Sydney is the sparkling, sunny capital of New South Wales in Australia. The city is set between the stunning haze of the Blue Mountains and the infinite blue of the vast Pacific Ocean.
The beauty of Sydney’s natural surroundings is undeniable, but the city itself is beautiful in its own way. It’s a vibrant city, packed with lovely restaurants and bars, and humming with a beautiful culture!
The city is home to some iconic attractions, such as the Sydney Opera House, and is lined with beautiful beaches! Tours are a great way to experience the magic of Sydney, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorites below.
• The 21 Best Tours in Sydney •
#1 – The Sydney Opera House Tour
- $
- 1 hour
- Explore inside the theatres and halls of the Sydney Opera House
- Learn about the building and it’s past through a series of interesting stories
The Sydney Opera House is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Sydney, and certainly one of the most recognizable in the world!
The Sydney Opera House is considered one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels to this day. It is now one of the busiest performing arts centers in the world, with over 1,600 performances staged there each year.
This tour takes you through this magnificent building’s finest spaces as you learn facts and stories from it’s past!
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#2 – Sydney Private Tour with a Local
- $
- 2 – 6 hours
- Get to know Sydney through the eyes and guidance of a passionate local guide
- Get inside tips on the city to help you get the most out of your time there
Get to know the real Sydney on this personalized tour with a passionate local guide. You’ll be immersed in the city in an authentic way, as your guide takes you around the best bits!
Your friendly guide will share tips and information on the city, such as how to get around, where to eat and drink, and what to see and do. They’ll give you tips on the city’s hidden gems, and tell you stories as you explore.
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#3 – Bondi Beach Surfing
- $$
- 2 hours
- A fun surfing experience for beginners
- Experience one of Australia’s most iconic beaches in style
Bondi Beach is without a doubt one of the most iconic beaches in the country, and it’s extremely popular amongst surfers. The waves are reliable, and the scenery is beautiful, making it a great spot to experience Sydney’s surf scene!
Bondi Beach is a suitable surf spot for surfers of all experience levels, but this experience is tailored toward beginners. If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at surfing, this is an awesome place to start!
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#4 – Bridge Climb Sydney
Awesome for Adventurers
- $$$$
- 3 ½ hours
- Enjoy stunning views from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Tours are available at all times of day, including morning, twilight, and nighttime climbs!
Sydney Harbour Bridge is another iconic landmark of the city. It’s a heritage-listed steel bridge that stretches across the harbor between Sydney’s central business district and the North Shore.
The tour sees you climb a series of ladders and catwalks before tackling the sloping incline to the highest point. You’ll be able to revel in a sense of achievement as you soak up views of the Blue Mountains the Sydney Opera House.
#5 – Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
- $$$
- 1 ½ hours
- A delicious three-course meal on a pleasure boat
- Get waterborne views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge
The Sydney Harbor is well known for the Sydney Harbour Bridge that crosses it and the Sydney Opera House that sits on its waters edge. From the waters of the harbor, many of the city’s great landmarks are in perfect view!
This early evening dinner cruise allows you to venture out into the Sydney Harbor and marvel at the beautiful city scenery that surrounds you. You’ll be served a three-course meal as you enjoy the romantic atmosphere and city lights!
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#6 – Manly and Shelly Beach Snorkelling Tour
- $$
- 2 hours
- Explore and learn about the aquatic world around the coastal suburb of Manly
- An eco-tourism certified tour
Manly is a suburb in Sydney surrounded by stunning beaches and fantastic snorkeling locations. This snorkeling tour allows you to explore the underwater landscapes of the area, and offers the chance to see up to 200 species of colorful local fish!
You’ll explore the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, and learn about the species who live in the area! You’ll also learn about Manly’s coastal culture, and get to cool off in the stunning waters of Shelly Beach.
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#7 – Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour
- $$$
- 11 hours
- Explore the stunning Blue Mountains and see Australian wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park
- Enjoy a complimentary chef-prepared lunch
The Blue Mountains make up a beautiful mountain range that stands proudly to the west of Sydney. They are ripe with breathtaking natural beauty, from sheer cliffs and subtropical rainforest to sprawling vistas and native wildlife.
Their name comes from the blue hue the mountains adopt when viewed from a distance, but seeing them close up close is what will really enchant you.
Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Cableway, Skyway, and Scenic Railway, all of which offer a unique experience and stunning views! You’ll also get a guided boardwalk tour, a kangaroo feeding, and a cruise back into Sydney.
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#8 – Sydney Harbour and Beaches Helicopter Flight
- $$$
- 20 minutes
- See Sydney’s greatest sights from above on an exciting helicopter flight
- Your experienced pilot will provide interesting commentary along the way
See Sydney from a whole new perspective on this 20-minute Helicopter tour. After a safety briefing, you’ll ascend into the vast Australian skies! A helicopter ride allows you to get a true birds-eye view of the city, and develop a solid understanding of the layout.
This helicopter flight soars past many of the city’s greatest attractions, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, and offers exceptional one-of-a-kind views! You’ll also fly over Taronga Zoo, Rose Bay, Manly Cove, and Watson Bay.
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#9 – Featherdale Wildlife Park
- $
- Full-day access
- Get close up and personal with Australia’s most iconic animals
- Learn about the wildlife at demonstrations and keeper talks throughout the day
Featherdale Wildlife Park houses the country’s largest collection of native wildlife. It’s home to over 1,700 animals and offers an immersive hands-on experience. Amongst other things, you’ll get to meet a koala and hand-feed kangaroos!
The park is also home to emus, Tasmanian devils, quokka, snakes, crocodiles, and many more! Having such close, personal interaction with Australia’s native animals is rare, and it will charm any kind of traveler!
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#10 – Hunter Valley Wine Tour
- $$$
- 11 hours
- Learn about and taste the wines of Australia’s most famous wine region
- Enjoy a complimentary gourmet lunch in a scenic local restaurant
Hunter Valley is the oldest and best-known wine region in the country, fully equipped with scenic vistas and sprawling vineyards. With a history stretching back deep into the 19th century, this region is home to a range of wineries from family-run boutiques to world-renowned brands.
Hunter Valley is famous for varietals such as Shiraz and Semillon, and a charming atmosphere throughout. On this tour, you’ll get to taste some of the region’s finest wines and learn all about the winemaking process from grape to glass!
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#11 – Taronga Zoo VIP Tour
- $$
- 1 ½ hours
- Get an in-depth introduction to Australia’s fascinating wild animals and ride the Sky Safari cable car
- A hands-on, close-up experience, and full-day access to the zoo
Located on the shores of Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo has been Sydney’s favorite local zoo for over 100 years. It’s home to over 300 species, comprising of 4,000 individual animals from around the world!
This VIP tour gives you exclusive access to parts of the zoo that are not open to the public. Your experienced guide will give you an in-depth introduction to Australia’s unique wildlife as you explore, and will be there to answer any questions you may have.
#12 – Sydney Whale Watching Cruise
- $$
- 2 ¼ – 3 hours
- See and hear humpback whales as well as some other extraordinary marine life
- Pass several of Sydney’s great attractions on your way out to sea
Hop on board a purpose-built whale watching catamaran and journey out into the Pacific Ocean for an enchanting marine experience.
This cruise takes you to the best spots for encountering the thousands of humpback whales on their annual migration. Keep a lookout for other marine creatures, including dolphins, orcas, seals, and fairy penguins!
You’ll even get to hear the songs of the whales below thanks to state-of-the-art underwater microphones.
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#13 – The Rocks Walking Tour Sydney
- $
- 1 ½ hours
- Explore the scenery and history of The Rocks, an iconic historic area of Sydney
- View the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House
Explore one of Sydney’s most fascinating historic areas on this walking tour of The Rocks. The area is home to some of the oldest buildings in the city and has a rich history stretching back to the early days of the British Australian settlement!
Step off the beaten track and venture through shaded courtyards, cobbled paths, and veiled alley. Your specialist local guide will tell you tales of the folks that pioneered the British Australian settlement, and pepper the tour with interesting facts and information!
#14 – Iconic Sights Sydney Bike Tour
- $$$
- 4 hours
- See the best bits of Sydney in a fun and immersive way
- Receive interesting running commentary from your experienced guide
Cycling is a great way to explore Sydney; you’ll have the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. This cycle tour encompasses all of the city’s greatest sights and attractions, and strings them together with some hidden gems along the way!
Amongst others, you’ll get to see the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the stunning gardens of Sydney’s Hyde Park. You’ll also experience the vibrant atmosphere of ChinaTown, and visit the Royal Botanic Gardens!
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#15 – Sydney Tower Eye
- $
- Full-day access
- Get a panoramic view of Sydney and its surroundings from the highest viewpoint in town
- Experience something truly unique in the 4D cinema
Standing at just over 1,000 feet tall, Sydney Tower is the tallest structure in Sydney, and is topped with the second-highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere! From the top, you’ll experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Sydney!
The Blue Mountains are visible to the west, and the striking coastline to the east. The scenic vistas extend 48 miles in every direction, and you’ll be able to observe the buzzing of the city below. Then, soar above the city skyline with the 4D cinema experience!
#16 – WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
- $$
- 105 minutes (with full-day zoo access)
- Have lunch surrounded by koalas and Australian bush
- Get full-day access to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo after your breakfast
Located right next to the city center, WILD LIFE Sydney zoo is one of the easiest places to see all of the most iconic Australian animals in one place. It’s home to the Australian big five: kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, wombats, and platypus’! It also houses a vast variety of other animals from quokka and wallabies to butterflies and snakes!
This tour is koala focused; it allows you to enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast in a scenic bush garden setting. While you enjoy your meal, the koalas in the surrounding garden will be enjoying theirs!
#17 – SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- $
- Full-day access
- Experience a range of marine wildlife from around the world
- 14 themed zones, each specializing in a unique topic
Immerse yourself in an underwater world at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. The aquarium is home to 650 species, with a total of 12,000 animals! Between the 14 themed zones of the Aquarium, you’ll spot an enormous range of creatures from giant Japanese spider crabs and stingrays, to large sharks and mellow jellyfish!
You’ll also see platypuses, turtles, penguins, and sea dragons amongst many others! The aquarium is home to the world’s largest great barrier reef display, so you can get lost amid the wildlife of Australia’s most famous natural feature.
#18 – Sydney Northern Beaches and National Park Tour
- $$$
- 7 hours
- Explore some of Sydney’s most beautiful natural landscapes
- Top the day off with a cruise through Sydney Harbour
This tour shows off Sydney’s spectacular natural scenery by taking you through Ku-ring-gai national park and around some of Sydney’s most notable northern beaches!
You’ll stop by the enchanting Ku-ring-gai national park on your way to the northern beaches. Here, you’ll enjoy a bush walk through the park and have the rare opportunity to see some Aboriginal rock art!
Next, you’ll enjoy the incredible view from the likes of Manly Beach, West Head, and Long Reef. Along the way, you’ll learn about aboriginal culture and the origins of surfing in Australia.
#19 – Sydney Cricket Ground Walking Tour
- $
- 1 ½ hours
- Explore the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground and SCG Museum
- Stand where international sporting icons have played
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is an iconic stadium and Sydney’s home of sport. This tour takes you behind the scenes and allows you to stand where sporting legends from around the world have stood!
The stadium has hosted a plethora of important international sporting fixtures for several different sports including cricket, AFL, and rugby! Amongst others, you’ll get to see the players dressing rooms, the Walk of Honour, and the SCG Museum. And, of course, you’ll get to walk out onto the field of play!
#20 – Australian National Maritime Museum
- $
- Full-day access
- Discover some incredible marine vehicles from historic to modern
- Learn about Australia’s maritime history and explore the permanent exhibits
The Australian National Maritime Museum houses one of the largest in-water fleets in the world. There is a diverse range of attractions to see during your visit, with six permanent galleries and 13 historic vessels.
Descend into a modern submarine, climb aboard a 19th-century tall ship, explore a naval warship, and marvel at a replica of Captain Cook’s ship from the 1700s!
#21 – Highlights of Sydney Half-Day Tour
One of the Most Comprehensive Tours of Sydney
- $$$
- 4 hours
- A great way to get acquainted with Sydney
- See the most iconic attractions and hotspots
This tour is a great way to see the best bits of Sydney in a short period of time! You’ll be immersed in Sydney’s iconic sights and tourist hotspots as your guide shares helpful information that will aid you in any further adventures.
Visit the likes of Bondi Beach and Sydney’s iconic Chinatown, and get some stellar views of the Sydney Opera House. You’ll learn about where to go and what to see during your time in the city as you explore!
FAQs about Sydney Tours
We’re sure you’ll have some questions about tours in Sydney before you book, so we’ve done our best to answer the ones that we hear most often!
How do I book a Sydney tour?
The best way to book a tour in Sydney is through an online activity booking platform. There are several options, but our favorite is Get Your Guide. The user interface is slick and easy to use, and they have a myriad of tours on offer in Sydney!
What should I pack for a tour in Sydney?
Sydney is splendidly sunny, so you’ll need to pack sunscreen and sunglasses on any of the outdoor tours. We also suggest that you bring some comfortable walking shoes as many of these tours involve walking! Lastly, don’t forget to bring your camera and a jumper for chilly evenings.
How much do tours in Sydney typically cost?
The cost of tours in Sydney varies greatly depending on the length and type of experience. The average cost of our recommended tours is around $73 USD, with the most expensive costing $190 USD and the cheapest just $17 USD.
How long do tours in Sydney last?
The length of Sydney tours can also vary greatly. Our recommended tours range from 20 minutes to 11 hours. Sydney city tours are generally shorter, but there are plenty of excursions and day tours from Sydney, which are generally a one day trip.
Closing Thoughts on Sydney Tourism
There is plenty to do and see during a trip to Sydney, and a myriad of tours to choose from! The tours on this list will help you squeeze the most out of your Sydney trip.
There is a vast range of experiences on offer amongst these tours; you can hand feed a kangaroo, marvel at Aboriginal rock art, soar over the city, and walk through an Australian rainforest!
There’s something for everyone in Sydney, whether you’re a cultural connoisseur, nature lover, animal fanatic, or anything in between. Whichever tours you choose, we hope this Sydney tour guide has been helpful, and that you have an incredible trip!
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