It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of things to see and do in Sydney—especially if it’s your first time visiting. It’s not exactly easy to get to Australia so it only makes sense to want to squeeze in as many “must-see” spots as possible during your trip.The following addresses offer a great first glimpse of Sydney and include a handful of the biggest tourist attractions that span from museums and galleries to the Eiffel Tower of the Sydney Harbour:
Vivid Sydney 2024
Vivid Sydney 2024 has kicked off its 14th year with a spectacular opening night, as the festival transforms Sydney’s glittering harbour, iconic landmarks and cityscape with a showcase of creativity and innovation for the next 23 nights.
Staged across the Sydney CBD, Vivid Sydney festival locations and venues include Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, State Library of New South Wales, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, University of Technology Sydney, The Goods Line, Wynyard Tunnels, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Carriageworks, and more.
Opening night commenced with First Light, a celebration of First Nations culture. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the event brought to life the rich traditions of the Gadigal people and neighbouring nations through vibrant song, dance, and Language.
This year, First Light paid tribute to the Wiyanga—ancestral women who have shaped the Sydney basin as healers, nurturers, and leaders.
The Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival will run from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June, featuring the world’s most innovative artists, culinary talent, contemporary musicians and thought leaders as part of its 2024 program under the theme of Humanity.
The ‘Lights On’ moment wowed onlookers with over 30 light installations and 3D projections across the famed 8km Vivid Sydney Light Walk, highlighted by the Sydney Opera House featuring the breathtaking new digital artwork, Lighting of the Sails: Echo (2024). Created by multidisciplinary Australian artist and 2023 Archibald Prize Winner Julia Gutman, with creative technologists Pleasant Company, the projection on the Sydney Opera House Sails digitises centuries-old fabric making techniques into an animated, modern epic.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Located in The Domain, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is the most important public gallery in Sydney—and one of the largest in Australia. Dating all the way back to 1874, when the gallery’s first public exhibition opened, here’s where to go for classic and contemporary Australian art.
Australian Museum
For a more holistic look at the country, head to the Australian Museum at 1 William Street in the CBD district. The oldest museum in all of Australia, this establishment boasts an international reputation in the fields of natural history and anthropology, with permanent exhibits like minerals, animals and fossils, photographic archives that date back to the 1800s, and First Nations cultural materials and artifacts.
Sydney Opera House
Yes, it’s a tourist hot spot—but for good reason. The Sydney Opera House is a cultural landmark and performing arts centre right in the middle of the Sydney Harbour. It’s one of the most famous and distinctive buildings of the 20th century thanks to its iconic peaks and expressionist design is well worth a visit, even if you aren’t planning on attending a show. Head to the opera bar, grab a beer, and watch the sunset over the harbour.
BridgeClimb Sydney
Not for the faint of heart, BridgeClimb Sydney takes guests on a literal climb over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Guests will hike up and over the bridge to the summit, which touts some of the absolute best views in Sydney.
Bondi Beach
Whether or not you’re a beach person, it’s your moral imperative to spend an afternoon loafing in the sun at Bondi. Likely Australia’s most iconic beach, the white sands and crystal clear water draw surfers, swimmers, and beach bums year round—and for good reason. The turquoise waters are temperate, with lots of room for splashing around without bumping into a neighboring swimmer or surfer.
