Top Things to Do in Sydney At Least Once In Your Life

Call me biased, but Sydney’s got pretty much of everything. I mean, which other city can rival Sydney’s incredible harbour, bountiful natural beauty, iconic landmarks, rich heritage, creative and culinary magic, and last but not the least, its world-class beaches (not an exhaustive list, but you get the gist right). 

But ask your average Sydneysider what makes this city so special and we just might shrug and reply with something modest like “the beaches are ai’ght” or “we got a pretty nice bridge”. Classic Aussie understatement. But spend a few days here and you’ll realise that we’ve been underselling it this whole time. So, if you’re swinging by or staying a while, here’s your unofficial list of the top things to do in Sydney at least once in your life.

Seeing Sydney from a cruise

You’re fair dinkum missing out on the best views of Sydney unless you’re on a cruise. No two ways about it — Sydney shines best when you’re out on the water. A harbour cruise is one of the most repeated tourist activities I’ve done. Forget ‘dinner with a view’, on these Sydney Harbour dinner cruises you’re actually surrounded by the glowing harbour lights and the iconic Sydney skyline. Opt for something like a catamaran cruise and glide past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, while digging into an all-you-can-eat buffet that impresses you with both local and international flavours. 

There are also options with live entertainment, including cabaret shows, which embody Sydney’s nightlife! No two cruises are the same so I’d suggest you try a few out, before bookmarking your favourite one! You’re welcome.

Scaling the Harbour Bridge 

The BridgeClimb can be a bit exxy and touristy, but you’ll understand why it sneaks up on every Sydney ‘must-do’ list. You’d think people only do this for the view; yes, you can enjoy 360° views of the vast metropolis of Sydney and click those silly ‘swallowing the Opera House’ photo ops. But the real thrill? The mix of adrenaline and awe as you stand thousands of feet above the harbour, while cars zoom across the bridge underneath, ferries zig-zag across the water — it’s a hair-raising ‘Heck yes, I’m really doing this’ moment. Bonus: Do it at dusk or dawn for max goosebumps. 

Touring the Opera House

You haven’t really done Sydney until you’ve had a ‘wow, it’s even better IRL’ moment at the Opera House. It’s not just a pretty facade, it’s a full-blown culture castle with backstage secrets, celeb stories and more drama than a reality show. Take a guided tour to snoop behind the scenes and learn the inner workings and architectural wizardry of this immaculate icon.

And with over 40 shows scheduled weekly, there’s always something to enjoy! So, whether you’re catching a show or just catching selfies, this icon is Sydney’s ultimate overachiever and yes, it’s worth every bit of the hype. 

Chasing waterfalls at Ku-ring Gai Chase

Think Sydney’s all hustle and high-rises? No blame there, cus I thought the same before exploring this pretty corner of the city. Just over an hour north of Sydney lies Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, a massive slice of untouched Aussie bushland with ancient Aboriginal rock art, walking tracks, wildflowers, waterfalls and hidden beaches.

I was honestly floored the first time I went. It’s the kind of place where your phone signal drops and your jaw does too (from the views, not the bush walks… although those can be a bit spicy). Pack a picnic, create your favourite playlist, lock in those headphones and make a day of it. Absolute nature therapy!

Conquer your morning at Bondi Beach

One of my all-time favourites is getting up before the cockatoos and heading to Bondi for sunrise. The views? Glorious! The crowd? Surprisingly, zen! Even if you’re not a morning person, do yourself a favour and do it! And once you’re caffeinated (Porch and parlour offers a killer flat-white), you can explore the scenic Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk. Not up for a physically demanding morning? Just take a selfie at the iconic Bondi Icebergs Pool and pretend you went for a swim (no judgement there).

As a bonus, you might rub shoulders with A-list celebrities in Bondi, like my mate Chris who swears he saw Hugh Jackman there doing push-ups on the sand. I wasn’t jealous at all *sigh*.

Sydney isn’t just a bucket-list city, it’s a state of mind. From the unmistakable harbour landmarks to the breezy dinner cruises, this city is buzzing with experiences that speak to every kind of traveller. So, get out there and tick off these unmissable Sydney experiences! You’ll only regret what you didn’t do!