Sydney is one of the top choices when it comes to deciding on a vacation destination, and it’s not hard to see why either. There truly is so much to see and do in this city beyond its iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
The best thing about Sydney is that there’s something for everyone-nature and wildlife encounters, cruises in the harbour, adventure activities like skydiving, and more! Whether you’re travelling with family, besties or significant other, you’ll realize that there's never a lack of fun activities in Sydney.
Fun Things to do in Sydney with family
If you’ve heard that Sydney is a fantastic vacation destination for families, it’s true! Kid-friendly dining and attractions abound; for instance, you can already find both a zoo and an aquarium right at the famous Darling Harbour.
Teach your little ones lessons beyond classroom walls, make new animal friends, and enjoy nature and the great outdoors. Here are some of our must-visit suggestions for families:
1. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is definitely a fun stuff to do in Sydney with the fam. Walk into an awe-inspiring underwater world for all ages to enjoy, with 9 interactive zones and over 12,000 creatures from 650 species!
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is also home to the largest Great Barrier Reef exhibition in the world, a state-of-the-art technology feature that houses a 1.7 million-liter display with over 500 creatures. How awesome is that?
Get up close and personal with a myriad of fishy friends, from reef sharks, manta rays, tropical fish, jellyfish and even sea turtles too! Take a family photo to commemorate your visit at the giant frozen wave feature, a delightful underwater backdrop for your pictures.
📍 Darling Harbour, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
2. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Located conveniently right next to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, where you can hop from the underwater world to Australia’s bush terrain to meet some land animals! This is an excellent place for the whole family to learn more about the Aussie Big Five-Australia’s “big five” native animals, which are the:
- Koala
- Kangaroo
- Saltwater Crocodile
- Wombat
- Platypus
The zoo is always a fantastic choice for family time–koalaty time with your little ones, and a cute animal friend at every corner. What could be better?
Klook Tip: Book with Klook to get a Digi Photo Pass, which grants you access to unlimited digital photos!
📍 Darling Harbour, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
3. Madame Tussauds Sydney
Visiting Madame Tussauds Sydney is a memorable and fun thing to do in Sydney if you want to capture fun photos with your favorite celebrities and characters. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute walk from both SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo!
Kids will love getting to pose with lifelike wax figures of their favorite superheroes, which include Spider-Man, Superman, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, and more. There are also figurines of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Australia’s own Kylie Minogue, Chris Hemsworth, and Steve Irwin.
Klook Tip: Book with Klook to get a Digi Photo Pass, which grants you access to unlimited digital photos!
📍 Darling Harbour, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
4. Sydney Tower Eye
Take in the sights and sounds of Sydney from up above at the 250-meter-high Sydney Tower Eye! Expect magnificent 360-degree views all around, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city and its stunning horizon. Make sure to look out for Sydney’s iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can even spot the Blue Mountains on a clear day!
Klook Tip: Book with Klook to get a Digi Photo Pass, which grants you access to unlimited digital photos!
If your kids are a little older, brave souls can also do the Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk, which allows you to walk on air at the highest outdoor viewpoint (268 m up!) in Sydney.
📍 Westfield Shopping Centre, 108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
5. Hunter valley Wildlife Park
Hand-feeding a curious meerkat during an interactive wildlife encounter in Hunter Valley
Looking for a wholesome, family-friendly day out just outside the city? A visit to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is a fun and relaxed way to get up close with Australia’s most loved animals. Located in the scenic Hunter Valley, this open-style park is all about interactive experiences and easy-going exploration.
Here, you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, spot koalas snoozing in the trees, and meet a wide mix of native and exotic animals along the way. The park is flat, stroller-friendly, and well laid out, making it ideal for families with kids or travelers who prefer a slower pace.
📍138 Lomas Ln, Nulkaba NSW 2325, Australia
Fun things to do in Sydney with friends
Travelling with friends? Whether you guys are adventurous thrill-seekers or laid-back chill pills, you’ll surely find a fun activity in Sydney worth trying. You can go from skydiving and surfing to sipping on artisanal craft beer flights all in one day!
There are tons of activities to pick from—Sydney is your oyster; make this BFF trip a memorable one by painting the town red! Here are some must-dos to get you guys started:
6. Craft Beer Tour
Do you and your best buds love beer? Then a tour of Sydney’s top breweries by Dave’s Brewery Tours is a must-do!
You will learn how craft beers are brewed and get a chance to go behind the scenes at popular breweries like Young Henry's, Grifter and Batch Brewing, as well as (the best part!) get to sample various beer paddles too!
📍 Keg & Brew Hotel, 26 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
7. Sydney Skydive
Always wanted to try skydiving? Now’s the time! Go in a group to offer each other moral support and leap into freefall with Sydney Skydivers to experience an adrenaline-rushing thrill like never before!
Enjoy your tandem jump with a professional jump master and get a bird’s-eye view of Sydney from up above. You’ll also get a certificate of completion after your jump for bragging rights.
📍 745 Picton Road, Wilton 2571
8. Surfing at Bondi Beach
Australia is known to be an iconic surfing destination, and this doesn’t come as a surprise since it boasts so many stunning beaches. So why not grab the opportunity to pick up a new skill with your friends and learn to surf at Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s well-loved surfing spots?
Learn how to properly warm up, paddle and catch your very first wave under the guidance of an expert surf instructor from Lets Go Surfing and you will be shredding waves in no time!
📍 128 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi NSW 2026, Australia
9. Axe Throwing at Kiss My Axe
Here’s a fun and unique activity to do together with all your BFFs! For a memorable trip activity, gather your pals and try something new, like axe throwing at Kiss My Axe Alexandria Sydney. Try your hand at flinging axes into wooden targets and have a friendly competition between you and your friends to see who can do better!
Don’t worry if you haven’t tried axe throwing before; axe-pert coaches will be there to guide you and make sure that it’s a safe and fun activity for all!
📍 19 McCauley St, Alexandria, 2015
10. Watersports at Manly
Explore the beautiful shorelines of Manly via a kayaking session! Take your pick from a single or double kayak, and off you go to soak in the sun and the views of Manly on this kayaking experience.
Paddle your way to hidden gems, gorgeous beaches, and waterfalls galore. Explore untouched areas you can only access via boat or kayak, and most importantly, enjoy the time under the sun with your best buds! Each package includes a kayak hire, life vest and, a map of North Harbour to aid your adventures.
📍 Manly Wharf, E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
For those who prefer paddleboarding, stand-up paddle boards are also available for hire! Enjoy paddling along the beaches and harbors and meander around moored yachts to reach areas that are only accessible by water. Each package includes a paddleboard hire, a life vest, and a map of North Harbour to aid your adventures.
Fun things to do in Sydney for couples
Couples who are thinking twice about making a romantic escapade to Sydney need not fret. Despite being a haven for family and friends, the city is also filled with cosy nooks and lots of magical experiences that will put you in the mood for love.
From serene hot air balloon rides to wining and dining with a splendid sunset view, lovebirds will be happy to know that romantic things to see and do in this city are never out of reach. Here are some activities to inspire you:
11. Bar 83 at Sydney Tower
Sydney is full of classy restaurants and bars, but for a dinner and drinks date night spot that’s up on the next level (literally), head to Bar 83 at Sydney Tower. This elegant bar is located 83 floors above street level and features floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking Sydney’s landscape.
The best time to visit in our opinion? Sunset, because of the beautiful golden hour glow!
Fun Fact: Bar 83 is considered the highest bar in the city—talk about dining with a view!
Wine and dine your lover by starting with a bottle of G.H Mumm Champagne or upgrade to a bottle of Perrier-Jouet Blason Rose, paired with fresh, creamy oysters served on ice, followed by sharing plates and dessert. Cue the chef’s kiss.
📍 Bar 83 at Sydney Tower, Level 4 Westfield Sydney, 100 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
12. Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight
You can’t deny that there’s something just enchanting about a hot air balloon ride, even more so one during sunrise! Lovebirds, a Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight in Camden Valley is a must-do on your Sydney trip that will etch breathtaking memories in your hearts and minds forever.
Hop onto a sunrise balloon flight over the Camden Valley (just a 60-minute drive away from Sydney CBD) and get ready to be mesmerized by a sea of clouds and sprawling fields below. Breakfast is also included after your hot air balloon flight.
Klook Tip: Remember it can get quite chilly in the early morning, so dressing in layers is recommended
📍 Camden Valley Inn, 290 Remembrance Drive, Cawdor, NSW 2570, Australia
13. Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise
Another great romantic activity: enjoying food and cocktails aboard a floating bar at Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise. All aboard the Sydney 2000 for a scenic 90-minute cruise down the splendid Sydney Harbour.
Sit back and relax with live music in the background as you take in the sights, and spice up your cruise experience with some delicious cocktails and tasty tapas, which are available to order onboard.
For a magical evening, catch the cruise at sunset and enjoy pre-dinner drinks on board together before continuing your evening dinner plans after.
📍 Departs from Darling Harbour King St Wharf 1 or Circular Quay Wharf 6
14. Sydney Seaplanes Highlights Flight
Take in sweet, sweeping views of Sydney from a whole new vantage point on a Sydney Seaplanes Highlights Flight, a romantic Sydney must-do to add to your itinerary. You can choose from 15-minute or 30-minute flights, as well as add on dining packages at Rose Bay after your flight to make your date even more special!
Sydney Seaplanes offers a 15-minute flight with brunch package or a 30-minute flight with seafood platter; both come with glasses of bubbly for clinking and sipping. It’s the perfect way to end a memorable night in Sydney.
📍 Sydney Seaplanes Rose Bay Terminal, Lyne Park Rose Bay
FAQs about fun activities in Sydney
What are the most fun activities in Sydney?
In Sydney, there are lots of fun activities! You can climb the Harbour Bridge, cruise across Sydney Harbour, relax at Bondi Beach, or explore the city’s food scene on a guided tour. For a quick escape, day trips to the Blue Mountains or wildlife parks add a refreshing change of pace without going far.
What fun activities can you do in Sydney for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors will love ticking off Sydney’s classics while still keeping things relaxed. Walking around Circular Quay, snapping photos of the Opera House, and ferry-hopping across the harbour are great places to start. Adding a guided city tour or a Blue Mountains day trip helps you see more in less time, especially if you’re short on days.
What are fun activities to do in Sydney for free?
There are lots of fun things to do in Sydney that won’t cost you a thing. Coastal walks like Bondi to Coogee give you amazing views and beach stops along the way, while public spaces like Darling Harbour and The Rocks are perfect for wandering. You can also visit free museums, enjoy sunset views at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, or simply relax at one of the city’s many beaches.
What fun activities can you do in Sydney in one day?
If you only have one day in Sydney, focus on experiences close to the city center. Start with a harbour walk or ferry ride, spend the afternoon at the beach or exploring a neighborhood like The Rocks, and end the day with a sunset cruise or waterside dinner.
What fun activities in Sydney are worth booking in advance?
Popular attractions in Sydney can sell out quickly, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons. Activities like Harbour Bridge climbs, whale-watching cruises, Blue Mountains day tours, and wildlife park visits are best booked ahead to secure your spot. Booking in advance also helps you plan your itinerary better and often saves time once you arrive.
More Sydney Vacay Inspiration
Want more guides and inspo for your Sydney travel itinerary? Here you go:
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