Fun Things To Do With Friends In Sydney

Getting the crew together isn’t always easy. One trick is to plan an activity so epic that FOMO sets in and no one will want to miss out. 

So if you’re looking for things to do with friends in Sydney that are so fun you’ll be sure to get the whole crew involved, Crown has you covered. We’ll point you in the right direction, and if you’re up for a bite to eat or a drink at a bar afterwards, we’ll welcome you with open arms – and delicious menu options. 

Make it Iconic

Sydney certainly isn’t short of iconic landmarks. And whether you’re new in the city or never really considered spending time at these prominent locations, now’s the time to see why they’re world-famous. 

Plus, visiting renowned places will give you a great excuse to snap some group photos with your gang, and make some memories to last a lifetime. 

Australia’s Most Iconic

Australia is known for many things, but the most iconic is arguably the Sydney Opera House. 

Architecturally unique, spectacularly located, and free to access (at least the outdoors), this famous spot is well worth a wander. There are various tours you can take of the interiors, and countless shows and events throughout the year to make your visit extra special.  

Up and Over

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a thing of beauty. Yet when faced with the option of admiring it, or climbing it, there’s only one real answer for your next fun group activity. 

This official tour will take you up to the top, stopping in stages to hear interesting facts and history about the bridge. There are several options for the climb depending on which route you want to take and how adventurous you’re feeling, as well as a special Burrawa Climb, which introduces you to First Nations storytelling as part of the experience. 

Straight to the Top

Get the view that’s on all the postcards at the Crown Sky Deck. At 83 storeys up, this panoramic viewing deck promises some of the best views in the city, looking out over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, harbour, downtown, and beyond. 

Book a guided tour with your crew for one of the best places to go with friends in Sydney. 

Love Luna

Luna Park is both iconic and one of the most fun group activities in the city. From roller coasters, shows, and thrill rides, to special attractions such as the Squid Games Experience, there’s always a lot going on. 

Better yet, your group adventure starts before you even arrive. Take the ferry to Milsons Point Wharf for a scenic cruise across the harbour in daylight, and a dazzling cruise back at the end of the day as the sun sets.  

Get Outside with Outdoor Activities

Sydney’s weather? Perfection. 

Make the most of it with activities outdoors. Here are some of our favourite places to go with friends outside, just don’t forget your sunscreen. 

Barangaroo Picnicking 

Cheese. Snacks. Good friends. Say less. 

Even for a city as pretty as Sydney, Barangaroo Reserve is an especially beautiful location. Gather the crew, raid the supermarket for snacks (or swing by your favourite takeaway spot en route), and settle in on a place on the rocks by the waterfront or on the grass for an afternoon of good times. Bring a ball or card game to keep things lively, or keep it simple with exceptional company. And cheese. Don’t forget the cheese. 

Get to the Gardens 

 The Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens are the oldest in Australia, and something of a natural masterpiece. 

This budget-friendly (entirely free) option is an oasis of calm amongst the hustle of the big city. It’s a place where you can sit back and enjoy the harbour views, take a free tour, soak in the wildflower meadow, admire the flamboyance of the Palace Rose Garden, and so, so much more. 

Discover a Secret 

Arguably the worst-kept secret in the city, Wendy’s Whiteley’s Secret Garden is still one of the best outdoor things to do with friends in Sydney.  

Tucked in amongst the Lavender Bay Parklands, this garden is all beautiful greenery and fascinating artefacts. Bring the group here and snag one of the picnic tables for a catch up that feels like a green retreat without even leaving the city centre.

Grow Friendships

Plant the seeds of friendship and grow them strong at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. 

Fusing traditional Chinese landscape design with Sydney’s beautiful Darling Harbour, this tranquil space will make you feel like you’re on an exotic holiday with friends. While it was built to symbolist the friendship between Sydney and the Chinese city Guangzhou, it’s also a great place to grow your own friendships as you explore the pathways, ponds, and pavilions. 

Wine and Dine and Wine Again

 
Every great friend catch up includes some element of food and drink. So before or after your adventures, or perhaps in place of adventures entirely, stop by one of Crown’s variety of impressive bar and restaurant venues.  

Foodie friends 

Sydney is a foodie city, with countless brilliant options in the CBD alone. Crown is proud to include multiple restaurants in that selection. 

There’s Nobu, where fine dining combines Japanese cuisine with Peruvian dishes. It has been awarded with a prestigious Chef Hat from the Good Food Guide Awards, and is known in particular for its seafood dishes such as the Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeno. 

Or will it be a’Mare? This two-Chef Hat restaurant is a tribute to classical Italian cuisine, with fresh, fine ingredients and authentic recipes. Even the dining room is inspired by the palazzos of Venice, Rome, and Lake Garda.

Why not Woodcut? Here you’ll find Australian produce centre stage. It relies on traditional cooking methods such as fire, steam, charcoal, and smoke, all to create sensational flavour profiles. There’s also a vertical garden in the restaurant and seats where you can watch the chefs at work, making for a memorable experience with friends. 

Say Cheers

Prefer the simplicity of a drink? Crown’s bars are the place to be. 

For the theatrical, whimsical friends, make a reservation at Teahouse. It’s a traditional Chinese teahouse and a luxe cocktail bar in one, with birdcage seating options, outdoor areas, a world-class champagne list, and luxury touches throughout. 

For the glamorous, book a spot at CIRQ Bar. Located twenty-six floors up and showcasing some of the most scenic views in the city, this is one of the most beautiful places to catch up with friends – let alone enjoy a showstopping cocktail. 

For the deeply authentic, make your way to Hickory Bar. Find it in the midst of the Woodcut dining space, where you can take in the outdoor terrace views, soak in the lively restaurant vibes, and treat your tastebuds to Woodcut’s very own bespoke gin. 

What’s On. What’s Good. 

On top of the restaurants and bars, Crown also offers things to do with friends. 

Relax. Indulge. Spa. 

Crown Spa is your place to go to revitalise and relax. Be it a facial, a massage, a manicure, or a full package, this beautiful spa will make you feel suitably pampered, all while catching up with friends. 

Two Words: Infinity Pool 

Crown is home to Sydney’s only infinity pool, and with harbour views on one side and private cabanas on the other, this is easily one of the best things to do with friends. 

Hire a private cabana and order drinks and nibbles in between pool dips, or stick to the pool area for sun-bathing, lounging, and life-long memories. 

Whether you want fun activities to do with friends, or a day to relax in a park or at the spa, Sydney has something for everyone. And in particular, Crown also has it all – with cocktails, of course.