Australia may not be on the top of everyone’s travel list with European destinations dominating travel trends, but the beautiful terrain is so much more than the Outback, creepy crawlies the size of your hand and sweltering weather. The nearly three million square miles of land houses an incredibly diverse landscape with the booming metropolitan city of Sydney being especially noteworthy.

Considered to be the best weather in Australia for its mild winters and warm summers, Sydney is a perfect year-round travel location featuring breathtaking beaches, historic architecture and exotic wildlife. For travelers visiting this magical city for the first time, it can feel overwhelming to pick and choose activities that make the trip worthwhile and memorable. So, here are six unique places located in (and around) Sydney to add to the to-do list when planning an Australian getaway.

Swim at Bondi Beach

This famous beach might be ringing a distant bell for avid viewers of the 2006 documentary series Bondi Rescue which follows elite lifeguards patrolling its busy waters. Bondi is obviously a great stop for travelers who want to see the filming spot for themselves, but the area is also surrounded by local cafes, boutiques, surf stores and restaurants that make it fun for any visitor.

Bondi also serves as an incredible swimming spot, but be warned, the water can drop to chilly temperatures during Australia’s winter months, typically between June and August. The choppy waves of the ocean may not be for everyone in which case, the Bondi Icebergs Club is a fun alternative. The Club features two outdoor swimming pools overlooking Bondi, so visitors can still bask in the sun and feel the salt water in their hair in a more relaxing environment.

Tour the Sydney Opera House

Added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2007, touring the Opera House is an unexpected way to learn about Australia’s rich history and culture. Throughout the tour, visitors learn about the political push to create a dedicated performing arts center, the inspiration behind Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s innovative design and the grueling construction process.

Recently finishing its renovation in 2022, visitors can get a firsthand look at the updated acoustics in the theaters while learning about the unique features and design considerations of each one. The best surprise, however, comes when the adorable seal known as Benny is out sunbathing at the top of the northern VIP staircase. Don’t worry, the tour guides will be sure to point him out.

Just because the tour must come to an end doesn’t mean a visitor’s experience at the Opera House has to. With its multifunctional use, performance options including ballet, symphony concerts and popular music shows are the perfect way to finish off the evening.

Visit the Walkabout Wildlife Park

Located only an hour north of Sydney, the Walkabout Wildlife Park showcases a variety of native animals ranging from birds and snakes to kangaroos and koalas. Make friends and family jealous by snapping a once-in-a-lifetime picture of these exotic creatures.

Visitors also have the opportunity to take professional photos with a koala and can even buy feed to hand out to the roaming kangaroos. Nothing beats the cuteness overload of little paws holding your fingers and peering into your hand for food!

To enhance the self-guided tour experience, the park provides detailed maps of the enclosure locations paired with fun facts about each animal. Beware that this experience might not be for the faint of heart as spiders and snakes can sometimes be spotted intermingling with their human counterparts.

Ride a Ferry to Manly

Easily accessible by Sydney’s transportation hub Circular Quay, Manly is only a short ride away from the perfect day trip. Considered a beachside suburb, Manly knows no bounds with its plentiful shops and restaurants for all visitors.

The Corso – one of the main streets featuring a pedestrian mall – is a fantastic starting point for the day as it immediately connects to the arrival point of the ferry wharf. Along the way, travelers can find cuisine of all types ranging from Italian, Australian, Mexican and even Thai. There’s sure to be something for everyone. And, for those who love a sweet treat to finish off a delicious meal, bakeries, ice cream shops and other specialty dessert spots stretch as far as the eye can see.

While the scrumptious food is certainly a highlight of Manly, the local arts and crafts market shouldn’t go without mention. Open on the weekends year-round, the market offers handmade jewelry, original art, vintage clothing and all the little knick-knacks in between, providing a unique opportunity to support local artists and purchase a personalized souvenir.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

For the daredevils who want to get their heart pumping and blood racing, get harnessed in and take a long walk atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With the summit topping almost 440 feet above the sparkling waters of the Harbour, all climbs offer breathtaking views of the skyline – including the historic Opera House.

Tour guides will also be sure to share an abundance of stories about the Bridge and Sydney’s history along the way. Who knew getting an adrenaline rush and history lesson on the same excursion was possible? It’s important to note that these walks can take up to a couple of hours, so climbers are encouraged to pick the route with their preferred distance.

Hike the Blue Mountains

Another location on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, hiking the gorgeous Blue Mountains offers a true display of Australia’s diverse landscapes. With tales of Aboriginal legend woven throughout, this experience is a fun and educational way to learn about Australian native tribes and their continued influence.

Exploring the Blue Mountains isn’t just about walking the marked paths, however. Transportation via cable car connects popular cliff tops together, allowing visitors to more efficiently get from one side of the park to the other. The cars also feature a glass flooring that looks onto the ravines and lush tree canopies, providing the opportunity to see the mountains from a new perspective. For visitors looking to check a Guinness Book of World Records box, the mountains also feature the world’s steepest passenger railway at a 52 degree incline. Hang on tight because the views coupled with the racing speeds are sure to take your breath away!