Choose from 130 Fun Things to Do in Sydney
Darling Harbour
The harbour is considered an entertainment and tourism hub with restaurants, bars, museums, theaters, shops, parks and more! All sites are walking distance from one another, as this ring of attractions is connected by walkways and boardwalks that face the water. Worn out from an exciting day in the harbour? There is also a little train that loops the area for visitors with children or anyone who would like to relax and enjoy the seaside sights.
You may need to dedicate an entire day for a visit, as there is so much to see and do in Darling Harbour. It has a thriving nightlife with a unique and electrifying vibe as people buzz from bar to bar. That said, the area is great for family fun as well. Children can play on the harbour playground or run through the fountains on hot days. Stop by Cockle Bay for an inspiring dining experience; marvel at sea creatures at the Sydney Aquarium, shop at Sydney’s Harbourside shopping center or visit one of Australia’s top museums.
Darling Harbour has something for everyone: with stunning views, top attractions and excitement all around!
Puffing Billy Railway
- 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.
Australian Museum
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Healesville Sanctuary
- On-site facilities include free car parking, picnic areas, and a selection of restaurants, cafés, and gift shops.
- Most of the sanctuary’s exhibits are outdoors and you will likely do a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and water.
- Healesville Sanctuary is fully wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair rental is available.
Garrison Church
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Captain Cook Memorial Fountain
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Camp Cove
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High Court of Australia
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Australian National Maritime Museum
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Garden Island
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Cape Schanck Lighthouse
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Featherdale Wildlife Park
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Garigal National Park
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Chinese Garden of Friendship
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Australian War Memorial
- Entrance to the memorial and museum is free, and regular 30-, 60-, and 90-minute tours are offered throughout the day.
- Visitors must undergo security checks, and oversized bags, backpacks, and large items must be left at the cloakroom (free of charge).
- There are two cafés on-site—Poppy’s Café in the memorial grounds and The Landing Place in Anzac Hall.
- The memorial is fully wheelchair accessible.
Ku-ring-gai Chase
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Australian Parliament House
Canberra has two parliament houses: the Art Deco 1920s Old Parliament House and Canberra’s focal point, the new 1980s Parliament House.
Dug into the surrounding green flank of Capital Hill, the grassed roof and triangular metal flagpole of Parliament House are a national symbol.
The building’s central foyer is flanked by the House of Representatives on the east and the Senate on the west. Inside, native timbers, marble, mosaics, tapestries and embroidery feature in the spacious and lofty interior.
Take a guided tour, and if Parliament is sitting you can watch the proceedings from the public gallery.
If you have time, visit the imaginatively curated Old Parliament House adjacent. Clattering typewriters, ringing phones and overflowing in-trays re-create the drama and atmosphere of Canberra’s political life in decades gone by.
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Crowning Capital Hill, Parliament House is set on a grand axis with Old Parliament House directly in front of it, and the Australian War Memorial, away over Lake Burley Griffin.
Hawkesbury River
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Berrima
- The town is about a 90-minute drive from Canberra or Sydney.
- There are wide ranging dining options in the village from casual to fine dining.
- Berrima is located near the Wingecarribee River and has popular walking trails along the water.
- The town hosts events like meditation retreats; check its website for up-to-date information.