Sightseeing in Sydney (Complete Guide)

With so many iconic landmarks, beautiful lookouts with scenic views, and world-famous beaches on offer, sightseeing in Sydney is an absolute delight.

In this Sydney sightseeing guide we are sharing the best sights in Sydney, not only the obvious ones, but also destinations that are a bit off the beaten track.

What sets Sydney apart from other cities are the beautiful and world-famous Harbour, the unique landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, a great climate, and a stunning coastline with countless beaches.

Check out our list of top Sydney tourist attractions that will help you select the most popular attractions and the best places to visit in Sydney.

The best way to see how beautiful Sydney really is, is by visiting panoramic lookout points that provide incredible views of the city, the landmarks, and natural sights. Sydney definitely has no shortage of vantage points, some of them are easy to find, whereas others require a bit of travelling to get to.

In our comprehensive list of Sydney lookout points, we have outlined the very best 20 lookout points in and around Sydney that offer amazing views of the skyline, iconic landmarks, and natural sights.

They may not always be easy to find, but Sydney does have some amazing waterfalls on offer that are worthwhile visiting. Most of these waterfalls can be found in national parks, such as the Blue Mountains west of Sydney and Morton National Park south of the city.

We have listed the 10 best waterfalls in and around Sydney that make for a great day out. Most of them are easy to get to and have custom built viewing platform to enjoy amazing views.

Often overlooked by tourists, Sydney Harbour’s islands hold a wealth of history, and we can learn so much about the history Sydney by visiting one or more of these islands.

Sydney Harbour is home to 8 islands, and 5 peninsulas that used to be islands. Check out our guide to the islands of Sydney Harbour and find out which ones you can visit for a unique Sydney sightseeing experience.

One of the best, and easiest, ways to explore the unique beauty of Sydney Harbour is by simply hopping on a ferry. Sydney Ferries travel all around Sydney Harbour, connecting the city with the various wharves scattered around the Harbour.

The most scenic ferry trip would be the 30 minute journey from Circular Quay to Manly Beach, a must of every tourist coming to Sydney. Check out our list of scenic Sydney ferry trips for more great sightseeing ideas.

While Sydney can be quite the busy place at times, there are still lots of beautiful parks in and around the city where locals and tourists can enjoy a picnic and some quiet relaxation time.

We have shortlisted 11 diverse parks in Sydney that showcase the beauty of the city and its surroundings.

Love a good picnic with scenic views? A great and unique way to go sightseeing in Sydney is by having a picnic against the backdrop of the city skyline, the Sydney Harbour, or the amazing coastline.

Our list of great picnic spots in and around Sydney will give you lots of ideas where to spend a lazy afternoon in the outdoors.