Top Sydney Arts & Design

The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks—but much of it remains hidden to visitors without tickets to a performance. This guided walking tour offers a closer look inside the UNESCO World Heritage–listed building, with access to spaces typically reserved for showgoers. As you explore, your guide shares entertaining stories about the venue’s design, history, and the productions that bring it to life.

Book tickets to the major exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. On sale now: Australia's first Takashi Murakami retrospective, exclusive to Sydney, and Nolan: Origins, featuring Sidney Nolan's complete 27-painting Ned Kelly series. 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;

Sydney’s modern skyline hides layers of history that can be easy to overlook without local context. This small-group walking tour brings the city’s past to life as you explore the historic waterfront around Customs House and the surrounding streets of The Rocks. Along the way, learn how Aboriginal heritage, British colonization, convict history, and later migration shaped the city's development.

Discover Sydney like never before with complete freedom to explore at your own rhythm, guided by captivating narration that brings the city's most fascinating secrets to life. Unlike traditional group tours that rush you through crowded schedules, this immersive audio experience grants you the luxury of lingering at breathtaking viewpoints, diving deep into stories that resonate with you, and skipping attractions that don't spark your interest. Our expertly crafted commentary, delivered through crystal-clear, professionally recorded narration with an engaging voice that effortlessly draws you into each tale. From indigenous Dreamtime legends to scandalous colonial secrets, from architectural marvels to local folklore, you'll gain authentic perspectives that transform ordinary sightseeing into extraordinary discovery, all while enjoying the flexibility to pause, replay, and explore at the perfect pace for your personal journey through Australia's most iconic harbor 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).

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.

Go beyond the major tourist attractions and explore one of Sydney’s most diverse and interesting neighborhoods, Newtown, on this street art and food tour. Take an art walking tour to explore local culture, then refuel at four food stops and sample a variety of dishes, including Egyptian, Pakistani, Turkish, Japanese, and more.

Perfect Sydney Shore Excursion – Just 15 Minutes from City Centre Make the most of your Sydney port day at Australia's premier art museum, featuring unique tours, unmissable exhibitions, and dining with renowned Australian chefs. EASY ACCESS – 15-min walk from Circular Quay AUSTRALIAN ART STORIES TOUR (daily, 75 minutes) Expert-guided journey through Australian culture, including the renowned Yiribana Gallery of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander art. Includes early access before gallery opens ✓ Perfect cruise timing ✓ Daily departures EXHIBITION TICKETS: Takashi Murakami | 5 Dec - 17 July 2027 Sidney Nolan | 3 Oct - 7 Feb Why Perfect for Cruisers? ✓ Close to port ✓ Flexible timing ✓ All-weather venue 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. Photo by Shin Suzuki ©Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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.

Break your chains and step into a convict’s shoes on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island a stunning site with a haunting past. Once home to the colony’s most dangerous prisoners, the island’s eerie tunnels and watchful towers now set the stage for your daring escape. In this self-guided puzzle walk, you’ll follow real-world clues and solve interactive challenges as the story of your desperate breakout unfolds. From the old prison yards to the historic ferry wharf, each location reveals secrets from Australia’s darkest days. What makes this tour unique? It transforms history into an interactive escape adventure, blending convict-era drama with physical exploration and problem-solving. Bring your friends or family and see who can outwit the guards first. Explore, learn, and play at your own pace—freedom is just a few smart steps away.

Meet your favorite celebrities and sports heroes from around the world at Madame Tussauds Sydney. Start with your red carpet entrance and feel like a star in the immersive experiences and more than 10 different zones. Pose with your favorite superheroes, step on set with your favorite TV and film stars, go on stage with leading musicians, and much more.

Discover Sydney, the Emerald City, in a day full of culture, history and breathtaking views. Explore landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and The Rocks Historic District. Enjoy stunning views from Sydney Tower and stroll through the Botanical Gardens. This walking tour offers you a comprehensive overview of the city with detailed audio commentary for each Attraction, allowing you to experience Sydney’s fascinating history while soaking up its vibrant vibe. - Walking tour of 7.4 km, duration of 3 hours - Explore 18 major sites with interactive audio guides - Views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more - Easy access from the Check-out Point near the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Choose between two powerful 90-minute, Aboriginal-led routes in Sydney. Whether you select Warrane at Circular Quay or Birra Birra at Barangaroo, both immersive journeys open with a traditional Welcome to Country and authentic smoking ceremony. WARRANE: The Capella Hotel on Farrer Place to the Royal Botanic Garden, by way of Customs House. Jagun (Country) by Kim Healey, the Barani / Barrabugu exhibition, Circular Quay and the Opera House steps. It ends at bara, Judy Watson's 6.4 metre marble sculpture, where your group photograph is taken. BIRRA BIRRA: The public art of Barangaroo South, named artist by artist. Barangaroo herself, Jumaadi's Upside-Down Garden, eleven eagle rays stitched from recovered ghost net, Sabine Hornig's Shadows, shellwall by Esme Timbery and Jonathan Jones. It ends at Monuments for Fishes. Built and curated by Mundanara Bayles, born and raised in Redfern, ten generations of connection. BlackCard is 100 per cent Aboriginal owned and Supply Nation certified.

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.

WELCOME to the Essential Highlights Sydney Walking tour! Join us for an exciting free walking tour through the heart of Sydney, where history, culture, and iconic landmarks come together. Walking from The Rocks to Circular Quay reveals Sydney’s journey from a 1788 convict settlement on Gadigal land to a modern harbor. Discover the world-famous Sydney Opera House and hear the story behind its extraordinary design. Wander through the lush Royal Botanic Garden, one of Sydney’s most beautiful green spaces, before visiting the State Library of New South Wales, the oldest library in Australia and a cornerstone of culture and learning. As we continue, you’ll pass the New South Wales Parliament and gain insight into the country’s political system. Then unwind in Hyde Park and take in the beauty of St Mary’s Cathedral, one of Sydney’s most stunning landmarks. Along the way, your guide will share engaging stories, local tips, and answer any questions you may have.

The Sydney Opera House emerges as a symbol of ambition and creativity, best experienced through this guided walking tour. Stroll from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and the Fleet Steps to Bennelong Lawn, while absorbing stunning harbour views. Discover the complex narrative of architect Jørn Utzon, whose innovative vision sparked both acclaim and controversy. This tour delves into the building's legacy, unveiling the challenges and triumphs that shaped its history. Ideal for first-time visitors, architecture enthusiasts, and culture seekers, this tour transcends mere sightseeing, offering a profound understanding of Sydney’s iconic landmark. - Guided walking tour of Sydney Opera House(outside) and surrounding areas - Insightful stories about architect Jørn Utzon and the building's history - Enjoy picturesque views of Sydney Harbour throughout the tour - Perfect for architecture lovers and cultural explorers -2-hour Story Experience

Be sure to put a performance by Opera Australia at the iconic Sydney Opera House on your Sydney itinerary. See classic operas by composers like Massenet and Verdi, as well as iconic Broadway musicals, depending on the season. Take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour while enjoying drinks or a meal (own expense) at one of the Opera House's fine dining venues before or after the performance to top off this unforgettable experience.

Finding Sydney's best small bars can take hours of research time, but this small group tour does the hard work for you. Visit carefully selected venues recommended by a local, then break up the bar stops with a walk past some of the city's best street art. Along the way, hear the stories behind the murals and pick up plenty of insider tips from your guide.

If you’ve already ticked off top Sydney attractions, opt to see a different side of the Harbour City on a tour that takes you off-the-beaten-path. Choosing a private tour means you’ll benefit from the undivided attention and insider knowledge of your guide, and enjoy the flexibility to customize your itinerary to include hidden gems suited to your interests.

Discover Sydney in comfort on a private highlights tour designed around your group. This experience is ideal for travellers wanting to see the city’s best-known sights without the rigid schedule of a large coach tour. Travel with a local operator in a premium air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a relaxed route that can include Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge viewpoints, The Rocks, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Bondi Beach, Watsons Bay, and other key city and coastal locations depending on timing. Because this is a private experience, the day feels easier, more personal, and more flexible. You can enjoy photo stops, short walks, scenic viewpoints, and time to take in the city properly rather than rushing from stop to stop. This tour is a strong option for first-time Sydney visitors, cruise passengers, families, and anyone wanting a private overview of the city in a comfortable and well-paced format.