Sydney, Australia Travel Guide: 10 Things You’ll Actually Love Doing

Things you need to do for your first time in Sydney

There’s a reason Sydney ends up on almost everyone’s bucket list.

It’s beautiful, it’s laid-back, and it somehow manages to feel like a big city and a beach holiday at the same time.

Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, there’s no shortage of things to do.

So here are our favourite things to do in Sydney for first time visitors - the obvious must-sees, plus a few that feel a bit more “live like a local” (without trying too hard).

1. Walk Across the Sydney Harbour Bridge

There’s nothing quite like Sydney Harbour.

It’s iconic, it’s ridiculous in the best way, and it never really gets old.

Walking across the Harbour Bridge gives you some of the best views in the city - Opera House, water, ferries doing their thing. If you’re feeling brave (and flush), you can even climb it!

But honestly, even just standing nearby and taking it all in does the job.

2. Have a Drink at Opera Bar

If you only have one “drink with a view” in Sydney, make it this one.

Right next to the Opera House, Opera Bar is one of those places where you sit down for one drink and suddenly it’s been three hours. They also do food, so why not stay for lunch?!

Ferries coming and going, the Harbour Bridge in the background…it’s a bit of a pinch-me moment.

Also - and this is important - watch out for the seagulls. They are bold.

3. Wander The Rocks Markets (weekends only)

If you’re in Sydney over a weekend, this is a really easy yes.

The Rocks Markets take over the cobbled streets near the harbour with:

• local stalls

• food

• handmade bits you didn’t plan to buy

It’s a nice, slow way to start the day. Coffee in hand, wandering around, pretending you’re considering buying art.

4. Take the Ferry to Manly

The ferry to Manly is one of those things that feels like a tourist activity…but locals do it too.

And for good reason.

The journey alone is worth it - you get some of the best views of the harbour, bridge and Opera House without really trying.

When you get there, it’s all:

• beach

• cafés

• slightly slower pace

If you’ve got the energy, the Manly to Spit walk is a good one. If not, Shelley Beach is perfect for a swim or snorkel.

5. Do the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

This is probably Sydney’s most famous walk - and it’s famous for a reason.

Cliffs, beaches, ocean views the whole way…it’s hard not to enjoy it.

It’s about 6km, but you can take your time, stop for swims, coffee, whatever you fancy.

Start at Bondi and end at Coogee (or the other way round), and reward yourself with a drink at the end, either at Coogee Pavillion or Bondi Icebergs, depending on which way around you do it. You’ve earned it.

(We’ve got a full guide on this if you want the details!)

6. Eat at Doyles, Watsons Bay

Watsons Bay feels like another world - in a good way.

Grab fish and chips from Doyle’s, sit by the water, and just enjoy it.

If you’re up for a short walk, head to Hornby Lighthouse - the views are worth it. Or have a wander over to Camp Cove Beach and see the most picturesque beach kiosk in Sydney!

If you’d rather stay put, the Watsons Bay Hotel is a great shout for a drink. Especially on a weekend when there’s live music.

7. Visit the Queen Victoria Building (even if you don’t shop)

We’re not massive shoppers, but the QVB is worth it...just for the building itself!

It is stunning - old-school, detailed, very different to your usual shopping centre.

It’s a good place to escape the heat (or the rain), grab a coffee, and have a wander without really needing a plan.

8. Take a Day Trip to Palm Beach

You’ll need a car for this one, but you'll be glad you went!

Palm Beach is that classic “this doesn’t feel real” kind of place.

• long stretches of sand

• clear water

• and the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk at the top

If you’ve ever seen Home and Away, you’ll recognise it straight away. And if you're lucky, you might even catch the crew there on a filming day!

Bring food, take your time, and don’t rush it.

9. Watch the Sunrise at Coogee Beach

Yes, it means an early start. No, you won’t regret it.

Watching the sunrise over the ocean here is one of those simple things that ends up being a highlight.

The sky turns pink and orange, people are out swimming, grabbing coffee…it just feels like a very good way to start the day.

Sit on the Rainbow Steps with a coffee and you’ll see what we mean.

10. Explore the Royal National Park

If you’ve got a bit more time, head out of the city to Sutherland Shire.

The Royal National Park is about an hour away and feels completely different -more nature, less city.

You can:

• walk

• swim

• picnic

• or just drive and stop when something looks good

If you’re there between May and November, keep an eye out for whales along the coast.

Final Thoughts

Sydney is one of those places that’s very easy to enjoy.

You don’t need to rush around ticking off everything - it’s actually better when you don’t.

Pick a few spots, take your time, and do it properly:outside, relaxed, and ideally with a coffee in hand.

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