The sprawling international metropolis of Sydney can be daunting for any traveler. In a city so vast and diverse, the options are virtually endless. What to do? What to see? Where to go from George Street? Here is my collection of fun, unique and delicious things to do in and around Sydney.

Have a drink at the Opera Bar

Celebrate your arrival in Sydney nestled up against the iconic opera house and overlooking one of the largest natural harbours in the world. You’ve made it!

 

Wander through the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

 

Walk across the Harbour Bridge

While it’s an option to take a tour and climb the bridge; strolling across at your own pace is a fun, free way to earn a spectacular view of Sydney. The bridge is especially alive at night with runners and joggers making use of the Sydney icon.

See a performance at the Opera House

 

See the Opera House lit up during Vivid

 

Go lawn bowling

Bocce ball meets bowling meets croquet in this favorite Aussie pastime. The best venues allow patrons to eat, drink and be barefoot. Check out Paddobowls or Clovelly Bowling Club.

Try Vegemite

 

Attend a meat raffle

 

Dress up for a day at the races

 

Sample wine with the push of a button at Wine Odyssey

 

Get your noodle on at Sydney’s Night Noodle Markets

 

Dress up and join in on Sydney’s City 2 Surf

 

Eat a bag of Tim Tams

(Sharing not required)

Rent a bike and try out The Foodie Ride

 

Indulge in a scrumptious High Tea

 

Peruse the Paddington Markets

 

Catch the Saturday night fireworks display at Darling Harbour

 

Nosh on kangaroo, emu and saltwater crocodile pizza at the Australian Heritage Hotel

 

Dance the night away at Ivy

 

Finish a night with a heaping pile of pancakes at Pancakes on the Rocks

 

Walk or run The Bondi to Coogee Walk

Grab some friends and your sneaks and make a day of it. If going from Coogee to Bondi start with a cup of coffee at the Will & Co stand in Coogee Pavilion. Enjoy the 4.5km journey and snap some pictures. Reward yourself with lunch at The Bucket List.

Check out Sculptures by the Sea

Snorkel at Gordon’s Bay

Go surfing

Swim in one of Sydney’s natural rock pools

Check out Festival of the Winds at Bondi

Drink a Bloody Mary garnished with a crab claw at Anchor

Have a barbecue on the beach with friends

Take the ferry to Manly

Be sure to snap a great picture of the Opera house along the way. Then eat, drink and sun your way across the little bit of paradise.

Do the 7 Bridges Walk

Learn the intricacies of Absinthe at the Absinthe Salon in Surry Hills

Have a bogan day and go to a dog race

Pub Crawl across Newtown

Explore the up-and-coming pub scene in Sydney’s eclectic and unconventional neighborhood. Start with at brew at The Courthouse Hotel‘s beer garden. Migrate to Mary’s for a classic cocktail or craft beer. Stop off at Moo Gourmet Burgers for a mouth watering burger. Last but not least, mingle with locals at the vibrant and historic Newtown Hotel.

Have a raw vegan brunch at Sadhana

Few restaurants encompass the alternative feel of Newtown in a more delicious manner than Sadhana. Their dedication to raw organic food is apparent in their use of ingredients like coconut yogurt and goji berries. Their luscious cakes and desserts leave little dairy to be desired.

Have a world class cup of coffee at The Grounds in Alexandria

Watch an out door movie at Coogee or Centennial Park

Play ping pong at The Coogee Pavilion

Ride the ferris wheel at Luna Park

Attend Tropfest the world’s largest short film festival

Invite friends and get there early. This free event fills up quickly! A good Tropfest survival kit includes picnic blankets, wine, cheese and other delicious snacks.

Feed kangaroos and hang with koalas at the Featherdale Wildlife Park

Catch the Mardi Gras Parade at Oxford St

Star gaze at the Sydney Observatory

Take at AntiGravity Yoga class in Redfern

Go rum tasting at The Lobo Plantation

Boasting more than 236 types of rum to date, Lobo Plantation is the rum enthusiasts mecca. Step past the aged door frame and your stepping into Havana. Sociable bartenders will wow you with their rum knowledge or mix you a cocktail to perfection.

Check out at least one of Sydney’s amazing weekend markets

Bondi, Rozelle, Eveleigh, The Rocks, Marrickville being just a few of the best.

Join in on the Crab Race mayhem at Friend in Hand Pub

Wander through countless historic buildings during Sydney Open

Go to a NRL State or Origins Game

Have a famous meat pie

Have a meat pie at Harry’s Cafe de Wheels at Wooloomooloo or Pie in the Sky outside of the city

Head to the Sydney Fish Markets

Ogle at the array of seafood then pick something out and have one of the restaurants there prepare it to your liking. For extra points try a Balmain bug.

Have a drink at the oldest bar in Sydney; Fortune of War

Go Whale Watching

Overdose on chocolate at Max Brenner

Ride horses in Centennial Park

Have a picnic in the Royal Botanic Garden

Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden is a vast green space in Sydney. Home to countless native and imported species hours can be lost exploring the grounds. Don’t miss the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney’s premier art institution.

Visit the Blue Mountains

Take a Tour of the Jenolan Caves

Catch the flight birds show at Taronga Zoo

Paddle Board at Balmoral Beach

Explore Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Go wine tasting in the Hunter Valley

Take it all in from atop the Sydney Tower

Whether in Sydney for a few days or playing expat for a year, you’ve come to the right place. In Sydney you can shape your experience to be uniquely you. Whether it’s history, your palate or social gatherings that guide your taste in travel Sydney is a city that will welcome and delight you.