Sydney · TOURS

The 15 Best Guided Tours & Day Trips Around Sydney

350 tours  ·  from $15 a head

Everything with a guide, a boat or a coach attached, in one list. The 15 below are the ones worth a whole day, priced and timed, with the rest underneath.

Sydney: Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket - The story behind Jørn Utzon’s design
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Sydney: Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket

1.Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8,312 reviews · 1 hour · from $33Our pick

Go inside Sydney Opera House with an English, French, Spanish, or German-speaking guide. In about an hour, explore foyers and theater spaces, hear the story of Jørn Utzon’s design, and take in views from areas usually closed to the public. Access varies with the performance schedule, and the route includes about 300 stairs.

“The tour guide Laura was excellent, both knowledgable and with a good rapport with my group. I learnt a lot about the history of the Opera House and would really recommend this tour. There are quite a few steps to manage but the tour took its time with opportunities to stop and sit if needed. A great activity.”

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Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour - From the foyers to the vaulted ceiling
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Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour

2.Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,770 reviews · from $34

Walk beneath the Opera House sails with a local guide and hear how its Danish architect shaped the design and met the challenges of construction. In about an hour, you’ll visit selected performance spaces, see the shell tiles and vaulted interiors, and learn how the venue works. Access varies, and the route includes about 300 stairs.

“We had a great guide - Laura. I would recommend this tour for anyone interested in seeing the opera house. It is a short 1 hour tour using headphones so you can hear everything.”

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Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry - Echo Point and the Three Sisters
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Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry

3.Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,709 reviews · from $161Top rated

Start early from one of three Sydney meeting points for a small-group day in the Blue Mountains. Stop at Echo Point, ride Scenic World’s Skyway, Cableway and Railway, walk in rainforest, and take time for lunch in a mountain village. Sydney Zoo and a ferry ride back to Circular Quay round out the day.

“We had a good time visiting the area and exploring the zoo. Being able to take the ferry back to downtown was nice.”

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Blue Mountain: Small-Group Tour with Lunch & Scenic World - Scenic World: rides with a view
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Blue Mountain: Small-Group Tour with Lunch & Scenic World

4.Blue Mountain: Small-Group Tour with Lunch & Scenic World

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,009 reviews · from $137

Spend a full day exploring the Blue Mountains with a local guide, Scenic World rides, a rainforest walk, Echo Point and a sit-down lunch. Choose Featherdale or Sydney Zoo for native wildlife, then return to Sydney by Parramatta River ferry. Guides such as Kat, Rin and Jay have earned praise for their engaging commentary and careful pacing.

“Kat was an excellent guide. Her knowledge of the history of the places we visited or passed through was second to none and her experience travelling around Australia made the tour interesting from beginning to end”

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Sydney: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise - Add the harbour by boat, not just by bus
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Sydney: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise

5.Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,697 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $51

Big Bus Sydney links the city’s landmarks and Bondi Beach on two open-top routes with 23 stops. Choose a 24- or 48-hour pass, then add a Captain Cook harbour cruise or a non-stop night tour. Expect recorded commentary in eight languages, frequent daytime departures and the freedom to get off and explore.

“Easy to collect tickets and find bus stops. Interesting and informative tour. A little expensive for what it is but I guess that is to be expected in the middle of Sydney!”

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Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour - The Bondi route: Paddington, Double Bay, and the beach
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Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour

6.Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,690 reviews · from $52

See Sydney’s harbour landmarks, city districts, and Bondi Beach on open-top double-decker buses with recorded commentary in eight languages. Choose a 24- or 48-hour pass, then hop off to explore. A Captain Cook harbour cruise or panoramic night tour may be available as an upgrade, so check what your selected ticket includes.

“This is a fantastic way to see Sydney. my 10yo son thought it was the best, he loved the top story and enjoyed listening to the auto with the history of each building. Being able to watch the buses (live time) on the app. was very convenient. All drivers were very friendly.”

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From Sydney: Blue Mountains Tour with Waterfall Walk & Lunch - Lookouts and the Three Sisters in Katoomba
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From Sydney: Blue Mountains Tour with Waterfall Walk & Lunch

7.Blue Mountains Tour with Waterfall Walk & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,400 reviews · 10h 30m · from $85

Travel by air-conditioned minibus from central Sydney to the Blue Mountains with a local English-speaking guide. The day includes a 90-minute waterfall walk at Wentworth Falls, viewpoints including the Three Sisters, a fresh continental roll and Tim Tams. The steep steps to the base of the falls are optional, but the tour suits people comfortable with active walking.

“Loved this trip , well organised, well run and Ben the guide was fantastic. This is definitely a great day trip to if you have a few days in Sydney.”

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Sydney: Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour - The sunrise paddle and its photo stops
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Sydney: Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour

8.Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,899 reviews · 2 hours · from $119

Join a two-hour guided kayak tour from Rushcutters Bay, paddle close to the Opera House with Harbour Bridge views, and pause for photos along the way. Guides provide kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and free photos and videos. Coffee and a croissant or pastry at Navy Bear Cafe are included afterward. You need to be at least 12.

“We were a group of 4 friends, booked on for sunrise kayaking activities. Top notch service, excellent coffee, total fun. Recommended”

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Blue Mountains Day Tour Including Parramatta River Cruise - Wentworth Falls or Leura Cascades: an easy bush walk
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Blue Mountains Day Tour Including Parramatta River Cruise

9.Blue Mountains Day Tour Including Parramatta River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,585 reviews · from $68

Spend about 10 hours travelling from Sydney to the Blue Mountains in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide, with pickup at scheduled points and a group capped at 28. The day includes Kings Tableland, a short bush walk, Leura, the Three Sisters and a Parramatta River ferry ride. Sydney Zoo and Scenic World admission cost extra. Guides Bruce and Les have led tours.

“Les(OZtrail) was great and gave detailed info of different places, history and some biology lessons. It was fun but weather was a spoil sport as we couldnt see much of blue mountain. Cascade was great. Plan your trip when it doesnt rain to avoid dissappointment.”

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Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour - Cadman’s Cottage and the first settlement
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Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour

10.Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,546 reviews · from $32Best value

Walk roughly 2 kilometres through The Rocks with a small-group guide, passing Cadman’s Cottage, the Garrison Church and old government buildings. Expect stories of convict labour and early Sydney, tucked-away lanes, and views toward the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Guides such as Judith, Michael and Paul have led tours, though your guide may vary.

“You'll learn all about Sydneys history. Judith was our guide and she was wonderful. She took her time to explain the history and loves questions.”

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Sydney Bike Tours - Starting in The Rocks, Then Following the Harbor
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Sydney Bike Tours

11.Sydney Bike Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,125 reviews · from $85

Ride through Sydney with Bonza Bike Tours, starting in The Rocks and visiting landmarks such as Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, the Opera House, and, on some routes, the Harbour Bridge. Choose among four tours lasting about two to five hours. Your guide supplies a bicycle and helmet, shares local history, and keeps the group moving at a measured pace.

“Great way to explore city on a bike. Had a great time with ever smiling and the most friendly guide of ours Andray who is very knowledgeable about local areas, taking good care throughout the bike trip of more than 4 hours, making sure everyone in the group stay together and giving all kind of local information about the landmarks that we had visited. Had lot of fun.”

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Sydney: The Rocks 90-Minute History Walking Tour - Hear the human stories behind the settlement
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Sydney: The Rocks 90-Minute History Walking Tour

12.The Rocks 90-Minute History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,092 reviews · 1h 30m · from $32

In 90 minutes, an English-speaking guide leads you through The Rocks’ cobbled lanes, alleys, courtyards, historic pubs and landmarks, with views across Sydney Cove to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Guides such as Judith, Anne, Paul and Vickie have brought the area’s convict and waterfront stories to life. The route is mostly manageable, though it includes slopes, stairs and uneven ground.

“it was an excellent tour with lots of interesting information about the rocks. Our guide Anne have us lots of tips for things to see and do around the area when the tour was over.”

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Exclusive Blue Mountains Wildlife and Bushwalk Tour From Sydney - The Three Sisters and Jamison Valley
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Exclusive Blue Mountains Wildlife and Bushwalk Tour From Sydney

13.Exclusive Blue Mountains Wildlife and Bushwalk Tour From Sydney

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,087 reviews · from $135

Travel from central Sydney to Featherdale Wildlife Park and the Blue Mountains on a roughly 10-hour tour for up to 23 people. Your guide leads short bushwalks, shares local and Aboriginal cultural stories, and chooses viewpoints with weather and crowds in mind. Guides have included Jason, Stuart and Ben; lunch in Leura or another mountain village is at your own expense.

“The day trip with Activity Tours Australia was amazing. Our guide and driver is a very kind and fun person, also a careful driver. He was sharing his knowledge about Sydney, & the region very well. Highly recommended.”

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WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive - Macquarie Pass and the Robertson pie stop
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WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive

14.WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 959 reviews · from $178

Spend about 10.5 hours beyond Sydney on a small-group trip through the South Coast and Southern Highlands. Stop at cliff-top lookouts and two waterfalls, then walk among wild kangaroos and wombats at dusk. Guides such as Dave and Damon share wildlife facts, take photos and keep snacks and drinks coming. Dinner at a historic pub and a short stargazing stop round out the day.

“This was an excellent tour and was just as described. Damon was a great guide and took excellent photos of us. The tour bus was clean and comfortable, which is a good thing because at least five hours of the tour was spent on the bus… a great way to see the countryside! There were numerous stops sprinkled in for sightseeing. We were able to see many kangaroos, wombats, a wallaby and fruit bats, plus beautiful waterfalls. Numerous snacks, water and drinks were offered throughout the tour. Highly recommend this!”

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Small Group Blue Mountains, Wildlife & Scenic World Day Tour - Sydney Zoo: close encounters, limited time
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Small Group Blue Mountains, Wildlife & Scenic World Day Tour

15.Small Group Blue Mountains, Wildlife & Scenic World Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 932 reviews · 11 hours · from $147

Travel west from Sydney by air-conditioned coach for a full day of wildlife and mountain scenery. You’ll visit Sydney Zoo, take in the Three Sisters and valley views, stop in Leura, and ride Scenic World’s Railway, Skyway, Cableway, and Walkway. Guides such as Alfie, Tom, and Stephen have led days packed with local facts, practical tips, and frequent stops.

“Great dollar value for the trip. Was an awesome experience. Our driver SAID was great. Very knowledgable. Thank you for the experience.”

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Sydney, by what you came for

Pick a deck, a cliff edge or a cellar door.

On the water

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City landmarks

Opera HouseBridge ClimbsThe RocksWalking ToursHistory Walks

Out of town

Blue MountainsHunter ValleyWine TastingsSandboardingDay Trips

The wild side

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