Ultimate Guide to Sydney Activities & Attractions 2026

This is a fun group activity for teenagers that they will be talking about for weeks to come. Centrally located in the city centre this is a unique and futuristic experience. This unique museum is home to finely-crafted representations of some of Earth’s most famous figures – both past and present. Musicians, celebrities, sporting stars and celebrities have been immortalised in wax for all to enjoy. Teens can also walk through the chamber of horrors or take a look at replicas of the crown jewels.
The Australian Museum is open from Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Taronga Zoo is one of Australia’s leading zoos, and it’s located just a short ferry ride from Sydney CBD. The zoo is home to over 350 places to visit in sydney species, and more than 5,000 animals in total, from Asian elephants to gorillas and  red kangaroos.

Approximately 1,400 people could live here at any given time and roughly 30,000 people lived in the barracks between 1819 and 1848. Shops range from popular chain stores, such as Coach, Pandora and Country Road, as well as art galleries and boutique shops. Our favorite shop in the QVB is the Aboriginal Art Galleries, where you can shop for Aboriginal artifacts and artworks, including didgeridoos, ceramics, and paintings. You can actually walk outside on the skywalk above the observation deck. The Skywalk adventure is filled with amazing views, great photo opportunities, and a couple glass floors to remind you just how high up you truly are.
This heritage walk packs significant Australian history and spectacular views into an easy stroll. The track begins at Watsons Bay, passing Camp Cove – the first landing place of the First Fleet before they moved on to Sydney Cove. The beach is popular with locals who prefer its calmer waters to the ocean beaches.
The views across to Sydney Harbour are some of the best in the city. Taronga Zoo provides a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. The Sydney Theatre Company, housed in the Wharf Theatre perched on Dawes Point, has an excellent reputation. The waterside bar is also a great spot to enjoy sunset drinks.

One of the smartest considerations when planning a date is how many talking points there will be. The more opportunity for meaningful, intelligent conversation means much more mental stimulation than your typical movie-and-a-meal operation. If your preferences lean towards a darker, sexier and more bohemian style, take a look at QT Sydney.
One of the greatest Sydney family activities is a day at heritage-listed amusement park Luna Park Sydney. Plus there are indoor and outdoor sports activities galore and fun programs for kids over the school holidays. It features a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for kids to explore, including hands-on workshops, art classes, special events and exhibitions. The Australian National Maritime Museum located in the harbour city of Sydney is one of the largest maritime museums in the world. There are combo tickets available to visit some of the other popular attractions in Sydney too, including Wildlife Sydney, Madame Tussauds and the Sydney Tower Eye. From unique attractions like the Taronga Zoo to classic experiences such as taking a harbour cruise around the city, there are plenty of options for parents and kids alike.

One of the best ways to feel Sydney’s pulse is on a walking tour, giving you the chance to discover the city’s stories, as well as a few of its secrets – and many of these guided jaunts are free. I'm Free Walking Tours explore the historic neighbourhood of The Rocks. You might even like to visit The Rocks Discovery Museum while you’re there. Or explore the Royal Botanic Garden and its remarkable history, botany and wildlife on an unforgettable 1.5-hour guided walk. Junior art lovers are well catered for at the Art Gallery of NSW, where entry is  free for everyone. Activity booklets are available at the welcome hubs and encourage kids to follow special art trails and then use their imaginations to draw their own works.
Built as a water reservoir in 1866, this sunken garden space is barely visible from the street. The original brick archways and iron columns of the waterworks remain, now wrapped in vines and surrounded by gardens. One of Sydney’s best historic homes, and the volunteers make all the difference. They’ll walk with you through the rooms, sharing stories about the Wentworth family who lived here and pointing out easy-to-miss details.

Nestled on the banks of the Georges River is this incredible playground. It has futuristic looking slides, an  exercise zone where you can practice your obstacle course skills and a sky walk. The toddlers are not forgotten here either, with bridges, slides and ropes they will love. When it comes to Sydney Kids entertainment, a visit to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo  should definitely be on the cards. You can sight and experience the best of Australia’s wildlife at this venue. It has Tasmanian Devils, Kangaroos, Koalas and Wombats just to name a few.
Delicate flowers and carefully positioned rocks have been designed to reflect the principles of Fen Shui. The Queen Victoria Building, a 19th-century heritage-listed building with five floors of shops, provides a grand setting for the usual range of stores. Completed in 1891, the Strand Arcade is a magnificent building. It houses high-end artisanal shops, including Haigh’s Chocolates, which is my favourite chocolate anywhere in the world. – The ferry from Circular Quay runs every 30 minutes, takes 30 minutes, and drops you right outside the restaurants. Hours & Prices – The gallery is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with a late  opening (10 pm) on Wednesdays.
The family-friendly Fairlight Walk is a short trail that starts at the ferry wharf in Manly Cove and leads to the Manly Boatshed near North Harbour Reserve. In the spirit of reconciliation, Holidays with Kids acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. You’ll find a number of walks around the property with great views of Sydney Harbour National Park. In winter you can see whales on their annual migration up or down the coast.

From understanding the distilling process to choosing your own botanicals, a lot goes into making the perfect gin. Try it for yourself at some of Sydney’s distilleries, including Archie Rose and Manly Spirits Co. Take a cocktail-making class or simply just enjoy sampling some of the city’s spirits. Or for something a little different, head to Govinda's for movies and all-you-can-eat Indian food. A rainy day is the perfect excuse to enjoy some delicious ramen.