Top 50 Best Things to Do in New South Wales
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in New South Wales

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Taronga Zoo Sydneytop_1
    󰺂9.6
    23.73
    Mosman>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Feed giraffes & touch koalas
    Take photos while feeding giraffes
    󱨠Saved by 1771 users󱨠1767 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    SS ChuahSS Chuah

    Nice place to visit. I can see koala, kangaroos……seals on the performance.

  • Sydney Opera Housetop_2
    󰺂9.5
    52.95
    Sydney.Sydney Central Business District>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊World-class shows & backstage tours
    󱨜Shell-shaped architecture with modern art
    󱨠Saved by 1667 users󱨠1784 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Sydney Opera House's classic opera medley, booked through Trip.com, provided our family of four with an unforgettable evening of artistic delights. As a family experiencing opera for the first time, the experience was filled with delightful surprises. The family package was a great value, and our two children were fascinated by the opera house's sail-shaped design. Before the performance, we enjoyed a brief opera tour, where the staff thoughtfully explained key points, allowing the children to fully immerse themselves in the experience. The performance featured classic excerpts from "Turandot" and "Carmen," and the gorgeous costumes, stunning vocals, and Chinese subtitles completely immersed us in the magic of opera. The children loved the cheerful melodies of "The Magic Flute," while the adults were deeply moved by the soulful arias of "La Traviata." The performance ran for approximately 90 minutes, a perfect duration that kept the children engaged. During intermission, we enjoyed the opera house's special ice cream and took family photos against the backdrop of the harbor. This experience completely dispelled our stereotype of opera as something "cold," and Trip.com's seat recommendations were spot-on, with great views and affordable prices. By the time we left, the kids were already asking when we'd come back. It was undoubtedly the most culturally enriching evening of our trip to Sydney!

  • Blue Mountains National Parktop_3
    󰺂8.7
    Sydney>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    World Heritage Site since 2000
    Eucalyptus mist & four seasons
    󱨠Saved by 1109 users󱨠400 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    D22***36D22***36

    It's a bit of a shame that the red koala was under maintenance this time and we didn't get a chance to ride the world's straightest koala. Also, because of the strong winds, the yellow koala could only go halfway before turning back, so we didn't get a chance to walk all the way to the Three Sisters Peaks. But even just taking pictures from the koala was beautiful.

  • Sydney Whale Watching Cruise
    4
    󰺂8.7
    Sydney.Darling Harbour>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Whale migration viewing: May-November
    󱨜Capture whales with advanced tech
    󱨠Saved by 548 users󱨠125 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    _TI***w9_TI***w9

    Taking the boat out, I was lucky enough to see a whale soon, far away, but the boat was very windy and rocking, it was easy to stand unsteady, it was in the distance to see the activity of the whale in the sea, nothing special, very dizzy, a little want to vomit, experience general

  • SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
    5
    󰺂8.2
    19.38
    Sydney.Darling Harbour>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊100-foot glass tunnel & marine life
    󰋄Sharks swimming overhead in tunnel
    󱨠Saved by 1078 users󱨠887 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    AnthosismAnthosism

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SEA LIFE Sydney AquariumWe had a wonderful time at SEA LIFE Sydney! The aquarium was beautifully designed, and we enjoyed seeing the wide variety of marine life up close — especially the sharks, penguins, and the amazing ocean tunnel. The layout made it easy to explore, and everything was well-maintained and informative. It’s a great experience for both adults and kids. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Sydney!⸻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WILD LIFE Sydney ZooWILD LIFE Sydney was such a fun and memorable experience! We got to see Australia’s iconic animals like koalas, kangaroos, and wombats up close. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the exhibits were clean and well-organized. It’s the perfect place to learn more about Australian wildlife without leaving the city. Definitely worth a visit!

  • Sydney Tower Eye
    6
    󰺂8.0
    14.82
    Sydney.Sydney Central Business District>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSydney Tower Eye 250-meter Observation Deck, experience a 360° panoramic view
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆360° Sydney view from 820ft
    360° transparent observation deck
    󱨠Saved by 878 users󱨠568 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Great views but it’s definitely a bit high price for the experience. The observation deck gives me a bird's-eye view of Sydney.

  • WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
    7
    󰺂8.0
    18.25
    Sydney.Darling Harbour>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Get close to Australian wildlife
    󰋄Koalas & kangaroos up close
    󱨠Saved by 944 users󱨠457 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    _FB***04_FB***04

    I highly recommend the Koala Breakfast experience, especially for families. After gathering in the morning, the staff will lead you on a tour of all the animals, patiently introducing them one by one. While the zoo isn't large, it's very clean. The animals seem well-cared for, and since they're all native to Australia, many of them are actually new to us. The Koala Breakfast experience allows you to see and take photos with koalas up close. Besides the staff taking photos for you, you can also use your own phone to take close-up photos of the koalas, or ask the staff to take more photos for you. They're very patient! Overall, it's worth it!

  • Big Bus Tours Sydney
    8
    󰺂7.9
    33.92
    Sydney>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Night Attractions in New South Wales
    Highlights:
    󰋄Sydney Tower Eye: Citywide views
    Flexible & convenient hop-on hop-off
    󱨠Saved by 384 users󱨠87% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    travelwithbotravelwithbo

    I used big bus tour in different cities like London, Paris and KL. It is a great way to take a quick look of the city, relaxing and convenient. It was a good experience in Sydney, especially the blue route which will take you to the bondi beach. You can hop off and hop on anytime. I traveled alone this time, and the big bus tour is so worthy. For me, one day ticket is enough. I took the entire red route and blue route. The scenery in the blue route is so beautiful!!

  • Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
    9
    󰺂7.8
    15.96
    Doonside>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Close interaction with free-roaming animals
    󱓊Breeding Tasmanian devils & more
    󱨠Saved by 809 users󱨠338 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    How lovely wildlife in nice & cleaning environment. It’s worth for travelers visiting

  • Darling Harbour
    10
    󰺂7.6
    Sydney.Darling Harbour>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Iconic sails & photography haven
    󰀆Fireworks & water screen show
    󱨠Saved by 814 users󱨠411 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    nxz***csnxz***cs

    Darling Harbour (Darling Harbor, also translated as Lovers Harbour) is located in the northwest of Sydney's central city center and is one of Sydney's most famous landmarks. It is 2 kilometers from Sydney Central Station (Central Station) and is connected to Sydney Chinatown (Sydney Chinatown) in Australia. Darling Harbour is a port terminal, green space and complex of buildings, not only Sydney's most colorful tourist and shopping malls, but also a venue for major conferences and celebrations. Darling Harbour is named after NSW's seventh Governor-General, NSW, NSW. The scenery of Darling Harbour is breathtaking. The sea is shining, and colorful boats travel between it, especially at sunset, the embers of the sunset are shining on the sea, and the golden glow is intertwined with the deep blue sea, creating a heady view. Modern high-rise buildings and historic buildings on both sides of the harbour are a perfect reflection of Sydney's unique charm. The hovering seagulls and fresh sea breeze are the best embellishments.

Best things to do in New South Wales (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in New South Wales? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, New South Wales offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in New South Wales

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full New South Wales experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Taronga Zoo Sydney

• Mosman | >100 km from downtown

• : Feed giraffes & touch koalas,Take photos while feeding giraffes

Sydney Opera House

• Sydney.Sydney Central Business District | >100 km from downtown

• : World-class shows & backstage tours,Shell-shaped architecture with modern art

Blue Mountains National Park

• Sydney | >100 km from downtown

• : World Heritage Site since 2000,Eucalyptus mist & four seasons

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near New South Wales

If you want to explore attractions just outside New South Wales, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of New South Wales, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in New South Wales special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in New South Wales

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in New South Wales

Ready to explore the best of New South Wales? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in New South Wales?
These are all Best Things to Do in New South Wales:Taronga Zoo Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Blue Mountains National Park, Sydney Whale Watching Cruise, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in New South Wales?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in New South Wales include:Taronga Zoo Sydney:4.6, Sydney Opera House:4.7, Blue Mountains National Park:4.6, Sydney Whale Watching Cruise:4.3, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium:4.6
At what locations in New South Wales can Best Things to Do in New South Wales be found?
The Best Things to Do in New South Wales are mainly located in:Taronga Zoo Sydney:Mosman, Sydney Opera House:Sydney, Blue Mountains National Park:Sydney, Sydney Whale Watching Cruise:Sydney, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium:Sydney
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