Sydney Travel Guide

From the glittering harbour to bustling bars, acclaimed restaurants and world-class events, Sydney delivers unforgettable experiences no matter what you’re looking for. Explore the many food precincts and savour fresh seafood and delicious cuisine. Discover incredible artworks and amazing museums. Catch a ferry past the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge to the world-famous zoo or explore secret harbour islands. Sydney gives you only the best options.

Bustling rooftop bars, thriving markets and acclaimed restaurants. Home to passionate chefs with a flair for international cuisine, Sydney is renowned for its delicious fusion of flavours. Enjoy modern Australian by the harbour at the acclaimed Quay, or sample some fish and chips at Manly, Coogee or Bondi Beach. You can savour freshly-caught seafood with a chilled glass of your favourite at the alfresco Opera Bar, next to the iconic Sydney Opera House sails.
  You’ll find flavour packed throughout the city. Chinatown is thriving with bustling yum cha restaurants, Korean barbecue venues and fresh produce markets in heritage-listed buildings. Make sure to visit nearby Sydney Fish Market to experience an authentic and bountiful market brimming with fresh ocean delights.

Sydney is home to an incredible arts scene with lively theatres, captivating art galleries and fascinating museums. Check out what’s on at the Sydney Opera House. This world-famous venue hosts a range of shows, from rock and pop to opera classics. You’ll also find an annual calendar of stage productions at the Sydney Theatre Company, in Walsh Bay.

Explore the works of Australia’s classic art titans alongside incredible indigenous artwork and international exhibits at the Art Gallery of NSW. You’ll also find fascinating contemporary galleries at the Museum of Contemporary Art right on the harbour in Circular Quay. Discover more about Sydney’s indigenous and colonial heritage at the Museum of Sydney. Kids will also love the dinosaur exhibit at the Australian Museum, the fifth-oldest natural history museum in the world.

Sydney unrolls spectacular natural attractions in every direction. Catch a ferry from Circular Quay across the glittering harbour to Taronga Zoo, and meet some of Sydney’s famous residents, from elephants to tiger cubs. You’ll also enjoy an eyeful of Sydney Harbour splendour. In Darling Harbour you’ll find Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, home to penguins, exotic fish and over 700 species of marine life. If you’re feeling brave you can even try scuba diving with a grey nurse shark.

Explore the city’s green parklands and you’ll find many tree-lined oases perfect for picnicking or relaxing. At the historic Botanic Garden, next to the Sydney Opera House, you can join a free Aboriginal Heritage Tour of the area. Enjoy some horse riding in the historic 360-hectare Centennial Park. This is also a great place to explore on a bike ride through the ponds and flower beds. You’ll find cafes and restaurants to rest and refresh along the way. Explore Sydney’s beauty further by catching a ferry from Circular Quay to the hidden harbour islands, including historic Cockatoo Island.

Sydney is one of Australia’s most accessible cities. Sydney Airport at Mascot services a large volume of international and domestic flights, and airport transfers are available. There is also a 15-minute train service direct to the city. You can also drive to Sydney at just over three hours from Canberra, or just over nine hours from Melbourne or Brisbane.