Sydney, Australia’s finest city, has plenty of attractions that have led it to become a global travel hotspot. We have pulled together a list of the 10 places to visit in Sydney that will be sure to provide some unique experiences. These places range from architectural marvels to peaceful beaches. So, are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime in one of the largest cities in Australia? Here’s what you need to know about travelling to Sydney!
Top 10 Places To Visit In Sydney
These top 10 places to visit in Sydney combine history, spirituality, and scenic beauty.
1. Queen Victoria Building
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
If you are fascinated by great architecture and history, then the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) will be a perfect addition to your travel list. Constructed in 1898, this hall-stoked structure is prominent due to the vast spans of intricate mosaic floors, numerous domes, and breathtaking stained glass windows covering all four corners of the room. Over 180 boutiques can be found inside this building that was originally designed for marketplace purposes. Guests can also experience sophisticated meals at many of the building’s cafes and restaurants, including the famed Tea Room, which is located in the establishment’s previous ballroom.
Location: George Street, Sydney
Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. Luna Park
Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons
Situated at the very edge of Sydney Harbour, Luna Park Sydney is an amusement park that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The park is known for its large smiling face entrance and over 20 attractions, including classic carousels and a high-speed roller coaster, Wild Mouse. With slides and other games, Coney Island is where the Funhouse had its original form. Apart from the rides, sweepers of the amazing Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House around Luna Park have made it a great focal location for many photographers & adventure seekers.
Location: Milsons Point, Sydney
Timing: 11 AM – 4 PM
3. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Photo: Moatazayman / Wikimedia Commons
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium houses sea animals of more than 650 species, which means more than 12,000 underwater animals are housed in the aquarium. The aquarium features 14 zones of exhibits, including Shark Walk and the Great Barrier Reef, the largest exhibit of its kind in the world. The key feature is a glass tunnel that allows sharks, rays, and large schools of fish to swim above the visitor’s head. There are also panelled boats and interactively rock-dipped pools where the guests can feel sea stars and sea urchins.
Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Timing: 10 AM – 4 PM
4. The Australian National Maritime Museum
Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
From its beginning as a British colony to becoming integrated into Australia’s rich cultural heritage, the Australian National Maritime Museum is a great spot for those who wish to understand more about the history of Sydney. Spread out on the CAE Education campus overlooking the river, this museum provides visitors with exhibitions for all age groups. The exhibitions talk about the early cultures of the Eora people to modern Australian Navy stories.
Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Timing: 10 AM – 4 PM
5. Coogee Beach
Photo: Calistemon / Wikimedia Commons
Coogee Beach is famous because of its soft sandy shore and blue water. Adventure lovers and sun baskers flock here tirelessly. It is positioned at the Coastal Walkway of Sydney. Coogee is mostly a coastal village with some busy shops, restaurants, and little cafes everywhere. People get involved in activities such as surfing, stand-up paddling, or simply playing volleyball on the beach. Other than that, the place has barbeque pits, picnic areas, as well as shaded playgrounds, all safe for families.
Location: Coogee, Sydney
Timing: 24*7
6. Circular Quay
Photo: JJ Harrison / Wikimedia Commons
Circular Quay is best for first-timers who would like to see major attractions, such as the Sydney Opera House or Sydney Harbour Bridge. Circular Quay is mostly a ferry terminal, cruise centre, and public transportation interchange from where tourists can access the major sights of the city. There are many waterfront cafes, restaurants and cultural centres at Circular Quay. There are also walkways, pedestrian malls and a railway station at Circular Quay. This place is referred to as ‘gateway to Sydney.’
Location: Circular Quay, Sydney
Timing: 24*7
7. Taronga Zoo
Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons
Taronga Zoo is located right by the Sydney Harbour. The landscape of the park itself is diverse and is home to approximately 350 species of animals. Many of them are endangered. Taronga Zoo’s picturesque location offers not only a perspective of fascinating creatures such as kangaroos, koalas, and tigers but also stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Regardless if you’re 3 or 63, Taronga Zoo provides amazing attractions such as the Wild Ropes and up-close animal experiences.
Location: Mosman, Sydney
Timing: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
8. Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is one of the most popular surfing beaches in the world. The bright and warm sandy beach would make one want to swim, laze on the sand, or even surf the waves. Just as Bondi boasts of its beaches, it has an impressive selection of cafes and restaurants offering a variety of meals, from light munches to more sophisticated dishes. One major attraction is the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, which portrays the beauty of the coastline and the magnificent beaches around.
Location: Bondi, Sydney
Timing: 24*7
9. The Royal Botanic Garden
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Located within the Central District of Sydney, the Royal Botanic Garden is one of the most magnificent, tranquil spots in Sydney. Visit fantasy gardens and themed landscapes, such as the Tropical Centre, and gain a rich appreciation for Australia’s plant species. The garden also includes The Calyx, which is a stunning venue for special temporary showings. The Royal Botanic Garden is a nice place to lie on the grass and have a picnic, walk, or just appreciate the beautiful sights of Sydney.
Location: Sydney CBD
Timing: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
10. Sydney Tower Eye
Photo: rootstudio / Shutterstock
The Sydney Tower Eye is the best place to see panoramic views of Sydney. The tower, pivotally positioned in the heart of the city’s business district, has a height of 305 meters and is a 360-degree observation platform. The structure includes another feature, a 4D cinema that displays the magnificence of various landmarks in Sydney. This tower eye is ideal for tourists as well as locals in search of a different vantage point of the city. There is a shopping centre at the base of the tower.
Location: Sydney CBD
Timing: 9 AM – 9 PM
Be it visiting the Sydney Opera House, soaking in the sun on Bondi Beach, or wandering through the nooks and crannies of city neighbourhoods, Sydney guarantees to be a place that will enthral any traveller. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the best places to visit in Sydney, which will make you never want to leave. Dive straight into the hustle and bustle that Sydney has on offer!
Cover Photo: Dan Freeman / Unsplash