Things to Do in Sydney

One of the Most Beautiful Cities in the World

As one of the most popular cities in Australia, Sydney has a number of tourist attractions to explore. From its iconic beaches and famous Opera House to its incredible art scene and vibrant nightlife, you’ll find all kinds of exciting things to do in Sydney. At Backpacker Deals, we have a range of trips and tours to choose from to help you explore Sydney in the best way possible. 

 

Browse our entire range of Sydney deals and activities below and experience everything this magnificent city has to offer with Backpacker Deals today!
 

Top Tours & Activities in Sydney

All Activities in Sydney

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More Activities in Sydney

Whether you’re looking for Sydney day trips for families, art tours, sightseeing experiences, or something else entirely, Backpacker Deals can help. Take a look through our top tour categories below and discover some of the best trips to Sydney today.


Our Team’s Top Picks for Sydney

If you’re wondering what to see and do in Sydney to make the most of your time here, look no further than our expert team’s top picks! As an avid group of travellers, we are more than familiar with all the best tours in Sydney and are happy to share our recommendations with you. Check out our ultimate Sydney travel guide below and discover some of our favourite kinds of experiences, trips, and more.

Boat Tours and Cruises:

Explore the stunning Sydney Harbour with a boat tour or cruise. Whether you’re seeking a serene sunset sailing trip or an exhilarating speedboat adventure, we offer an array of options to help you experience the ultimate Sydney holiday. Glide past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge on a sightseeing voyage, enjoy a gourmet meal on a luxurious dinner cruise, or experience true Aussie culture with a BBQ boat trip. 

Blue Mountains Tours:

Why not escape the city buzz for a while and take a trip to the picturesque Blue Mountains? With trips departing Sydney daily, it’s never been easier to experience the tranquillity of nature. From its vast eucalyptus forests to its towering sandstone escarpments, the Blue Mountains offer a refreshing retreat to all, promising a trip filled with adventure and rejuvenation. 

Wine Tasting Tours from Sydney:

Located just a few hours by car from Sydney, the Hunter Valley boasts some of Australia’s best wineries, each with its own unique selection of tipples for you to sample. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the day and head out on a Hunter Valley wine tasting for an afternoon of fine wines, delectable cheeses, and excellent company. 

Sydney Food Tours:

Experience an array of diverse cuisines and incredible culinary delights during your next visit to Sydney and spend time enjoying some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Discover enchanting secret bars, indulge in a delectable dinner overlooking the harbour, and enjoy Sydney nightlife at its finest with our selection of gourmet food tours. 

Whale and Dolphin Watching:

Set out on an unforgettable marine adventure with a whale and dolphin-watching tour! Set sail from Sydney and cruise into the vast blue playground of majestic humpbacks and playful bottlenoses. Led by highly knowledgeable guides, you’ll gain expert insights into the fascinating lives of these marine creatures and learn all about their unique behaviours as they swim alongside you. 

Surfing Experiences:

Get a taste of the outdoor Sydney lifestyle and hit the beach to shred some of Australia’s gnarliest waves. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned wave-catcher, we offer a range of surfing experiences, from half-day lessons to multi-day surf camps. Grab your board, head to the beach, and embrace Australia’s true blue surfing culture with these righteous adventures!

Guided Walking Tours:

If you’re in Sydney for the weekend and are looking for ideas on how to see as much of the city in a short amount of time, you can’t beat a guided walking tour. These tours will take you to some of the city’s best spots, from its famous tourist spots to its hidden gems. As one of the top things to do in Sydney for a day, these tours are filled with local insights, fascinating tales, and rich history.

Top Bucket List Activities to Do in Sydney in 2024

1. Sydney Harbour Thunder Thrill Ride

Take an exhilarating 30-minute jet boat ride along Darling Harbour and see some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks.

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2. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Head to Sydney’s gorgeous Macarthur Region for an unforgettable hot air balloon ride and watch the sunrise over the tranquil Camden Valley.

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3. Wollongong 15,000ft Tandem Skydive

Freefall over Wollongong Beach and see Sydney as you’ve never seen it before with this thrilling 15,000ft skydive.

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4. 1-Day Thredbo Snow Tour

Replace city skyscrapers with snowy mountains for the day with this exciting Thredbo snow tour from Sydney.

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5. 6-Course Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour

Enjoy a night of luxury on the waters of Sydney Harbour as you indulge in a gourmet 6-course meal and a selection of vintage wines.

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6. Bondi Beach 2-Hour Surf Lesson

Learn how to ride the waves like a true blue Aussie with an unforgettable surfing lesson at Sydney’s world-famous Bondi Beach.

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Free Things to Do in Sydney

If you’re looking to do Sydney on a budget, we’ve got you covered! From the iconic Bondi Beach to the city’s many picturesque walks, there are plenty of free things to do in Sydney to keep you entertained without breaking the bank.

Spend the Day at Bondi Beach

Take a walk along Australia's most iconic surf beach, catch some waves, and spend the day soaking up the sun.

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Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

A lush green wonderland nestled in the heart of the city, these botanic gardens are the perfect place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

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Explore The Rocks

Delve into Sydney's fascinating history with a trip out to The Rocks and enjoy cool markets, local artisan stores, and more.

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Walk Around Circular Quay

Explore the heart of Sydney Harbour, see the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and enjoy a leisurely stroll around Circular Quay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should you spend in Sydney?

The ideal length of a visit to Sydney largely depends on what you’d like to do and the pace at which you’d like to travel. Generally, 3 to 5 days is enough time to properly explore Sydney’s major tourist attractions without feeling rushed. 
 

It’s a common misconception, but no, Sydney is not the capital city of Australia (though it is our oldest city!). The capital city is actually Canberra, which is located approximately 3 hours away from Sydney. However, with so many incredible attractions and famous landmarks to enjoy in Sydney, we totally understand why so many people believe this lovely city is our capital!
 

Sydney is very walkable, with most tourists choosing to explore the city on foot. It also has great public transport links, and the inner and outer city suburbs are all very well connected via train and bus routes. 
 

Aside from the top tourist attractions like the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach, we also recommend paying a visit to the following places while you’re in Sydney:

  • The Rocks
  • Manly Beach
  • Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Queen Victoria Building
  • The Australian Museum