Sydney Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

The modern city of Sydney is a thriving Australian metropolis. Known for its stunning harbor and architecturally unique Sydney Opera House, Sydney is a favorite among domestic and international travelers. It boasts great beaches, a wide array of attractions and feel-good vibes that will make you want to meander down the bustling streets. 

Sydney was the first European settlement in Australia, dating all the way back to 1788, however, the land was occupied by indigenous people long before its discovery by Lieutenant James Cook. In 1851, the city experienced a boom due to a gold rush that attracted people from all over the globe to its prosperous lands. From here, it continued to evolve into the multicultural business hub it is today.

9 Best Ways To Experience Sydney In 2024

Mountain scenery, the outback, and city streets. You'll have them all when you visit Sydney and much more besides in this cosmopolitan Australian city. Whether you choose four by four, boat, bus or helicopter as your means of transport, these companies detailed here are ones at the top of their game who will make sure the time you spend with them makes your stay in Sydney twice as special as you could ever have anticipated. Drop off your unneeded bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Sydney and prepare for adventure.

Best Kayak Tour – Sydney Kayak

There are more places to go kayaking than Sydney Harbor, but you need to know where they are and have help to get your equipment there. Sydney Kayak will organize all that for you when you go on a kayaking tour with them. They have a list of exciting destinations in and out of the city like Pittwater or the Hawkesbury and Shoalhaven Rivers. Paddles vary between two to four hours and you don't need to have previous experience to do them.

Find out more about kayaking in Sydney with Sydney Kayak by calling 61-451-887-675 or email them at sam@sydneykayak.com.au for more details.

Best Boat Tour – Sea Sydney Harbor

Sailing across Sydney Harbor in a flash catamaran has to be a must-do when you're there. You can either make a private charter with Sea Sydney Harbor if you're traveling in a group or buy single tickets for a general sailing. A Sea Sydney Harbor cruise will take you around the harbor and under Sydney bridge. Do it during the day, do it at sunset or do it with a glass of champagne in hand. Whichever you choose, just doing it has to be the most important.

Get ready to sail with Sea Sydney Harbor by emailing them at info@seasydneyharbour.com.au or give them a call on 61-452-188-739 for more information.  

Best Helicopter Tour – Sydney Helitours

Take to the skies above Sydney with Sydney Helitours and it'll probably be some of the most exciting moments of your life as well as some of the priciest. With Sydney Helitours you can take a scenic flight over Sydney to see all the main sights from above or whizz off into the outback for a lunch in the middle of nowhere. Their flight over the Blue Mountain and the rainforest canopy has a real wow factor, and even though it will likely set you back as much as your entire vacation, it's worth it.

Plan on taking to the skies with Sydney Helitours by emailing them at bookings@sydneyhelitours.com.au or by calling them on 61-293-173-402. 

Best Outback Tour - Sydney Outback

The Australian outback isn't all about deserts and dry rock. There are forests and water out there too and if you take a tour with Sydney Outback they'll show you both by bus and by boat. Their tours do go a little off the beaten path but are all the better for that as you'll see spots that aren't visited by most tours as well as Aboriginal heritage sites in national parks.

Find out more about Sydney Outback and what they do by calling 61-290-994-249 or drop them an email at info@sydneyoutback.com.au.

Best History Tour – Ultimately Sydney

There's a story around every corner in Sydney and you'll get to know about at least a few of them when you take a history-oriented tour with Ultimately Sydney. The guides from Ultimately Sydney are well-informed about all the diverse characters who have lived in the city and about events that have shaped Sydney to become the place it is today. Whether you take this tour in person or virtually, you're guaranteed to find it absolutely fascinating.

Organize your tour with Ultimately Sydney by calling 61-298-793-703 or email them at res@ultimatelysydney.com.au for more details.

Best Tailor-made Tour – Sydney Guided Tours

You can go where you want to go when you want to go on a tailor-made tour with Sydney Guided Tours. Whether you plan to see all the major landmarks or prefer to go off the beaten track, Sydney Guided Tours are happy to accommodate and will plan your day out accordingly.

Start to plan your private tour of Sydney with Sydney Guided Tours by emailing them at matt@sydneyguidedtours.com or by calling 61-403-390-566.  

Best Scenic Tour – Sydney Top Tours

The Blue Mountains are where you need to head for if you want a tour with impressive scenery and the company you can do that with is Sydney Top Tours. You can go during the day or set off in the late afternoon so you're there for the sunset. Whichever you choose, a bush walk, a ride on the world's steepest railway, and a kangaroo encounter are included.

Head for the hills with Sydney Top Tours by calling them on 61-498-507-873 or emailing them at info@urbanpassport.com.au for details and availability.

Best Luxury Tour – Travellers Limo Choice

If you want to sit back and relax while you're sightseeing in Sydney there's no better way to do it than in the back of an air-conditioned limo. With Travellers Limo Choice you'll be driven around by a professional driver-guide who knows the roads as well as lots of interesting facts about the places you'll be passing. All the tours conducted by Travellers Limo Choice are private so the agenda, stops, and starts, are all of your own choosing.

Get in touch with Travellers Limo Choice by emailing them at info@tlchoice.com.au or give them a call on 61-449-140-301.

Best Beach Tour – Personalised Sydney Tours

If you want to take in the views of the Blue Mountains or gaze at the famous Bondi Beach than Personalised Sydney Tours is a great option for you. These private tour experiences give you the opportunity fully immerse in the Beauty of Australia. Work with the company to create the perfect tour or choose from one of their incredible existing tours.

You can contact Personalised Sydney Tours by email at info@personalisedsydneytours.com or by calling 61-412-827-187.

A weekend in Sydney

If you’re in town for a short trip or weekend getaway, you’re in luck. Sydney is easy to get around and you can see a lot in a short amount of time. Make the most of Bounce’s luggage storage lockers in Sydney to help take the stress out of your vacation. You won’t have to be inconvenienced by a late check-in or early check-out when you can simply drop your bags and pick them up again when you need them.

To get a true taste of this impressive metropolitan destination, add some of the following must-see attractions to your itinerary.

• Sydney Harbour Bridge: One of Sydney’s most iconic attractions, the Bridge is certainly worthy of a visit. The man-made landmark holds prime position in the harbor and makes for a spectacular backdrop. Consider climbing the bridge for exceptional views and a truly memorable experience.
• Sydney Opera House: The other member of Sydney’s iconic pair is Sydney Opera House. Easily recognizable by its unique spiked design, getting a photo on the steps of the Opera House is a must-do when in Sydney.
• Bondi Beach: This famous beach is popular for a reason. With a big stretch of white, powder sand and an endless number of cozy cafes for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this spot is worth the trip out from Sydney’s business district.
• Royal Botanic Garden: If you’re looking for some greenery when in Sydney, head to the Royal Botanic Garden. You can stretch your legs and get some fresh air while still enjoying the Sydney skyline.

Sydney Lockers

Luggage storage services in Sydney can be the difference between a relaxing trip and a stressful one. Bounce provides a place for you to leave your suitcases when you are faced with a late check-in or early check-out, or perhaps just indulged in the retail therapy and now want to stash your purchases and head out for the evening. With easy access to this flexible storage option, you’ll never be inconvenienced by your bags again!

Off the beaten path in Sydney

Sydney has many iconic attractions, but there’s plenty of other things to do that don’t always get the same attention. If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path activities, check out the following.

• SS Ayrfield Shipwreck: While you won’t see this one on most Sydney to-do lists, the SS Ayrfield Shipwreck is a good place to visit for those looking for an attraction that’s a little different. Homebush Bay was a shipbreaking yard in the 1970s and the SS Ayrfield Shipwreck is a token of this time.
• Newtown Street Art: For the art lovers and appreciators, take a stroll down Newtown Street. The area is filled with graffiti and murals that have been created by local artists. The quality is impressive and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
• Underground Cinema: Sydney hosts a range of Underground Cinema events that are a great idea for anyone who has ever wished they could be inside a movie. You purchase your tickets then wait for information to be delivered regarding dress code and location.

What to do alone in Sydney

Sydney is a great choice for solo travelers. With plenty of attractions that can be enjoyed independently, business travelers and solo vacationers alike will be impressed by the ease of navigating the city alone. If you’re looking for some activities that can be done on your own, consider checking out the following.

• Darling Harbour: Centrally located, Darling Harbour is the perfect spot for a stroll or bite to eat. You can admire the views of the water and boats, while indulging in a delectable meal or fancy cocktail.
• Sydney Tower Eye: The Sydney Tower Eye is easy to spot on the skyline and is a great option for those seeking excellent views of the city. Head up to the viewing platform to admire Sydney and the surrounding area.
• Taronga Zoo: Animals lovers young and old will appreciate a visit to Taronga Zoo. With a diverse range of animals and shows, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a few hours or even a day.

The best souvenirs in Sydney

Sydney is a city that loves tourists and there is no shortage of shops where you can find a small (or large) token to commemorate your trip. Head to The Rocks for a variety of small stores that offer all of your standard tourist objects. Bondi Beach is also a great location providing options like clothing to bags and everything in between. Each of the major attractions, such as the Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, also has its own gift shop where you can secure a specific item for that site. If you overindulge in the souvenir shopping, leave your bags at a Sydney bag storage facility and pick them up when you’re heading back to your room.