Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Sydney

"Southeast of the Opera House, this garden was established in 1816 and features plant life from around the world. Within the gardens are hothouses with palms and ferns, as well as the Calyx, a striking exhibition space featuring a curving glasshouse gallery with a wall of greenery and temporary plant-themed exhibitions. Grab a park map at any main entrance."

"I recommend joining an Aboriginal Heritage Walk to learn about the Cadigal people who were the original owners of this area. (every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10am to 11.30am). Alternatively you could join a free guided tour to learn more about the plants at the Gardens."

"No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to Sydney's highest point. Known as ‘Centrepoint,’ by the locals, from the Observation Deck, you can get 360-degree views of stellar Sydney, from 250 metres above the street level. These shots will shine on your socials; as the last place to catch dusk, you're guaranteed an Insta-worthy sunset."

"If you’re like me and love getting a birds-eye view of places, then the Sydney Tower is a must. It’s Sydney’s tallest building and the 360-degree views from the observation deck are pretty epic. Head up for sunset and watch the city switch over to night."

"Sydney Tower is the tallest structure in Sydney and the second tallest tower in the southern hemisphere. In 2009 it underwent significant renovations including connecting it with the shopping centre below."

"The tranquil beaches are another best feature of Sydney Harbor National Park. A lot of protected reserves fall under the jurisdiction of this national park. Since the waters are so clean and clear, you can indulge in a lot of water sporting events."

"If you’re a surfing fan, make sure to add a trip to Freshwater Bay to your to-do list this Summer. Located just North of Manly, this beautiful family beach is where surfing was first born in Australia. Back in the Summer of 1915, Hawaiian ‘Duke’ Kahanamoku famously carved a surfboard from some local timber and introduced surfing to the captivated locals."

"A summer essential for any Sydneysider, Camp Cove Swims’ colourful bikinis have been the go-to for a more sustainable beachside look since 2013. Produced down the coast in Jervis Bay, this brand is not only made locally but is designed to minimise its impact on the planet. Created with longevity front of mind, the lining of Camp Cove togs is made from regenerated nylon from rescued fishing nets that were heading for landfill."

"Escape from the crowds with a day spent at the secluded, picturesque Camp Cove. Nestled in Sydney Harbour’s National Park, near South Head, this hidden gem boasts harbour views and calm waters. This tranquil, relaxed environment makes Camp Cove the ideal spot to swim, snorkel, kayak or even scuba dive."

"Secluded, rarely crowded, and relaxed, Camp Cove is perhaps the most underrated of Sydney’s beaches. But that’s okay, because it simply means you’re likely to have a generous patch of sand all to yourself. Pack your snorkel, as the calm water makes for prime skin diving conditions."

"Located on the Kamay Botany Bay National Park’s northern headland and housed in a historic Cable Station building, the La Perouse Museum documents the 1787-1788 expedition of Comte de Lapérouse who arrived in Botany Bay a week after the First Fleet before departing and then mysteriously disappearing. When visiting La Perouse Museum make sure to visit the Macquarie Watchtower, Pere Receveurs Tomb and Bare Island. Opening Times: Wednesdays and Fridays, 10.00 am to 2.00 pm | Saturdays and Sundays, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm | Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.Ticket Prices: FREEAddress: 1542 Anzac Parade, La PerouseWebsite:La Perouse Museum webpage"

"Feature: A mix of Aboriginal history and artefacts from the expedition of French Explore La Perouse who reached Australia in 1788 just days after the English. Unlike many on this list, this Museum is well outside the CBD, in the coastal suburb of La Perouse. Housed in the old Cable Station, which once connected Australia to the rest of the world via telegraph, the Museum commemorates the famous La Perouse expedition, a French scientific endeavour whose ships arrived around Port Jackson at roughly the same time as the First Fleet."

"The La Perouse Museum is a heritage-listed building that tells the story of the La Perouse expedition. First opened in 1988, the museum is home to collectibles that detail the expedition, its famed arrival in 1788..."

"Rich in history and filled with stories, Sydney’s Jewish Museum is an exploration of Jewish history, culture and the genocide, as well as a powerful statement against racism. Walking through the museum you are able to read individual stories, see historic artefacts and learn about the plight of the Jewish people during the Holocaust. Guided tours are available four days a week, and are often conducted by a Holocaust survivor, making this museum a wonderful, immersive experience for primary and high school aged children."

"In Sydney’s lively neighbourhood of Darlinghurst, the Sydney Jewish Museum is “dedicated to documenting and teaching the history of the Holocaust,” say Lavrencic and Cullen. The museum has recently been renovated and “challenges visitors’ perceptions of democracy, morality, social justice and human rights”. It also places the Holocaust in its historical and contemporary context, giving something new and different for visitors, and explores human rights issues that still face Australia to this day."

"One of Sydney's best museums revolves around a detailed and expertly curated exhibition on the Holocaust, with sobering personal testimonies and moving objects as well as a memorial section for the 1.5 million child victims. Other sections cover the history and practice of Judaism itself and Australian Jewish history, culture and tradition. A section on the top floor examines contemporary human rights challenges, while temporary exhibitions are always excellent. There's also a kosher cafe."

"Housed in the Reserve Bank of Australia building at 65 Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD, the Reserve Bank of Australia Museum has the complete collection of Australia’s issued banknotes on display. The museum tells the story of Australia’s social and economic development through the life and work of its central bank and our nation’s banknotes. The museum is part of the Sydney Cultural Kilometre which consists of nine cultural organisations, museums and galleries located in Sydney’s CBD."

"The Museum tells the story of Australia’s banknotes against the background of the nation’s economic and social development, from before Federation through to the current era. Opening Times: Currently closedTicket Prices: Admission is freeAddress: 65 Martin Pl, Sydney Website: museum.rba.gov.au"

"Located at the top of Customers House, the cafe guarantees you a spectacular view of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor as you sip on Australian-grown and brewed coffee. Address: 5 Sydney Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Phone Number: (02) 9251 8683"

"Don’t be fooled by the boring name—Cafe Sydney is anything but, this is the place to go to for a bite of local cuisine, boasting some of the best food in the city. They’re famous for their sweets, so make sure to leave some room for dessert. Laid-Back Fine Dining"

"Don’t let the name foul you though - there’s much more than coffee as this Australian inspired restaurant. The price can be a bit salty but the food is heavenly, in particular the oysters. A restaurant for that perfect romantic dinner we say."

"Pitt StreetWhether you’re looking for a good watering hole for after-work drinks or a meal to share, Babylon Rooftop is always packed with city dwellers indulging in middle eastern fare and vino. Located in the heart of the city, Babylon offers Levant cuisine, also known as the food you would find in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Isreal, including flatbread with za’atar, grilled lambs tongue, whole wood-fired chicken, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder."

"If you're on the hunt for rooftop restaurants in Sydney, Babylon has got to be top of the list. Fronting a menu of Middle Eastern bites and creative cocktails alongside live music nights, bottomless brunches and incredible views of the CBD, this is a place for any and all occasions."

"Babylon is more than happy to satisfy your cravings with a menu of elevated mezze and Middle Eastern classics. Whether you're searching for chilled out dates or client meetings, this rooftop spot is sure to impress."