The ultimate guide for your first time in Sydney

So you’ve stepped off the plane in Sydney, what do you do now? Here’s our guide to the perfect first time in Sydney.

After travelling for so many hours to reach our city, you want to make the most of your first visit to Sydney. All that travel time and jetlag has to be worth it! You can’t mess this up. The pressure can be overwhelming but fear not, our first timer’s guide to Sydney is here to relieve you of the responsibility and ensure you tick off all the city’s big-hitters.

Mary Booth Lookout Reserve

I first arrived in Sydney bright and early on one of the first international flights to land at Sydney Airport that day. After dropping off my suitcase and freshening up at the hotel, I headed to Mary Booth Lookout Reserve in Kirribilli and found one of the most impressive views that remains in my top three to this day. Sitting across the water looking at Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge is one of those ‘pinch me’ moments that is both surreal and also affirming. You’ve made it; you’re at the beginning of your first time in Sydney. It’s just what you need after a long flight: a walk in the fresh air and the reward of seeing Sydney’s world-famous icons.

Take a ferry ride

As a major port city, the water plays a vital role in Sydney’s identity and character. A visit here isn’t complete without a ride on the water and the city’s ferry network is an easy and accessible way to get out in the harbour. You can keep it simple with a short ride from Circular Quay across to Milsons Point, where you can take a trip to Luna Park or walk around to Mary Booth Lookout Reserve. Or take the longer journey across to Manly; this is one of the best ferry routes in the world, taking you past Sydney Opera House, Neutral Harbour and Bradleys Head. Beyond the spectacular views, the ferry journey is worth it for a day spent in Manly, too—get lunch from Norma’s Deli and enjoy it on Shelly Beach.

Bridge climb

Seeing the Harbour Bridge is great but viewing the city from the summit of the bridge is even better. BridgeClimb offers several different climb options at various times of day. Opt for the Summit Insider climbs for a slightly lower climb, if you’re a little nervous, or go all-out on a Summit climb that takes you along the upper arch up to the summit. The Summit climb is available at dawn, day, twilight and night time.

Sydney Opera House

The white sails are synonymous with the city and are a defining point of Sydney’s skyline. Long before the famous building opened in 1973, Bennelong Point was an important gathering spot for the Indigenous Gadigal people. For your first visit, join a Sydney Opera House guided tour to learn about the history, architecture and some of the building’s intriguing and controversial stories. Fun fact: First time visitors are often surprised to find that it’s actually three buildings, not just one.

After learning about the building itself, watch a performance inside the hall. There’s always a packed program of events, available online. Finish your visit to the Opera House with drinks at the Opera Bar.

Taronga Zoo

Known as the zoo with a view, Taronga Zoo’s resident giraffes, lions and elephants have beautiful views of the harbour. Visit the animals, say hello to the new arrivals (eight babies have been born recently!) and scale the Wild Ropes Treetop Adventure course for an extra adrenaline rush. A trip here also offers another opportunity to travel by ferry—just 12 minutes from Circular Quay, alight at Taronga Zoo Wharf.

Art Gallery of NSW

An absolute must for any art lovers, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the largest galleries in Australia. It comprises two buildings, the north Naala Badu (seeing waters) building and the south Naala Nura (seeing country), separated by a public art garden. Inside the gallery, the permanent collection is presented alongside a range of ever-changing special exhibitions. This year, highlights include Cao Fei: My City is Yours曹斐: 欢迎登陆 (until April 13), the return of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2025 (May 10-August 17).

If your itinerary is already jam-packed, the gallery stays open late on Wednesdays for its Art After Hours event. Visitors can explore the collection displays and exhibitions, join a guided tour, grab a drink, catch a film, stay for dinner and more, until 10pm. The evenings are often themed and look out for ticket offers too.

Sydney Tower Eye

Ascend Sydney’s tallest building, 250 metres above the streets to enjoy unrivalled 360-degree views of the city and beyond. On a clear day, you can even see the Blue Mountains, 80km away! Stick to the Observation Deck, where high-powered binoculars and multilingual touch screen panels provide everything you could need to see and learn about the surrounding city, or take things one step further with a SKYWALK experience. Step out into the open air for a breathtaking 60-minute experience with an expert guide, who will point out Sydney’s landmarks as you walk 268 metres above the CBD.

Queen Victoria Building

A magnificent heritage-listed building, QVB opened in 1898 and is now an iconic shopping destination. Inside the grand shopping centre are five floors of premium Australian and international brands, including Kiehls, Mulberry, Penhaligon’s and Swarovski. Come to admire the architecture and stay for the shopping and dining offering.

Let’s Go Surfing in Bondi

Dive straight into life Down Under at Sydney’s most famous beach. Let’s Go Surfing is Bondi’s only officially licensed surf school and has been teaching newcomers how to surf the crystal waters since 1995. Starting on solid ground, the expert instructors will take you through the steps from paddling to jumping up to catch the waves. Once you’ve nailed your stance, you’ll head out into the water. Two hours may sound like a long lesson but we guarantee that you’ll be wishing for more time. Trying to catch a wave is tiring but addictive work.

Blue Mountains

If you’re visiting Sydney for an extended amount of time, definitely take a trip out to the Blue Mountains. From Central station, the train to Katoomba takes around 90 minutes and passes through Western Sydney, past Parramatta and through the outskirts of Sydney before winding through beautiful forests and mountainous landscapes. Once at Katoomba, purchase your Scenic World ticket from the desk inside the station and board the hop-on hop-off bus that takes you around the National Park. Disembarking at your chosen stop points, you’ll find a number of walking routes of varying difficulties. Go in search of waterfalls, admire the Three Sisters rocks and hear the Indigenous stories behind their formation. Scenic World adds a little extra excitement to a day trip here, with a cable car, rainforest walkway and the world’s steepest passenger railway.

Mrs Macquaries Point

Sandwiched between Bennelong Point and Potts Point, Mrs Macquaries Point sits within the Royal Botanic Garden. Walk up to Fleet Steps for one of the best views across the harbour, where you’ll see Sydney Opera House with the Harbour Bridge towering behind it. In summer, the Westpac OpenAir cinema rises from the water to screen some of the latest movies, while Opera Australia sets up an awesome stage against the impressive backdrop each autumn. This year, Handa Opera presents Guys & Dolls on the stage (March 22-April 21). At the most northern end of Mrs Macquaries Point is Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This large sandstone chair was carved out of the rock ledge by convicts in 1810. It was commissioned by Governor Macquarie for his wife Elizabeth, who loved the area.

Another heritage-listed landmark, Sydney’s harbourside amusement park opened in 1935 and has be thrilling visitors ever since. It is based on the success of the first Luna Park, which opened on New York’s Coney Island in 1903, and was followed by Melbourne’s Luna Park in 1912 and Adelaide’s Luna Park Glenelg in 1930. Luna Park Sydney’s Art Deco fantastical entrance is an icon in its own right. Speaking of icons, the Wild Mouse rollercoaster recently reopened following a two-year restoration. Find out what we thought when we rode the coaster before it reopened.

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