Visit the Cultural Attractions of Sydney, New South Wales

If you thought you knew the Sydney Opera House think again. This must-see icon can be explored on a deeper level with a range of special access, behind-the-scenes and immersive experiences delivered by both Sydney Opera House and the country’s national opera company Opera Australia, with their thrilling marriage proposal experience or your very own walk-on role! The Australian National Maritime Museum invites visitors to experience Australia’s maritime history like never before, whether cruising Sydney Harbour, exploring one of the world’s largest floating vessel collections or visiting the rarefied environment of the museum conservation laboratory.

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. Adding to the iconic Sydney Opera House, are the city’s aboriginal heritage and sacred sites, cultural institutions and annual cultural festivals.

The Rocks is a delightful district for a stroll, 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.