Our Top 5 Day Trips in Sydney

Sydney, Australia is a vibrant city that offers an abundance of experiences for travellers and locals alike. If you’re in Sydney for the first time or just passing through, a day trip here is packed with famous sights, amazing views, and fun experiences. Our team of Aussie Travel Specialists have put together a list of what we think are the best day trips in Sydney. From cruising the Darling Harbour, summiting the Sydney Harbour Bridge, indulging in the best wines, or getting up close and personal with Australia's wildlife, there's an experience for all just waiting to be explored! If you're in Sydney for a few days, note down a few of these recommendations for your next trip. We understand Australia is a big place, and Sydney is one of the largest cities, so making sure you get the most out of your time is important - so grab a cuppa, sit back and relax, as we dive into our top 5 day trips in Sydney that will make your next visit incredible! 

Sydney Opera House Tour

If you have never visited Sydney, you have probably heard of the Sydney Opera House - one of Australia's most iconic buildings and tourist destinations. The Sydney Opera House is located right in the city's CBD and across from the other iconic Australian structure - the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This architectural marvel is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site and tourist attraction, but also a fully functioning performing arts venue hosting well over 1,500 performances a year. From music concerts, orchestra's, and theatre plays - the Sydney Opera House has it all! When you're booking a trip to Sydney, it's worth checking out if there are any shows playing while you're visiting. The Sydney Opera House is designed to offer the best acoustic experience that we're sure will make your viewing experience incredible! Also - imagine telling your friends about that amazing play you saw at the Sydney Opera House, they're sure to be jealous!

A visit to Sydney wouldn't be complete without experiencing the Sydney Opera House. If you want to get the most out of your visit to the Sydney Opera House, you should look into doing a Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour. This tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic structure and explore the various performance halls, discover the history of its construction, and learn about the innovative design by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Don't forget to snap some photos of the stunning exterior set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

If you want to beat the crowds, we recommend getting there early, but the Opera House at night is also incredible. If you're looking at experiencing this day trip, check out our Sydney City Short Break tour.

Aussie Backyard Tour at Taronga Zoo

Australia's wildlife is one-of-a-kind and are definitely worth seeking out during your visit. However, it's entirely possible you might miss most of these animals (especially the dangerous ones, such as crocodiles!), so a visit to Taronga Zoo Sydney is an incredible way to experience Australia's wildlife. The Aussie Backyard Tour is a special experience, allowing you to get up close and personal with Australia's native animals. From kangaroos and koalas to wombats and echidnas, this tour provides an intimate look at the country's wildlife.

This is also a wonderful family experience, with knowledgeable guides sharing educational facts about the animals, their habitats, and the current conservation efforts to keep these beautiful creatures around for generations to come! If you're looking to 'wow' your kids, this tour will definitely leave a lasting impact! For more information on Australia's unique wildlife, check out our list of iconic must-see Australian wildlife to add to your list before your next trip. This is one of our most recommended Sydney experiences from our travel specialists, so this is definitely a must-do!

Summit with BridgeClimb Sydney

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Sydney's iconic landmarks that is a testament to human craftsmanship. Did you know that you can also climb it? BridgeClimb Sydney offers one of Sydney's most exhilarating experiences that is a must for the adventure seekers among you! This experience takes you to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, offering unparalleled views of the city and its surroundings.

The climb is suitable for people of all fitness levels, with trained guides ensuring your safety throughout the journey. You'll also be able to ask the guides any questions about the bridge and the views as they teach you about the bridges' history and construction. Once you summit the bridge, the panoramic views are breath-taking, providing a perfect photo opportunity to capture your unforgettable adventure for all to see! If you're not a budding photographer, the guides are more than happy to snap a picture or two!

The Sydney Harbour Bridge summit, and by extension the Sydney Opera House, is also a popular place for engagement proposals with many choosing this romantic spot to seal the deal. Don't be surprised if you see a few during your time visiting.

If you're feeling up to it after the hike, you can also book yourself in for an evening dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour with Captain Cook Cruises. As the sun sets over Sydney, there's no better way to enjoy the view than with an evening cruise. Relax and indulge in a gourmet dinner and watch the sunset behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House as you experience this perfect Sydney Harbour tour.

Scenic Flight with Sydney Seaplane

When flying into Sydney for the first time, you get a glimpse (if you're lucky enough to get a window seat!) of Sydney in all its coastal glory. There's so much to see and do in Sydney that you might not get to see everything you wanted. So we recommend getting a scenic flight with Sydney Seaplanes. This tour combines the thrill of flying with the unique experiences, such as visiting the Broken Bay Pearl Farm or Shark Island Beach Picnic.

The adventure begins with a scenic seaplane flight over Sydney Harbour, offering a bird's-eye view of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the beautiful coastal headlands. You'll be able to see the beautiful beaches of Bondi and Manly as you fly over to either Broken Bay or Shark Island for your farm or picnic experience. If this epic experience sounds like your ideal day trip, check out our Sydney Sights and Wine Tour. Of all the Sydney day trips we're recommending, this is truly an unforgettable experience best for couples or small groups who want to enjoy Sydney sightseeing on an all new level!

Bays & Beaches with Sydney Harbour Boat Tours

A trip to Sydney isn't complete without visiting one of Sydney's iconic beaches! We have a list of our favourite beaches here, but if we were to pick just one that you just HAD to visit, it would be Manly Beach. You must be wondering "why not Bondi Beach?" Well, Bondi is a spectacular beach, but it's also one of Sydney's busiest beaches and depending on the time of year, it can be almost impossible to find a nice spot to relax. That's why we recommend Manly Beach as our number one must-do of Sydney beaches to visit!

If you're looking for more of a guided tour of Sydney's bays and beaches, we recommend Sydney Harbour Boat Tours. This excursion provides a comprehensive look at the city's stunning coastline, secluded bays, and iconic beaches. The tour takes to gems such as Shark Island and Watsons Bay, allowing you to dive into the blue ocean water and soak up the sun. This tour is a perfect day tour for those seeking to hop around Sydney's iconic locations whilst basking in the sun and experiencing some of Australia's top beaches. A perfect experience for the whole family, or couples looking to experience Sydney for the first time.

Our Recommendations

Sydney offers an array of experiences that cater to all types of travellers. Whether you're a couple visiting Sydney for the first time, or a family returning to Sydney, there are so many unique day trips to undertake in this coastal city. If you're short on time, our team recommends stopping by the Sydney Opera House for a backstage tour - this tour goes for a few hours, but is close enough to the airport and the city to allow you to get in-and-out if you need! If you've got a whole day to spare, we definitely recommend visiting Taronga Zoo for families, and a scenic flight for couples looking for that extra romance to their trip.

Overall though, you can't go wrong with any of the above day trips. Whether you have time for one or more, you'll get to experience the best parts of Sydney. There really is something for everyone in Sydney! If you're still on the fence, or simply have too many ideas and destinations you want to visit in Sydney, then chat with our team of Aussie Travel Specialists to get started on creating the perfect itinerary for you! We also have a range of Sydney tours that you can check out here. Explore iconic landmarks, encounter unique wildlife, dine on luxurious cruises, or seek adventure in this beautiful land down under!