Top 10 Things to Do in Sydney

Using this list

Ten of Sydney's landmark experiences as a checklist — the harbour, the beaches, and the coastal walks. Much of the best of Sydney is outdoors and free, which makes this a cheaper list to complete than most.

The harbour is the city

The Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are the icons, but the way to experience the harbour is on it. The Manly ferry costs the price of a normal fare and delivers one of the great harbour journeys in the world — considerably better value than a tourist cruise.

The BridgeClimb is a genuine experience and priced accordingly; the pylon lookout gives a similar view for a fraction of it.

Do the Bondi to Coogee walk

Six kilometres of clifftop coastline past several beaches. It's the single most recommended thing in Sydney by people who live there, it's free, and it takes a couple of hours at an easy pace.

Respect the surf

Swim between the red and yellow flags, which mark the patrolled area. Rip currents catch out visitors every summer at exactly the beaches on this list. If caught in one, don't swim against it — go parallel to the shore.

Sun protection is not optional

UV levels in Australia are among the highest anywhere and burn times in summer are measured in minutes. Hat, shirt, and high-factor sunscreen reapplied.

Practicalities

Tap on and off public transport with a contactless card; fares cap daily. Seasons are inverted — December is high summer.

Timing

Run it plain, or add due dates from your arrival date.