Sydney Attractions

Sydney is one of the world's top holiday destinations offering a variety of attractions for all ages. Families can explore the sights at Darling Harbour, including one of the biggest and most impressive aquariums in the world; observe some fascinating Australian fauna and flora at Wildlife World; and watch a film on the huge screen at the Imax theatre.

Those interested in history will want to explore the cobbled streets of The Rocks, a restored 19th-century village that was the site of Australia's first European settlement in 1788. The Rocks also gives access to the Pylon Lookout on the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge for an amazing view of the harbour, Sydney Opera House and beyond. Adventurers will definitely want to experience the iconic bridge from a more thrilling perspective though, and can take part in an organised climb to the top of Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views and a sense of bold achievement. For even greater heights, visitors can test their mettle by experiencing the view from the open air, glass-floored viewing platform at the top of the 853ft (260m) Sydney Tower.

When it comes to something more relaxing, Sydney boasts a large array of golden beaches for sun-lovers to take their pick from, from the more famous Bondi Beach lined with surf shops and designer cafes, to one of the many smaller beaches around Sydney Harbour.

Harbour Bridge

One of Sydney's most famous landmarks, the Harbour Bridge (known locally as the 'Coat Hanger') was completed in 1932 after claiming 16 lives during its construction. The bridge spans the 1,600-foot (500m) gap from the north to the south shore, which was previously only...  see full details

The Rocks

The best place to start exploring Australia's oldest city is at The Rocks, a restored 19th-century village at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was the site of Australia's first European settlement in 1788, and is therefore considered to be...  see full details

Sydney Opera House

It may not be an ancient monument, but the architecturally distinctive Sydney Opera House epitomises the city as much as does the Great Pyramid in Cairo or the Acropolis in Athens. Situated on Sydney harbour at Bennelong Point, this intriguing white-sailed landmark is no...  see full details

Royal Botanic Gardens

Sydney's 'green lung' is the 30-hectare botanical garden, established in 1816 and containing more than 7,500 species of plants. Australia's very first farm was on the site where the garden now flourishes, southeast of the Opera House. Paths and walks criss-cross the gardens, leading...  see full details

St Mary’s Cathedral

This impressive Gothic cathedral is the mother church of Australian Catholics and is a landmark in the very heart of Sydney, situated on the northeastern side of Hyde Park. The cathedral was built in 1868, but its two towering spires were added as...  see full details

Darling Harbour

The waterside tourist precinct of Darling Harbour, close to the central business district, is crossed by a monorail and offers plenty of entertaining diversions, museums, carnival rides, restaurants and shops. For example there is the Imax Theatre with Australia's largest cinema screen; the magnificent...  see full details

Sydney Aquarium

The aquarium is one of the most popular attractions at Darling Harbour, and is one of the biggest and most impressive in the world. More than 5,000 Australian fish are displayed in their natural habitats, along with Australian sharks, rays, platypus, seals, fairy penguins,...  see full details

Olympic Park

The site of the 2000 Australian Millennium Olympic Games, built on a former garbage dump, has become a favourite tourist attraction (there are afternoon bus tours from Circular Quay in central Sydney). Call at the information centre first for information, maps and tour guides....  see full details

Beaches

One thing that is not in short supply in Sydney are beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches. Anywhere in the city, except perhaps in the far west suburbs, you will never be more than half an hour away from one. Starting from popular Palm Beach...  see full details

Sydney Wildlife World

Attached to the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour, the new fauna and flora attraction features a huge variety of native Australian plant and animal species in nine different habitats. A walkway snakes through the enclosures, and the development comprises three floors of exhibits, with...  see full details

Sydney Tower

Sydney Tower, or the AMP Centrepoint Tower, is the tallest free-standing building in the city, and the second tallest in the country. Situated above the Centrepoint office building and shopping centre, the tower is one of the main attractions in Sydney for its 360-degree...  see full details

Kings Cross

Once home to music halls and grand theatres, Kings Cross was transformed after World War II with the arrival of hundreds of troops visiting from the nearby naval base, and today still carries the reputation as the city's red-light district. Although the nightclubs, strip...  see full details