There’s something that you’ll get to feel in Sydney that I never will again – that first-time feeling. The first time you see the Opera House in real life, the first time the sea breeze hits you on the Bondi cliffs, the first time the Harbour Bridge isn’t an Instagram reel, but something colossal and right there in front of you. I’d trade helluva lot to feel that again.
Because once Sydney becomes familiar, once you know which ferry goes where—it’s still beautiful—but that novel wonder fades. So, if it’s your first time in Sydney, I sincerely, absolutely envy you. So, let’s get into it and make your first-time experience worth bragging about. Here’s a list of things to do in Sydney, if you’re visiting for the first time…
Table of Contents
Explore the Opera House
Will you visit Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower, will you visit Rome and not experience the Colosseum? Exactly! A Sydney visit is incomplete without exploring the Opera House. But don’t just take a selfie in front of it and call it a day! It’s a cultural artefact that requires time (“Good things take time”?), so let it unfold.
Take the guided tour where you’ll walk through its history and architecture—you’ll learn how it was envisioned in the 1950s and faced many challenges. Learn about the design, the geometry and the genius behind it. If you’re nosy about the BTS of the rehearsal spaces, performances and dressing rooms, take the Backstage Tour. Still not getting enough of it? Book a show and immerse yourself in the sacred space and enjoy the opera, ballet or jazz!
Walk (or climb) the Harbour Bridge
Harbour Bridge puts the ‘H’ in huge. You don’t realise how colossal the Harbour Bridge is until you are on it. You can explore it either by walking or climbing. Walking across is simple and free—you’ll see the boats gliding past below you and can take in the billion dollar (forget million) views of the city!
However, if you have a second pair of lungs, the ‘bring it on’ attitude and a healthy wallet, undertake the Harbour Bridge climb. I still remember how I saved up for the climb, and lemme tell you, it was mind blowing and heart stopping (literally and figuratively). I almost wanted to jump from atop because the views were so overwhelming and stunning. It’s the best thing you can do as a first timer in Sydney!
Relive the kid in you at Luna Park
The grinning moon face of the park at the entry might seem creepy (it is creepy, in fact). But once you step in, the vintage amusement park never fails to surprise you. I mean, it’s a bit old schoolish—built in 1935 (yeah, that old), but that’s the point—exploring the vintage charm of Sydney.
The entry to the park is free, however, if you want to explore all the rides, buy the Unlimited Rides Pass and save the money you would’ve spent on individual tickets. There is also a ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Squid Games’ experience, where you can explore the surreal setting and games of both the series.
Cruise on Sydney Harbour
If you’re short on time and want to get the best of Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and other harbour attractions in one go, a harbour cruise dinner is your only shot! My personal favourite is the Sydney Showboat—a cabaret dinner cruise that features Sydney’s longest running cabaret and a three-course gourmet meal. It’s got that vintage flair plus the theatrics of cabaret.
But honestly, the best part is not just the show or the meal, it’s the whole feeling of cruising calmly on the harbour with alluring views. On a harbour cruise, you see Sydney thriving and breathing. It holds stories of the past, present and future. So, what better way for a first-timer to experience the vibrance and energy of Sydney than on a dinner cruise.
Meet Sydney’s wildest residents at Taronga Zoo
Your first-time activities in Sydney need not always be an adrenaline-pump or a cultural deep dive, sometimes it could be a simple visit to the zoo, where you can meet our local wildies. You can see the exotic Australian and global animals like the wallabies, Red Kangaroos, Australian Sea Lions, chimpanzees and many more. Explore the Crawly Critters Alive Show if you’re interested in spiders and bugs. You can even feed some of the animals. You don’t have to be a 10-year-old to enjoy the zoo—the place will be a reminder that we share this world with the wildies.
Stroll The Rocks
The Rocks is Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood—it is where Sydney originated. Nestled in the heart of the harbour, The Rocks holds the city’s roughest history and warmest surprises. It is the quintessential history hub. So, if you want to explore Sydney’s past, this is the place to start. I would always recommend the ‘The Rocks Free Guided Tour’ packed with spooky stories about the murders, kidnaps, ‘natural’ deaths etc. Walk past the Cadman’s cottage, down the Nurses Walk and hear history screaming in your ears. You’ll also get to know in detail about the early colonial settlement.
After the guided tours, you could explore The Rocks on your own—chug a beer at Sydney’s oldest pub, wander the weekend market and buy souvenirs and fridge magnets—a reminder that you conquered Sydney!
Walk The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Trail
Six kms. Five beaches. Of course, your legs are gonna ache a little, but so what? This cliff-top coastal walk is basically a picturesque leg day without your gym buddies. I have done this walk maybe two or three times, and somehow it’s never the same twice. You can explore the five beaches: Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach and Clovelly Beach on the way.
Start at the Bondi Beach and take surfing lessons to master its gentle waves. The beginner level surfing lesson is just 1.5hrs. Enjoy the rock pools of Bronte beach and take a swim at Coogee beach. Each beach is unique in its own way. You’ll also walk past Gordon’s Bay, where the water is so clear, you’ll think it’s fake—it is also the perfect destination if you’re a snorkelling enthusiast.
You only get to meet Sydney for the first time once. So seize the moment and don’t hold back. Let the harbour overwhelm you, walk until you fall, watch the sunset from a cruise—do the things that make you feel here. Years from now, when the city feels familiar (if you revisit), you’ll look at a first-timer and envy them too.
Author Bio – Amanda Clark
A Sydney-based travel writer who loves chasing experiences that defy expectations
– especially when great food and entertainment are part of the mix. From
unforgettable hits to unexpected flops, I share real stories to keep the adventure
honest and fun for everyone!
