Top New South Wales Attractions & Museums

Popular exhibitions and dock access at the Australian National Maritime Museum can be limited on busy days, especially during school holidays. Booking your ticket in advance secures entry on your chosen date and lets you plan your visit with confidence. Choose between access to special exhibitions only or select the Big Ticket, which also includes the outdoor docks and historic vessels moored at Darling Harbour.

Escape the crowds on land and embark on a evening cruise from Circular Quay. Savor a buffet dinner as the sun sets over Sydney Harbour and take in such sights as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Royal Botanic Gardens while the sun dips into the water. Perfect for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers, this relaxed cruise is an all-in-one experience—dining, sightseeing, and photography—perfectly timed to capture Sydney at its most beautiful.

You will have the opportunity to: • Sit in a real fighter jet • Explore the many weapons, radars, ejection seats and artifacts on display • Try your hand at flying an F/A-18 Hornet in one of our motion simulators (bookings essential on 02 4965 1810 – additional cost) • Be amazed by the Norm Forrester Collection of hand-made model aircraft When you've finished viewing the many displays it’s an easy step up to the Observation Deck where you can sit and watch some of the world's most advanced aircraft take-off and land and don't forget to stop at the souvenir shop for something truly unique. Of course, it's always a pleasure to revel in the warm welcome, great food and friendly atmosphere of the cafe where you can stay cosy inside or venture outdoors to enjoy all the noise and activity of the fully operational Air Force Base. The choice is yours.

Haven Gallery in Byron Bay is a multi-sensory playground where art, sound, and movement converge to create an immersive experience. Located in a reimagined Woolworths building, the gallery transforms light and color into a living artwork that invites exploration and interaction. Visitors of all ages can wander through Haven City, discovering playful installations and engaging with creative exhibits designed to spark curiosity. The gallery hosts exhibitions, workshops, and performances throughout the year, catering to families, couples, and art lovers looking for a unique cultural experience.

Located on the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Taronga Zoo is home to thousands of fascinating animals, including Australian natives such as the koala, kangaroo, and platypus. Check the schedule for daily keeper presentations, or book an animal encounter or guided tour (own expense) for a more in-depth experience.

Experience one of Australia’s most impressive buildings—the Sydney Opera House—on a guided tour followed by lunch or an early dinner at Midden by Mark Olive, House Canteen, or Opera Bar. Learn all about the Opera House from your guide, then relax and soak in the show-stopping views at your choice of restaurant.

Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter™ and relive some of the most memorable moments from the beloved series at Harry Potter™: The Exhibition in Sydney. Discover authentic costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes artifacts while exploring immersive environments inspired by iconic locations from the wizarding world. Take part in interactive experiences where you can cast spells, brew potions, test your Quidditch™ skills, and earn points for your Hogwarts™ house. Designed to engage all your senses through sight, sound, touch, and even smell, this unique exhibition offers fans of all ages the opportunity to experience the magic like never before. Whether you're a lifelong Harry Potter fan or introducing the wizarding world to a new generation, this unforgettable experience is not to be missed.

Discover a serene sanctuary in Byron Bay’s hinterland by pre-booking your skip-the-line admission ticket for the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens. Stand between two of the world's tallest crystals, sit in an ancient amethyst cave, and wander through the tranquil Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. Daily guided experiences are included in your ticket.

Experience inspiring exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. BEST OF AUSTRALIAN ART PRIZES: ARCHIBALD, WYNNE & SULMAN | 9 May – 16 Aug 2026 A single ticket gives you access to see three prestigious awards for Australian art. AVATAR: FORMS OF VISHNU | 20 June - 5 Oct 2026 Discover a realm of wonder, drama and divine beauty NOLAN: ORIGINS | 3 Oct - 7 Feb 2026 Discover an Australian icon SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER TAKASH MURAKAMI | 5 Dec 26 - 18 Jul 27 Experience Australia’s first dedicated exhibition of superstar Japanese artist Takashi Murakami Image credit: Takashi Murakami Cherry Blossoms Fujiyama JAPAN 2020, ©2020 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.; Installation view of Takashi Murakami Mononoke Kyoto Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum, Kyoto, Japan 2024, photo: Joshua White ©2024 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved; Takashi Murakami, photos by Shin Suzuki ©Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved;

Seeing the Sydney Opera House from the outside is impressive—but most visitors never glimpse what happens behind the scenes. This backstage tour takes you through the Stage Door and into areas normally reserved for performers and staff, including rehearsal spaces and dressing rooms. Hear insider stories about the productions that bring the venue to life, then finish the experience with breakfast in the Green Room.

Sydney Opera House has launched its first ever Architectural Tour, revealing the story behind the creation of Utzon’s masterpiece. You will hear how visionaries, idealists, architects, engineers, pragmatists and artists together built this architectural and engineering masterpiece form our most experience and knowledgeable guides.

Sport holds an important place in Australian culture and you can get an insight into this national obsession on this guided walking tour. Visit Sydney's home of sport where sporting heroes play cricket, rugby, soccer, and Australian rules football, run down the tunnel, admire trophies, and learn all about its colorful history.

Step beyond the public pathways and discover Taronga Zoo Sydney from a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective. This premium, small-group experience offers an intimate and immersive connection with Australia’s extraordinary wildlife, guided by one of our passionate keepers. With a maximum of just six guests, this personalised tour invites you to slow down, connect deeply, and gain a richer understanding of the animals in our care—and how, together, we can help protect them into the future.

The Archibald Prize has been held exclusively at the Art Gallery of New South Wales for over a century. There is no other place to experience the annual portrait prize in Sydney.

You will have the opportunity to: • Sit in a real fighter jet • Explore the many weapons, radars, ejection seats and artifacts on display • Try your hand at flying an F/A-18 Hornet in one of our motion simulators (bookings essential on 02 4965 1810 – additional cost) • Be amazed by the Norm Forrester Collection of hand-built model aircraft When you've finished viewing the many displays it’s an easy step up to the Observation Deck where you can sit and watch some of the world's most advanced aircraft take-off and land and don't forget to stop at the souvenir shop for something truly unique. Of course, it's always a pleasure to revel in the warm welcome, great food and friendly atmosphere of the cafe where you can stay cosy inside or venture outdoors to enjoy all the noise and activity of the fully operational Air Force Base. The choice is yours.

Unlock the best of Sydney with the Sydney Unlimited Pass and save up to 80% on access to premier attractions and activities. You'll also get a complimentary digital guide and map, including a multimedia self-guided walking tour of Sydney to help you get the most out of your time in the city.

Discover unique tours at the Art Gallery New South Wales, Sydney. NEW - AUSTRALIAN ART STORIES TOUR (daily, 75min) Expert-guided journey through Australia's stories and culture across both Art Gallery buildings including a focus on indigenous art, early access before gallery opens to the public, coffee at MOD Dining with your guide, 10% off the Gallery Shop, Cafe and Kiosk, and access to the members lounge. ***Meeting Point: Welcome Hub, Naala Badu (modern, glass building).

Immerse yourself in our Bungarribee Wildlife Experience, with our clever habitat designs allowing visitors to get up-close to our impressive collection of over 4,000 awe-inspiring and endangered species from all around the world. Take a stroll down the African Boardwalk where you’ll see scenes from the savannah in our remarkable mixed-species habitats, wander down the leafy Primate Boulevard, and be mesmerised by the animals of south-east Asia. Learn about First Nation culture through our Bungarribee Dreaming experience, then get closer to all your favourite Australian natives in our beautiful open-range Australia habitat, where kangaroos and wallabies hop freely around the meandering pathways. With no hills or steps, Sydney Zoo was built with you in mind making our attraction accessible to all visitors. Come check out why Sydney Zoo is a must-visit attraction and visit the only combined zoo and aquarium in NSW. Did we mention parking is FREE with your entry.

Sydney's busy roads can make sightseeing tricky. Skip city traffic and combine a ferry ride with admission to Taronga Zoo. Depart from Circular Quay and sail across Sydney Harbour, taking in panoramic views of the skyline along the way. At the zoo, spot koalas and kangaroos, along with wildlife from around the world. Your package includes round-trip ferry transfers, so getting back to the city center couldn't be easier.

Enjoy an in-depth experience of Sydney Taronga Zoo on a guided tour with a zoo guide who introduces you to Australian native animals including koalas and kangaroos. Learn more than you could on your own. This small-group tour is limited to ten people and includes admission tickets to Taronga Zoo.

Experience Sydney from a whole new perspective at the iconic Sydney Tower Eye. Soar above the city and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Sydney's famous landmarks, sparkling harbour, and surrounding landscapes. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to admire the skyline again, this unforgettable experience offers incredible photo opportunities and lasting memories for travelers of all ages. Book now to enjoy one of Sydney's most iconic attractions.

This is a self-guides tour. The limestone in the caves of Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve is 430 million years old. The geological processes that have created the magnificent cave system you see today continue to work their magic. You'll notice the impressive cave decorations, including stalactites and stalagmites, that are created by the infiltration of water into the caves. • Parking is available at Kui Kiosk and need to leave the cave by 4.15pm. • The cave is accessed by a token, a 15min walk from the visitor centre. Ticket holders will need to collect a token from the visitor centre before heading to the cave entrance. • There is a steep, 500m gravel path to the cave entrance. • The ground in the cave can be slippery, so please take care. • The temperature in the cave is approximately 15˚C all year round. • Food is not permitted inside the cave. • The cave is not suitable for prams. • Please use the public amenities at the visitor centre as there are no toilets near the caves.

Deepen your connection with a visit to Bundanon. Situated across a vast and diverse landscape of 1,000 hectares of wildlife refuge encircled by the Bangli/Shoalhaven River, discover live music, festivals, guided tours, artist-led talks and workshops, bushwalks and more. Presenting three major exhibitions a year, wander the Art Museum and experience leading Australian contemporary art and engage with the legacy of the Bundanon Collection. Enjoy seasonal menus and the very best of locally-sourced South Coast produce at Ramox Café. On weekends, journey to the Homestead & Arthur Boyd’s Studio for a glimpse into the history of Bundanon and stories of the Boyd family. Key exhibition dates: 15 June – 3 July | Changeover period* 4 July – 11 October 2026 | Man On Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar 12 – 30 October 2026 | Changeover period* *During a changeover period, the exhibition galleries will be closed. The Boyd Collection Gallery remains open and reduced ticket price applies.