Sydney easily ranks among the world’s greatest cities and is a top contender for any traveller's bucket-list. Beyond Sydney Harbour, home to the dual-legends Opera House and Harbour Bridge, lies popular beaches, world-class museums, lush botanical gardens, award-winning eateries and neighbourhoods that pulsate with life and history.
But here's a secret. To truly experience Sydney’s magic, you have to see it from three perspectives — sea, land and sky.
Let's kick off with a splash because there's no better way to start your Sydney exploration than from Sydney Harbour, the beating heart of the city. One of the must-do things in Sydney is the Clearview Lunch Cruise. This premium dining cruise offers a unique opportunity to take in the grandeur of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from an on-water perspective. Some boat tours also pass by secluded coves and heritage boat sheds, with the city skyline towering above it all. There’s a ‘quiet thrill’ in watching Sydney reveal its stunning beauty from the water.
For something more intimate, nothing beats the Glass Boat Dinner Cruise. Unwind after a day of exploration, cruising down the harbour as the city lights flicker to life. Tuck into the Chef’s signature dinner as you take in 360° views of the glittering city skyline and the illuminated landmarks. This is more than a dinner — it’s a whole new way to experience the city in all its nighttime glory, making it one of the best things to do in Sydney at night.
Need a bit more thrill on the water? Join a Jet Boat Ride and zoom through the harbour at breakneck speeds with 360° spins, slides and power stops along the way — because sightseeing doesn't always have to be slow and steady!
You can't truly say you’ve experienced Sydney without giving a nod to its most famous ‘land’marks, and the Opera House is on the top of that list. Step inside and catch a world-class performance or just admire it from the outside with a perfect selfie in front of those iconic sails.
A stone’s throw away is the Royal Botanic Garden, where you can take a scenic stroll amidst a green paradise right in the middle of the city. It’s the perfect place to relax, take a deep breath and plan your next move. Next, wander through The Rocks, where Sydney’s history comes alive through cobbled streets, lively pubs and artisanal shops. And for those who like their history with a supernatural twist, the Nightly Ghost Tours are a must-do thing in Sydney, offering a spine-tingling walking tour through the city's haunted past.
Want to see some of Australia’s unique wildlife? Taronga Zoo is one of the best places to go in Sydney with families, offering close-encounters with the resident koalas, wallabies and pademelons!
Beyond the city, the coastal walks are legendary, especially the Bondi to Coogee Walk. This scenic walk traces the sandstone cliffs along the Pacific Ocean, with endless views of the vast blue on the side. Of course, no visit to Sydney is complete without embracing its beach culture. Head to Bondi Beach to catch waves, or for a quieter alternative, check out Shelly Beach.
If Sydney from below is breathtaking, it’s utterly spectacular from the sky! The Skywalk is a must-do activity at the Sydney Tower Eye, the highest vantage point in the city. Get your bearings of the city's sprawling landscape as you step out onto the all-glass walkway with 360° panoramic views of the city, its landmarks & beyond!
Feeling daring? Scale the Harbour Bridge for panoramic views of the city! Yes, it’s not just an engineering marvel and an iconic landmark. The BridgeClimb experience offers a thrilling ascent to the summit, where each step uncovers an angle of Sydney you won’t find anywhere else! The challenge is real, but the panoramic payoff is more than worth it.
For the ultimate aerial perspective, take to the skies with a Heli Tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. As stunning as it is from land, think how mind-blowing it would be to soar above the eucalyptus forests, cliff faces and the iconic ‘Three Sisters’ — it's truly the best way to appreciate this ancient mountain range! Alternatively, you can also opt for a shorter heli ride in the city.
Need more thrills? Skydiving over Wollongong (south of Sydney) will give you an adrenaline rush like no other, with the coastline unfurling beneath you as you plunge through the sky!
Sydney is not a city you just see, it has to be experienced! From cruising the sparkling harbour under the night skies, wandering through the voguish streets and neighbourhoods and soaring over the city's landmarks on a flight, each perspective unlocks a different side of Sydney. The real question is, what will you fall in love with first?