Calling all international students in Sydney! Year after year, Sydney, Australia finds itself at the very top of many “best of” travel lists. Best nightlife, best sightseeing, best hotels, best beaches, you name it, and Sydney has it! Known for its incredible weather, cosmopolitan flair, and friendly locals, students who study abroad in Sydney will instantly feel welcome. With this city’s variety of activities and icons, the stunning city of Sydney will definitely please students of all backgrounds too.
Whether you’re a daredevil, a foodie, a culture queen, or all three, you don’t want to miss out on touring and exploring the top 10 things to do in Sydney for students studying in the heart of Australia:
10 top experiences when studying in Sydney, Australia
Check these off your bucket list and you're bound to have the most amazing experience as a student down unda.
1. Tour Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House’s lights draw you to its shows.
As iconic as Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower, the Opera House is one of the top Sydney points of interest! You can opt for a tour to get an inside look into the building, which will give you a whole new appreciation and perspective on just how much work it took to create this architectural masterpiece.
Touring the Sydney Opera House is a great stop for your first weekend abroad. It's gorgeous, makes you feel alive, and is a real jaw-dropper—even in photos!
2. Sunbathe at Manly Beach
Surfboards stacked on carts on the beach
The most visually stunning beach near Sydney and quite possibly in the world. You can access this beach by ferry from Circular Quay (the district right on the water which includes the Opera House). There is something here for everyone, whether you’re looking to hang 10, snorkel, or just looking to relax and sunbathe on the beach.
Sunbathing, relaxing, and watching the locals do their thang while at the beach is a great way to escape the books for an afternoon.
3. Climb Sydney Harbor Bridge
Get the inside scoop into the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Definitely a pricey adventure, but on a good day, is worth it for the views. Plus, your Instagram game will never be stronger. With a group of other travelers and a professional guide, you’ll learn a ton about the city’s history as well as the story behind the building of this iconic bridge.
You can walk across, you can ride a boat under it, OR you can climb it. Maybe all three?
4. Explore the Rocks District
Get your culture on in the Museum of Sydney.
This area has an historic, older vibe compared to the modern feel of the rest of the city. Hidden alleyways lead to fantastic markets and colonial buildings and is a must-see while checking out the Opera House. You can even gaze at the shining stars at the Sydney Observatory and ogle at artifacts at the Rocks Discovery Museum.
Australia is one of the most unique continents on the planet. It'd be a shame for you to study in Sydney and not relish in the epic geological history all around you!
5. Stroll the Bondi to Coogee Walk
The serene walks along the cliffs offer stunning views.
Bring your camera because this cliff-top coastal walk offers incredible #instaperfect views of the local beaches, cliffs, and parks, and it has plenty of opportunities for swimming and surfing. Don’t rush it, you’ll need a couple hours to soak everything in.
Also, it's called Coogee. C'mon, you gotta go!
6. Enjoy the Blue Mountains
The Three Sisters are calling you toward their beauty.
Definitely worthwhile. Accessible by car or train, make sure to visit the local town of Katoomba and take the world’s steepest railcar. Also, check out The Three Sisters Lookout; this three-peaked section gives you a perfect scenic view of the mountains and plenty of photo ops.
There's nothing quite like fresh mountain air to inspire you to hit the books for next week's exams or research papers!
7. Ooh and Aaah at the Taronga Zoo
Become friends with the animals at Taronga Zoo.
Again grabbing a spot on another “best of” list, this world-famous zoo is known as one of the best. From squirrel monkeys to bilbies to wombats, you’ll find animals you don’t see in most countries’ zoos. It has something to offer for everyone, and as a bonus, has incredible views of the downtown Sydney.
Enjoying the endemic species of Australia are some of the BEST perks of being a student there. Bonus points if you get to see quokkas!
8. Cheer Loudly at an Australian Rugby Match
Root, root, root for the home team!
Go see The Wallabies play! Australians are very proud of their rugby and take it very seriously. See for yourself what the hype’s about. Just don’t get pissed whether or not they win. Even if you’re not a sports lover, it is a serious must-have experience with the locals on our top 10 things to do in Sydney list.
Repeat after us: Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oi oi oi!
9. Dive into Nighttime Shenanigans
Explore the numerous harbours of Sydney.
Let your hair down, ooh and ahh over the views, and kick back with new mates in one of Sydney’s many bars and neighborhoods. Here are the top seven worth mentioning:
- Shangri-La Hotel – Great top-floor bar with amazing views in the heart of Sydney!
- Surry Hills neighborhood – Tons of great shopping, cute cafes, bars, etc.
- Newtown neighborhood – More of a “hipster” vibe with lots of trendy restaurants and bars.
- Bondi Icebergs – View is spectacular of Bondi Beach. There is nothing between you and the water except frameless glass to give you an up close and personal view of the beach. Great food and drinks as well.
- Soda Factory – Good live music and fun atmosphere.
- Baxter Inn – More of an underground “dive” bar with a speakeasy feel. Candlelit atmosphere with walls of whiskey and good music.
- Shady Pines – If you’re from the States and feeling a little homesick, this is a more of an “American style” bar. Very popular and yet again another good place for music with a relaxed atmosphere.
10. Savor the Aussie Flavors
Meat pies make for the perfect lunch.
Two words sum up Australia’s classic dish: meat pies. You’ll find these around every corner in Sydney and in every variety. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s worth trying at least once. Fish and chips, vegemite, and kangaroo meat (it’s hard for some; think of them like deer— no, no DO NOT think about Bambi) are other quintessential Australian staples you’ll find in the city.
Because Australia has been influenced by so many other cultures, you’ll be able to find a world of other foods in Sydney without any trouble.
International students in Sydney will LOVE life—inside AND outside of the classroom
As you can see, there is so much to see and experience in Sydney for students who choose Australia for their study abroad experience. This list of the top 10 things to do in Sydney will give you a good head start. You’ll love the city so much that you’ll end up wanting to study abroad in Oz for a full year, which we highly encourage!
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