Top 8 Things To Do In Sydney

Sydney is quite simply a stunning city, with its spectacular harbour setting, sun-kissed beaches and iconic buildings. It is our favourite city in the world. We had five days to explore this wonderful place. Here is our guide to the best things to do in the city with kids.

1. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydneysiders adore their giant “coat hanger”. Opened in 1932 this giant structure spans the harbour at one of its narrowest points. We climbed the South-eastern pylon to the Pylon Lookout for spectacular views. This is a top tip as at a fraction of the cost of the Bridge Climb you’ll still get amazing views of much of Sydney. Just $13 for an adult.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a huge object which can be seen from many parts of the city. At 134m high, 1149m long, 49m wide and weighing 52,800 tonnes, it’s the largest and heaviest (but not the longest) steel arch in the world.

2. Sydney Opera House

Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, this World Heritage listed building is Australia’s most recognisable landmark. Visually referencing the billowing sails of a sea-going yacht it’s a commanding presence on Circular Quay. It comprises of five performance spaces where dance, opera, concerts and theatre are staged.

One of my favourite places in Sydney is the Opera Kitchen. It’s located right beside the majestic Opera House. Here you could watch the world go by alongside Sydney Harbour whilst supping a glass of wine or dining on platters of cold meats and cheese. This is how we spent two of our evenings whilst in Sydney.

3. Hop on a ferry around Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay

The focal point of the inner harbour and the city’s major ferry hub is Circular Quay. Hop on a ferry here to destinations all around the harbour. Sydney Harbour stretches 20km inland from the ocean to the mouth of the Parramatta River, this magnificent natural harbour is the soul of the city. We can recommend catching a ferry to Taronga Zoo, Manly or Watson’s Bay, all with spectacular views of the iconic sights.

4. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens to Macquaries Point

The Botanic Gardens starting east of the Opera House run alongside Sydney Harbour. The gardens are celebrating 200 years having been opened in 1816. Adjoining the Botanic Gardens is Macquaries Point from where there are beautiful views over the bay to the Opera House and city skyline. It was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquaries wife, who ordered a seat chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour, Macquaries Chair, as it’s known, remains today.

5. Walk the Bondi to Coogee Clifftop Walk

Arguably Sydney’s most famous, most popular and best walk, this coastal path shouldn’t be missed. We walked it in reverse starting from Coogee as there are less uphill sections this way round. You pass many beautiful bays, Clovelly, Bronte and Tamarama, walk along the clifftops and past several sea water swimming pools built into the cliffside. We ended up at Bondi Beach, one of the world’s great beaches. Here we had a much needed cold drink after our efforts. The walk is just over 6km and takes two hours.

6. Learn to surf at Manly Beach

Manly is located at Sydney Harbour’s northern gatepost. The ferry ride here from Circular Quay is a must, taking you past the Sydney Opera House and through much of the harbour. Manly has both ocean and harbour beaches. From the ferry wharf a ten minute walk takes you to the ocean beach, a two kilometre stretch of golden sand.

It was here that we were to try surfing for the first time with Manly Surf School. It was a tricky day for surfing as it was very windy, the waves choppy and the currents vicious. After a brief instruction on the sand we were straight into the sea. It was  great fun and the sense of achievement on standing up was great. It was also really hard work, just getting out through the breaking waves with your surf board is an achievement. The boys loved it and were full of glee overtime they stood up. They could have stayed all day. I was exhausted after an hour but proud to have made it up on three occasions..! It is definitely something we’ll do again but hopefully in easier conditions.

For more on Sydney’s best beaches…

Read: Adventure Babies – 22 of the Best Beaches in Sydney for Kids.

7. Visit Taronga Zoo, the best location for a zoo anywhere in the world

Taronga Zoo offers much. A ferry ride across Sydney Harbour past the Opera House, the cable car trip from the wharf to the entrance, the magnificent views of the city…and to cap it all off the zoo is excellent too. We loved our day at the zoo. It is definitely the best located zoo in the world, offering splendid views of the harbour and city.

We spent several hours at the zoo which included the Wild Ropes, a rope course high above the trees. For your money you get to do two courses, the low and high ropes. You start on the low ropes which breaks you in gently and then on to the high ropes which are challenging. A couple of us got stuck in various places on the high ropes!

8. Wander around The Rocks

Australia’s convict history began here with a squalid canvas shanty town on a rocky shore. Today this area is full of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops, in atmospheric laneways.

Check out our YouTube video of our time in Sydney.

WHERE WE STAYED

We stayed at an Airbnb right in the heart of the city. The location was perfect but the apartment was poorly equipped for a family of five so we wouldn’t recommend staying there.

FOR MORE ON AUSTRALIA:

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