The 309m-tall Sydney Tower (still known as Centrepoint by many Sydneysiders) offers unbeatable 360-degree views from the observation level 250m up. The visit starts with the 4D Experience, a short film giving you a bird's-eye view of city, surf, harbour and what lies beneath the water, accompanied by mist sprays and bubbles. Then it's up the lift to the viewing area. The guided Skywalk (adult/child $80/50) takes you outside to circumnavigate the tower along a ledge.

Tickets are cheaper online, or as part of a Sydney Attractions Pass. The entrance is on the 5th floor of the Westfield shopping centre, near the food court but surprisingly poorly signposted.

There are two revolving restaurants: an extremely mediocre buffet and a better fine-dining establishment, though you'd be better off heading to the revolving restaurant in the Australia Square building.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby City Centre & Haymarket attractions

1. State Theatre

0.1 MILES

The ostentatiously ornate State (1929) is Sydney’s most beautiful theatre. Originally built as a movie palace during Hollywood’s heyday, it’s now a…

2. Great Synagogue

0.14 MILES

The heritage-listed Great Synagogue (1878) is the spiritual home of Sydney’s oldest Jewish congregation, established in 1831. It’s considered the Mother…

3. St James’ Church

0.14 MILES

Built from convict-made bricks, Sydney’s oldest church (1819) is widely considered to be architect Francis Greenway's masterpiece. It was originally…

4. Queen Victoria Building

0.15 MILES

Unbelievably, this High Victorian Gothic masterpiece (1898) was repeatedly slated for demolition before it was restored in the mid-1980s. Occupying an…

5. Archibald Memorial Fountain

0.16 MILES

Hyde Park’s northern end is crowned by this richly symbolic art-deco fountain, featuring Greek mythological figures.

6. 5 Martin Place

0.2 MILES

Built in 1916 to be the headquarters for the then-state-owned Commonwealth Bank, 12-storey 5 Martin Place was Australia’s first steel-framed ‘skyscraper’…

7. GPO Sydney

0.21 MILES

As iconic in its time as the Opera House, this beautiful colonnaded sandstone Victorian palazzo (built 1874) was once Sydney’s General Post Office. It has…

8. Martin Place

0.22 MILES

Studded with imposing edifices, long lean Martin Place was closed to traffic in 1971, forming a terraced pedestrian mall complete with fountains and areas…