Best Sydney Tours in 2026
- homeBest Sydney Tours in 2026
Sydney is one of those cities that never really has a bad time. The harbour is beautiful all year round, the tours are world class and there’s always something to do whether it’s your first trip or your fifth.
If you're planning a Sydney trip and wondering where to start, here are the best Sydney tours, harbour cruises, and day trips worth booking right now.
Sydney offers a wide range of exciting tours and experiences to enjoy. From Sydney Harbour cruises and the BridgeClimb to tours of the Sydney Opera House and popular day trips around the city, there is something for every type of traveller. Whether you want to visit iconic landmarks, take in beautiful views or explore beyond the city, these Sydney tours are a fantastic way to experience Sydney in 2026.
Sydney’s harbour is its heart and the best way to enjoy it is from the water. Here’s where to find the best harbour cruises in 2026:
Dinner cruise around the harbour, 2-3 hours, with drinks and views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge lit up after dark. Departs nightly from Circular Quay. One of the most popular things to do in Sydney for couples and special occasions. Book a few days ahead on weekends.
Book Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
A relaxed 90-minute cruise taking in the harbour highlights: Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, and the Heads. Perfect for first-time visitors. Multiple departures daily from Circular Quay. A brilliant way to get your bearings on arrival.
One of the most unique Sydney tours available:
Sail the harbour on a restored tall ship. Lunch and dinner cruises run daily. The views from the deck are completely different to a standard motor cruise and the whole experience feels genuinely special.
Book Sydney Harbour Champagne Brunch Tall Ship Cruise
The BridgeClimb is one of the most iconic things to do in Sydney and it absolutely earns that reputation. Climbers walk the arch of the Harbour Bridge to the summit at 134 metres above sea level for 360-degree views over the city and harbour. There are four climb options to choose from. The Summit Climb takes you along the full outer arch to the top. The Summit Express Climb covers the same route in less time. The Summit Inside Climb runs through the bridge's interior structure. And the Burrawa Climb is an Indigenous storytelling experience that connects the climb to the land's history and culture.
Which climb should you do?The Summit Climb is the full experience, about 3.5 hours along the outer arch to the very top. The Express Climb takes roughly 2 hours from start to top. The Inner Climb is the budget-friendly option and stays inside the bridge structure.
Tips for bookingTwilight climbs are the most popular Sydney tour on the BridgeClimb schedule. Book two to three weeks ahead to secure your preferred time. Clear winter days offer exceptional visibility, often stretching all the way to the Blue Mountains. Spring and summer climbs offer longer daylight and a warmer experience on the arch.
The Sydney Opera House runs guided tours daily. The one-hour tour covers the concert halls, backstage areas, and the history of one of the world's most iconic buildings. The backstage tour gives access to the green room, dressing rooms, and the stage itself - well worth the extra cost.
The 2026 performance season is running strong. Check sydneyoperahouse.com for the current schedule from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to international theatre, there's nearly always something on worth catching.
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across Sydney Harbour before exploring Taronga Zoo. It is a great choice for families and animal lovers, with the chance to see Australian wildlife and enjoy beautiful harbour views.
Escape the city and explore the beautiful Blue Mountains on a guided day trip from Sydney. Visit the Three Sisters, enjoy scenic views, and experience popular attractions at Scenic World.
Planning a winter visit? Travel from Sydney to Perisher and enjoy a fun day surrounded by snow-covered mountain views. It is an easy option for travellers who want a snow experience without organising their own transport.
Sydney's location makes it one of the best bases for day trips in Australia. Here are the top options:
The most popular day trip from Sydney is 90 minutes by train or car to the Three Sisters, Scenic World, and some of the best hiking in NSW. Guided day tours depart daily from the CBD and include transport and a guide. The cooler months are the best time to visit, when the temperatures are just right for lookout walks and hiking through the valleys.
Two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region and famous for its Semillon and Shiraz. Guided day tours include transport, four to five cellar door tastings, and lunch at a vineyard. Cellar doors are open and excellent year-round; no need to wait for harvest season.
Take the train to BondiBondi Beach Junction, then either jump on a bus or enjoy the 20 minute walk down to Bondi Beach itself. From there, the Bondi to Coogee coastal path is one of the best walks in Sydney, covering 6 kilometres of clifftop scenery with outstanding ocean views along the way. It is completely free and a brilliant way to spend a clear day in the city. Finish with fish and chips at Coogee Beach.
Just 30 kilometres south of Sydney, the Royal National Park is the second oldest national park in the world. The coastal walk from Bundeena to Otford offers dramatic cliff scenery and quiet beaches. Spring is an outstanding time for this day trip. The wildflowers across the park are spectacular from August onwards.
Sydney has an extraordinary range of tours and experiences the challenge is narrowing it down.
For first-timers, a harbour cruise and the BridgeClimb cover the two most iconic Sydney tours in a single day. Add a Blue Mountains day trip and you have a genuinely brilliant three-day Sydney itinerary. There is enough in Sydney to fill a week without repeating yourself. Pick what interests you most, book early, and let the city do the rest.
NOTE - Book harbour cruises and the BridgeClimb online in advance, especially for twilight sessions and weekends. Day trips are best booked as packages that include transport from the CBD it's easier and often better value than hiring a car.