15 Best Tours in Sydney For Every Budget (2026 Guide)

Having lived in Sydney for over a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring this incredible city from every angle. From the sparkling harbour to the rugged Blue Mountains, there’s a tour for every type of traveler and every budget. After countless adventures, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect Sydney experience, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for a new perspective.

To make it easy, I’ve broken down the best tours by price, so you can find an amazing day out without breaking the bank.

Sydney Tours Under $50

1. Free Sydney Walking Tour

One of the best ways to get your bearings in a new city is with a walking tour. The team at Free Tours Sydney offers a fantastic 2.5-hour tour that covers the city’s history from its convict past to the modern metropolis it is today. You’ll wander from Hyde Park down to The Rocks, taking in hidden gems and iconic sights along the way.

• What you’ll see: Hyde Park, The Rocks, Sydney Opera House views
• Best for: Budget travelers, history buffs
• Insider Tip: While the tour is free, the guides work on tips, so be sure to bring some cash to thank them for their time.

2. Sydney Opera House Guided Walking Tour

Even as a local, I was blown away by the stories I heard on the official Sydney Opera House tour. You’ll learn about the design controversies, the incredible engineering, and the famous performances that have graced its stages. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting Sydney.

• What you’ll see: The inner workings of the Opera House, stunning architecture
• Best for: Architecture lovers, culture vultures
• Check Prices: Viator | GetYourGuide
  

3. Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Cruise

See Sydney from its best angle – the water! A hop-on-hop-off cruise is a flexible and affordable way to explore the harbour’s famous landmarks. You can jump off at Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, or Luna Park, and the commentary along the way provides a great overview of the city’s history.

• What you’ll see: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay
• Best for: Sightseers, families
• Check Prices: Captain Cook Cruises
  

4. Queen Victoria Building Guided Tour

More than just a beautiful shopping centre, the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is steeped in history. The guided tour shares tales of its construction, its near-demolition, and even a resident ghost. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Sydney’s Victorian past.

• What you’ll see: Stunning Romanesque architecture, historical displays
• Best for: Shoppers, history lovers
• Insider Tip: Tours run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:30 am.

Sydney Tours Under $100

5. Sydney Tower Skywalk

For the best views in town, head to the top of Sydney Tower. The Skywalk takes you onto a glass platform 278 meters above the city, with panoramic views from the Blue Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. It’s a thrilling experience, especially at sunset.

• What you’ll see: 360-degree views of Sydney
• Best for: Thrill-seekers, photographers
• Check Prices: Sydney Tower Eye

6. Surf Lessons on Bondi Beach

No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to Bondi Beach. Why not take it a step further and learn to surf? There are several surf schools offering small-group lessons for beginners. It’s a quintessential Sydney experience you won’t forget.

• What you’ll see: The famous sands of Bondi Beach
• Best for: Active travelers, beach lovers

Check Prices: Let's Go Surfing

7. Tall Ship Bubbles and Brunch Cruise

Start your day in style with a brunch cruise on a traditional tall ship. You’ll sail past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge while enjoying fresh oysters, salads, and unlimited bubbly. You can even help hoist the sails if you’re feeling adventurous.

• What you’ll see: Sydney Harbour from a unique perspective
• Best for: Couples, special occasions
• Check Prices: Sydney Harbour Tall Ships

8. Adrenaline Rush Jet Boat Ride

For a more high-octane harbour experience, a jet boat ride is a must. Expect 270-degree spins, fishtails, and power-brake stops as you zip past the city’s landmarks at up to 75km an hour. It’s a wild ride!

• What you’ll see: All the harbour sights, at high speed
• Best for: Adrenaline junkies
• Check Prices: Oz Jet Boating

Sydney Tours Under $200

9. Blue Mountains Day Tour

The Blue Mountains are a must-see for any visitor to Sydney. Most day tours include a visit to the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, a stop at Scenic World to ride the world’s steepest railway, and a visit to a wildlife park to see kangaroos and koalas.

• What you’ll see: The Three Sisters, Jamison Valley, native Australian wildlife
• Best for: Nature lovers, first-time visitors
• Check Prices: Viator | GetYourGuide
  

10. Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour

Escape the city for a day of wine tasting in the beautiful Hunter Valley. You’ll visit several boutique wineries, sample a range of local wines, and enjoy a delicious lunch. It’s a relaxing and indulgent day out.

• What you’ll see: Rolling vineyards, boutique wineries
• Best for: Wine lovers, foodies
• Check Prices: Viator | GetYourGuide
  

11. City to Bondi Beach by Harley Davidson

Feel the wind in your hair as you ride from the city to Bondi Beach on the back of a Harley Davidson. You’ll travel over the Harbour Bridge, through the city’s eastern suburbs, and along the stunning coastline. It’s a unique and exhilarating way to see the sights.

• What you’ll see: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, city skyline
• Best for: Solo travelers, adventure seekers
• Check Prices: Wild Ride
  

12. Home and Away Tour to Summer Bay

For fans of the iconic Aussie soap, this tour is a dream come true. You’ll visit the real-life locations of Summer Bay (Palm Beach), with plenty of photo opportunities and behind-the-scenes stories from your expert guide.

• What you’ll see: The Summer Bay Surf Club, Alf’s Bait Shop, and other famous locations
• Best for: TV fans, pop culture enthusiasts
• Check Prices: Official Home and Away Tour
  

Sydney Tours $200 and Above

13. Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a bucket-list experience. The views from the top are simply breathtaking, and the sense of achievement is incredible. There are several different climb options available, from a 2.5-hour express climb to a 3.5-hour full experience.

• What you’ll see: Unforgettable 360-degree views of Sydney
• Best for: Bucket-listers, adventure lovers
• Check Prices: BridgeClimb Sydney
  

14. Sydney Seaplane Flight to Palm Beach

For a truly memorable experience, take a seaplane flight from Rose Bay to Palm Beach. You’ll enjoy stunning aerial views of the harbour and coastline before landing at a waterfront restaurant for a gourmet lunch. It’s the ultimate Sydney indulgence.

• What you’ll see: Sydney Harbour, Northern Beaches, Palm Beach from the air
• Best for: Luxury travelers, special occasions
• Check Prices: Sydney Seaplanes
  

15. Private Sydney Harbour Cruise

Explore the harbour at your own pace with a private cruise. You can customize your itinerary to include secluded beaches, historic islands, and famous landmarks. It’s the perfect way to experience the harbour like a local.

• What you’ll see: Whatever you want! It’s your private tour.
• Best for: Groups, families, special celebrations
• Check Prices: Sydney Harbour Escapes

FAQ: Choosing the Best Sydney Tour

This guide is written by a local Sydney expert and contains affiliate links. If you book a tour through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For a fantastic small-group tour experience, consider checking out Picture Me Sydney, a top-rated operator known for their personalized service.