20 Famous Landmarks in Sydney Australia (100% worth a visit)
While it’s not the capital city of Australia, Sydney has all the characteristics of it. Its great past, cityscape, attractions and above all its multiculturalism make Sydney the most cosmopolitan and attractive city of Australia. That’s not all: Sydney is also the oldest city and has the most renown landmarks!
Do you know what are the most famous landmarks in Sydney?
Here is the list of 20 of the best landmarks of Sydney, natural and man made included!
The Full List of the 20 Most Famous Sydney Landmarks
Sydney landmarks are divided into 2 categories: the natural and the man made landmarks.
Sydney natural landmarks:
- Bondi Beach
- Bronte Beach
- Shelly Beach
- Hyde Park
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- Sydney Harbour National Park
- Kamay Botany Bay National Park
- Palm Beach
Sydney man made landmarks:
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Sydney Observatory
- Sydney Town Hall
- Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- Sydney Tower Eye
- Queen Victoria Building
- St Mary’s Cathedral
- Taronga Zoo Sydney
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
- Government House
- Luna Park Sydney
Natural Landmarks in Sydney
Although the capital of New South Wales is a huge city full of skyscrapers, its very unique location and wide region offers many of natural wonder that are definitely breathtaking.
Below, discover 8 of the most famous natural landmarks in Sydney.
1. Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is definitely the most famous beach of Sydney (maybe of all Australia). Located in the East part of Sydney at only 15min drive from the center, Bondi offers a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
The beach is famous for many reasons. First, people from all around the world come to Bondi for whale and dolphins watching from august to november. Also, it’s Sydney’s best spot for surfing, relaxing, shopping or having a brunch on Campbell Parade.
The Coastal Walk from Bondi to Coogee is also a must-do as the hike offers breathtaking views on the coast, private beaches and wilder spots such as Tamarama and Bronte where the waves are often bigger.
Fun fact: Bondi means “the sound of water breaking on the rocks”, and the Aboriginal Australians living in Bondi were called the “Eora”.
Book your visit: Bondi Beach: 2-Hour Surf Lesson Experience for Any Level
2. Bronte Beach
Bronte is a famous sandy beach in the Eastern suburb of Sydney, just 15min drive from the city center. Bronte is connected to the nearby beaches of Bondi and Coogee by a paved promenade along the rocky coast.
Because of its high tides and huge waves, Bronte Beach is popular among surfers. But it’s also famous for its 30-meter natural swimming pool in the rocky southern part of the beach. Tourists and photographers from all around the world come to enjoy this natural pool.
Fun fact: the famous surfer Jessi Miley-Dyer grew up and used to surf in Bronte Beach.
Book your visit: Sydney: Story of the City Small-Group Half-Day Boutique Tour
3. Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is located at the end of a beautiful 1km-trail that runs along the sea from Manly Beach. This small beach has become an iconic landmark in Sydney for divers and snorkelers.
Shelly Beach is part of a protected marine reserve, Cabbage Tree Bay, and has a maximum depth of 12 meters. Around the beach, there are a lot of facilities such as toilets, showers, cafe, but also free barbecues for picnic.
Fun fact: Shelly Beach hosts weddings from May to October, definitely a wonderful place to marry!
Book your visit: Manly and Shelly Beach Snorkeling Tour
4. Hyde Park
Located in the Eastern part of Sydney close to the CBD, Hyde Park is a green space built according to the traditional model of English parks, with walkways, benches, lawn, ornamental fountain, cultivated gardens,…
Because of its location, Hyde Park is a popular place for workers’ lunch break. In the evening, the park is even more charming with the enlighten alleys.
Hyde Park is definitely one of Sydney iconic landmarks.
Fun fact: the famous Archibald fountain in the park was offered by the French as a tribute to the French-Australian collaboration during the WWI.
Book your visit: Sydney & Bondi: Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on, Hop-off Tour
5. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Located only 25km from the city center, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is Sydneysiders’ favorite weekend getaway. Famous for its rainforest, coastal panoramas and Aboriginal sites, this park is perfect for hiking, surfing, swimming and learning more about Australia’s history.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is home to some must-sees, such as Bobbin Head or Barrenjoey Lighthouse. The park also offers some of Sydney best walks and trails for both beginners and experienced hikers!
Fun fact: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is Australia’s second oldest national park and was established in 1894.
Book your visit: Sydney: Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Tour
6. Sydney Harbour National Park
Established in 1975, Sydney Harbour National Park protects the foreshore, islands, landforms and ocean waters of Sydney.
The park is home to some of the most famous landmarks in Sydney Australia, including The Gap, Watson Bay, Bradleys Head, Nielsen Park, Shark Island and much more.
Fun fact: Fort Denison, the Alcatraz of Sydney, is part of Sydney Harbour National Park.
Book your visit: Sydney: Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Tour
7. Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Kamay Botany Bay National Park is located about 16km Southeast of Sydney’s CBD, on the north and south headlands of Botany Bay.
The park is famous for housing some iconic places, such as Cape Baily Lighthouse, La Perouse or Cape Solander that offer scenic landscapes. Cape Solander is actually the best lookout during whale watching season.
Fun fact: James Cook, the first European in Australia’s East coast, first arrived on the Botany Bay.
Book your visit: Sydney: Botany Bay and Rocks Walking Tour
8. Palm Beach
Located in the North of Sydney, Palm Beach is the tip of a peninsula shaped like a palm tree or an umbrella: a thin isthmus bordered by sand on both sides and ending in a T-junction of Barrenjoey Headland.
Called “Palmy” by the locals, Palm Beach stretches over 2km and is almost completely surrounded by water. The place is famous for its bay of course, but also for the surrounding forests, walking trails and panoramic views over the Broken Bay, Ku-ring-gay Chase National Park and the Central Coast.
Fun fact: The famous Australian sitcom Home & Away was filmed on Palm Beach.
Book your visit: From Sydney: Location Tour of Home and Away
Man Made Landmarks Sydney Has to Offer
There are quite a lot of man made and historical landmarks in Sydney, but some really stand out and are internationally famous.
Here are 12 man made attractions in Sydney that are not be missed!
9. Sydney Opera House
Opened in 1973, the Opera House is undoubtedly one of the most major architectural work of the 20th century, and is the most recognizable building of Australia, and has become a symbol of Sydney.
Located at the tip of the peninsula in Sydney Harbour, the Opera House has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage since 2007. Definitely the most iconic Sydney landmark.
Fun fact: The construction of the Opera took 14 years, while it was supposed to take 4 years and involved about 10,000 workers.
Book your visit: Sydney Opera House: Great Opera Hits Ticket
10. Sydney Harbour Bridge
The bridge is the 2nd symbol of the city after the Opera House. Called the “Old Coat Hanger” by the Sydneysiders, Sydney Harbour Bridge was completed in 1932 and connects The Rocks with Milsons Point.
There are many ways to enjoy crossing the bridge: the car first, which allows to quickly reach the North shore of the bay; cyclists can enjoy the trail on the West side; and pedestrians can enjoy the boardwalk on the east side. Adventurers can try the BridgeClimb adventure, a 3,5 hour climb to the bridge summit.
Fun fact: Harbour Bridge is the largest bridge in the world as it’s 50 meters wide.
Book your visit: Sydney: Morning or Afternoon Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
11. Sydney Observatory
Built in 1858, the Observatory used to be a scientific center that has been progressively transformed into a museum. It’s one of the main historical landmarks in Sydney Australia.
Located on top of the Windmill Hill, tourists can watch the stars and planets with Australia’s oldest telescope, and enjoy a breathtaking view over Sydney Harbour.
Fun facts: Sydney Observatory took part in the compilation of the Map of the Heaven, the first global atlas.
Book your visit: Sydney: Iconic Sights 4-Hour Bike Tour
12. Sydney Town Hall
Town Hall, Sydney’s city hall, was built in a Victorian architectural style in 1880. Town Hall is located in the heart of the city, across from Queen Victoria building and next to St Andrew’s cathedral.
The building has several halls, the Council Chamber, reception rooms, offices for the Mayor and elected Councillors. Town Hall’s entrance steps are a popular meeting place for Sydneysiders.
Fun fact: Town Hall has a huge organ that was the biggest in the world when installed in 1890.
Book your visit: 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass with Cruise and Attractions
13. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
The Royal Botanic Garden is a 30-hectare botanical garden in the heart of the city, and Sydneysiders’ favorite place for picnic, walking, jogging…
Founded in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden is a real oasis of greenery with an exceptional location on the edge of the bay, and has many varieties of exotic plants.
Fun fact: Sydney’s first zoo was inside the Royal Botanic Garden from 1862 to 1883.
Book your visit: Sydney Highlights 2.5-Hour Bike Tour
14. Sydney Tower Eye
Built in 1981, Tower Eye is the tallest building in Sydney with a height of 305 meters, and offers a wonderful 360° panoramic view over the city.
The Observation Deck is located at 260 meters above ground level. Adventurers can also try the Skywalk, an outdoor glass-floored platform.
Fun fact: the Tower Eye is earthquake and storm resistant thanks to a water tank at the top of the building, which acts as a stabilizer.
Book your visit: Sydney Attraction Pass: Sydney Tower Eye, Aquarium & More
15. Queen Victoria Building
Located in the heart of Sydney’s city center, the Queen Victoria Building is a wonderful piece of history that houses a huge mall on 4 floors.
Built in 1898 in a Roman and Victorian style, the Queen Victoria Building was originally designed to host Sydney’s market. The building had been renovated in 1984, and is renown to be one of the most beautiful malls in the world.
Fun fact: Fashion designer Pierre Cardin gave the QVB the title of THE most beautiful mall in the world.
Book your visit: Sydney 3 or 7 Day iVenture Unlimited Attractions Pass
16. St Mary’s Cathedral
St Mary’s Cathedral is one of the most remarkable landmark Sydney has to offer. Located in the heart of the city, this cathedral that was achieved in 2000 is a perfect example of the Neogothic architecture.
St Mary’s Cathedral was designed by William Wilkinson Wardell, the same architect who made the University of Sydney and St Patrick Cathedral in Melbourne.
Fun fact: The construction of the cathedral took more than 100 years!
Book your visit: Sydney City Sights and Surrounds Full-Day Tour
17. Taronga Zoo
Inaugurated in 1916, Taronga Zoo is located on the shores of Sydney Harbour. The zoo is home to more than 2,600 animals of 340 species on more than 75 hectares.
The zoo hosts among others a lot of typical Australian animals such as wombats, kangaroos, koala and much more. The zoo also offers amazing shows that have made its reputation.
Fun fact: “Taronga” means “beautiful view” in the Aboriginal language.
Book your visit: Sydney: Harbour Cruise, Taronga Zoo and Sky Safari
18. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Located in the Sydney city center, this gallery is one of the biggest in Australia. The gallery hosts contemporary European art works from the beginning of colonization to the present day on 5 levels.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is famous for its galleries dedicated to the Asian, Boudhist and Aboriginal art. Its incredible building make it one of the most recognizable landmarks of Sydney Australia. It’s the perfect indoor activity when in Sydney in winter, or on a bad weather day!
Fun fact: the AGNSW hosts a bookstore on the first floor that is usually very appreciated by tourists.
Book your visit: Sydney: Iconic Sights 4-Hour Bike Tour
19. Government House
Located close to the Opera in the Royal Botanic Garden, Government House is one of the oldest building in Sydney as it was built in 1843.
Government House served as the residence of New South Wales governors from 1845 to 1996. After a short break, it became again the Governor’s official residence in 2011.
20. Luna Park
This historical amusement park located in Milsons point opened its doors in 1935, but has experienced some closures because of several incidents.
Among the attractions, you can find some classics: the bumper cars, the Ferris wheel, the wooden horse carousel and much more. Luna Park is definitely in Sydney Australia famous landmarks list!
Fun fact: Luna Park is one of the few parks in the world that is protected and ruled by government legislation.
Book your visit: 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass with Cruise and Attractions
So there you have them all, the 20 famous landmarks Sydney Australia has to offer.
Map of Sydney Australia Landmarks
To get my Sydney attractions map, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
More Landmarks in Australia
Want to discover more famous Australia landmarks? Well, I have other posts that you might like!
Here is the main guide of all famous Australia landmarks 👉 The Very Best Landmarks in Australia.
Find the best landmarks in Australia by state:
- Famous landmarks in New South Wales
- Famous landmarks in Queensland
- Famous landmarks in South Australia
- Famous landmarks in Northern Territory
- Famous landmarks in Victoria
- Famous landmarks in Tasmania
Find the best landmarks in Australia by city:
- Famous landmarks in Brisbane
- Famous landmarks in Darwin
- Famous landmarks in Cairns
- Famous landmarks in Adelaide
- Famous landmarks in Wollongong
- Famous landmarks in Hobart
I hope you could’ve made your list of the must-see places in Australia thanks to these guides. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback!
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