Experience the best of Sydney 

Learn more at Sydney.com 

Things to do in Sydney 

Sydney’s cultural identity is shaped by its world-famous landmarks, deep heritage and strong network of cultural and creative institutions. 

Standing proudly on the harbour’s edge, the Sydney Opera House is a masterpiece of modern architecture and a global stage for performance, festivals and ideas. Nearby, the Sydney Harbour Bridge remains both a defining piece of infrastructure and a symbol of the city, offering panoramic views from its pedestrian path or through the unforgettable BridgeClimb experience. 

For those seeking deeper stories of Australia’s natural history, science and First Nations cultures, the Australian Museum houses extraordinary collections spanning fauna, geology and Indigenous knowledge. Together with Sydney’s major landmarks and cultural institutions, these places connect ancient histories, living cultures and future-facing ideas within one of Australia’s most diverse visitor destinations. 

Sydney is home to Tech Central, one of Australia’s most significant innovation districts. Anchored around Central Station and extending through Ultimo, Haymarket, Surry Hills and Chippendale, Tech Central brings together universities, startups, scaleups, global technology firms, research organisations, investors and government. 

The precinct reflects NSW’s ambition to connect global talent with future industries, including digital technology, artificial intelligence, creative technology, health, engineering, clean energy and advanced industries. For delegates interested in the future of education, research, employability and industry collaboration, Tech Central offers a powerful example of how Sydney is shaping the next generation of innovation and skills. 

Beyond Tech Central, Sydney’s broader innovation ecosystem is supported by globally connected universities, research institutions, creative industries and business precincts across the city and state. These strengths make NSW a place where ideas can move from learning and research into industry, entrepreneurship and global impact. 

Sydney’s food and beverage scene reflects the city’s diversity, creativity and strong regional connections. From fine dining and waterfront restaurants to late-night eateries, neighbourhood cafes, local markets and independent breweries, the city offers a taste of the cultures and communities that make NSW so distinctive. 

In the Inner West, independent breweries such as Young Henrys in Newtown and Wayward Brewing Co. in Camperdown offer fresh, inventive releases in laid-back, community-minded taprooms. Further south in Botany, One Drop Brewing Co. brings a vibrant, experimental energy to its beer lineup and warehouse setting. 

For wine lovers, the Hunter Valley is within easy reach and offers one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, known for world-class Semillon, Shiraz and boutique cellar doors. Across NSW, regional producers, restaurants, bars and markets showcase the state’s visitor economy and the role of food, wine and hospitality in creating memorable experiences for visitors. 

Whether your preference is craft beer, coastal dining, multicultural food precincts, late-night restaurants or regional wine, Sydney and NSW offer a delicious introduction to Australia’s food and beverage culture.

Sydney’s arts landscape is an inspiring blend of major institutions, independent galleries, contemporary experimentation and culturally rich storytelling. 

The Art Gallery of New South Wales hosts an extensive collection of Australian, European, Asian and Indigenous art across beautifully designed gallery spaces. At Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia invites visitors into a world of thought-provoking installations and contemporary works that engage with current ideas and global practice. 

In Chippendale, the White Rabbit Gallery presents one of the world’s leading collections of contemporary Chinese art, housed in a converted industrial space that reflects the area’s creative character. Nearby, Carriageworks offers a platform for boundary-pushing exhibitions, performance, festivals and cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

Across NSW, galleries, theatres, creative precincts and festivals contribute to a vibrant cultural economy that supports artists, performers, makers and audiences. Together, these spaces showcase Sydney and NSW’s role as a centre for contemporary culture, creative industries, experimentation and exchange. 

Sydney’s botanical landscapes form an integrated network of living collections, research, conservation and public space, where rare plant species, curated gardens and sweeping views come together. 

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a tranquil 30-hectare oasis bordering the CBD, offering winding garden paths, expansive lawns and views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. For those seeking cool-climate flora, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah provides an elevated escape with alpine plant collections and dramatic mountain vistas. South-west of the city, the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is Australia’s largest botanic garden, celebrating native plants through immersive landscapes and conservation work. 

These living museums offer moments of calm and discovery, reflecting Sydney and NSW’s deep connection to biodiversity, nature, research and botanical heritage. 

Sydney sits at the heart of a wider network of cities, regions and neighbourhoods that shape the energy and character of New South Wales. 

Western Sydney continues to grow as a place of opportunity, culture and innovation, with Parramatta emerging as a major centre for business, dining, arts and civic life. Across Greater Sydney, neighbourhoods such as Haymarket, Surry Hills, Chippendale, Newtown, Burwood and Harris Park showcase the diversity, food culture, creativity and community life that make the city so distinctive. 

Beyond Sydney, the coastal cities of Newcastle and Wollongong add to the state’s appeal, blending education, industry, creativity and relaxed coastal living. Newcastle combines beaches, heritage, nightlife and emerging innovation with strong links to health, engineering, clean energy and industry transformation. Wollongong offers dramatic coastline, a strong university presence, research strengths, advanced manufacturing heritage and close connections between education, industry and community. 

A year-round calendar of major events brings Sydney and NSW to life. World-class stadiums host international sport and live music, while festivals such as Vivid Sydney, Sydney Festival, Sydney Fringe and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras transform streets, venues and public spaces after dark. 

These events support NSW’s visitor economy, creative industries and 24-hour economy, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a place where culture, community, innovation and city life come together - day and night. 

Sydney is a city that continues to evolve after dark. Its 24-hour economy brings together dining, live music, theatre, festivals, sport, culture, transport, precinct activation and night-time experiences that support a vibrant and inclusive global city. 

For AIEC delegates, this means more ways to experience Sydney beyond the conference program - from evening dining in diverse neighbourhoods to major events, waterfront venues, late-opening cultural spaces, theatre, live performance and creative precincts. 

The 24-hour economy is also part of NSW’s broader visitor economy and industry agenda, supporting local businesses, creative workers, hospitality, tourism, cultural participation and safer, more active public spaces. It reflects Sydney’s ambition to be a connected, creative and welcoming city at all hours. 

Customs House Sydney Visitor Information Centre,31 Alfred Street, Sydney 2000 

Open 9am to 5pm from Monday to Sunday 

Phone: 02 9265 9779