Choose from 130 Fun Things to Do in Sydney
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Madame Tussauds Sydney
The famous wax museum, Madame Tussauds, with its incredibly life-like wax figures of famous people, can be found all over the world. Sydney was added to the list when this location opened its gates in 2012.
Now, Australians and visitors from all over the world can take the opportunity to stand next to their favorite glitz and glamour star. From TV personalities, famous sport players, musicians, actors and A-List celebrities to world leaders, scientists and the key players in world histor –the wax museum lets visitors meet a wide range of personalities from different fields and time periods.
In addition to international celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Barack Obama and Michael Jackson, Madame Tussauds in Sydney also makes an effort to include local personalities. The history zone is filled with founders and well-known names from the times of colonial Australia. In addition, next to Kylie Minogue, you can also find the stars of the Australian sports and media scene.
Practical Info
Madame Tussauds is located right next to the Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney on Darling Harbour. While there are a couple car parks in central Sydney, it is easiest to arrive to the wax museum by public transport. There is regular ferry service to Darling Harbour and if you arrive by train, Madame Tussauds is only a short walk from the Town Hall or Wynard Stations. If you take the city sightseeing bus, get out at stop 24. The museum opens daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: Sydney Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Adults $40 AUD, children $28 AUD
From $ 30
Leura
Leura, sometimes called the “Jewel in the Mountains Crown,” is a small Blue Mountains village located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of Sydney. Smaller than neighboring Katoomba, with a quaint, cherry tree lined town center called the Leura Mall, the village exudes mill-town charm. There are cafes, bakeries, antiques shops, and high-end boutiques, with brightly colored flowers decorating the streets.
The Basics
Visitors often stop in Leura for a relaxing lunch while sightseeing in the Blue Mountains, The village is packed with dining and shopping options, and is also home to its own bush walks like the Leura Cascades, Leura Forest, Gordon Falls, and Sublime Point, which leads to a luxury golf course. Visitors can also stop by the Everglades Gardens, a lovingly maintained 1930s Heritage Trust site with a grotto pool and teahouse.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Laura is known for its meticulously maintained flower gardens. Many of the town’s gardens are private, but they open to the pubic during the annual Garden Festival.
- There are a number of dining options from casual to upscale in the village.
- Give yourself ample time to explore Leura’s town center with antiques shops, trendy boutiques, cafes and coffee shops.
How to Get There
Leura is located in the Blue Mountains about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of central Sydney. The villa can be reached by car: it’s about a 90-minute drive or a 2-hour train ride on the Blue Mountains Line from Sydney’s Central Station.
When to Get There
Laura offers different activities and local festivals throughout the year. The popular, annual Garden festival and village fair take place in October.
Three Sisters
The Three Sisters is an ancient rock formation located in the Blue Mountains National Park in the town of Katoomba, just a short drive or train ride from Leura. The towering trio of stones has a mythical dimension: An Aboriginal Dreamtime legend tells of three sisters who lived in the Jamison Valley, fell in love with three brothers from a rival tribe, and were forbidden to marry. Visitors can access the landmark via Echo Point.
Address: Leura, NSW 2780, Australia
From $ 37
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park
Enjoy a quintessential Australian wildlife experience – in the dark – by taking a nocturnal tour at Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park. Revealing mysterious nocturnal creatures that visitors seldom see, the eco-conscious crew at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park offer both day and night viewing sessions.
Your wildlife encounter may include patting koalas, feeding wallabies and watching for dingos and snakes by day, before searching for quolls, owls and sugar gliders in the moonlight.
Sprawled across 10 hectares of bushland at the top of the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park is just outside of Melbourne and makes an easy daytrip for groups, tourists and locals alike. Best of all, you can leave feeling like you’ve not only encountered Australian wildlife in natural environments, but also helped to support the conservation and education programs run by Moonlit Sanctuary.
Your wildlife encounter may include patting koalas, feeding wallabies and watching for dingos and snakes by day, before searching for quolls, owls and sugar gliders in the moonlight.
Sprawled across 10 hectares of bushland at the top of the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park is just outside of Melbourne and makes an easy daytrip for groups, tourists and locals alike. Best of all, you can leave feeling like you’ve not only encountered Australian wildlife in natural environments, but also helped to support the conservation and education programs run by Moonlit Sanctuary.
Practical Info:
The Moonlit Sanctuary is less than one hour drive from Melbourne, using the tolled Eastlink freeway, or the Monash Freeway (M1) and Westernport Highway (A780). The street address is 550 Tyabb Tooradin Road, Pearcedale.
Other transport options include taking a tour, or catching a train between Melbourne and Frankston, then the 776 bus service between Frankston Railway Station and Pearcedale Shopping Centre.
Daytime admission is from 10am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day. Adult day admission costs $17, or is included in the Mornington Peninsula Attraction Pass offered by local tourism organisation, EMMP. Night tour times vary and must be booked in advance at a cost of $40 for adults.
Cheaper admission for both day and night sessions is available for concession holders, kids, aged between four and 15 years, and little ones under four years old.
Other transport options include taking a tour, or catching a train between Melbourne and Frankston, then the 776 bus service between Frankston Railway Station and Pearcedale Shopping Centre.
Daytime admission is from 10am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day. Adult day admission costs $17, or is included in the Mornington Peninsula Attraction Pass offered by local tourism organisation, EMMP. Night tour times vary and must be booked in advance at a cost of $40 for adults.
Cheaper admission for both day and night sessions is available for concession holders, kids, aged between four and 15 years, and little ones under four years old.
Address: 550 Tyabb Tooradin Road, Pearcedale, Melbourne 3912, Australia
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $17
From $ 93
Katoomba
Katoomba is one of the most visited towns in the Blue Mountains. Home to Echo Point, where visitors can see the Three Sisters rock formation and Scenic World, Katoomba offers ample attractions and activities to delight all kinds of travelers. While it maintains a small-town feel, it’s home to a large selection of accommodations, dining options, and shopping in the center of town.
Basics
Katoomba is most famous for its proximity to the Three Sisters Rock formation, which can be accessed from Echo Point in the Blue Mountains National Park. Many visitors also come for Scenic World, an eco-amusement park with railways, cable cars, and treetop walks. But the historic town has a thriving cultural and dining scene as well with a long list of annual events and festivals, plus unusual landmarks like the Explorers Marked Tree, which has been carved with the initials of explorers dating back to 1813
Things to Know Before You Go
- Katoomba is easily reached by train from Sydney.
- You’ll find a range of accommodation and ample dining options in Katoomba.
- Katoomba’s Edge Cinema has one of the largest movie screens in the southern Hemisphere.
- The Blue Mountains is occasionally affected by bushfires in the summer months.
How to Get There
Katoomba is located in the Blue Mountains about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of central Sydney. The village can be reached by car in about 90 minutes or by a 2-hour train ride on the Blue Mountains Line from Sydney’s Central Station.
When to Get There
Local festivals happen throughout the year in Katoomba. The Blue Mountains region is sometimes affected by bushfires in the summer and can be wet in winter months.
Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls, just a short drive or train journey from Katoomba, is a charming town located in the Blue Mountains Heritage Site. Known for its eponymous waterfalls, the town has a number of walking and hiking trails, picnic and BBQ areas, preserved Aboriginal sites, and a charming downtown with historic buildings and gourmet coffee shops.
Address: Katoomba, NSW 2780, Australia
From $ 37
Museum of Sydney
Life in Sydney isn’t all about the beach and surfing, but about culture as well. Located inside the walls of a majestic building from 1788, the former residence of Gov. Arthur Phillip, the Museum of Sydney informs visitors about the history of New South Wales’ capital in an entertaining way. The collection displays archaeological finds, utensils from the everyday life of the Aborigines and the first settlers, as well as documents and pictures about the development of Sydney to Australia’s largest city.
Multimedia presentations and computer animations bring the history of the former penal colony to life, and although the museum mostly informs guests about the city’s history, it also takes a critical look at the clash of cultures that happened between the Aborigines and European immigrants.
The museum's location in itself is deeply symbolic. It was here that in 1788, the Cadigal, a group of Aborigines inhabiting the area, and the English first encountered each other. The sculptures in front of the museum, called the “Edge of Trees,” accordingly symbolize the Cadigal looking on from the edge of the trees as Arthur Philip’s fleet anchored in the Bay of Sydney and hoisted the Union Jack to formally found the first British colony on Australian ground.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and only closes on Good Friday and Christmas. It sits only one block away from Circular Quay, which is serviced by trains, buses and ferries. There is no parking available at the museum, and using public transportation is recommended.
Address: Corner of Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Good Friday and Christmas.
Admission: Adult $10 AUD, Child (under 15) $5 AUD, Family (two adults + two children) $20 AUD
From $ 148
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
One of only four giant observation wheels in the world, along with the London Eye, the Singapore Flyer and the Las Vegas High Roller, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel has some big names to live up to, but with its 360-degree panoramic views reaching as far as the distant Mount Macedon and Dandenong mountain range, there’s no other attraction like it in the city of Melbourne.
Riding in one of the 21 air-conditioned capsules is an experience in itself, reaching heights of up to 400 feet (120 meters or the equivalent of 40 stories) during the 30-minute tour and offering an unbeatable bird’s eye view of the surrounding Docklands and Port Phillip Bay from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The most atmospheric time to ride the Melbourne Star is during the evening hours, when the wheel’s specially engineered multi-colored LED-lighting creates a dazzling lightshow over the waterfront.
Practical Info
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is located along the waterfront of Melbourne's Docklands and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with last admission at 9:30 p.m. (from 1 p.m. on Christmas Day and Anzac Day). Adult admission costs AU$32.
Address: 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands, Melbourne VIC 3008, Australia
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Admission: AU$32
From $ 27
Mrs. Macquarie's Chair
This unique landmark—a massive rock fashioned into a cozy bench—was carved from sandstone in the early 1800s by Gov. Lachlan Macquarie for his wife Elizabeth. As the story goes, when the weather was warm and the sun high, Mrs. Macquarie loved to relax at the point of this scenic peninsula and stare out over the ocean.
Today, travelers enjoy a leisurely walk to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair from the iconic Opera House or wander over to this historic attraction after a visit to the nearby Royal Botanic Garden. In a bustling city that’s alive with energy, the stone bench offers visitors a perfect place to unwind, relax and take in the some of the best views of Sydney Harbour.
Practical Info
Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair is located on a quiet peninsula near the Royal Botanic Garden on Mrs. Macquaries Road by Farm Cove. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Travelers can explore the site on the two-hour self-guided Domain Walk, which visits other public outdoor attractions as well.
Address: The Royal Botanic Garden/Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm
From $ 41
Milsons Point
Travelers love Milsons Point because of the uninterrupted views of Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House. During hot summer nights, locals gather on this tiny peninsula in Sydney Harbour opposite Sydney Cove and watch the sun dip down over the central business district skyline. This quiet spot has become a destination for those looking to capture a perfect picture of the city.
When day turns to night, young couples can be found holding hands as they stroll along the neon-lit midway of nearby Luna Park. The low-key crowd will appreciate the well-manicured suburbs of the north shore that are ripe with quiet cafes, continental restaurants and plenty of friendly locals.
Practical Info
Milsons Point is within walking distance of Luna Park, the Chinese Christian Church and North Sydney Olympic Pool. Firework shows often take place after dark, making evening hours one of the best times to visit. Travelers can easily find free parking in the area from the late afternoon on.
Address: Sydney, Australia
From $ 41
Melbourne Aquarium
All things fishy swim inside the Melbourne Aquarium, right beside the Yarra River in central Melbourne. The focus is on creatures from the Southern Ocean. Penguins are a particular highlight, along with other Antarctic creatures. Those who dare swim with the sharks, while more gentle creatures swim in the coral atoll, rock pools, mangroves and billabongs.
Creatures from around Australia swim in the River to the Reef exhibit, while Weird and Wonderful highlights nature’s variety – from Nemo clownfish to scuttling crabs and UV-lit transparent sea jellies. Another star attraction is the creepy Oceanarium, with its viewing fishbowl filled with gray nurse sharks, stingrays and turtles.
Creatures from around Australia swim in the River to the Reef exhibit, while Weird and Wonderful highlights nature’s variety – from Nemo clownfish to scuttling crabs and UV-lit transparent sea jellies. Another star attraction is the creepy Oceanarium, with its viewing fishbowl filled with gray nurse sharks, stingrays and turtles.
Practical Info
Melbourne Aquarium is an easy stroll from either Flinders Street Station or Southern Cross Station. Trams run along Flinders Street, including the free Tourist Shuttle, dropping you outside the aquarium. You can also walk across the Yarra River to reach here from the Crown Entertainment Complex.
Address: Corner Flinders and King Streets, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Hours: Open 9:30am - 6pm every day
Admission: Adult: AU$32.50 Child (3-15yrs): AU$18.50
From $ 31
Mt Ainslie
The city of Canberra was master-planned by an American designer from Chicago, but you will never recognize the genius of his plan until you see it from the top of Mt. Ainslie. From the lookout point of this 2,700 ft. hill that rises to the north of Canberra, you can finally understand the geometric formations that comprise the modern city. The lakes, hills, avenues, and buildings all seem neatly cradled in the valley’s amphitheater and the view towards the west during sunset hours is the best in all of Canberra.
To reach the famously breathtaking lookout, choose from one of the numerous walking tracks that ascend the side of the mountain. One trail—the Kokoda Track—departs from the back of the Australian War Memorial and has placards that honor Australian soldiers who fought in World War II. Other trails, such as the Mount Ainslie Walking Trail, weave their way from the base of the mountain up towards the summit lookout, and keep your eyes peeled for small kangaroos as they rustle about in the bush. If, on the other hand, you would prefer to simply see the view without working up a sweat, a road leading to the summit lookout is the easiest way to the top.
Practical Info
There is no admission fee to enter Mt. Ainslie and it’s open all year round. The most popular track is the Kokoda Track, and the trail to the top is 2.5 miles and 90 minutes roundtrip.
Address: Mt Ainslie Dr, Majura ACT 2609, Australia
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 140
Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens
Set in the Blue Mountains just outside of Sydney, the cool climate of the Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens nurtures thousands of species of plants, from all over the world. The plants are arranged geographically, allowing for a walk among the greenery of different regions of the southern hemisphere. At 1,000 meters above sea level, there are magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and World Heritage Park. At this higher elevation rich volcanic and clay soil called basalt, along with heavy rainfall, creates conditions perfect for producing and cultivating unique plants found only in this climate. The 28-hectare estate has both manicured gardens and wilder “jungle” sections, as well as accommodation for those wishing to stay in the park.
The gardens are also focused on conservation, with a World Heritage Exhibition Center has educational displays for a variety of plants, animals, and for local history.
Practical Info
The Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm. There is no cost to enter the gardens. To get there is roughly a 90-minute drive from Sydney, taking Bells Line of Road west from Richmond.
Address: Bells Line of Rd, Mount Tomah NSW, Australia
Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm
From $ 179
National Carillon
No trip to Australia’s capital is complete without a visit to the National Carillon. The 164-foot (50 meter) architectural landmark originally gifted to Australia by the British government is touted for its’ unique design. In addition to its’ towering height, the structure is also a musical instrument! Have a picnic beneath the striking tower and listen to chimining of its’ 55 bronze bells each week at free concerts. The sheer height of the tower allows the musical melodies to drift across Lake Burley Griffin all the way to Kings and Commonwealth Parks. Visit at night when the structure is illuminated for an unforgettable view.
Practical Info
The National Carillon is located on Aspen Island in Canberra, Australia. Admission is free and visitors are welcome 24 hours, every day. Free recitals are held every Wednesday and Sunday, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Address: Aspen Island, Canberra, Australia
Hours: 24 hours
From $ 140
Mt Tamborine National Park
Visit Queensland’s first national park on Mount Tamborine, in the Gold Coast Hinterland region, to enjoy the natural wonders of eucalypt forests, palm groves, prehistoric volcanic rock outcrops and lush subtropical waterfalls.
Mount Tamborine National Park originated with the protection of the Witches Falls and has since expanded across the Tamborine plateau and surrounding foothills. Popular national park activities include walking the many mapped and marked bush trails, spotting Australian brush-turkeys and listening for the call of the threatened Albert’s lyrebird.
Once you’ve explored the natural wilderness of Mount Tambourine National Park, be sure to indulge in the boutique beers, local wines and specialty crafts from the Tambourine Mountain township, which is known as a luxury getaway destination and hang gliding hotspot.
Mount Tamborine National Park originated with the protection of the Witches Falls and has since expanded across the Tamborine plateau and surrounding foothills. Popular national park activities include walking the many mapped and marked bush trails, spotting Australian brush-turkeys and listening for the call of the threatened Albert’s lyrebird.
Once you’ve explored the natural wilderness of Mount Tambourine National Park, be sure to indulge in the boutique beers, local wines and specialty crafts from the Tambourine Mountain township, which is known as a luxury getaway destination and hang gliding hotspot.
Practical Info
Find more information about Mount Tamborine National Park walking trails on the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management website and the Scenic Rim Regional Shire website. Most walking trails are short, and can be walking within a few hours, with distance and difficulty grading indicated on track signs.
Address: Tamborine National Park, Cedar Creek, QLD, Australia
From $ 41
Ku-ring-gai Chase
Located in northern Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is the second-oldest national park in the country and a favorite among campers, hikers and nature lovers. Its lush rainforest landscape, quiet creeks and mountain passes lead visitors to forget Ku-ring-gai Chase is still within Sydney city limits, but its incredible views, thick mangroves and scenic drives make it the perfect escape from center city hustle.
The park is on the Australian National Heritage List, and travelers often wander its well-kept walking paths that wind through the Australian jungle. Driving may prove the easiest way to navigate the area, but many visitors prefer to call upon bicycles and horses to explore. An ideal day trip, Ku-ring-gai Chase offers public picnic spaces, paddle and sailboats and scenic overlooks like the Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
Practical Info
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is accessible by car from Turramurra, Mt Colah, Terrey Hills and Church Point. It is open from sunrise to sunset but may close in inclement weather, so it’s best to call ahead during poor conditions. Gates near Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay are closed between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily, and gates to West Head are closed from 8:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. Entry fees are $11 per vehicle per day.
Address: Bobbin head Road, North Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 37
Kings Cross
Sydney’s late-night revelry hub is east of the city center in raffish Kings Cross. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs throng the main thoroughfare, Darlinghurst Rd, which winds its way north to Macleay St and more-sedate Potts Point.
The focal point of Kings Cross is the gaudy neon Coca-Cola sign crowning William St, which leads east from Hyde Park. Take a walk along the area’s leafy streets, lined with double-story terrace houses fringed with lace ironwork balconies, and stop off for a coffee or refreshing drink at this vibrant area’s many cafes and pubs. If you follow Macleay St north, you’ll catch panoramic views of the harbor and Woolloomooloo; steps lead down to the water and the famous Harry’s Cafe de Wheels pie cart.
When the sun goes down, Kings Cross transforms, with adult entertainment at the fore. The area is busy and well policed, but leave your inhibitions at the door.
Practical Info
Kings Cross is 10 minutes away from the Sydney City Center by car. Kings Cross station is on the corner of Victoria St and Darlinghurst Rd. The station is on the Bondi Junction line, and you can catch a train from Central, Town Hall or Martin Place. Several bus services run to the Cross from Circular Quay.
Address: Darlinghurst Road, Sydney 2011, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 35
National Library of Australia
If you have any question about Australia, you will find an answer here. The National Library boasts the largest collection of “Australiana” in the world, and over 10 million pieces of printed material—from books, magazines, photographs, and newspapers—has been preserved by the library system. Read accounts of the earliest explorers as they found this new southern land, or find books on Aboriginal folklore and the evolution of Australian culture. You will also find exhibits and printed material on neighboring Pacific nations, where books provide windows into New Zealand New Guinea in a way no library can. Perhaps most striking are handwritten manuscripts that have defined Australia’s history, from the original journals of Captain Cook to letters from World War I. Exhibits in the library change regularly, and you can easily lose yourself for an hour or a week in the fascinating, historical, and literary windows that line the walls of this palace of knowledge.
Practical Info
The Main Reading Room and Petherick Reading Room are open from 9am-9pm on Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 1:30-5pm on Sunday. The Treasures and Exhibitions Gallery is open from 10am-5pm daily.
Address: Parkes Pl W, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Hours: Mon-Thur 9am-9pm, Fri & Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
From $ 140
Luna Park Sydney
This iconic park has been entertaining locals and travelers with a lively midway, carnival games, giant Ferris wheels and contemporary Big Top concerts since 1935. With more than 20 rides, including the dizzying Spider, hilarious Tumble Bug and the classic carousel, visitors to this Sydney standard are sure to have a fun-filled day at the harbor. Travelers agree the best time to visit is during hot summer nights, when city views from atop the Ferris wheel are most impressive and the glow of neon lights lends the park a true sense of nostalgia.
Practical Info
Luna Park is located at Milson’s Point on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour near Lavender Bay. It’s easy to get to by car, public bus, train or ferry. There are ride closures during various times of the year, so it’s best to check the schedule before making a trip. Park entry is free, and ride tickets vary in price and range from $20 to $40.
Address: 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, New South Wales 2061, Australia
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: Free entry; rides $20-40AUD each
From $ 19
Jenolan Caves
One of Australia’s oldest and most impressive cave systems, Jenolan Caves are a highlight of any visit to the Blue Mountains. The caves serve up some spectacular scenery, with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, underground rivers, and unusual limestone and crystal formations.
The Basics
The only way to explore the caves is on a guided tour, and there are more than 10 different show caves to discover. Each cave has its own unique selling point—Lucas and Imperial are the largest and most accessible, Chifley Cave is riddled with secret chambers, and the Orient and Temple of Baal caves have stunning rock formations. There’s also River Cave, set around a subterranean river, and the Ribbon Cave, with its unusual crystal formations.
Various combination tickets and tours are available. Day tours of Jenolan Caves from Sydney often include a visit to the Blue Mountains, stopping at regional attractions, such as the Three Sisters rock formation and Jamison Valley, the mountain villages of Leura and Wentworth, or Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a minimum age of 6 or 10 years for some cave tours, which are graded according to their difficulty level.
- Temperatures in the cave average 60°F (16°C) year-round, so bring warm clothing. Sturdy, enclosed shoes and comfortable clothing are also essential.
- Most caves are not wheelchair accessible, but visits to Orient Cave can be arranged with prior notice. For those with reduced mobility, Imperial Cave is the most easily accessible.
- The Jenolan Caves complex has a number of hotels, restaurants, cafés, and on-site facilities for visitors.
How to Get There
Most travelers opt to visit Jenolan Caves as part of a Blue Mountains tour. There is no public transport to the caves, but trains run from Sydney to Katoomba, from where coach tours operate to the caves. There is plenty of free parking on-site.
When to Get There
The caves are open daily year-round. The busiest time to visit is during the summer months of January and February, when advance booking is essential.
Adventure Activities at Jenolan Caves
Jenolan Caves’ striking topography affords adventurous travelers plenty of opportunities to explore. Visit rarely seen caves on an “off the track” tour; take a thrilling night excursion; or strap on a headlamp and helmet, and squeeze, scramble, and crawl through the “Plughole.” Hikers can also enjoy a number of bushwalks around the caves, with popular choices, including Carlotta Arch Walk, Jenolan River Walk, and McKeown's Valley Track.
Address: Australia
From $ 31
Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary
Not to be confused with the Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium in Darling Harbour, the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary on Sydney’s North Shore has recently undergone a name change (from Oceanworld Manly) and has gained a number of new attractions.
A new breeding habitat called Penguin Cove was opened in late June 2012 and now houses a small population of cute Little Penguins. As an endangered population that live and breed on Sydney’s busy natural coastline, the penguins in Penguin Cove are provided a safe place to raise their young and be observed by visitors.
Another big attraction that sets Manly SEA LIFE apart from its Darling Harbour cousin is its ‘Shark Dive Xtreme.’ Thanks to a large colony of non-aggressive but fearsome looking Grey Nurse Sharks, this dive is an opportunity to swim amongst the marine life cage-free!
If that doesn’t whet your appetite, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary has an underwater viewing tunnel for close up but dry views of sharks, sting rays, turtles and other marine life. There are also a number of interactive rock pools where you can clearly see all the weird and wonderful undersea creatures that call Sydney Harbour their home.
The easiest and most fun way to get to the Sanctuary is on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf.
A new breeding habitat called Penguin Cove was opened in late June 2012 and now houses a small population of cute Little Penguins. As an endangered population that live and breed on Sydney’s busy natural coastline, the penguins in Penguin Cove are provided a safe place to raise their young and be observed by visitors.
Another big attraction that sets Manly SEA LIFE apart from its Darling Harbour cousin is its ‘Shark Dive Xtreme.’ Thanks to a large colony of non-aggressive but fearsome looking Grey Nurse Sharks, this dive is an opportunity to swim amongst the marine life cage-free!
If that doesn’t whet your appetite, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary has an underwater viewing tunnel for close up but dry views of sharks, sting rays, turtles and other marine life. There are also a number of interactive rock pools where you can clearly see all the weird and wonderful undersea creatures that call Sydney Harbour their home.
The easiest and most fun way to get to the Sanctuary is on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf.
Address: West Esplanade, Manly 2095, Australia
Hours: Open daily: 10am-5:30pm (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: Adults: $24; Children: $12
From $ 37
Manly Beach
Straddling the peninsula of North Head on Sydney Harbour, the town of Manly is Sydney’s most popular seaside resort. It offers the best of both worlds, with calm harbor beaches on one side and wild ocean waves on the other.
Linking the two is The Corso, lined with cafes and restaurants. Along with swimming, surfing, wining and dining, Manly’s most popular attraction is of course Oceanworld, on Manly Cove Beach on the harbor side of the town. Sharks and rays swim overhead curving walkways, or you can don a wetsuit and go diving with these monsters of the deep (if you dare!).
Manly is surrounded by gorgeous beaches linked by scenic seaside walkways. Boating, kayaking, surfing and cycling are popular pastimes in summer, while winter is a good time to visit the historic former quarantine facility Q Station or take a North Harbour walk to Shelly Beach or The Spit.
Practical Info
Manly is on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, on North Head guarding the entrance to the harbor. Manly Cove is on the harbor, while North and South Steyne beaches are washed by the Pacific Ocean and lined by Norfolk pines.
Manly Cove is 7 nautical miles from Circular Quay by ferry, the time-honored and most fun method of travel. It’s 30 minutes one way by ferry and a speedy 15 minutes by Jetcat. To get here by car takes at least an hour from central Sydney, so ditch the car and take the ferry!
Address: The Corso, Sydney 2095, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 33