Destination
Type of Activity
Editors Pick
Courtesy Jenni CarterRead MoreArt Gallery of New South Wales
Australia’s most high-profile—and invariably controversial—art prize, the Archibald (awarded annually for best portrait painting), is on view here, and the contemporary-art section on the lower level is brilliant. Chairman of Sothebys Australia, Justin Miller, says he brings out-of-town friends to...
Read MoreBelvoir Street Theatre
This legendary theater – tucked away in a humble Surry Hills back street – boasts alums with some serious chops, including Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis and husband-and-wife team Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton. There’s a 330-seater main theater upstairs, where...
Read MoreBrett Whiteley Studio
To get a fascinating insight into one of Australia’s most famous artists, drop by the Brett Whiteley Studio, a former T-shirt factory in Surry Hills that the painter—who died in 1992 after a passionate and troubled life—had converted to his...
Read MoreBridgeClimb Sydney
One of the city’s most popular tourist attractions for Aussies and “internationals” alike is a climb on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the largest single arch steel bridge in the world. Locals affectionately refer to it as the coathanger because of...
Read MoreBronte to Bondi Walk
Bush walks are a favorite Australian pastime and even in the city, there are some great coastal hikes, including the famous coastal walk that now runs from Ben Bruckler Point and runs all the way to Coogee. The most dramatic...
Read MoreDay Trips: Beach and Bush
Indagare can arrange for a variety of day trips from Sydney, including jaunts to the northern beaches by seaplane or yacht, food and wine treks to the Hunter Valley or eco wildlife tours in the Blue Mountains to see kangaroos...
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Hit the Markets
Many of Australia’s best-known designers, like star duo Sass & Bide, got a start selling their wares at the local weekend markets, and these ad hoc retail institutions are still worth scouring for both up-and-coming labels and vintage pieces. Hit...
Read MoreIndagare Tours: Behind-the-Scenes at Paspaley Pearls
Upon special request, travelers can head behind the scenes at Australia’s largest and oldest pearling company, Paspaley Pearls. Exploring Paspaley’s esteemed workshop allows visitors to learn about the patience and meticulousness required to harvest pearls and the pristine environmental conditions...
Read MoreIndagare Tours: Mosman Underground War Tunnels
History buffs will love exploring the underground war tunnels that make up Sydney’s Middle Head Fortifications in the suburbs of Mosman. With a WWII veteran as guide, this tour allows visitors to discover Sydney’s network of military barracks and batteries...
Read MoreIndagare Tours: The Rocks Historical Walking Tour
Sydney is fabulous for boating, swimming, shopping and dining but those interested in history should consider layering another dimension into their visit with a walking tour of the historic Rocks district. It was here that acted as the capital of...
Read MoreLet’s Go Surfing
Since most Australians live near or on the coast, it is no surprise that surfing is a national obsession, and there is no better place to give it a try than on one of Sydney’s most famous beaches, Bondi. Let’s...
Read MoreLuna Park
This 1930s amusement park on the edge of the harbor was totally refurbished in 2004 but still feels like an old-fashioned carnival with vintage rides and quaint thrills. The setting in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge and with views...
Read MoreManly Surf School
One of Australia’s top surfing schools was founded at Manly Beach and still bases its operation here even though it now has outposts in Palm Beach, Collaroy Beach and Long Reef Beach. Founded by Matt Grainger and professional surfer Damien...
Read MoreMuseum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
The museum, which sits majestically along the western promenade of Circular Quay (the landing place for the First Fleet) occupies some of Sydney’s prime real estate. In 2012, the landmark underwent a $52 million head-to-toe revamp: now doubled in size,...
Read MoreOz Jet Boat
A great way to get a quick intro to the city and its layout as well as a sense of the Aussie’s sense of fun is to hop on one of the tourist speedboats that run regularly from Circular Quay....
Read MoreRoslyn Oxley9 Gallery
This is the place to discover Australia’s up-and-coming art stars. Directors Tony and Roslyn Oxley have an eye for the next big thing, and represent some of the hottest names around, including Patricia Piccinini, Bill Henson, Tracey Moffatt and Jenny...
Read MoreRoyal Botanic Gardens
Though there are lots of patches of green space in Sydney, the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens, which overlook the harbor serve as the city’s most central parkland. It is home to many native plants and trees and is the site...
Read MoreSydney Aquarium
A visit to Sydney’s Aquarium makes for a great intro to the diversity of Australia’s marine life. It is especially fun if you are soon headed to the Great Barrier Reef or another spot with wonderful diving or snorkeling like...
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Sydney Festival
This three week-long summer festival is one of the country’s most popular, galvanizing the city around an array of dance, opera, theater and musical performances set in venues both iconic (composer Philip Glass at the Opera House) and quirky (the...
Read MoreSydney Opera House
For serious bragging rights, be sure to catch a performance here. The program is eclectic—anything from a modern update on Shakespeare from Australia’s most revered troupe, Bell Shakespeare, to Brazilian rock and controversial modern theater. The daily guided tours range...
Read MoreSydney Seaplanes
One of the best ways to get a sense of the sprawling beauty and coastal layout of Sydney is to see it from the sky. Sydney Seaplanes offers flights daily in DHC-2 Beavers and C-208 Caravan seaplanes from the charming...
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Take a Cooking Class
The city’s favorite gourmet food store, Fratelli Fresh, and its sister restaurant Sopra offers popular cooking classes. It’s best to book way in advance, but last-minute openings do happen.
Read MoreTaronga Zoo
Sydney’s zoo is a great place to see some of Australia’s famous wildlife as well as to get one of the prettiest views of the city. You can hop on the ferry at Circular Quay and buy a zoo pass...
Read MoreVivid Festival
A festival of light, music and ideas, VIVID is one of Sydney’s best annual happenings, thanks to performances from local and international musicians (cult electronica outfit Kraftwerk were the headliners of the 2013 festival), workshops featuring global leaders and spectacular...
Courtesy David Roche (photographer)Read MoreWhite Rabbit Gallery
While on the edge of Surry Hills in the up-and-coming Chippendale neighborhood, the must-visit White Rabbit Gallery is known for its incredible contemporary Chinese art.
