Cockatoo Island

Sydney

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DESTINATIONS australia sydney Do & See Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island

A short ferry ride from Circular Quay in the city centre is Sydney Harbour's largest island and one of Australia's most fascinating historical sites that's on the World Heritage list. Take an audio tour or self-guided journey and explore the island's convict and ship-building history. Cockatoo Island is the only Sydney Harbour island where you can stay overnight in what Lonely Planet described as "one of the world's most spectacularly located campsites".

Do & See

From enchanting national parks and tranquil gardens to fascinating museums and beautiful beaches, there's always something to explore and see in Sydney. You'll discover world-class attractions and delight in a ferry ride on Sydney Harbour. And many of the best sightseeing activities are free — all you need is a map, comfortable shoes, and your bus, train or ferry fare (you can get an Opal smartcard ticket to cover all three). Enjoy some of the Sydney locals' favourite places to go.

Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney

Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney

Leave the hustle and bustle of Sydney behind to experience lush valleys, waterfalls, gorges, mountains, and forests on a day trip to the majestic Blue Mountains. Enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Mountains and sites, including the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Hop onboard the Scenic Railway at Scenic World, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch, and visit …

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge

A Sydney icon, and known locally as The Coathanger, the impressive bridge has six million steel rivets and carries rail, bicycle, car, bus and pedestrian traffic across the harbour. It's 134 metres (440ft) from the water to top of the steel arch. The bridge is inspiring to look at, and even more exhilarating to …

Big Bus Sydney & Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Big Bus Sydney & Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Discover Sydney's top attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and the popular Bondi Beach on the Big Bus sightseeing tour. Enjoy unobstructed views of the Emerald City's highlights from the open-top, double-decker bus. Learn about Sydney's sights and history from the recorded onboard commentary. Go in-depth at any given place …

Explore The Rocks

Explore The Rocks

Discover Sydney's convict history in the cobbled laneways near the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Rocks is where Britain began its colony in 1788. This is a picturesque destination, with a maze of sandstone courtyards, workman's cottages, elegant terraces and Sydney's oldest pubs. Discover vibrant weekend markets, theatres, cafés and bars, as well as several …

Manly Ferry

As a harbour city, Sydney has long relied on these grand old ladies - the Sydney Ferries - to criss-cross the sparkling waterways. Take the iconic Manly ferry across the harbour to Manly peninsular and stroll along the Corso to Manly Beach, where the first world surfing championship was held in 1964. Go for …

Royal Botanic Garden

Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden is an oasis of 30 hectares in the city. Wrapped around Farm Cove, from the Sydney Opera House to Woollomoolooo, the landscaped Garden is in one of Sydney's most spectacular positions and is home to an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas. Wander through the garden, established in …

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

There's no better way to enjoy the beauty of the Sydney coastline than from the winding cliff walk between Bondi and Coogee beaches. These paths become a stage for whale watching between May and November, the backdrop for Sculpture by the Sea in October-November, and a year-round vantage point to watch surfers carve up …

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour

A lively entertainment precinct, Darling Harbour is a 10-minute walk from Town Hall in the city centre. One of Sydney's largest harbourside dining, shopping and entertainment precincts, Darling Harbour enjoys a full calendar of events as well as one of the city's most enchanting gardens - the Chinese Garden of Friendship. You'll also find …

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Stepping into this fascinating garden in the middle of bustling Chinatown, is like stepping into a haven of tranquillity. The garden combines old world Chinese architectural principles, with an harmonious balance of running waterfalls, wooden bridges, towering willow trees and colourful koi and carp swimming in lagoons dotted with lotus. Visit the Courtyard of …

Kings Cross

An area rich in diversity, Kings Cross is a true melting pot of travellers, stylish restaurants and inviting bars and cafés, and locals from many walks of life. Bronze plaques honouring famous people and venues in the Cross are set in the pavement on Darlinghurst Road. Fitzroy Gardens contains the El Alamein memorial …

Hyde Park

Australia’s oldest park is 16 hectares of beautiful gardens in the heart of the city centre. Replete with 580 exotic and native trees, art works, monuments and water features, Hyde Park is a favourite lunch time spot, and hosts a number of cultural events such as the Night Noodle Markets for Good Food Month …

Australian Museum

Australian Museum

Established in 1827 and the first in the country, the Australian Museum has an international reputation in natural history and in indigenous studies, research, community programmes and accessible, innovative exhibitions. View unique and extensive science and cultural collections, multimedia exhibitions of physics and of indigenous Australian culture and native animals. The permanent Dinosaur exhibition …

Centennial Parklands

Centennial Parklands

A short bus ride from the city centre, Centennial Parklands contain beautiful gardens, an entertainment quarter, 18-hole golf course, sporting fields, tennis courts, equestrian facilities and Fox Studios, which makes films. About 15,000 trees grow in Centennial Parklands' three parks - Centennial Park, Queens Park and Moore Park. Enjoy a picnic under one of …

Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island

A short ferry ride from Circular Quay in the city centre is Sydney Harbour's largest island and one of Australia's most fascinating historical sites that's on the World Heritage list. Take an audio tour or self-guided journey and explore the island's convict and ship-building history. Cockatoo Island is the only Sydney Harbour island where …

Museum of Sydney

Museum of Sydney

Built on the site of Australia’s first Government House, a stroll from Circular Quay in the city centre, the Museum of Sydney is a fascinating place to explore some of Sydney's dramatic history. The museum uses imaginative and interactive displays, like a miniature First Fleet, offering the visitor a journey back to the moment …