Choose from 130 Fun Things to Do in Sydney
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 130 listings.
Pitt Street Mall
A pedestrian area of downtown Sydney, the Pitt Street Mall offers some of the most exciting shopping in the city. In the area of just one block lies several flagship stores and more than 500 retail spaces, housed in some of the most expensive commercial real estate in Australia. Specialty stores to suit all tastes can be found in the seven shopping centers, including The Strand Arcade, Westfield Sydney, Myer, and David Jones. Many of the centers were refurbished as recently as 2011. Shops vary from couture and classic fashion, to budget chain stores, electronics, and the latest in athletic wear.
A visit here will certainly include some of the best shopping in Sydney, along with the bustling activity of this urban center. A footbridge runs across the mall, providing ample opportunities to take in the sights of people passing by. Restaurants and cafes provide replenishment from all the action.
Practical Info
The mall is located on a blocked off section of Pitt Street between Market Street and King Street in the Sydney central business district. Stores are generally open from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Address: Pitt Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Hours: Stores are generally open from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
From $ 669
St. Mary's Cathedral
St Mary's Cathedral is one of Sydney’s oldest and grandest buildings. Built on land given to the Catholic Church during the earliest days of colonization (1820), the original church was almost completely destroyed by fire and later rebuilt in its current form. The building that stands on Sydney’s central College Street today was constructed from Sydney sandstone and is regarded as one of the finest examples of an English-style Gothic Cathedral in the world.
There are many notable architectural features in the Cathedral’s design, which was only fully realized 100 years after the architect William Wardell’s death. Most notable is the Cathedral’s local sandstone interior and façade, its beautiful stained glass windows (especially the three rose windows at the entrance and the huge chancel window), and the high central nave.
Don’t miss the Cathedral’s ornate crypt, which features a mosaic floor and an exhibition on the first Australian Catholics, which includes a detailed history of the Cathedral’s earliest beginnings.
There are many notable architectural features in the Cathedral’s design, which was only fully realized 100 years after the architect William Wardell’s death. Most notable is the Cathedral’s local sandstone interior and façade, its beautiful stained glass windows (especially the three rose windows at the entrance and the huge chancel window), and the high central nave.
Don’t miss the Cathedral’s ornate crypt, which features a mosaic floor and an exhibition on the first Australian Catholics, which includes a detailed history of the Cathedral’s earliest beginnings.
Address: St Mary's Road, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
From $ 59
National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia explores national identity and heritage in a hugely kid-friendly and fun way.
Like a big abstract Australian storybook, the museum’s creative exhibits use controversy and humor to get you thinking about Australia's big picture.
From Indigenous culture to national icons, personal stories and artifacts, this enjoyable museum has a huge range of exhibits.
To get an overview of the collection, watch the free introductory film or take a guided tour.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Australia is perched on the tip of Acton Peninsula on Lake Burley Griffin, opposite Capital Hill
Public buses run here, as well as the Explorer Bus.
Address: Lawson Crescent, Canberra 2601, Australia
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day
Admission: Free
From $ 11
Powerhouse Museum
Since 1879, the Powerhouse Museum has served as the main attraction for Sydney's Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. Its impressive halls are filled with all things technological—from science and communication to transport and computers—even massive steam engines.
Jam-packed with more than 400,000 artifacts, this Sydney staple has become a destination for train lovers, engineers, computer nerds, scientists, and the curious. While the permanent collection is pretty incredible on its own, popular temporary exhibitions, such as those that have showcased Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings, Fabergé and even singer Kylie Minogue, keep this classic museum contemporary and up to date.
Practical Info
The Powerhouse Museum is located at 500 Harris Street between William Henry and Macarthur streets. It’s open daily from 10am until 5pm.
Address: 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney, Australia
Hours: Daily 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults $15, Children (4-15 years old) $8
From $ 11
Royal National Park
Australia’s Royal National Park is one of the oldest in the world, second only to Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Established in 1879, it is heritage-listed and contains landscape ranging from rainforest to beach and is home to many unique species of plants, animals, and wildlife. Bats, birds, possums, sugar gliders and wallabies all call the park home. There are also various historic Aboriginal sites scattered throughout.
Known to locals as just “the Royal” or “the Nasho,” the park has a wide variety of terrain types. Sandstone cliffs cascade to blue waters, with rivers flowing and Eucalyptus forests, rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands providing varied greenery. Hiking, surfing, cycling, boating, and picnicking are just a few of the ways to enjoy the park. The most popular walk is the Coast Track, on the eastern side. Whales visit the waters off the coast from June to November.
Practical Info
The park is located at Audley and is within an hour’s drive from both the Sydney CBD and from Wollongong. Park hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily. A fee of $11 applies when taking a car into the park area.
Address: Audley, New South Wales, Australia 2232, Australia
Hours: Daily 8:30am-4:30pm
Admission: Car Fee $11
From $ 44
Scenic World
Situated at the heart of Australia’s Blue Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scenic World offers the rare chance to explore the mountains from all angles. Ride overhead in a cable car, hike along the valley floor, ride a train through mountain tunnels, and discover some of the most impressive scenery in Blue Mountains National Park.
The Basics
Scenic World has four main attractions—the Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, Scenic Walkway, and Scenic Railway—and both single and combination tickets are available. The glass-floored Scenic Skyway is the largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere and offers views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and the Jamison Valley. The Scenic Cableway descends into the Jamison Valley, with views of Orphan Rock and Mount Solitary, while the Scenic Walkway is a 1.5-mile-long (2.4-kilometer-long) boardwalk through the lush rain forest of the Jamison Valley floor. Finally, the thrilling Scenic Railway is the steepest passenger railway in the world, climbing out of the valley.
Most travelers visit on a day tour from Sydney, and many Blue Mountains tours include a cruise down the Parramatta River or stops at attractions such as the Featherdale Wildlife Park or the mountain town of Leura.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Facilities at Scenic World include car parking, a restaurant, café, and gift shop.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, especially if you plan on bushwalking, and bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
- The Cableway and Skyway are both wheelchair accessible, as is part of the Scenic Walkway. Due to the steep grade traveled by the Scenic Railway, it is not recommended for travelers with disabilities.
How to Get There
Scenic World is located just outside of Katoomba village in Blue Mountains National Park, around 62 miles (100 kilometers) or a 90-minute drive from downtown Sydney. To arrive by public transport, catch the train from central Sydney to Katoomba, from which buses make the short journey to Scenic World.
When to Get There
It’s possible to visit Scenic World all year round, but the busiest time is during the peak summer season (December–January), when it’s best to make an early start to avoid the crowds. If you’re planning on bushwalking or other outdoor activities, the cooler weather of spring and autumn is ideal.
Exploring Australia’s Blue Mountains
Popular among outdoor enthusiasts, the Blue Mountains offer activities such as bushwalking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and caving. Among their highlights are the Three Sisters rocks, Wentworth Falls, Gordon Falls, and the Jenolan Caves, among the oldest in the world. Less physically demanding adventures include 4WD excursions in Blue Mountains National Park, helicopter rides over the mountains, and cruises to Sydney along the Parramatta River.
Address: Violet St, Katoomba, NSW 2780, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Rose Bay
The Sydney suburb of Rose Bay is one of the city's hottest outdoors and nature regions, with many opportunities for water-related activities. Though it's just four miles (seven kilometers) outside the central business district, Rose Bay can feel somewhat rural and wild with a population of under 10,000 people. That's, perhaps, why it's such a sought-after neighborhood. In fact, actor Russel Crowe is one of those 10,000 residents.
Of course, it's the nature that draws a host of people to Rose Bay every day. Most of those who head out to this eastern suburb do so in search of some sports activity; the area is host to two top-notch golf courses, plenty of tennis courts, a worthy beach and even sailing and jet-skiing.
Moreover, Rose Bay is home to some great shopping, and there are a host of attractions as well. Within the district itself, places like Rose Bay Cottage, Fernleigh Castle and the Convent of Sacred Heart all draw in their fair share of tourists.
Practical Info
The best way to get from Sydney to Rose Bay is by one of the many buses that run through. The Eastern Suburbs Ferry Service, which connects Circular Quay to Rose Bay, can also be taken.
Address: Sydney, NSW, Australia
From $ 37
Perisher and Thredbo Ski Resorts
The Australian ski resorts of Perisher and Thredbo are within Kosciusko National Park in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains. Both resorts offer world-class skiing facilities and accommodations, along with several hundred kilometers of groomed trails suitable for beginners, advanced skiers and cross country skiing adventures.
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, amalgamating four villages and their surrounding ski fields. Accessible by road and Australia’s only underground rack railway, Skitube, the resort caters well to intermediate skiers but also has plenty of tracks suitable for beginners and advanced skiers. Most accommodation options here are ski lodge or hotel style.
Thredbo has the longest ski runs in Australia, including the famous ‘Funnelweb,’ which is over 3km long, and some of the country’s steepest trails. Several terrain parks cater to everyone from beginners to the more advanced. Thredbo Village, at the foot of Mount Crackenback, has the feel of a European Alpine Village and has plenty of amenities, accommodations and year-round outdoor activities should you wish to visit outside of snow season.
The Australian snow season runs from mid June until early October.
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, amalgamating four villages and their surrounding ski fields. Accessible by road and Australia’s only underground rack railway, Skitube, the resort caters well to intermediate skiers but also has plenty of tracks suitable for beginners and advanced skiers. Most accommodation options here are ski lodge or hotel style.
Thredbo has the longest ski runs in Australia, including the famous ‘Funnelweb,’ which is over 3km long, and some of the country’s steepest trails. Several terrain parks cater to everyone from beginners to the more advanced. Thredbo Village, at the foot of Mount Crackenback, has the feel of a European Alpine Village and has plenty of amenities, accommodations and year-round outdoor activities should you wish to visit outside of snow season.
The Australian snow season runs from mid June until early October.
Address: Australia
From $ 189
Paddington
Often nicknamed “Paddo” by locals, Paddington is a suburb of Sydney that features a nice mix of culture, history and shopping opportunities. Known for its colonial architecture and beautiful
balconied buildings, Paddo has long been a local favorite. And although the population of this district is quite meager, at just over 11,000 people, it packs a massive punch when it comes
to activity.
In general, one could divide Paddington into four even more distinct districts. Five Ways is a bit of a village within a village and home to some of the best foodie spots in the Sydney area. Paddington Markets, as the name points at, is a massive flea market that takes place at the Uniting Church grounds. William Street is the art designer's district in which some of Sydney's top up-and-coming designers have their shops, and all of it is tied into Oxford Street, which runs the entire length of Paddington and is lined with shops, boutiques, cafes and eateries.
Of course, there's more to Paddington than just the shops. The district is also home to the Sydney Cricket Grounds, Sydney Football Stadium, Victoria Barracks and a number of other worthy sights.
Practical Info
The closest train station to Paddington is the Eastern Suburbs Line stop of Edgecliff. Otherwise, you can get there via a variety of buses including the M40, 333, 352, 378 and 280. If you're coming out to Paddington for the market, it takes place each Saturday of the year.
Address: Oxford Street, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia
From $ 41
Seahorse World
Located in northern Tasmania, Seahorse World is the world’s first commercial seahorse farm. Fueled by concern over dwindling seahorse populations, it got its start in research work at the University of Tasmania in the 1990s.
Today, Seahorse World works to conserve seahorses, by reducing numbers taken from the wild with its breeding program. It also offers visitors an educational tour of their aquarium dedicated to the breeding, education and conservation of the seahorse.
Tours, a little less than an hour in length, give visitors a behind-the-scenes view of a working seahorse farm. Along with seahorses, you’ll see an assortment of other colorful marine creatures in the aquarium like sharks, stingrays, spider crabs and giant cuttlefish.
Practical Info
Seahorse World is located north of Launceston, at Beauty Point in the north of Tasmania. Plan for a little less than an hour’s drive. It is open seven days a week, and in December through April, tours depart regularly from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. In May through November, tours depart on the hour, every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: Shed 1a, Inspection Head Wharf, Beauty Point TAS 7270, Australia
Admission: $20
From $ 16
Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain
Stretching along the coast of Sydney Harbour against a backdrop of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens and neighboring park, The Domain, offer spectacular views and beautiful scenery. This inner-city oasis boasts exotic plants, a tropical rain forest, woodland, flowers, and rare horticultural exhibits.
The Basics
Many Sydney sightseeing tours feature a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, including the popular spot called Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, a lookout point with views across Sydney Harbour. Full-day tours also visit downtown attractions such as The Rocks and Parliament House, as well as coastal sights like Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. Some tours also include a cruise around Sydney Harbour. For independent travelers, there are hop-on hop-off bus and boat tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no admission fee for the gardens.
- Visitor facilities in the gardens include restrooms, a garden shop, and a number of cafés and restaurants.
- The Choo Choo Express tourist train runs around the gardens, with regular departures from outside the Queen Elizabeth II gate near the Sydney Opera House.
- The Royal Botanic Gardens are wheelchair accessible, and accessible parking and restrooms are available.
- Free Wi-Fi is available.
How to Get to There
The Royal Botanic Gardens flank Macquarie Street in the city center, on the eastern edge of Sydney Cove. The gardens are well served by public transportation, with the Martin Place train station and Circular Quay buses and ferries just a short walk away. The main gates leading into the gardens are close to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Government House.
When to Get There
The gardens are open daily, although opening times vary throughout the year. Each season brings its own unique colors, but springtime is particularly beautiful with the flower gardens in full bloom. Summer is also a popular time to visit, with a number of events and temporary exhibitions held in the park. The gardens are also a popular spot to watch Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Plants and Wildlife at the Royal Botanic Garden
The gardens offer numerous leafy walkways and harbor lookouts, including Mrs. Macquarie’s Bushland Walk, which leads to the Mrs. Macquarie's Chair viewpoint. Highlights of the gardens include the Aboriginal First Encounters Garden, the Rain Forest Garden, the Palace Rose Garden, and the Succulent Garden. There’s also a camellia garden, palm grove, and herb garden. Wildlife sightings might include exotic birds, reptiles, and insects, as well as possums and flying-foxes.
Address: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney 2000, Australia
Admission: Gardens admission is free, Tropical Centre admission for adults is AU$3.30
From $ 30
Observatory Hill
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Sydney’s best sights are lining the beaches or harbor, but in the case of popular Observatory Hill, this elevated perch in the heart of downtown is one of the city’s best spots. For one, visiting the park is totally free—as are the sweeping views of the harbor and Sydney’s Harbor Bridge. Make the 20-minute trek from The Rocks and pack along a picnic, relaxing and sprawling out on the grass with a panoramic view of the harbor. The uphill climb to reach the park tends to thin out the visitor crowds, and thereby makes it a local favorite for watching the sun go down. On New Year's Eve, Observatory Hill is one of the best places in Sydney for watching fireworks, and the nearby Sydney Observatory is popular during all times of year. Here at Australia’s first observatory, you can peer through the telescope when visiting at night and enjoy Planetarium sessions inside, and the building now houses an informative center on the history of astronomy in Sydney.
Practical Info
Observatory Hill is approximately 20 minutes by foot from The Rocks and Circular Quay. The park area has a tennis court, exercise stations, as well as public art. While there are no public restrooms, there are some nearby on Watson Road. The most popular way to reach the park is via Kent Street, which then lead up the 108 “Agar Steps.” Or, from downtown, walk through the underpass beneath the Harbor Bridge that leads up from bustling Cumberland Street.
Address: Upper Fort Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
From $ 93
Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
Sumptuously decorated and timelessly elegant, central Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building is an unforgettable shopping destination. Built in High Victorian Romanesque style in 1898, and now meticulously restored, it stands on the site of the original Sydney markets.
The QVB's soaring central dome boasts translucent stained-glass clad in copper on the outside, and the shopping area takes up several balconied floors linked by grand staircases. Tiled floors, pillars, colonnades, balustrades, and arches. Chiming clocks and interesting historical displays complete the QVB’s flamboyant decor.
Originally the shops included tailors and florists; today there’s a wide range of specialist stores, from stationers to couturiers, cafes and coffee shops.
Practical Info
Sydney’s grandest shopping mall, the Queen Victoria Building takes up an entire city block, bound by George, Market, York and Druitt streets.
Town Hall Station is adjacent to the QVB on George Street, just over Druitt St. You can walk here from Circular Quay in around 10 minutes – just head south down George St.
Address: 412-414 George Street, Sydney 2000, Australia
Hours: Open at 9am - 11am, close at 5pm - 9pm depending on the day
Admission: Free
From $ 93
Nurses Walk
The cobbled lanes and colonial buildings of The Rocks are the hallmark of the historic district, and the Nurses Walk is one of its oldest laneways. The Nurses Walk takes its name from Sydney’s first colonial era hospital, which was set up in Sydney Cove to treat the arriving convicts – the narrow walkway served as a shortcut to the hospital, winding its way through the streets and passageways of The Rocks.
Today, the atmospheric street is better known for its cluster of vintage shops, independent boutiques and restaurants, and makes a popular inclusion on walking tours of Sydney and The Rocks. It still pays homage to its origins with a plaque devoted to nurse Lucy Osburn on the original walls of the Sydney General Hospital, and information boards detailing its historic importance.
Practical Info
The Nurses Walk is located in The Rocks in central Sydney, just a short walk from Sydney Harbour.
Address: Nurses Walk, The Rocks, Australia
From $ 139
Puffing Billy Railway
Chugging its way through the rugged bushlands, fern gullies, and ancient woodlands of the Dandenong Ranges, the Puffing Billy Railway is one of Australia’s most scenic train journeys. The spectacular views of the Yarra Valley are just part of the experience—the historic steam engines, Victorian-style interiors, and open-air carriages that allow for dangling legs make it a fun and memorable activity for the whole family.
The Basics
It’s possible to ride the Puffing Billy steam train in either direction, but most passengers start at Belgrave Station. From there, it’s 15 miles (25 kilometers) or 1 hour and 50 minutes one-way to Gembrook Station, with passage over the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge and stops at Menzies Creek, Emerald, Lakeside, and Cockatoo. Tours from Melbourne often combine a ride on the historic railway with other regional highlights such as the Healesville Sanctuary, wine tasting at Yarra Valley wineries, a Melbourne city tour, or a visit to Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tickets sell out, especially during the summer holidays, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
- All stations have parking, restrooms, and a cafe or snack bar.
- Luggage space is limited, so bring a small day bag and opt for a fold-up stroller.
- Steam locomotives are sometimes replaced with diesel locomotives during Total Fire Ban (when dry weather increases the risk of forest fires).
- Wheelchair access is available at all stations, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.
How to Get There
The Puffing Billy Railway runs from Belgrave to Gembrook through the foothills of the Blue Dandenong Ranges in the Yarra Valley. The starting point of the railway is at Belgrave Station, 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Melbourne. Trains run to Belgrave from Flinders Street Station in the city—just follow the blue line from Belgrave Station that leads to Puffing Billy Station, a short walk away. If you’re driving, it's around an hour's drive from downtown Melbourne.
When to Get There
The Puffing Billy Railway runs around four times daily, with both morning and afternoon departures from Belgrave. Trains run year-round, but they get crowded in summer, so it’s best to book ahead.
Special Events Aboard the Puffing Billy
For something more, book tickets for the special Steam & Cuisine journeys and dine aboard the century-old steam train, or enjoy a themed Jazz or Murder Mystery train ride by night. Those with kids in tow can treat the little ones to a Day out with Thomas, when Puffing Billy is transformed into Thomas the Tank Engine, or ride on the Santa Special Christmas trains.
Address: Puffing Billy Station, 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave 3160, Australia
Hours: Open daily, except Christmas Day
Admission: varies
From $ 76
Platypus House
Home to Tasmanian Platypuses and Tasmanian Echidnas, Platypus House gives visitors a rare chance to see and learn about both. Established to raise awareness about these Australian critters, Platypus House offers guided, educational tours.
Tasmanian platypuses and echidnas are unique and cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. During your tour at Platypus House, you’ll see the egg-laying mammals eating and playing. The tour begins in the platypus ponds before heading to the echidna garden to see them foraging in a bushland setting. The tour is a little more than 30 minutes in length. Visitors also get admission to a theatrette showing a film on platypuses and are encouraged to visit the interpretation centre.
Practical Info
Platypus House is located on the western banks of the Tamar River at Beauty Point. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Launceston. Platypus House is open seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is closed Christmas Day.
Address: 200 Flinders St, Beauty Point TAS 7270, Australia
Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Admission: $23
From $ 81
Snowy Valley
Perched on the edge of Lake Jindabyne in the Australian Alps, the Snowy Valley Resort is a popular ski lodge near Kosciuszko National Park, over the border from the Australian Capital Territory in New South Wales.
Snowy Valley Resort is a handy base whether you’re skiing at Perisher Blue or Thredbo, Australia’s top snowfields in the national park.
When the snow melts, Jindabyne changes personality to become a summertime outdoors resort, offering fishing, mountain biking whitewater rafting and horseback riding.
Snowy Valley Resort is a handy base whether you’re skiing at Perisher Blue or Thredbo, Australia’s top snowfields in the national park.
When the snow melts, Jindabyne changes personality to become a summertime outdoors resort, offering fishing, mountain biking whitewater rafting and horseback riding.
Practical Info:
Snowy Valley Resort is around half an hour from the ski fields at Thredbo and Perisher Blue. The resort is a 2-hour drive south of Canberra via the Monaro Highway.
Address: Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne 2727, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 189
Nielsen Park
Located in the suburb of Vaucluse in eastern Sydney, Nielson Park is a popular attraction in the larger Sydney Harbour National Park. Its tree-lined shores are perfect for spending an afternoon soaking up sun and dipping toes into the surf or picnicking with friends. The netted swimming pool and food kiosk add to this beach’s appeal, but travelers should note that Nielson Park is popular among the family set, which means the sandy shores are rarely quiet and always filled with energetic kids.
Practical Info
Parking can be difficult to find at Nielson Park, so it’s best to travel here by public ferry. The beach is free to enjoy.
Address: Greycliffe Ave., Vaucluse, New South Wales 2030, Australia
From $ 105
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Australia’s wild and wonderful aquatic life is highlighted at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums and among Sydney’s top visitor attractions.
There are several exhibit areas representing Australia’s varied habitats and ecosystems, including platypus from the Southern Rivers, salty crocodiles from the Northern Rivers, dugongs in the Mermaid Lagoon, little penguins from the Southern Ocean, and tropical fish from the Great Barrier Reef.
There are several exhibit areas representing Australia’s varied habitats and ecosystems, including platypus from the Southern Rivers, salty crocodiles from the Northern Rivers, dugongs in the Mermaid Lagoon, little penguins from the Southern Ocean, and tropical fish from the Great Barrier Reef.
Sharks swim overhead glass tunnels, there’s a tropical touch pool and corals in the Great Barrier Reef, and daily activities include glass-bottom boat shark feeding, talks with the dugongs, penguin feeding, and Reef Theatre displays.
Practical Info
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is in Darling Harbour, flanking the western side of central Sydney. Follow Market St if you’re getting here on foot, jump off a ferry from Circular Quay, take the Monorail to Darling Park Station or if you’re coming into town, get off the train at Town Hall Station. The crocodiles, koalas and kangaroos of Sydney Wildlife World are next door to Sydney Aquarium.
Address: Darling Harbour, Sydney 2000, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Shark Island
On an urban getaway to Sydney's Shark Island, travelers can surround themselves with the cobalt waters of the famous Sydney Harbour and find the best coastal perch to enjoy the panoramic view. Once used for animal quarantine, Shark Island is now part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. The 3.7-acre island's picnic tables, walking paths and craggy coves are sprinkled with sand and sea glass, offering a peaceful escape just a short ferry ride from bustling Circular Quay.
Visit as part of a guided tour to stroll the shoreline and snorkel, or make your own schedule by visiting as part of a hop on, hop off ferry cruise. Aside from seeing Shark Island itself, travelers are treated to a full view of Sydney Harbour, where the Opera House and Harbour Bridge rise up from the hills and waves.
Practical Info
The ferry crossing is 35 minutes from Darling Harbor and 20 minutes from Circular Quay, with the first ferry running at 9:30am. On weekdays, the final ferry leaves Shark Island around 2:30pm, which is extended to 4:25pm on weekends. Since there are no dining facilities on Shark Island, be sure to plan ahead and pack everything you'll need for the day, including food and water.
Did You Know? The island is named for its shape, which greatly resembles that of a shark.
Address: Shark Island, Point Piper, New South Wales, Australia
From $ 36