The Top 10 Things To Do and See in Sydney

The culture, art and history of many of the native Australian communities is explained and displayed at the Australian Museum, just south-east of Sydney’s CBD. This museum is a great place to learn about the Australia before its colonialisation by the British in the 19th century, as well as the natural history of the world’s largest island country. From dinosaurs to anthropological artefacts from indigenous Australians and cultures around the Pacific, this museum is a hub for discovery and education. Opening hours: 9.30am-5pm daily Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney NSW, Australia

As Australia’s largest city, Sydney is also Australia’s capital for fashion and shopping. With many different shopping precincts, and being the home to many of Australia’s flagship retailers, Sydney is the perfect place to get some retail therapy. One unmissable shopping hotspot is the Queen Victoria Building on Sydney’s George Street. This heritage-listed building is home to some of Sydney’s finest fashion, jewellery and homewares boutiques. Another great shopping location in Sydney is at the base of Sydney Tower, Westfield Sydney, offering international high street fashion labels and top Australian designers over four levels.

Luna Park

Just across the Sydney Harbour Bridge from Sydney’s CBD, on the East of Lavender Bay, remains Sydney’s most iconic amusement park, Luna Park. Listed in 2010 on the State Heritage Register, this venue, which is known for its entrance which is a giant art-deco style face, the mouth of which is the only public entry and exit point, is Sydney’s oldest and most beloved amusement park, serving the community for almost a century.

Opening hours: Mon 11am-4pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 10am-6pm

Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW, Australia, +61 2 9922 6644

The uniqueness of Australian wildlife is something that has fascinated zoologists and animal lovers alike, from the marsupials, like the different species of kangaroos and wallabies, to the huge variety of birds and the native reptiles, like snakes, frogs and turtles. Many of these animals can be discovered at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, located across the harbour just north-east of Sydney. This zoo, which is approaching its 100th birthday, exhibits a range of native Australian animals along with many wild animals from the Asia region and selected species from Africa and South America.

Located among the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s CBD is the city’s largest structure, measuring 304 metres tall, the Sydney Tower Eye. This tower offers a 360-degree view over the city, and has the second highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere. The Sydney Tower building, the base of which is one of Sydney’s premier shopping precincts, has been an iconic part of the Sydney skyline for over 30 years. The top of this tower is the ultimate place to view the city’s sunrise and sunset.

One of the hubs of music, theatre and culture in Sydney and the world is the Sydney Opera House, the modern multi-venue performing arts centre located on Sydney’s harbour. This venue, which is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, is one of the most important examples of the expressionist architectural style and is home to four resident companies who are essential to Sydney’s performing arts sphere: Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Wet’n’Wild Sydney

When the heat of Sydney’s sometimes harsh summer gets too intense, Wet’n’Wild, in Sydney’s far-western suburbs has everything you need too cool down. This water theme park is home to some of the newest rides and attractions that use innovative technology to give the biggest thrills without the danger that the sea can bring and with no chance of sharks. Over 40 rides and attractions will give you somewhere to escape the hot weather during the summer and provide screams, laughs and fun times for the whole family.

Opening hours: changes seasonally, check their website for details

Wet’n’Wild Sydney, 427 Reservoir Rd, Sydney NSW, Australia, +61 13 33 86

By Matthew Clark

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Matthew Clark is currently living in the south of France as an English language teacher. After graduating from a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, he plans on travelling the world to experience the food, wine and culture it has to offer.