With its stunning harbour, idyllic beaches, casual laidback lifestyle, fabulous restaurants and great national parks, Sydney hardly needs cultural attractions to add to the mix, but it has them – in spades.
They range from the UNESCO World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House, to its aboriginal heritage and sacred sites, and annual cultural festivals. Sydney's creative arts extravaganzas attract performances and artists from around the world and the city is home to the country's national opera company Opera Australia, who perform not only in the Opera House but on the Harbour itself.
Nearby is the Rocks District with its historic grain buildings and convict origins. Or take in a contemporary performance at the Sydney Opera House or one of the other contemporary cultural precincts such as Barangaroo, Darling Harbour or Woolloomooloo. The Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Theatre – an internationally acclaimed indigenous dance company – are all located in the vibrant waterfront cultural precinct of Walsh Bay.
Sydney overflows with cultural institutions such as The Art Gallery of NSW in the Domain and the Museum of Contemporary Art in the Rocks district. Relive our colonial history in living museums such as the Museum of Sydney and Vaucluse House, or beautiful hotels housed in historic quarters such as the Intercontinental, Observatory and Park Hyatt.
Take an ethnic food tour of Sydney's various food districts such as Cabramatta, Auburn or Haymarket; drink in old pubs like Waterloo Arms or Paddington Inn; and eat in its world class restaurants, many with overwater harbour or ocean views. Enjoy Sydney's pristine ocean surf beaches from Palm Beach and Manly in the north to Bondi and Coogee in the south, sail its magnificent harbour.
Or visit some of Sydney's harbour islands such as Clark, Fort Denison or Cockatoo Island – where you can even go glamping overnight.
Attractions in this destination
Australia's national opera company, presenting more than 600 performances each year.
Gathering place for storytelling, culture and celebration for thousands of years.
Experiences in this destination
Sydney Opera House Feel Like a Star on the Ultimate Evening Out
Tour and dine under the Sydney Opera House sails.
Opera Australia Opera Australia: Star at the Sydney Opera House
Be a diva at the Sydney Opera House with your very own walk-on role.
Sydney Opera House Sydney Opera House: A Taste of Opera
An exclusive insider experience of Australia's most iconic building.
Opera Australia The Opera Australia Experience
Come and experience the best of this Australian icon with an insider's opera package.
Events in this destination
28JunTo 10 Aug
Experience the ravishing romance of Madama Butterfly in a bold new production by Australia's most famous choreographer, Graeme Murphy.
itineraries featuring this destination
Sydney – For Opera Lovers