Travel guide to Sydney, NSW

Just past the Sydney Opera House, you’ll find the expansive grounds of the The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. If you need a break from city life and crowds, head to the oasis of the botanic gardens. You can also walk around the gardens and see native and exotic plants throughout the garden. Taronga Zoo is a must-visit for families with teenagers in Sydney.
If you’re up for another adventure from Rose Bay, the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay walk is a stunning way to explore some of the lesser known beaches along Sydney’s coastline. If you love live theatre, you’re in luck because Sydney has a number of exciting places to visit in sydney shows happening this summer. From an ode to Tina Turner to a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast, here’s everything theatre lovers can look forward to.

Like the Art Gallery of NSW, the MCA offers children’s art trails, art chatterbox as well as family labels. These labels are made for kids by kids and you can find them in the permanent MCA Collection on Level 2, as well as selected temporary exhibitions. If your kids love spotting stars, bring them to a  night sky viewing sessions of Observatory Late, a monthly program presented under the stars on the grounds of the Sydney Observatory. This free program will be held each month featuring a night of stargazing, talks from leading astronomers, music and performance with food and beverages on offer. If you want more of a thrill, do the SKYWALK and step out into the open air of Sydney Tower. This is a fully-guided tour around the outside of the top of Sydney Tower.
You'll get the chance to visit several other quiet beaches along the way too. It's an easy walk and perfect way to stretch your legs and get some epic views. If you would like a longer walk there is a lovely 10km circuit which leaves from Shelley beach and takes in the North Head and pretty bushland. The trail goes through beautiful bushland, along quiet harbour beaches, cliff edges and finishes in Manly.
To say Sydney’s museum scene is diverse is a bit of an understatement, with some establishments across town catering to niche interests alongside others that host global shows. Whether you want to take a deep dive into maritime history or glimpse the future, here’s where to get your culture on. This is a sheltered beach that is perfect for families with younger children. The beach has a playground, plenty of picnic areas, and calm waters that are great for swimming. There’s an enclosed netted swimming area near The Boathouse Balmoral Beach. If you’re at Circular Quay, drop in for a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art.

It’s the world’s most significant collection of Chinese contemporary art. But, if you need to drive, there is some paid parking near Bondi Pavillion, but it’s about $10 an hour. Tip – While lifeguards patrol Bondi, the waves can be strong and are not ideal for very young children. If you have young kids, consider visiting Camp Cove or Shelly Beach instead.
For a great deal, check out this Sydney Attractions Pass which  will get you into 2-4 attractions all conveniently located around the Darling Harbour area! Prices range from $65-$80 AUD depending on how many places you want to visit. However, if you love relaxing on the beach, this is the place to do it.

To help you learn more about Sydney’s tallest building, the city’s oldest buildings and a few of the most stunning new buildings in the city, I made this shortlist of my personal favourites. The Sydney Powerhouse is a wonderful place to visit on a rainy day in Sydney! You can learn about so many cool things, ranging from the Apollo 11 mission to the Boulton and Watt engine. There’s something for everyone at the Sydney Powerhouse Museum. Sydney is a great base with so many things to do, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t venture a little further outside the CBD. There are so many great day trips from Sydney to choose from, but if you’ve only got time for one then it is hard to go past the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains region for amazing landscapes.
It’s a great way to experience the beauty of Sydney in a relaxed environment. Check out Camp Cove, which is perfect for a swim or sunbathing. It’s a quieter spot compared to other beaches, offering a  chance to unwind. It’s a unique experience that highlights Sydney’s stunning waterfront and lively atmosphere. A visit to Bronte Park is an ideal way to experience Sydney’s outdoor lifestyle. It’s a serene place to connect with nature and enjoy quality time with family or friends.

A great way to discover this area is to take a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide who can explain the area’s history to you. This area is perfect to explore the little laneways and enjoy lunch at an historic pub with harbour views, like at the Glenmore Hotel. The Rocks is also home to a few excellent cafes and great markets on the weekends.
Sydney is home to must-visit icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but this Harbour City is constantly evolving. New rooftop bars, theatre shows and designer shops pop up at every turn, and the urban excitement is perfectly balanced by afternoons spent lying on the sand. Plus, with diverse destinations at its doorstep, Sydney is the perfect base for day trips and weekends away. Our team would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We acknowledge that the sharing of knowledge has occurred across the lands and waterways of Australia for many thousands of years.
Elizabeth Macquarie is said to have sat here longing for home and looking out to sea for boats bringing new life to the colony. Most of Sydney’s beaches and ocean pools are free – here’s where locals go for the perfect day out. Kids will also love the snakes and spiders, as well as the saltwater crocodile Rocky (originally from Rockhampton in Northern Queensland). You can also have your photo taken with a koala, and grab a bite to eat at the Koala Rooftop Café.

Warm up by an open fire at one of the city’s historic pubs, like the British-accented Lord Dudley in Woollahra. Check out our list of the best pubs with fireplaces in Sydney and plan your cosy arvo accordingly. Sydneysiders RÜFÜS DU SOL have made a huge name for themselves in the electronic music scene, currently riding high on the success of their fifth album, Inhale/ Exhale.