19 Unusual Things to do in Sydney

Oh Sydney, you had me at BridgeClimb! Our harbour city is a treasure trove of exciting and awe-inspiring attractions, but, chances are, you've seen all the main ones at least a couple of times!

If you've climbed the Harbour Bridge and sat on the steps of the Opera House and you're looking for more unusual things to do in Sydney, we've uncovered the best Sydney attractions you've probably never heard of.

From cruising around Sydney on a Harley Davidson to all-pink arcades and hidden Italian-esque towns, our list of unusual things to do in Sydney just keeps getting better and better! 

19 Unusual Things to do in Sydney

1. Climb Into an Adorable Gumnut Treehouse

Did you even have a childhood if you didn't play for hours in a treehouse somewhere? Now kids and adults, too can explore the adorable Eveleigh Treehouses built among the gumtrees.

Nestled within the vibrant atmosphere of South Eveleigh, the Eveleigh Treehouses are like stepping into a whimsical world where nature meets urban cool. The free-to-the-public artwork, curated by Carriageworks and designed by artist Nell, consists of a series of interconnected pods created out of hundreds of individually forged steel gum leaves. The pods are perched high above the hustle and bustle, offering families a playful escape with spectacular views.

Location: 39A Henderson Rd, Eveleigh

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2. Go on a Sydney Troll Tour

Have you ever considered taking in the sights of Sydney and surrounding areas from the back of a Harley Davidson? Well, here’s your chance.

Sydney Troll Tours offer thrill-seeking days out atop a legendary Harley or riding a sidecar, and there’s even a Chopper 4 trike to choose from! Take a solo or group tour to a destination of your choice, such as the fascinating Northern Beaches, the magical Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or perhaps the Royal National Park. There is nothing more exhilarating than taking in the surroundings propelled by the beastly throbbing engine of a Harley while feeling the wind on your face as your chauffeur takes care of the rest. 

Location: Alfred St, Sydney

3. Step Inside Sydney's All-Pink Arcade

We're tickled pink with Sydney's all-pink arcade and we're sure you will be too!

Million Life Burwood is Sydney's first all-pink arcade and is a must-visit for all pink and arcade lovers. Located on the ground floor of Burwood Chinatown, Million Life celebrates pink with wall-to-wall pink arcade games, claw machines, entertainment consoles and more.

Location: Shop 14 Murray Place Arcade, 127-133 Burwood Rd, Burwood

4. Explore the Brickpit Ring Walk

 

If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Sydney and a surefire way to expel some pent-up energy, grab the kids and head to a Sydney attraction you might not have heard of - the Brickpit Ring Walk at Sydney Olympic Park.

It’s an ingenious elevated circular walkway that allows visitors to access and view the Brickpit from high above while preserving the habitat of the endangered Green and Golden Bell frog. The Brickpit is a fragile habitat (it was once where millions of clay bricks were made to build Sydney), yet The Ring Walk, raised some 18.5 metres above the sandstone floor, now allows for a self-guided walk, run, or genteel peruse past information panels that outline the location's environmental and heritage significance - fascinating. 

Location: Marjorie Jackson Parkway Sydney Olympic Park 

5. Indulge Your Pooch in a Doggy High Tea

It’s tough thinking of new and exciting ways to celebrate our fur babies, but everyone's favourite puppy cafe, Lost and Found, have a glamorous and unique outing for you and your favourite pooch - a doggy high tea!

Think lush greenhouse-styled indoor and outdoor seatings for a splendid High Tea to enjoy alongside your furry friend, who will be able to enjoy their own Doggy High Tea, including a doggy treats platter and puppuccino at the ready!

Served only on Sundays from 2 pm to 4 pm, spots for this indulgent doggy high tea are limited, so you will need to book ahead to reserve.

Location: 3 Miller Street, North Sydney

Check out more Adorable Dog Cafes in Sydney.

6. Hunt for Oysters on an Oyster Farm Tour

Hands up, oyster lovers! It's time to immerse yourself in all things oysters on a fabulous oyster farm tour.

This authentic oyster-catcher farm experience guides people through the process of farming this seafood delicacy on the stunning Hawkesbury River before indulging in the famous Broken Bay oysters, only 45 minutes from Sydney's CBD.

Choose from three tour options, all starting with a boat ride out to the oyster leases, where you will take a guided tour of the oyster farm, learn the fine art of opening oysters and then have your fill of the freshly shucked salty goodness. This is a rare opportunity for lovers of oysters to immerse in a day's learning by experiencing this family-owned and run sustainable farm first-hand.

Location: Mooney Mooney, NSW

7. Knock on the Doors of Sydney’s Secret Bar 

If you’re looking to indulge in underground speakeasy vibes in the heart of the CBD, then seek out Door Knock for your next choice of unusual things to do in Sydney, but be warned, you'll need to search for it!

Sydney's famous secret bar is a little tricky to find -  from Pitt St, near Hunter, wander down a couple of flights of stairs and then look out for a polished brass pineapple door knocker. This dimly lit cocktail bar is a throwback to the old ‘knock knock’ bar, where you would knock three times to enter.

Once inside Door Knock, there’s no mistaking the feels are like stepping into a comfy pair of slippers, where the hospitality is genuine and the cocktail menu nothing short of ingenus. The concise food menu offers something for everyone, but you really can’t fail with the house-cured and cultured board to share.

Trust us; this is literally a 'hidden gem' worth leaving the house for.

Location: B2/70 Pitt St, Sydney

8. Dive into Fluid Bear Painting Fun!

Get ready to unleash your creativity with Fluid Bear Painting!

This unique and playful art experience lets you combine the magic of fluid art with the charm of adorable bear shapes. Pour, swirl, and mix vibrant colours as you create one-of-a-kind masterpieces that flow and blend in mesmerising patterns.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking for something fun and unusual to do in Sydney, the Bearish Sydney studio is perfect for all ages. Watch in delight as your bears come to life with every brushstroke and splash of colour, making each piece a joyful explosion of art and imagination!

Location: 160 Bourke Rd, Alexandria 

9. See Some Ghosts at Old Government House

Have you ever done a ghost tour, or how about a time by candlelight? Either one is equally spooky, and this historical National Trust Ghost Night at Old Government House in Parramatta will not disappoint.

A unique way to experience a World-Heritage-Listed property and hear the stories from staff, volunteers and guests about the unusual happenings of our colonial past, Ghost Night is certainly one of our favourite unusual things to do in Sydney.

This tour brings history to life and is ideal for those over the age of 16 with an interest in the otherworldly and supernatural and keen to discuss your spooky experiences with fellow attendees afterwards over a light supper. 

Location: Parramatta Park, Pitt Street Entrance, Parramatta

10. Traverse a Centuries-old Mangrove Forest

Did you know there's a centuries-old mangrove forest hidden in the middle of Sydney? 

The Badu Mangroves is a natural ecosystem that spreads some 56 hectares between Homebush Bay and Bicentennial Park at Sydney Olympic Park. A unique and exquisite outing in nature befalls you simply by strolling along the award-winning elevated Badu Mangroves Boardwalk.

There’s a whole lot of nature to traverse in this mangrove forest and wildlife sanctuary - no less than 200 species of native birds frequent the centuries-old mangrove trees.

Keep an eye out for several famous shipwrecks along the way, such as the SS Ayrfield, aka the Floating Forest, which is a stunning Insta-worthy sunken ship where nature abounds.

Location: Badu Mangroves, Bicentennial Park

11. Step Inside a Colourful Mediterranean Village 

What was once a forgotten laneway has been transformed into a quaint (and colourful!) village with some serious Mediterranean vibes.

Collins Laneway in Rose Bay was given a serious glow-up thanks to artist Alice McAuliffe, who brought the colourful baroque and high renaissance styles of Italy to life in Rose Bay with fresh paint, new murals, plants, lighting and seating. 

Along with googling at the enchanting new digs, there are a couple of coffee houses and shops dotted throughout the area that are worth checking out.

Location: Collins Laneway is nestled between Earth and Elitra on New South Head Road

12. Pop Over to the Netherlands

Another unusual spot in Sydney that'll transport you to another world is the little green house straight out of a Dutch village. 

Holland House in Smithfield is a hidden gem dedicated to all things Dutch and was founded by Jan and Anita Altena all the way back in 1985. The house itself is as close as you can get to a quintessential colonial Dutch house in Sydney, and certainly stands out amongst the industrial patchwork of Smithfield.

Inside Holland house you'll find a delicatessen, cafe, supermarket, and souvenir shop all rolled into one. Dutch delicacies are the order of the day for Sydneysiders keen to explore another country for a few hours, or Dutch natives feeling nostalgic for some frikandel, pepernoten, hagelslag, stroopwafels, and more. You can even pick yourself up a pair of clogs!

Location: 85 Market St, Smithfield

13. See the Sculptures of Burrawang Walk 

If you like your art to be of the outdoor kind, add the Sculptures at Burrawang Walk to your list of unusual things to do in Sydney.

This 1.2-kilometre loop is a leisurely stroll along Burrawang walk in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park. It marks the first meeting of European and Aboriginal cultures in Australia and Captain Cook’s Landing Place at Kurnell. This is an important Heritage-Listed site and celebrates the historic Endeavour landing in 1770.

There are three magnificent bronze sculptures (The Eyes of the Land and the Sea, The Whales, and Canoes), all created by Aboriginal artists and have been installed along the foreshore to commemorate the 250th anniversary of this event.

Make a morning of it and grab brunch at the nearby cafes on Captain Cook Drive.

Location: Kurnell area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park

14. Cuddle a Cat at Catmosphere

From cat yoga to a cat's cinema and cat cuddling, the Catmosphere cat cafe in Sydney is heaven for cats and cat lovers, and undoubtedly one of the finest unusual things to do in Sydney.

Catsmosphere is Sydney's original cat cafe and is dedicated to supporting rescue cats and kittens by offering them a space to chillax and an opportunity for Sydney's cat lovers to come and cuddle them! There are several different areas of the cafe for cat lovers to indulge in their love of felines, including their Cat Lounge for unlimited cat cuddles for ages eight and over - adorable!

Location: 66 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills

15. Soar High Above the City

Another one of our favourite unusual things to do in Sydney, why not soar above Sydney?!

Feel like you're walking thousands of metres in the air above downtown Sydney at the famous Model City of Sydney. 

Located on the ground floor of Customs House, the scale model of Sydney features 1500+ solid acrylic block buildings depicting 10 square kilometres of downtown Sydney, including famous landmarks such as the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Tower, Circular Quay and more.

Location: Customs House Building at Circular Quay

16. Snap a Selfie at Purikura Photoland 

 

Discover a touch of Japan on the second floor of the old mall in Haymarket, where you'll find loads of fun and funky amusements. These include claw machines, gachapon (capsule toy) machines, and unique arcade games. The main attraction, however, is the abundance of Purikura Photobooths, the most charming of all!

Purikura, short for "Purinto Kurabu" or "Print Club", are not your ordinary photo booths. They offer a range of editing and enhancement features, allowing you to personalise your photos before printing them as stickers - adorable!

Location: 730 George Street

17. Spot Some Slightly Peculiar Artworks

Every year (usually around October), the Sydney coastline comes alive with colourful and kooky artworks as part of the world-famous Sculptures by the Sea exhibition, and this year is no different!

Sculptures by the Sea is back in 2024 with even more colour, creativity, and crazy ideas to illuminate the spectacular Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach coastal walk - so mark your calendars!  

18. Visit Sydney's Underground Cinema

Ever heard of a secret, immersive cinema experience in Sydney? Neither had we until Underground Cinema launched in undisclosed locations in Melbourne and Sydney, skillfully merging traditional forms of storytelling with performance and cinema.

Sign up to be the first in line to experience immersive worlds where live film experiences are uniquely designed with participation at the core - we're utterly intrigued!

Location: Secret

19. Feel a Little Queasy at the Museum of Human Disease

And now for something pretty unusual and a little gross, the Museum of Human Disease at UNSW Sydney is not your typical museum—it's a fascinating journey into the world of medical mysteries and the human body's battles against disease!

With over 2,500 specimens on display, this unique museum offers an eye-opening look at the effects of various diseases on the human body. It's a bit eerie, definitely educational, and totally captivating. Perfect for older kids and curious adults, the Museum of Human Disease provides a rare glimpse into the science of illness, making it a must-visit for budding doctors, science enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the marvels (and mysteries) of human health.

Location: Samuels Building, Ground Floor at UNSW

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