Fun Things to Do in Sydney for Families, Friends and Couples
Sydney is one of the top choices when it comes to deciding on a vacation destination, and it’s not hard to see why too. There truly is so much to see and do in this city beyond its stunning 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 realise that there is never a lack of fun things to do when you’re here.
Planning a trip to Sydney this year? Remember to add these places to your itinerary!
But wait! Before you hop onto a jet out of here, make sure you are up to speed with our Singapore-Australia VTL Requirements Guide.
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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 aquarium right smack at the iconic 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 thing to do in Sydney with the fam. Step 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 litres 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, jelly fish 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
⏱ Thurs-Mon, 10am-4pm (Last entry 3pm)
Note: Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
2. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Located conveniently right next to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, where you can hop from 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?
#KlookTip: 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
⏱ Thurs-Mon, 10am-4pm (Last entry 3pm)
Note: Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
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 fave 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 life-like wax figures of their favourite superheroes, which include Spider-Man, Superman, Iron Man, Captain Marvel (a spanking latest addition!) and more. There are also figurines of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Australia’s own Kylie Minogue, Chris Hemsworth and Steve Irwin.
#KlookTip: 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
⏱ Thurs-Mon, 10am-4pm (Last entry 3pm)
Note: Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
4. Sydney Tower Eye
Take in the sights and sounds of Sydney from up above at the 250-metre 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!
#KlookTip: 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 (268m up!) in Sydney.
📍 Westfield Shopping Centre, 108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
⏱ Mon-Sun, 10am-8pm (Last entry 7pm)
Note: Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
5. Illawarra Fly Treetops Walk
Savour breathtaking views of the magnificent Illawarra Rainforest’s lush green canopies via Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, a steel walkway that’s 30 metres above ground.
Your scenic stroll ends at Knights Tower, which brings you up to 45 metres above the forest floor and offers sweeping views as far as the Pacific Ocean too!
📍 182 Knights Hill Rd, Knights Hill NSW 2577, Australia
⏱ Thur-Mon, 10am-5pm
Note: Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
Things to Do in Sydney with Friends
Travelling with friends? Whether you guys are adventurous thrill-seekers or laid-back chill pills, there’s something in Sydney for every type of friend group. 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 brewery tour of Sydney’s top breweries on this Inner West Craft Beer Tour by Dave’s Brewery Tours is a must-do!
You will learn how craft beers are brewed, 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
⏱ Mon-Sun: 2.30pm-5.30pm
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 savour a bird’s eye view of Sydney from up above. You’ll also get a certificate of completion after your jump for bragging rights!
P.S. Get up to 23% off your jump for groups with 3 people and above!
📍 745 Picton Road, Wilton 2571
⏱ Mon-Sun: 8am-3pm
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 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
⏱ Mon-Sat: 9am-11pm
Sun: 10am-11pm
Public Holidays: 9am-10pm
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
⏱ Mon-Sun: 9am-6pm
For those who prefer paddleboarding, stand up paddle boards are also available for hire! Enjoy paddling along the beaches and harbours and meander around moored yachts to reach areas that are only accessible by water. Each package includes a paddleboard hire, life vest and a map of North Harbour to aid your adventures.
📍 Manly Wharf, E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
⏱ Mon-Sun: 9am-6pm
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, Sydney is also studded with cosy nooks and plenty 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’s 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 swanky bar is located 83 floors above street level and features floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking Sydney’s glittering 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 sublime Camden Valley (located 60-minute drive away from Sydney CBD) and get ready to be mesmerised by a sea of clouds and sprawling fields below. Breakfast is also included after your hot air balloon flight.
#KlookTip: 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
⏱ Flights depart daily at dawn
Note: You will need to reconfirm the flight departure time the night prior to your scheduled departure date by calling +61 2 4990 9242
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 elevate 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
⏱ More information here
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 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
15. Picnic in Sydney
Looking for a fun dining option? Have a cosy and intimate luxury picnic with the love of your life at your location of choice in Sydney. Splendid views abound, and a delicious spread provided. All you need to do is sit back, take it all in and enjoy!
Choose from various graze boards including a sweet graze board with treats like chocolates and cookies, fruit graze board bursting with berries, watermelon and kiwi, as well as an antipasto cheese and charcuterie board. You can also add some pizzazz to the entire experience by bringing your own wine or bubbly!
More Sydney Vacay Inspiration
Want more guides and inspo for your Sydney travel itinerary? Here you go:
