If you're looking for things to do in Sydney, New South Wales, then you've come to the right place. Sydney is home to a variety of cultural, adventure, and dining attractions for the whole family. Whether you want to be indoors or take part in some outdoor activities, and whether it's a Saturday night or a Sunday morning, there are plenty of events and attractions for you to experience in Sydney.
The most fun things to do in Sydney this weekend are:
- Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride Over Sydney
- Take the Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly
- Do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
- Visit the Sydney Opera House
- Visit the Australian Museum
- Fine Dining in Local Restaurants
- Explore Taronga Zoo
- Go to Bondi Beach and Take the Coogee Walk
- Experience Luna Park
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
- Experience the Royal National Park
- Take a Hunter Valley Winery Tour this Weekend
- Visit the Blue Mountains
- Go on a Whale Watching Adventure
14 Fun Things to do in Sydney this Weekend
The fact of the matter is that there are plenty of fun things to do for you and the whole family in Sydney. Whether you're a Sydney local or you and your family are visitors to this new world, Sydney’s diverse landscape and range of activities make it a fantastic place to visit and an excellent area to spend a weekend looking at some of the top attractions that Australia has to offer.
1. Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride Over Sydney
If you're one for a bit of thrill and adventure, then taking a scenic helicopter ride over Sydney is definitely the way to go. If you're looking for a unique way to experience the iconic landmarks and stunning backdrop that is Sydney, then the Sydney Beaches and Harbour Tour is certainly worth considering.
This will provide you with a completely unforgettable adventure that will allow you to see iconic sites such as the Sydney Harbour bridge, the Opera House, Bondi Beach, the skyline, Sydney central business district, and plenty of other awesome locations from 1000 feet up in the sky. It's all about getting a new vantage point on a city that you might have never seen from such great heights.
Helicopter tours typically last for about 30 minutes, and it's a great way for families, couples, and solo travellers alike to experience something special while also getting some of the best panoramic views that the area has to offer. Pro Tip: If you have any budding pilots in the family, the unique Co-pilot Helicopter Ride for Kids allows your child to play the role co-pilot and navigate your flight!
2. Take the Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly
If you’re looking for a relaxing yet scenic way to explore Sydney, taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is a must. This iconic ferry ride offers breathtaking views of some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the towering Harbour Bridge.
As you drift across the harbour, you’ll pass by beautiful waterfront homes, secluded coves, and the lush green headlands that make Sydney Harbour such an attraction. Once you arrive in Manly, you’ll be greeted by a laid-back beachside atmosphere that’s perfect for a day of sun and surf. Manly Beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing on the golden sand.
You can stroll down The Corso, a lively strip filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink by the water. For those looking for more adventure, take a walk to Shelly Beach, a quiet spot perfect for snorkeling and soaking in the natural beauty.
While the ferry offers fantastic views of the harbour, you might want to consider taking a helicopter ride over the area to enjoy Sydney’s stunning coastline from a whole new perspective.
3. Do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
If you're someone who's a little bit more active, and you prefer getting some exercise while also doing something on this weekend, then doing the Sydney Harbour bridge climb is something worth experiencing.
The Sydney Harbour bridge is a massive structure, and the bridge climb will take you all the way to the top of it, where you'll get a breathtaking panoramic view of Sydney, including circular Quay, the Opera House, and the beautiful waters of the Sydney harbour.
Your experience starts with a quick safety briefing and gearing up with a specially designed suit, harness, and communication device. No worries, because your climb is guided by an experienced leader who guides you up the catwalks and ladders along the bridge’s arch.
All the way, you'll get to learn about the fascinating history of the bridge, and you get to choose when you want to do your bridge climb, whether in the morning, afternoon, or at night. Although this involves a bit of exercise, rest assured that it should be fine for people of all fitness levels.
4. Visit the Sydney Opera House
If you're looking to experience a bit of culture this weekend, then a great thing to do in Sydney is to visit the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the focal point for the performing arts in Sydney, with well over 1500 performances being hosted annually.
Between theatre, musical performances, ballet, and opera, there are many different cultural and artistic attractions to experience at the Sydney Opera House. Even better is the fact that you can always take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House to explore the behind the scenes areas, while focusing particularly on the amazing architecture that is this Opera House.
What's also worth noting is that there are various dining experiences available at its restaurants, so you can enjoy an afternoon of art and culture followed by an evening of fine dining.
5. Visit the Australian Museum
Going back to the cultural aspect of things, the Australian Museum, found right in the heart of Sydney, is the country's oldest museum. It's renowned for its various cultural artifacts and collection of Natural History.
If you'd like to explore exhibits on dinosaurs, indigenous Australian culture, gemstones, minerals, and much more, then the Australian Museum is absolutely the place to be. However, there are other cultural attractions available in Sydney as well, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia or the Powerhouse Museum.
6. Have Dinner with a view of Sydney Harbour
If you're looking for some fine dining in the middle of Sydney, going to Nick's Seafood is always a prime choice. This is an iconic waterfront destination located at Cockle Bay Wharf, offering some of Sydney’s freshest seafood with stunning views of Darling Harbour. Known for its extensive menu featuring everything from oysters and prawns to whole fish and seafood platters, Nick’s is the place to be if you love seafood.
If you're not as much into seafood, and you'd love to experience dining from a sky-high vantage point, then SkyFeast in Sydney Tower is the place to be. This venue takes dining to new heights, pun totally intended! High above the city, this revolving restaurant serves up epic 360-degree views of Sydney’s stunning skyline while you feast on a buffet packed with over 30 international dishes. From fresh seafood and juicy gourmet meats to indulgent desserts, there’s something for every taste bud.
When it comes to fun things to do in Sydney this weekend, going to the hunter valley wine region is always a fantastic option to consider as well. Although this area is of course known for some of the best wines in all of Australia, what we're really focusing on here is the dining aspect of it.
There are various restaurants in the hunter valley region, including 8 at Trinity for an upscale dining experience with waterfront views, Esca at Bimbadgen, a restaurant set inside one of the area’s most iconic wineries, combining award-winning wines with contemporary and modern Australian dining.
7. Explore Taronga Zoo
Some people might find that an afternoon of looking at plants isn't all that exciting, in which case going to the Taronga Zoo is the next best option. By far one of Australia's most famous zoos, it features well over 4000 different animals from all around the world.
Whether you want to see native Australian wildlife such as platypuses, koalas, and kangaroos, or exotic animals like elephants, giraffes, and lions, this is absolutely the place to be. What's really cool is that Taronga Zoo is divided into a variety of habitats, such as rainforest, savannah, and more, and there are also many interactive elements as well.
What's also great is that there are plenty of educational and conservational programs available, that teach children the importance of protecting endangered habitats and species. There is even a special overnight encounter available where you get to sleep at the zoo for the night.
8. Go to Bondi Beach and Take the Coogee Walk
If what you want to see are golden sands, turquoise waters, and one of the most serene environments in the world, then Bondi Beach is absolutely the place to be. Whether you just want to watch some people, do some sunbathing, or go for some swimming or surfing, then this is the best place for you.
What's also really cool is the Bondi to Coogee walk, a 6-kilometre coastal walk that takes you along these secluded beaches, picturesque parks, and breathtaking cliffs that is the coast along Sydney. Here, you'll be provided with various vantage points of stunning ocean views, you might even get to see some whales as well, something that will touch on further below.
9. Experience Luna Park
If you have kids who want to get some adrenaline flowing through their systems, then going to the Luna amusement park located on the northern shores of Sydney Harbour is another fun thing to do this weekend.
It's a nostalgic and relatively old school park, but it still has plenty of adrenaline something rides that will get your blood flowing.
Whether you're looking for funfair stalls, arcade games, drink and food, or many different rides and attractions, Luna Park is always great fun for the whole family. At night time, the whole park lights up, allowing for some of the best photo opportunities of all.
10. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
For those who like the natural beauty that Australia has to offer, then going to the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney is a great option. This is a peaceful oasis located right in the middle of the bustling city of Sydney.
It provides you with the chance to unwind and explore many different and species from all around the world. With over 30 hectares of installations, there are many themed sections such as the rainforest walk, the herb garden, and the Rose garden, as well as many more.
There are thousands upon thousands of different types of plants, flowers, and much more that you'll get to see here. If you're someone who just wants to have a bit of a picnic, watch an afternoon, and a leisurely stroll, then the Royal Botanic Garden is absolutely one of the best places to be. It's something fun to do this weekend, but not too exhilarating.
11. Experience the Royal National Park
Just an hour outside of Sydney, the Royal National park is a great place to be for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It is officially the world's second oldest National Park, and it provides you with amazing views of everything that Australia has to offer.
From coastal cliffs, rainforests, serene beaches, and eucalyptus forests, here you'll see it all.
If you want to go picnic and, swimming, bushwalking, or bird watching, then this is the absolute best place to be. There are also guided tours available for those who want to learn a thing or two about the area's rich aboriginal heritage.
12. Take a Hunter Valley Winery Tour this Weekend
Yet another great thing to do this weekend in Sydney is to take a helicopter tour to Hunter Valley. Hunter Valley is of course one of Australia’s premier winemaking regions, characterised by rolling hills and lush vineyards. Here, there are many different amazing wineries for you to experience, with Peterson House being one of the all-time favourites.
Also known as the House of Sparkling, Peterson House is known for its extensive range of sparkling wines, as well as many other varietals, all made from local grapes from its personal vineyards. Of course, the best way to experience Peterson House is via private helicopter tour to Hunter Valley.
Here, you'll get to enjoy a flight to and from Sydney harbour in a private helicopter, along with some of the best panoramic and aerial views of the area. Upon touchdown, you'll be taken on an exclusive wine tasting accompanied by a gourmet lunch.
13. Visit the Blue Mountains
If you want to explore the natural beauty of Sydney and its surrounding area, then going to the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains is always a great option to consider. Yeah, going to the Blue Mountains on foot is an option, but it's always a much better experience when you get to enjoy the amazing sights from the sky.
What we're talking about here is of course an amazing helicopter tour through the Blue Mountains. When you take a helicopter tour to the Blue Mountains, you get to experience unique sites such as the Wentworth Falls and the Three Sisters rock formations from vantage points that few other people ever get to have.
What's cool about this Blue Mountain helicopter tour is that there is also the option to touch down within the Blue Mountains and take a private four-wheel drive tour around the area so you can see some of the local fauna and flora up close. This is all accompanied by a private picnic.
14. Go on a Whale Watching Adventure
With the fantastic city of Sydney being located right next to the ocean, going for a whale watching journey anytime between May and November is always a cool option.
During these months, thousands of humpback whales migrate along the coast, and there are plenty of different tour operators that provide whale watching cruises that depart from Sydney harbour.
If you want to see magnificent sea creatures up close and personal in their natural habitat, then going on a whale watching venture is always something we recommend. It provides you with an unforgettable adventure, and you'll probably get to see a whole lot of different animals as well.
Experiencing Something New in Sydney This Weekend
Whether you want to see all of the market stalls in quaint restaurants of Sydney's Harbour, you want to enjoy Sydney's nightlife and live music, or you are looking to get off the beaten track and explore the Hunter Valley wine region, there's certainly no shortage of fun things to do in and around Sydney.
Seeing all of the food, music, shopping, and attractions, the world truly is your oyster as far as the city is concerned. Just remember that some of the best things to do in NSW are helicopter tours, and that’s where Rotor One has you covered.
