My 15 Favorite Activities in 2026
Depending on the time you visit, you should be okay with joining a guided tour without booking, but during weekends or school holidays, you should book in advance! The Museum of Contemporary Art (aka the MCA) is open every day except Tuesdays from 10 am to 5 pm and stays open until 9 pm on Friday nights. Luke's Table, nestled within the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon, offers a dining experience with a difference. Guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while savouring a menu inspired by local ingredients by Luke Mangan, one of Australia's most revered chefs. The panoramic views of the harbour waters and city skyline provide an unforgettable backdrop for a one-of-a-kind feed.
Its modern design beautifully contrasts with the historic buildings in The Rocks area. Enjoying the art both inside and outside the museum is a treat. Animal encounters are available for a more personal experience. You can feed giraffes, pet a koala, or places to visit in sydney city watch daily animal presentations. These special experiences create unforgettable memories for visitors.
Get your tiny umbrella loving self over to Jacoby’s Tiki Bar for some good times. Inspired by tiki obsessed Dr Lawrence Jacoby from TV series Twin Peaks, the bar offers out of the box tropical cocktails and a whole lot of fun. Check out Carriageworks Liveworks Festival of Experimental Art.
Bondi Beach also hosts the Icebergs Club, a restaurant/bar as well as an iconic swimming pool. This is also the endpoint of the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk. From Sydney Harbour, it takes 40 minutes to reach Bondi Beach via public transit. From May to November, humpback whales pass Sydney on their annual migration route. One of the best things to do in Sydney, if you are here at that time, is to go whale watching. The Sydney Fish Market is the largest seafood market in the Southern Hemisphere.
Whether you’re treasure hunting or simply browsing, there’s always something unique to discover. Using cutting-edge interactive technology, kangaroos bound past your kids, wombats waddle by, and other beloved Aussie creatures respond to their every movement in real-time. It’s a captivating way to spark curiosity about our unique wildlife and environment.
The Eight, East Ocean, Mr Wong and Uncle Ming's all offer delicious dumplings alongside Chinese tea and other classic Cantonese dishes. The Kangaroos’ ability to stand and move by hopping is interesting to observe as it’s a distinctive adaptation and feature that sets them apart from other animals. It is a beautiful building from every angle as you go around it.
Easily accessible via public transport this is a fun thing to do with friends for teens. If you like your drink with a view then head to the Shangri-La. Altitude restaurant in this hotel has one of the best views in the city and is stunning at sunset as the colours light up the sky. We always recommend it to our friends and family who visit as it is a magical thing to do in Sydney.
The courtyard hosts a rotating lineup of vinyl DJs and live soul, funk, and blues sets every weekend, curated by Jordan McDonald (NITE-RITE Entertainment). Arms Length is bringing special after special, including their Sunday $2 Oysters and discounted Lo Fi wines to amplify those end-of-week afternoons. Seated outdoors among fairy-light wrapped branches, share as many freshly shucked oysters as your heart desires while your wallet stays happy. Spotted on Hailey Bieber and Emma Chamberlain, design-led label Mode Mischief has officially landed in Sydney for summer, stationed at a beautiful boutique on Paddington’s bustling Oxford Street. Open from Tuesday, 9 December, Hotel Mode is an immersive concept pop-up where you can shop the full range, score early access to upcoming drops and get your hands on exclusive Hotel Mode merch.
It allows you to descend underwater and view marine creatures up close. It’s the perfect venue to introduce kids to sea life without getting wet. Take a walk on the wild side at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo located in Darling Harbour where you’ll be able to spot and learn about some of Australia's iconic native and endangered species.
You may see a variety of artifacts from many centuries ago and also learn about the local and traditional custodians of the area. Here you will find gardens, wetlands, sports fields and cycling tracks to enjoy the great outdoors. This zoo provides an amazing opportunity to see wildlife of land and sea with the only combined zoo and aquarium in New South Wales.
You can find guidance on how to engage thoughtfully with the day here. Celebrate,” with numerous free events and activities scheduled around Sydney on January 26, a national holiday for Australians. The Gap became famous early on in European settlement for its easy access to spectacular ocean views. It’s easy to see why those impressive views remain popular today. Breathe in the salty ocean air while taking in the panoramic views across the Tasman Ocean from atop The Gap’s tall sandstone cliffs. The Rocks area is well-known for being the first site of European settlement in Sydney Cove.
A true celebration of independent spirit, Paddington Markets is a must-visit for those seeking authentic, handcrafted goods in a charming open-air setting. Waterworld Central is the perfect day out for the whole family. Whether you’re after thrills, relaxation, or a fun way to beat the summer heat, there’s something for everyone. Children as young as eight can scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney and learn its fascinating history. Another place to get high is Sydney Tower Eye, offering incredible views and an immersive 4D cinema. If you have older kids that are thrilled by all things spooky, join the nightly Rocks Ghost Tours , a Lantern Ghost Tour or a Q Station Ghost Tour.
Whether you’re learning the ropes or rallying with friends, it’s a great way to spend your weekend in Sydney. Over 160,000 objects are housed in the collection here, charting Australia’s history with the sea, from Aboriginal explorers to modern naval vessels. The permanent exhibitions and some activities for children are free of cost. Teens over 15 years can enjoy a tour of potentially one of Australia’s most haunted sites. Grab a lantern and here the stories of the spirits who linger.