Things to do in Sydney on your free days between tours

Hyde Park and St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney

Note: I have not included activities that are included in your Sydney tour

(See the Sydney tour itinerary here)

Circular Quay & The Harbour

·      Take a tour of the Sydney Opera House

Take a guided tour to learn about the history and design of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural marvel. Tours run multiple times each day, go for 60 minutes and cost $48 per person. Tickets are available here: Opera House tours & tickets.

·      Attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House

Find out what’s on and get tickets here: Opera House Performances

·      Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Securely harnessed, walk the arches of this iconic landmark for 360-degree views of the city and harbour. Tickets: Book your BridgeClimb

·      See Contemporary Art at the MCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art celebrates modern Australian and international art and overlooks Circular Quay. It is open every day, except Tuesday, from 10am-5pm, entry is $35 and there is no need to pre-book. www.mca.com.au

·      Take the Ferry to Manly

The 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly is a Sydney classic, offering some of the best harbour views. Once there, enjoy the golden sands of Manly Beach or take a 20 minute walk along the scenic Manly to Shelly Beach coastal path. See Useful Information below to find out how to pay for ferries.

·      Walk to Barangaroo Reserve

Barangaroo Reserve is a former container port that has been transformed into a beautifully landscaped waterfront park. Stroll through native gardens, enjoy sweeping harbour views, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. On this 20 minute waterfront walk from Circular Quay, you’ll pass historic piers that have been converted into stylish restaurants, bars, and public spaces. www.barangaroo.com

·      Picnic in the Royal Botanic Garden

Just minutes from the city centre, this lush garden is a tranquil escape with tropical plants, themed gardens, and colourful birdlife. Stroll along the waterfront paths, learn about native plants, or enjoy a picnic with panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

·      Watch the Sunset from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

This sandstone seat, carved by convicts in the 1800s, offers a spectacular vantage point across the harbour. It’s one of the best places in Sydney to see the sun set behind the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The walk from Circular Quay is a scenic waterfront stroll of about 25 minutes.

Take a Day Trip to Cockatoo Island

Easily reached by a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site with a fascinating mix of convict, shipbuilding, and industrial history. Explore the remnants of its convict prison, where sandstone cells and guardhouses tell stories of Australia’s early penal past. Step inside vast machinery sheds that once housed heavy shipbuilding equipment, and visit the old power station that kept the island running. You can also wander through eerie tunnels carved into the rock or simply relax with a coffee by the water while soaking up harbour views. www.cockatooisland.gov.au

City Centre & CBD

·      Visit the Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

Built in the 1890s, the QVB is one of Sydney’s most beautiful shopping arcades. With stained glass windows, mosaic tiles, soaring domes, and a grand clock, it’s a masterpiece of Victorian architecture. Inside, you’ll find high-end boutiques, jewellers, and elegant cafés. QVB is an easy 25 minute walk  from Circular Quay or 10 minutes by light rail (above ground). www.qvb.com.au

·      Wander through Pitt Street Mall

Sydney’s main shopping strip, Pitt Street Mall is packed with major brands, department stores like Myer and David Jones, and luxury boutiques. With street performers and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for retail therapy in the heart of the city. Pitt Street Mall is just a few minutes walk from the Queen Victoria Building.

·      Visit Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney’s tallest building offers a 360-degree observation deck with sweeping city views. For the adventurous, try the Skywalk—a thrilling outdoor glass-floor platform high above the streets. Enter from Pitt Street Mall. www.sydneytowereye.com.au

·      Find Sydney’s Hidden Small Bars

Sydney has a thriving small bar scene tucked away in laneways and basements. From speakeasy-style cocktail lounges to cosy wine bars, these hidden gems are perfect for an evening out. Popular choices include The Baxter Inn (whisky and old-world charm) and Employees Only (stylish cocktails with New York flair). The city centre is safe to explore at night, with lively streets and a welcoming atmosphere.

·      Visit the State Library of New South Wales

One of Australia’s oldest cultural institutions, the State Library is a stunning heritage building with marble staircases, stained glass windows, and historic reading rooms. It regularly hosts fascinating exhibitions ranging from rare manuscripts to photography and art, making it a quiet yet enriching stop in the heart of the city. The State Library is 10 minutes walk from Circular Quay or 15 minutes from the QVB. www.sl.nsw.gov.au

Hyde Park & Surrounds

·      Explore Hyde Park

Australia’s oldest public park is a leafy green oasis in the city centre. With fountains, huge tree-lined walkways, monuments and statues, it’s a beautiful spot to wander and unwind between sightseeing stops. 10 minutes by train from Circular Quay, get off at St James Station or light rail to QVB then walk for 10 minutes. www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/hyde-park

·      Step Inside St Mary’s Cathedral

Just across the road from Hyde park, this grand Gothic Revival cathedral is one of Sydney’s most striking landmarks. Step inside to admire soaring stone arches, intricate stained glass windows, and peaceful chapels. Free to enter, with guided tours available on select days. www.stmaryscathedral.org.au

·      Learn at the Australian Museum

At the far end of Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest museum that is packed with fascinating displays, the Australian Museum offers a fascinating introduction to Australia’s natural world and cultural history, all in one beautifully restored heritage building. A highlight is the Indigenous galleries, which share the living cultures, art and knowledge of Aboriginal peoples, offering a meaningful insight into the world’s oldest continuing cultures. www.australian.museum/

Further afield

·      Explore Newtown

Just 15 minutes from the city, Newtown is Sydney’s alternative and bohemian neighbourhood. It is the most vegan friendly suburb with lots of vegan and restaurants, grocery stores alongside vintage clothing stores, and quirky independent shops all along King Street. The train takes 25 minutes from Circular Quay station.

·      Bushwalk in the Royal National ParkJust an hour by train from the city, the Royal National Park is a natural escape with coastal cliffs, forest trails, and pristine beaches. Options range from short scenic walks to longer hikes like the famous Coast Track. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/royal-national-park/visitor-info

Useful Information

Public Transport

• Sydney’s public transport system is extensive, reliable, clean and safe.

• Circular Quay is a transport hub from which you have access to Ferries, Trains, Light Rail and Buses that will take you anywhere in Sydney.

• Sydney's public transport system supports contactless payments. This means you can tap on and tap off using your international credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet (like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) linked to your card. Accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. This applies to all modes of public transport in Sydney, including trains, buses, ferries, and light rail.

• It's important to note that while contactless payments are convenient you will be charged international currency conversion fees so you if you’re planning on multiple trips an Opal card would be more economical.

• You can buy an Opal card from all train and light rail stations or convenience stores, and you can top up the balance at the station machines as needed.

• You must tap on at the start of your journey but don’t forget to tap off! Otherwise you’ll be charged for the maximum route in that transport line. Card readers (for tapping on and off) are located at entry gates (trains and ferries) inside the vehicle (buses) or at the stations (light rail).

• Download the Opal app for free for trip planning. Enter you location and destination and it will tell you how to get there via public transport.

Other Transport

• Ubers are plentiful in Sydney, select the Uber Green option (electric vehicle) if you want to reduce your environmental impact. To book an Uber, download the App to your phone and book through the App.

• Taxis in Sydney are clearly marked, well regulated and safe. You can hail a taxi by flagging one from the street (if the light on the taxi sign on top of the car is on they are available), catch one from the many official Taxi Ranks around the city or the concierge in your hotel can call or hail one for you.

Safety

• Sydney is generally very safe for visitors, with low levels of crime and a strong police presence in most areas but like any city, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

• The emergency services number in Australia is 000 (not 911!)