the families who lived there under difficult conditions and introduces a different and genuine dimension to the district. 

A large and impressive church, boasting elaborate Gothic Revival architecture, as well as lovely stained-glass windows.

The oldest library in Australia houses a vast collection of materials, as well as impressive exhibits and a lovely cafe.

Thank to its height, Observatory Hill has had multiple names and usages over the years – Windmill Hill, Fort Hill, Flagstaff Hill. At the end of the 18th century, the location was considered to be ideal for erecting windmills and grinding grain – hence its name “Windmill Hill.” In the 19th century, Fort Philip was built and named after the colony’s first governor. As commerce developed, the hill became a signal station for ships navigating their way in and out of the harbor by using flags – which led to the name “Flagstaff Hill.” And, it became the place for meteorological and astronomical observations. In fact, the hill is where an important contribution to the mapping of the star system in the Southern Hemisphere was made.

The Observatory was built in 1858, and gave its name to the hill. It became a museum, and though it is closed to the public at the time of this writing, we recommend bringing a picnic and breathing in the spectacular, panoramic views from here.

Coming with kids?

The park offers many activities, including archery and trapeze acrobatics, as well as many cultural events. There is a wide range of dining options at the park, and, if you come with your own fare, there are beautiful picnic areas. On the way back, take a ferry from a nearby dock for a spectacular cruise passing under several city bridges to Circular Quay.

And now for some Olympic trivia… the Olympic fire was lit by the runner Kathy Freeman, the world champion in the 400m race. Kathy, of Aboriginal origin, is a symbol of the victory of the Australian natives in their long struggle for equal rights.

Do you know the story of the slowest freestyle stroke in the history of the Olympic Games? Swimming history was made here by the swimmer from Equatorial Guinea who had never swum the entire distance before. He alone remained for the qualifying round after the other two swimmers beside him were disqualified, and, to the applause of the large crowd, he was able to complete the swim.

The structure is unusual for zoos or wildlife parks, as almost all exhibition areas are enclosed and air-conditioned. Visitors walk along a 1-kilometer route that passes through different geographical and ecological areas which represent the diversity of Australian nature, from rainforests to semi-arid areas. The largest display is of kangaroos, but you will also see cuddly koalas, huge crocodiles, shuffling wombats, tropical butterflies, and many other types of animals that call Australia home. The zoo also includes 10 interactive zones which feature some of the world׳s most endangered animals.

Back to the kangaroo - how did it gets its name? Legend has it that in 1770, when Captain Cook encountered this strange, leaping animal he had never seen before, he asked the natives in Queensland what it׳s called. Their reply was ״kangaroo״ which allegedly meant, ״I don׳t understand you״ in their language...

However, in Northwestern Australia there is a large black kangaroo which is called ״Gangurru״ by the natives - indeed, similar to the name that Captain Cook heard.

There is a legend about the house, which has been declared a national monument, and it involves an Irishman named Henry Hayes who was awarded the title of nobility in his country. He was widowed at a young age and decided to fast track his way to wealth by kidnapping and fictitiously marrying the daughter of a wealthy local banker. His plan went awry quickly, as the young woman ran away from his house, and he was pursued by the authorities. In the end, he was brought to trial and sentenced to death, a sentence that was later commuted by exile for life to the new penal colony to which he arrived in 1802. Here, too, he continued to get into repeated trouble with the authorities, and, although he was considered a trouble maker wherever he went, he was granted amnesty and returned to his native Ireland. His only positive contribution to Sydney was the building of the Vaucluse House where he lived during his exile.

A short distance from the Vaucluse House is Nielsen Park, a lovely and shady park where you can relax with a picnic. Don't forget to take a bathing suit because the park also includes Shark Beach, a popular and beautiful bathing area which offers great views of the harbor. It is a popular place to celebrate Christmas, and it is also a great place to watch the yachts participating in the prestigious annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure, try the Sky Walk, a 60-minute guided walk in the open air over a transparent glass wall. You can also enjoy a gourmet meal in the tower's revolving restaurant which also offers 360-degree panoramic views. The tower is located in the heart of the city above the large Westfield Sydney shopping center and is a must-see.

The oldest still-functioning colonial church in Sydney dates to the 19C, and boasts wonderful acoustics.

In the award-winning, spectacularly renovated building, you will discover an impressive variety of experiential and interactive exhibits on a wide range of science, innovation, and technology topics - everything from computer technology and space exploration to transportation, media, music, and decorative arts. You’ll learn about the story of the steam revolution, the development of the world of transportation from horse-drawn carriages to spaceships, the first steam locomotive that operated in Australia, and the Australian airplane that crossed the ocean for the first time after World War II on its way to South America. In fact, this is the largest suspended plane in any museum in the world. One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the iconic “Strasburg Clock Model,” built in 1887 by a 25-year-old Sydney watchmaker named Richard Smith. It is a working model of the famous Strasbourg astronomical clock which Smith had never seen but, working from a pamphlet, he was able to build and replicate its timekeeping and astronomical functions.

Especially if you’re traveling with kids, the museum is a must-see. Admission is free of charge, and it is a fascinating place to spend a good few hours!

Boasting fine Australian Colonial architecture, this historic mansion preserves 19C interior and features a lovely nearby grotto.

Catch a show at Sydney's Capitol Theater, which has shown many major famous productions over the years.

Stroll through the campus, admiring its diverse architecture, visit one of the museums, or simply enjoy some people-watching.

This is one of the eight main temples of the Baha'i religion which are spread around the world, with the center, as well as the largest and most impressive, found in Haifa, Israel. As in all Baha'i temples, the structure has 9 sides, which symbolize unity and harmony, and a central dome that rises to a height of almost 40 meters (approximately 131 feet). The gardens are open to visitors every day, and there is a visitor center nearby as well as a picnic site. The center is run by the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia.

And a little about the Bahá'í religion… Bahá'í is one of the youngest monotheistic religions in the world. It began in Iran in the middle of the 19th century, and despite being under constant persecution, it has become a success story. Today, there are close to 8 million Bahai followers living in about 200 different countries. The faith focuses on the principles of world peace, the search for truth, harmony between religion and science, equality between men and women, negation of prejudices, and promotion of universal education.

The Baha'i community has existed in Australia for over a hundred years, and the number of its members is said to exceed 14,000, some of whom were born in Iran and immigrated there.

One of Sydney's landmarks, the Town Hall boasts an eclectic architectural style and lavish interior.

The gardens were created in 1816 during the tenure of Governor Macquarie, but this area was already designated as an open area in the early days of the city with the planting of corn fields. The gardens were Australia’s first botanical research site, and experiments were carried out in order to learn about adapting agricultural crops from the old world to the conditions of the new continent.

Today, the gardens are a place where people come for events and to learn about plants, gardens, horticulture, and science. The gardens contain an outstanding collection of plants from around the world with a focus on Australia and the South Pacific. You’ll find close to five thousand types of plants, including roses, spices, palms, orchids, ferns, and many species of local trees and shrubs.

The Opera House is also one of the most famous and recognizable buildings in the world and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. It was even nominated for the title of "Wonder of the World" as a finalist in the "New Seven Wonders of the World" competition.

It is the starting point for many sporting events, including the Sydney Marathon and the prestigious yacht sailing competition from Sydney to Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. It is also the perfect place to watch the amazing fireworks display that symbolizes the arrival of the New Year.

Despite its name, the Opera House is actually a performing arts center and the venue for a wide range of cultural events including concerts, theater, and dance performances. It also serves as the permanent home of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Ballet, and the city's theater company. Every year more than fifteen hundred different performances are held here, one of which was the "Mr. World" competition in 1980, won by none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Sydney Opera House formally opened in 1973 with a festive ceremony graced by the presence of Queen Elizabeth II. The ceremony was accompanied by an outstanding performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and an impressive fireworks display.

Our recommendation: ask someone to photograph you with the building in the background, buy a ticket for the guided tour, and finish off with the experience of sitting on the promenade with a glass of cold beer enjoying the spectacular view of the Gulf Bridge.

A superb architectural landmark, this Romanesque gem is a marketplace, full of exquisite decorative elements and Victorian charm.

Spend a day on this fine beach, enjoying the sea breeze and the lovely nature around you, as well as an array of local cafes.

Spend your afternoon in Nielsen Park's picnic areas, or explore the area, including Shark Beach with its great views of the harbor.

Spend a few hours in Sydney's Centennial Park, strolling through the lawns and visiting the sites located on the grounds.

Spend an entire day on this world famous beach, surfing, soaking up the sun, or visiting any of the many cafes lining the shore.

Strewn with historic monuments, Australia's oldest public park offers scenic lanes lined with fig trees and a tranquil atmosphere.

Visit the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Darling Harbour next to the aquarium – suitable for both kids and adults. 
You’ll stroll among the many figures, some of which are familiar and others which are related to Australian history and folklore, and enjoy some interactive activities. You’ll see Superman, Wonder Woman, and Taylor Swift along with Spider-Man, the British royal family, politicians and world leaders, athletes, film and television stars, historical figures from Australia and more. 

With recreational activities based around the harbor, the area offers spectacular views, a lively atmosphere, and many fun venues.

The Sydney Aquarium, opened in 1988 at the time of the inauguration of the port as part of Sydney’s bicentennial celebrations, is situated on the eastern side of Darling Harbor next to the Wildlife Sydney Zoo. It is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world and one of the city’s greatest activities for kids.

The aquarium has over 700 different species of marine animals, including whales, sharks, penguins, dolphins, sea turtles, and more. Walking through the glass tunnels of the themed zones, you’ll see Australia's diverse habitats and ecosystems, including an abundance of tropical fish from the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll also experience the unique wonder of the Reef’s transition from day to night. To complete the adventure, the aquarium offers interactive activities, as well, such as feeding sharks and penguins.

While the climb does look scary, it is completely safe. You’ll be accompanied by a guide and wear special attire that includes harnesses which are attached to the arch. The climb is even suitable for children aged 8 and above, so, if you’re traveling with the children and looking for challenging, out-of-the-box family time, look no further! And, if you need an additional incentive – you will burn up 504 calories in the course of the 3-hour climb...

The Harbour Bridge is designed to connect the business center of Sydney with the northern coast and is known by the locals as "the hanger" because of the shape of its arch which reaches a height of 134 meters (nearly 440 feet). According to the Guinness Book of Records, it is the widest bridge in the world, and its 8 lanes include those for trains, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians.

The bridge was inaugurated in 1932, and the ceremony was watched by about a million people. The highlight of the ceremony was when an army officer on horseback suddenly galloped to the center of the bridge and, with a drawn sword in hand, cut the ribbon. At the time, anyone who crossed the bridge on horseback was exempt from paying the toll!

Hundreds of thousands of visitors visit the bridge every year, most of them preferring to climb about two hundred steps at its base to an observation post with stunning panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and other parts of the city.

Taronga is a large zoo with an area of about 70 acres. It is home to approximately 4000 animals of over 350 different species, including native wildlife and rare exotic animals, and it’s a great place to see kangaroos and koalas up close. There are delightful daily shows featuring seals and birds as well as a petting area. The zoo offers a range of tours and operates a cable car- the only one in Sydney- with the ride included in the price of admission.