Sydney see and do guide: Cultural

An independent selection of the best things to see and do in Sydney. No paid placements, no advertorial.

Sydney see and do guide

What's new in Sydney - a cultural travel guide

Sydney is changing fast. There are loads of new things for travellers to see and experience in the city from museums and... Read more

Parramatta history tour

Parramatta is Sydney's reluctant history and heritage gem. It's where you'll find many of Australia's oldest and most important... Read more

Hyde Park Barracks

The 1819 Hyde Park Barracks is one of the oldest convict sites in Australia. It's a World Heritage listed serious piece of... Read more
Hyde Park Barracks
Macquarie St, Sydney
Free as of 2023

The Rocks, Sydney

The Rocks was the first British convict settlement in Australia and the place where the long dispossession of Australia’s First... Read more
The Rocks, Sydney
The Rocks, Sydney - access from Circular Quay

Museums of Sydney

Sydney's museums and galleries are an essential part of a cultural exploration of the city. Sydney's obsession with the harbour,... Read more

Chau Chak Wing Museum

The Chau Chak Wing Museum opened in late 2020. It's Sydney's newest museum and one of its best. Located on the campus of Sydney... Read more
Chau Chak Wing Museum
Sydney University, Parramatta Rd, Camperdown
Free

Powerhouse Museum, MAAS, Sydney

The Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo is closed for major renewal. As at 2024. Read more
Powerhouse Museum, MAAS, Sydney
500 Harris St, Ultimo

University of Sydney

Sydney University is Australia's oldest university. Founded in 1850, it is one of a handful of Australian universities that... Read more
University of Sydney
Sydney University, Parramatta Rd, Camperdown

Museum of Contemporary Art MCA, Sydney

Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is Australia's premier gallery of contemporary art - painting, sculpture, drawing,... Read more
Museum of Contemporary Art MCA, Sydney
140 George St, The Rocks - right by Circular Quay

Art Galleries of Sydney

This is our collection of Sydney's best art galleries for travellers. They're mostly focused on Australian art from both... Read more

Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is a uniquely Australian gallery and Sydney’s premier art institution.  It's located not far... Read more
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
Art Gallery Rd, Sydney - short scenic walk from St James Station and Hyde Park

State Library of New South Wales

The State Library of New South Wales is the oldest library in Australia and another must-see Sydney stop for those interested in... Read more
State Library of New South Wales
Address: 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney - near the Botanical Gardens and Martin Place in the centre of the city.

The Australian Museum, Sydney

This is the Sydney museum you must see - make time. It's Australia's oldest museum set in a heritage building with a fascinating... Read more
The Australian Museum, Sydney
1 William St, Darlinghurst, Sydney - right by Hyde Park near Museum Station
Free

Cemeteries of Sydney

Sydney's cemeteries date back to the earliest years of the British penal settlement in Australia. They're interesting places to... Read more

Sydney Opera House

Sydney's Opera House may be the best known performance space in the world. And while it hosts many fine international... Read more
Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point, Circular Quay, Sydney

Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney

The Royal Botanical Gardens, right by Sydney's dazzling harbour, is the city's historic, green space. The gardens have played an... Read more
Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney
Macquarie St Sydney or enter from the Domain

Sydney Modern Art Gallery

Sydney Modern, Sydney's newest art space, opened to much fanfare in late 2022. More than $300 million was spent on a major... Read more
Sydney Modern Art Gallery
Art Gallery Road, Sydney (next to Art Gallery of New South Wales) Nearest rail station - St James