Sydney, Australia has a fascinating history and world-famous sights. Home to iconic Australian landmarks – like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge – a Sydney walking tour should be on every visitor’s to-do list!
The top Sydney attractions are found in the compact Central Business District (or just CBD), making it easy to see them on foot.
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We created this self-guided free walking tour of Sydney for those who want to discover these famous spots in Australia at their own pace.
Best Self Guided Sydney Walking Tour
Our easy-to-follow, free tour of Sydney is a great way to see the city in a day. We have included information on each sight and a useful map at the end of the post.
Plus, to help you find your way, we share step-by-step walking directions and a location link to easily get online directions. Just be sure you are connected!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Sydney Free Walking Tour for your Vacation to Australia!
Self-Guided Walking Tour Sydney
Our Sydney self-guided walk loops around the city and is nearly 8 miles long and will take 4-5 hours to complete. More time will be needed to enter any of the attractions along the route.
We do include one ferry ride from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay to rest your feet. If it’s still too much walking, you can split it into two days or skip a few sights. As they say Down Under, no worries!
#1 Circular Quay
MAP. Located on the north end of the CBD, Circular Quay is the beating heart of Sydney. A steady pulse of buses, ferries and trains transit through here, so it’s easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
While the harbor hosts top Sydney landmarks, it also has historical significance. Circular Quay was the landing site for the first ships carrying convicts to Australia from Europe.
It was from the penal colony built on these shores that Sydney (and Australia) grew into what it is today.
From Circular Quay, begin walking east and follow the shoreline north to the…
#2 Sydney Opera House
MAP. The Opera House is, by far, the most recognizable Sydney landmark. The iconic building took 14 years to complete (1959-1973) and stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The massive staircase – nearly 100-meters-wide – leads to the entrance, but we recommend staying on the ground level and completely circling it to gain perspective before climbing the stairs.
Two halls of ‘stacked shells’ make up the award-winning structure that features amazing acoustics. The theaters inside (of which there are multiple) have hosted world-known musical and theatrical talents.
The facilities can be toured, but it’s free to explore the exterior. Walking along the west side, you can even touch the tiles (which alone took three years to develop) that give the building it’s sailboat appearance.
Walk through the gates to the east, then follow the path south to the raised grassy area of…
The Domain
Originally used as a small farm for the penal colony, today The Domain comprises the expansive green space to the east of the Sydney city center.
Paths crisscross through the park and the area includes several interesting Sydney things to see. Continue walking south to the…
#3 Government House
MAP. Built in the Gothic Revival style in the 1840s, Government House is the vice-regal residence of the New South Wales’ Governor.
The grand interior is often open to visitors, as is the garden, which provides stunning views. If the building is closed on the day of your visit, you can take in the view from Tarpeian Precinct – a small elevated park just to the north.
From the Government House, walk southwest to the…
#4 Royal Botanic Gardens
MAP. Established in 1816, the Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens feature an array of plant life. Free for visitors to stroll and admire, the park also offers a range of programs and tours.
Continue your Sydney city sightseeing tour and walk northeast and out onto the point and find…
#5 Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
MAP. Hand-carved by convicts in 1810, the stone bench – now known as Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair – was a gift to the wife of the New South Wales Governor.
The viewpoint of the harbor makes it one of our favorite spots in all of Sydney. From here, follow the walking path along the eastern shoreline to…
#6 Woolloomooloo and Finger Wharf
MAP. The Sydney suburb of Woolloomooloo developed as a working-class neighborhood around the bay of the same name.
Extending into Woolloomooloo Bay is Finger Wharf, measuring 1,345-feet-long. It was built in 1915 and used for 70 years as a busy shipping center.
After falling into disuse in the 1970s, it has been completely revitalized as a mix-use complex and features many fascinating sculptures.
On the southern shoreline of Woolloomooloo Bay, stop for an iconic Sydney snack at…
#7 Harry’s Café de Wheels
MAP. A Sydney institution, Harry’s Café has been serving ‘Pie ‘n Peas’ since the late 1930s and claims to have the best pie in the city.
Although this it not an original location, the restaurant displays old-time photos that show the history of Harry’s. If you are hungry, we recommend ordering a beef pie tiger-style.
The three-inch, piping-hot pie is topped with mushy peas, mashed potatoes and gravy. The inexpensive dish can serve as lunch or a mid-morning snack!
Now begin to work off that meal by walking west on Cowper Wharf Road to…
#8 Art Gallery of New South Wales
MAP. Opened in 1874, the NSW Art Gallery is one of the largest cultural venues in Australia.
Exhibitions – which are free to the public – include works from Australian and European masters, as well as entire galleries dedicated to Aboriginal and Asian works.
Walk northwest across the southern section of The Domain to the…
#9 State Library of New South Wales
MAP. Established in 1826, the NSW State Library – or the Mitchell Library – is the oldest one in Australia.
The building dates to the early 1900s and is open to the public, so pop in and admire the architecture and reading rooms. (It’s also a good spot for a toilet break.) Just to the south, is the…
#10 Parliament of New South Wales
MAP. The New South Wales legislative offices and chambers are housed in a complex on Macquarie Street.
Although the structure was expanded and renovated over the years, the historic Parliament House dates to the early 1800s.
The unassuming building was originally part of a hospital, but the space was converted to Parliament chambers in 1829.
Today, you can take a tour, visit the art exhibitions or enjoy high tea in the on site restaurant. Right next door is the…
#11 Old Sydney Hospital
MAP. Nicknamed the Rum Hospital, because profits from the sale of booze were used to fund the building, this is the oldest public building in Sydney.
Built in 1811, the structure is still used as a hospital today, but also includes the Lucy Osburn-Nightingale Museum (which features a collection of medical equipment, records and implements).
Il Porcellino, the bronze boar statue located at the entrance, is a replica of the original by Pietro Tacca from Florence, Italy. It is said to bring you good luck and a return trip to Sydney if you rub its snout!
Also, it’s worth peeking into the courtyard to see the tiered Robert Brough Memorial Fountain. Just to the south is the…
#12 The Mint
MAP. Originally built as a wing of the hospital in the 1800s, the Sydney Royal Mint occupied the space from 1855 until 1926. The coining factory was the first outside of England.
Since the mint closed, the structure has been used by several NSW government entities and today is the Museums of History New South Wales. Continue walking south into…
#13 Hyde Park
MAP. Since the first European settlers arrived in Australia, this space was used for recreation. However, it was in 1810 that Governor Macquarie dedicated it as Hyde Park (named for the one in London).
Since then it has been used as a Cricket Ground, a horse racetrack, an outdoor boxing ring, a rugby field and military exercise grounds.
At the north end is Archibald Fountain, which celebrates the relationship between France and Australia during World War I. Located east across College Street is…
#14 St. Mary’s Cathedral
MAP. The grand façade of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral features two Gothic spires. The towers stand at 245 feet – making it one of the tallest churches in Australia.
Building commenced in 1868 after previous churches on the site were destroyed by fire. In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI visited St. Mary’s for World Youth Day. South of the cathedral is the..
#15 Australian Museum
MAP. Opened in 1857, the Australian Museum is actually the oldest one in Australia. The collections are comprised of zoological and anthropological displays.
Re-enter Hyde Park and walk to the southern end where you will find the…
#16 ANZAC War Memorial
MAP. Opened in 1934 to remember the solders of the Australian Imperial Forces who fought and died in World War I, this memorial now stands to honor all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in the military.
Walk north to Park Street and go west to the…
#17 Sydney Town Hall
MAP. Easily recognizable by its clock tower and grand staircase, the centrally-located Town Hall of Sydney is a popular meeting place for locals.
Built on former burial grounds in the late 1880s, it is home to the City Council Chamber, the offices of the Lord Mayor and Centennial Hall.
The impressive concert hall features the Grand Organ, which dates to the late 1800s. Just to the north is the…
#18 Queen Victoria Building
MAP. Filling an entire city block along George Street, the QVB was built between 1893 and 1898.
This Victorian-Federation era arcade, which features multiple domes, is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
The spacious interiors include four floors of retail space, cast-iron railings, original tile work and two clocks: The Royal Clock and the Great Australian Clock.
At the south entrance is a large statue of Queen Victoria. From the north end of QVB, walk east on Market Street to the…
#19 Sydney Tower
MAP. A popular tourist attraction since it was completed in 1981, the Sydney Tower stands at 1,014 feet and peers over the city center.
It features dining options, event space and an observation deck, called the Sydney Tower Eye. Located at 820 feet, the lofty perch provides 360-degree views.
Walk west on Market to Kent Street, then south on Kent to Liverpool Street. Walk west and pass Dixon Street for the moment and climb the stairs to the…
#20 Chinese Garden of Friendship
MAP. This traditional Chinese garden in Sydney’s Central Business District was designed by sister city, Guangzhou, and represent the bond between Australia and China.
Retrace your steps on Liverpool Street to Dixon and walk south through…
#21 Chinatown
MAP. A significant Chinese population has lived in the city since the 1800s, but the current Sydney Chinatown was established in the 1920s.
The most decorative part lies along the short, pedestrian-only Dixon Street, and features ornate Chinese gates, shops and eateries. Continue walking south on Dixon to…
#22 Paddy’s Market
MAP. Housed inside an enormous brick building, Paddy’s Market has wall-to-wall stalls hawking everything from junk souvenirs to purses, wigs and costumes – all priced to sell.
It’s easy to get lost in the maze of booths, as each aisle begins to look identical to the previous. Also be warned, a few places here peddle brand name clothes that may or may not be authentic!
If you have worked up a hunger and enjoy fresh seafood, detour to the Sydney Fish Market using these directions. Otherwise, follow this route to stop #24.
#23 Sydney Fish Market
MAP. The pungent scent of gutted fish wafts through the air at every turn – yet, the Sydney Fish Market is actually more civilized than Paddy’s!
Fresh caught fish, prawns, oysters and live crabs are appealingly displayed on ice. Less appealing options of salmon fish heads and slimy octopus are also for sale.
The food court stalls sell everything from fried fish to sashimi, which can be eaten inside or under umbrellas on the docks. Now make your way to the next stop by using these directions.
#24 Pyrmont Bay at Darling Harbour
MAP. A top entertainment district, Darling Harbour is a hub of activity centered largely around King Street Wharf.
In addition to the many waterfront bars and restaurants, you will find popular tourist attractions such as the Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum and Madame Tussauds.
#25 Sydney Harbour Tours from Pyrmont Bay Wharf
MAP. Many public ferries and harbor tours depart from Darling Harbour. Hopping on a boat is a phenomenal way to get a better vantage point of the city!
For now, we suggest taking the public ferry that departs the Pyrmont Ferry Wharf and riding back to Circular Quay. When you arrive, walk west into…
#26 The Rocks
MAP. This area has a storied past, as the land was first settled by Aboriginal People – and there is evidence of their presence dating to the 1400s.
By the late 1700s, The Rocks had become home to convicts sent from England and soon grew into a den of debauchery.
Then, in 1900, the plague broke out and the party was over. An aggressive government cleansing ensued and many historic homes were destroyed.
In the 1970s, residents took a stand and fought to keep their community. Today several historic buildings have been preserved, including Cadmans Cottage House, Sailor’s Home and the Mercantile Hotel.
New additions have also risen in the district, like the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, which is free to enter. Another interesting venue to learn about the history here is The Rocks Discovery Museum.
Walk south on Kendall Lane to Argyle Street and under Harbour Bridge to the stairs on the south side of the street that lead to…
#27 Sydney Observatory Hill Park
MAP. The Observatory was built on this hill in 1858. The popular park (called Obs Hill by locals) features stunning panoramic vistas and is a great gathering place for picnics on sunny summer days.
On the east side of the park, find the stairs that lead to the pedestrian path onto the…
#28 Sydney Harbour Bridge
MAP. This is one of the most famous bridges in the world and an iconic landmark. Taking almost 10 years to construct, it opened in 1932.
Nicknamed ‘The Coathanger’ because of its long arch, the steel span is used by trains, cars, bikes and pedestrians.
Its total length is 3,770 feet and the two pylons that stand at each end reach a height of 292 feet. The best part is, you can actually go up one of them!
#29 Sydney Bridge Pylon
MAP. Using the pedestrian walkway on the east side of the bridge, walk to the first pylon. It is open to visitors (for a fee) and you are invited to climb 200 stairs for astounding views!
If you want to bypass the climb, just walk along the bridge for free. There is a fence that, while partially hindering the view, makes it safe to cross.
BONUS: BridgeClimb Sydney
Thrill-seekers might want to consider this adventure, where you are led on an expedition to the top of the arch. Find out more about the epic Sydney Bridge Climb!
#30 Sydney Evening Entertainment
End your Sydney sights walking tour back in The Rocks for dinner and drinks. Of the numerous choices for beverages, we have a few personal recommendations.
- Squire’s Landing – Modern craft brewpub on the harbor with views (if there’s no cruise ship).
- The Glenmore Hotel – Classic Australian boozer with rooftop deck.
- Fortune of War – Claiming to be the oldest pub in the city, they’ve been open since 1828.
- Lord Nelson Brewery – Operating as a hotel and pub since 1841 (and as a brewery since 1987), this classic spot has a good selection of local beer on tap.
Self Guided Sydney Walking Tour Map
Use this Google Map for an online, interactive version of our Sydney Tour Route from below.
More Sydney Sightseeing Tours
Although we believe our walk is one of the best Sydney tours, it might not be for everyone. We have a few alternate suggestions for you to consider for your Sydney vacation.
3-Hour Guided Sydney Tour by Van
See the highlights of Sydney on a guided tour in a vehicle – allowing you to see more of the city in less time. Get the details!
Sydney History Tours of The Rocks
Led by a historian, this Rocks Guided Walking Tour is both captivating and entertaining. Learn more!
Money Saving Sydney Attraction Pass
With the Ultimate Flexi Pass you pay a flat fee for a specific number of sights. Some of the top spots included are the Opera House Tour, Madame Tussauds, the SEA LIFE Aquarium and the Sydney Tower Eye!
What You Need For Your Sydney Walking Tour
Before setting off on your Walking Tour of Sydney CBD, you will want to be prepared with a few essentials.
Durable Shoes
Sydney is a walkable city…but only if you pack the right travel shoes! They should be comfortable, lightweight and versatile – like these I wear by New Balance. Kris prefers trail shoes by Merrell.
Appropriate Weather Gear
The Aussie sun is strong! Make sure to use sunscreen – and have a travel hat, refillable water bottle as well as your favorite sunglasses.
Of course, if rain is predicted, then don’t forget to bring a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella for your city tour.
Travel Camera
Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera. We always travel with a Canon Rebel and use a 18-135mm lens.
The DSLR is easy to use, comes with heaps of accessories and takes high quality photos – all of which makes it a great budget camera for travelers.
Versatile Day Pack
Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll want to be sure to have a great day bag to carry all your essential travel items.
We use these small day packs – as they are comfortable to wear, have zippered pockets to keep our contents safe and are roomy enough to stow everything we need.
Australia Travel Insurance
Trip insurance can come in handy when things go wrong – like lost luggage or getting sick abroad. If you haven’t already obtained coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Sydney Trip Planning Advice
Planning a trip to Sydney, Australia is a big task. Don’t panic, our detailed Sydney guides can help you have an amazing time Down Under!
- 3 Perfect Days in Sydney
- Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
- Spit to Manly Nature Trail
- Blue Mountains Day Trip
More Top Destinations in Australia
- Best Things To Do in Melbourne
- Fun Brisbane Activities
- Top Things To Do in Cairns on a Budget
- What To Do in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast
- How To Visit Perth in One Day
Australia Travel Planner
Get (and stay) organized for your Australian vacation using our Trip Planning Printables!
Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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