Sydney
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Sydney, for the 37th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE).
A city of iconic attractions and brilliant beaches, Sydney is a destination you'll never forget. Sydney is home to must-visit icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but this Harbour City is constantly evolving.
Sydney Airport (Kingsford Smith) is located approximately 8-12 kms south of the Sydney CBD. The journey to the city centre usually takes 15-30 minutes by car or train, depending on traffic and your final destination. There are plenty of transport options including taxis, rideshares, and shuttles to help you get into the city quickly. Once you’re in the city, navigating Sydney is straightforward, thanks to an efficient network of transport options connects the attractions and suburbs of Sydney and regional NSW, including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.
Transport for NSW provides a variety of ways to get around the city, as well as information for motorists. Use Transport NSW's Trip Planner to plan your travel.
Top 10 things to do in Sydney
1. Sydney Opera House
A UNESCO World Heritage site, iconic performing arts center and one of the most recognizable modern buildings in the world. The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney. Located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, it is widely regarded as one of the world's most famous and distinctive buildings, and a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. Visit the Opera Bar for harbour views.
Join a Sydney Opera House guided tour to discover the history, architecture and extraordinary story of Sydney's Opera House. Beneath the magnificent sails lies incredible spaces and stories. Learn about the controversial history, unforgettable performances and exciting future of the Sydney Opera House. Walk through and see the Opera House up close and personal. Each perspective brings a unique and breathtaking experience.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel through arch bridge in Sydney, spanning Sydney Harbour from the central business district to the North Shore. The view of the bridge, the harbour, and the nearby Sydney Opera House is widely regarded as an iconic image of Sydney, and of Australia itself.
Looking for an unforgettable adventure — BridgeClimb has you covered. Climb, walk, or cycle across the "Coathanger" for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
Step onto the arches of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and take in unbeatable 360° views of the world’s most beautiful Harbour. It’s a moment you’ll never forget — and a story you’ll be telling for years to come.
3. Bondi Beach
Australia's most famous beach, known for its golden sand, surf, and the iconic Bondi Icebergs pool. Sparkling blue ocean, fun eateries and a laid-back beach lifestyle sum up Sydney’s world-famous Bondi. Go for a swim in an iconic ocean pool, enjoy a yoga class overlooking the ocean or sip a sunset cocktail at a beachside bar. There’s also quality surf, bustling markets and a dramatic clifftop walk in this spectacular suburb that blends seaside life with city charms.
4. The Rocks
Sydney's oldest neighborhood, offering charming cobblestone streets, weekend markets, and historic pubs. The Rocks is the birthplace of modern Sydney. With the arrival of European settlers in 1788, it was here that the convicts first set up house and shop. Discover the area’s rich colonial history as well as its contemporary position as a thriving entertainment precinct right by the spectacular Sydney Harbour.
The Rocks is a creative hub, home to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Across a labyrinth of gallery spaces, you’ll be inspired by photography, sculpture, painting and moving images from Australian artists at all stages of their careers. End your visit at the MCA Cafe on level four, popular for its sweeping views over Circular Quay.
5. Darling Harbour
A bustling pedestrian precinct with attractions like the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and waterfront dining. Darling Harbour is a harbour and neighborhood adjacent to the city centre of Sydney. It comprises a large recreational, retail and entertainment precinct with pedestrianised public spaces.
6. Toronga Zoo
One of Sydney's most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals.
Taronga Zoo Sydney’s beautiful outdoor harbourside location provides you with the chance to connect with animals and nature and enjoy time safely with family and friends. Overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry. Open 365 days a year, admission includes daily keeper talks and presentations.
7. Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is a heritage-listed major 30-hectare botanical garden in the heart of the city, an event venue and public recreation area. A tranquil oasis adjacent to the Opera House, perfect for walking and viewing the harbor. Established in 1816, it is the oldest scientific institution in the country and is home to an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas.
Wrapped around Sydney Harbour and adjacent to the Sydney Opera House, the gardens occupy one of Sydney's most spectacular positions. It is one of Sydney’s most beautiful and alluring destinations, where everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the abundant natural beauty.
The Royal Botanic Garden offers a number of tour experiences, including the Aboriginal Heritage Tour, a free guided walk and bespoke heritage tours. Online bookings are essential.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Download the free app for self-guided audio walking tours, garden maps and information on the latest events. Open daily from 7 am (closing times vary by month).
8. Manly Ferry/Beach
Take the iconic ferry from Circular Quay to Manly for a classic surf beach experience.
Manly is a premier Sydney destination accessible via a scenic 20–30 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, offering a relaxed beach lifestyle, iconic surf beach, and bustling Corso pedestrian mall. It features Manly Beach for surfing, calmer Shelly Beach for snorkeling, and many dining options at the wharf and beachside.
9. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Enjoy one of Sydney’s most iconic walks, taking in beautiful beaches, cliff tops and great cafes along the way. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a stunning 6km (one-way) trail in Sydney, featuring panoramic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and beaches, typically taking 2-3 hours. This popular, free, paved, and Grade 2 track features steep stairs and is suitable for most fitness levels, passing through Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly.
Suitable for most ages and fitness levels with occasional steep sections of stairs. Not suitable for prams or wheelchair users.
10. Sydney Tower Eye
Ascend to the top of Sydney's tallest structure and uncover breathtaking 360° views from the iconic Sydney Tower Eye, located in the very heart of the city.
Step onto the newly reimagined Observation Deck, perched 250 metres above the bustling streets, and take in panoramic vistas stretching up to 80km, from Sydney Harbour Bridge and Hyde Park to the distant Blue Mountains.
Feeling adventurous? Take your visit to the next level on SKYWALK, an exhillarating open-air experience where you'll walk on two glass platforms 268 metres above ground. Hosted by knowledgable guides who'll share fascinating insights about the city below, and capture your photo against the city skyline.
Enhance your visit with immersive extras like the VR Tower Coaster, or upgrade your day with a VIP SKYWALK Experience.
Whether you're a first-time visitor to Sydney or a local looking to rediscover your city, the Sydney Tower Eye is a must-do attraction that promises unforgettable views and moments.