Sydney Attractions

There are so many things to do in Sydney for a solo traveller. This vibrant city has a lot to offer. Here are some of my favourite things to do…

BEACHES * BEACH BBQ * SURF LESSON * CIRCULAR QUAY *
DARLING HARBOUR * SYDNEY AQUARIUM * WILD LIFE SYDNEY
HUNTER VALLEY * BLUE MOUNTAINS * TARONGA ZOO

1. Sydney Beaches

As a solo traveller, it is easy to spend a day at the beach. There are beaches to suit everyone around Sydney. Click on the link to see some of my favourite beaches I have been to alone.

Beach, Manly Whaf, Manly, Sydney, Australia, things to do in Sydney — One of the Beaches at Manly Wharf

2. Beach Bbq

Australia is blessed with beautiful beaches and many of them have barbecues for the public to use free of charge. They may be situated directly on the beach or on a grass area next to it. Just clean them up after you have used them so they are ready for the next person! Some of my favourite places I have been to for beach barbecues are Shelly Beach and Palm Beach.

Shelly Beach, Australia — Shelly Beach, Sydney, Australia

3. Surf Lesson or Bodyboard

Manly and Bondi are well known, popular surf beaches. If you want to learn how to surf there are local companies offering group or private lessons. If you prefer to take a bodyboard out, there are flagged areas on the beaches that are manned at certain times of the day by lifeguards. These show you the safe areas to swim or bodyboard away from the dangerous rips. This is a great way to keep you safe especially if you are by yourself. I can recommend booking through Manly Surf School. I had a great lesson with them and managed to catch a wave.

Volleyball, Manly Beach, Manly, Sydney, Australia, Things to do in Sydney — Volleyball Courts, Manly Beach

4. Circular Quay

Circular Quay is a great place to wander and has many suitable places to go as a solo traveller. It is the main ferry wharf to get to places such as Darling Harbour, Manly, Taronga Zoo or Watson’s Bay for example. It is a hub of activity, with street performers, indigenous men playing didgeridoos, shops and restaurants. You can view the Harbour Bridge, walk around the iconic Opera house and the Botanical Gardens from here. The Rocks is approximately 10 minutes away by foot or a 20 minute walk to the main shops and malls in George Street in the City.

Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia, Things to do in Sydney — The Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay

5. Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour has plenty of activities suitable for solo travellers. Manly Ferries offer discounts on Sundays costing only $2.70 for a round trip from Circular Quay. Darling Harbour has many shops and restaurants overlooking the water as well as tourist attractions such as Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and Wild Life Sydney. You can also walk to the fish markets from here in around 20 minutes or to the Chinese Garden of Friendship. This is a very cheap activity at $6 per adult!

Ferry, Darling Harbour, Australia — Darling Harbour

6. Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is a wonderful place to visit and see the spectacular marine life in Australia. Watching the dugong plough his way through lettuce all day is a favourite exhibit and a highlight of all those who visit. Click on the link to read my solo travel review.

7. Wild Life Sydney

If you want a short activity where you can see Australian wildlife up close then this is the place to come. Exhibits include Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats and, for an extra cost, you can have your photo taken next to a koala. There is a butterfly exhibit you can walk through where they will most certainly land on you so be warned. One of the highlights here is being able to see the enormous, sleepy looking, salt water crocodile. Click on the link to read my solo travel review.

Tasmanian devil, Darling Harbour, Wild Life, — Tasmanian Devil

8. Hunter Valley

This is a great trip to do as a solo traveller. I actually went with one of my family members but I would definitely recommend it if you are by yourself too. Hunter Valley wine region is a vast area that feels as if you have stepped back in time. It is hard to believe it is only a 2 hour drive from Sydney. Why not book a tour of the vineyards to take part in some wine tasting while you are here.

A hotel I recommend combining a stay at is The Pokolbin Village Resort

Hunter Valley, Vineyards, Australia, Things to do in Sydney — Hunter Valley, Australia

9. Taronga Zoo

A super zoo with harbour views. It is easily by road or a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. It is home to much wildlife including Australian favourites. A day pass booked online will set you back a little over $40 which will also include interesting keeper talks and some interactive displays. Additionally you could pay for an animal encounter which will include a souvenir picture up close to one of your favourite creatures. Click on the link to go direct to Taronga Zoo’s website for more information and current prices.

Red Kangaroo, Taronga Zoo, Sydney — Red Kangaroo, Taronga Zoo

10. Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are approximately 2 hours drive West of Sydney. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. Oz Trails offer great day trips which include a guided tour, site seeing and a boat ride along the Parramatta River. If you prefer to stay longer, click on the link to the Blue Mountains website to check the accommodation types available. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the rainforest with cascading waterfalls, admire the flora or take a glass bottomed scenic skyway ride between clifftops. The 3 Sisters are a stunning sandstone rock formation which is well worth viewing following a ride on the scenic railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world.

Blue Mountains, Things to do in Sydney, 3 Sisters

THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY