Sydney Harbour is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and beautiful harbours in the world. It’s what makes Sydney such a unique city as it brings a characteristic to this city that few others have in the world. Scattered with beaches, islands, historic buildings and bushland, you could spend months exploring. It’s a natural playground for both locals and tourists, offering a wide range of attractions and activities that showcase the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of this Australian metropolis.
In this, we’ll take you through the 15 places you must see in Sydney Harbour, from the world-famous structures to the lesser known hidden gems.
15 Incredible Places to visit in Sydney Harbour
1. Sydney Harbour Bridge
The first two on this list are pretty famous, but they’re famous for a reason. It’s likely to be the first things you do in Sydney and heading to Circular Quay is the perfect introduction to your trip to Sydney.
Contrasting with the Sydney Opera House’s undulating sails is the dramatic steel presence of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Drive, walk or cycle across it, climb it with BridgeClimb or gaze up at it from any angle.
Accessible by foot from Watson Road and Cumberland Street in The Rocks, the bridge offers a scenic walk or jog to Milsons Point across the harbour. To see it in a whole different way, don’t miss the spectacular Pylon Lookout, reached via the pedestrian pathway on the eastern side of the bridge, for a stunning view.
Book tickets at: pylonlookout.com.au
2. Sydney Opera House
Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and constructed between 1959 and 1973, the Sydney Opera House is one of Sydney’s most iconic attractions.
Now synonymous with the country’s identity, the performance spaces beneath those familiar orange-segment ‘sails’ host more than 2,500 performances and events every year by Opera Australia, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and more.
Go beyond just looking from the usual viewpoints and discover the history, mysteries and magic of the building by booking a guided behind-the-scenes or backstage tour.
Find out more: sydneyoperahouse.com
3. Barangaroo
While Sydney Harbour boasts a rich tapestry of historical sites, it’s also home to modern gems, and Barangaroo is a shining example of contemporary urban planning. Named after Barangaroo, an influential Aboriginal woman from the Eora Nation, this newly developed precinct is a testament to Sydney’s commitment to sustainable and innovative urban design.
Barangaroo is a vibrant hub for dining and shopping, with a plethora of world-class restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. Whether you’re in the mood for international cuisine, Australian seafood, or gourmet coffee, Barangaroo has you covered. The district’s dining precinct is perfect for foodies looking to savor local and global flavors in a contemporary setting.
Alternatively, enjoy the waterfront promenade that takes you from the heart of Darling Harbour all the way to Walsh Bay via the Barangaroo Reserve, a park with million dollar views of Sydney Harbour.
Find out more: barangaroo.com
4. Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island, nestled in the heart of Sydney Harbour, is a captivating historical island with a rich past and a bright future. Once a convict penal site and later a bustling shipyard, it has now been repurposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique destination for history enthusiasts and art aficionados alike.
Originally a place of punishment for convicts, it later served as one of Australia’s most significant shipyards, playing a crucial role in the country’s maritime history. The island’s stark sandstone cliffs, historic buildings, and remnants of its industrial past provide a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s heritage.
If you want a truly unique experience, then book a night’s camping where you’ll sleep in the middle of Sydney Harbour. The island provides a range of camping options, from BYO tent sites to glamping packages, making it suitable for both novice and experienced campers.
Book your camping: cockatooisland.gov.au
5. Fort Dennison
Located on a small island in the heart of Sydney Harbour, Fort Dennison is a fascinating historical site that has played various roles in Australia’s past. This island fortress, which has transitioned from a convict punishment site to a military defense installation, offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore its rich history.
Fort Dennison also offers one of the most unique dining experiences in the world. Situated in the middle of the harbour, you can dine with incredible views in all directions.
You can only access the island by hopping on a ferry operated by Captain Cook.
Buy tickets on: captaincook.com.au
6. Shark Island
Shark Island is a real hidden gem in Sydney Harbour that even many locals don’t know about. This secluded spot offers picnic facilities and stunning harbour views, without the crowds of many other places in Sydney as you have to buy a permit to land on the island. Being one of a select few per day to visit here makes it a truly special experience.
The only way to access Shark Island is by water taxi or those fancying a real adventure can rent a kayak from Rose Bay. Landing fees are $7 per person and you can book them by the Parks NSW website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/shark-island-boowambillee
7. The Royal Botanic Gardens
Adjacent to the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden is a lush oasis in the heart of the city. Stroll through its beautifully landscaped grounds and take in the scenic beauty of the harbor.
The best way to experience the botanic gardens is to visit at sunset and head to Mrs Macquarie’s chair. Named after Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, the Governor of New South Wales in the early 19th century, this natural sandstone formation offers visitors one of the most iconic and stunning vantage points to admire Sydney Harbour, as it looks onto the harbour bridge and opera house as the sun sets behind them.
8. Watson’s Bay
Watsons Bay, a charming suburb located at the entrance of Sydney Harbour, is a hidden gem for those seeking a serene escape from the bustling city life. With its breathtaking harbor views, beautiful beaches, and a rich maritime history, Watsons Bay offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation.
Enjoying fish and chips from Doyles – a Sydney institution – is a must for any visitor and you can choose between fine dining or the more rustic takeaway version. It’s also worth checking out the views from the Gap, which look out from a cliff top to the Tasman Sea as well as the views from Hornby Lighthouse.
Public ferries go regularly to Watson’s Bay from Circular Quay and Rose Bay between 10am and 4pm on weekdays, and throughout the whole day on weekends.
9. Taronga Zoo
Just 12 minutes from the city by ferry, Taronga Zoo Sydney is home to more than 4,000 native and exotic animals – including a young Asian elephant, Jai Dee, a male calf. The wildest views of Sydney can now be enjoyed from Taronga’s sky‑high adventure, Wild Ropes. Eagle-eyed adventurers may spot a wallaby or two as they climb. Now available to the whole family, the new children’s course is perfect for those small adventure seekers looking to swing, soar and explore. Make sure you smile for Sydney’s ultimate action-shot selfie.
Book your session and complete this on its own or add it to your same-day zoo ticket. And don’t forget to enjoy Taronga Zoo’s Tiger Trek. This world-class Sumatran tiger experience allows guests to get up close to the endangered Sumatran tiger in an expansive, interactive, Indonesian-themed exhibit. Learn about how simple shopping choices can help to preserve their natural habitats.
Book your tickets at: taronga.org.au
10. Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a popular spot with visitors to Sydney, primarily because of it being a vibrant waterfront precinct that has transformed into a hub of entertainment, culture, and leisure. Families will head straight to Madame Tussauds, SEA Life Sydney or Wild Life Zoo, while across the Pyrmont Bridge you can also learn more about Australia’s maritime past at the Maritime Museum. It’s also a place known for it’s bars, dining and shopping, as well as the Chinese Garden of Friendship – a place of tranquility among the bustle of the city.
Darling Harbour is also home to a weekly fireworks display that begins at 9am every Saturday.
11. Middle Harbour
To experience a slice of how Sydney used to be before it became a city, head to Middle Harbour, an area with secret beaches and bushland with hiking trails. We highly recommend heading to the Garigal National Park section of Middle Harbour, which includes beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls and even aboriginal rock art.
You can escape the crowds on beaches such as Chinaman’s Beach or fire up one of the many public barbecues at Clontarf Reserve.
12. Maccallum Pool
Another favourite with locals, Maccallum Pool is unrivalled in terms of views, looking out across Sydney Harbour to the opera house. It’s the perfect place to do a few lengths in one of the most unique pools in the world. Maccallum Pool is set right next to several lawns that overlook the harbour and are an idyllic spot for a picnic on a sunny day. If you’re feeling more active, then take on the Cremorne Point Loop, a short walk that offers views all along the way.
Cremorne Point is best accessed by ferry from Circular Quay. Ferries leave frequently throughout the day.
13. Manly
Manly, situated on the northern shores of Sydney, is an iconic and vibrant seaside suburb that’s cherished by both locals and visitors. Known for its stunning beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and a myriad of activities, Manly offers an authentic Australian coastal experience that’s both relaxing and invigorating.
Even heading to Manly feels like you’re leaving a city to a small slice of paradise as you hop on the ferry and enjoy a cheap harbour cruise. Once you’re off the ferry, it’s time to head across the Corso to Manly Beach, which is a must. This huge stretch of sand shows you why so many Sydneysiders want to live by the coast. After taking in Manly’s main beach, head over to Shelley Beach. Although it is no secret, that doesn’t make it any less beautiful, especially when you add in the coastal walk to get there.
Ferries run between Circular Quay and Manly from 6am to midnight. For those wanting to get there a little faster, you can hop on the Manly Fast Ferry.
14. The Rocks
The Rocks is the historic district of Sydney and retains a large amount of the architecture and style of times gone past, including cobblestone streets and narrow laneways. It’s a shoppers paradise with many boutique and independent shops as well as the market. It’s also home to Sydney’s oldest pub – the Fortune of War – which has been serving drinks since 1830.
The Rocks is also the place to head for the museums, including the Rocks Museum for those wanting to learn more about the city’s history and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
15. Sydney Observatory
The Sydney Observatory is a historic and iconic institution that bridges the realms of science, astronomy, and history. Nestled in the heart of the city, this observatory has been a beacon of celestial exploration for over 160 years, making it a unique and fascinating destination for both locals and tourists. The museum runs guided tours taking you through the building and into the Planetarium.
However, the Observatory is famous for its iconic view. The lawns around the Observatory offer incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, allowing you to take in the sheer scale of the structure as well as how it connects the north shore with the CBD.
