Did you know that Sydney is the biggest, oldest and most culturally diverse city in Australia? Its iconic landmarks are famous the world over; think the beautiful Sydney Harbour, the iconic Harbour Bridge and of course the place to seen; Bondi Beach. And check out the newly launched 360 degree panoramic views of this great city.
Hang out on legendary Bondi Beach
A suburb of Sydney, Bondi Beach is hot and lively and one of Australia’s most famous beaches – in fact it’s a lifestyle choice! It’s almost 2/3 of a mile long (1 km) and patrolled by lifeguards and lies just 7 km (4 miles) south of central Sydney. The most popular things to do on this famous beach are to swim, surf and sunbathe, although it’s good enough just to be seen here. There’s also a shopping area nearby, and there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.
Enjoy adrenaline sports on Sydney Harbour
Located in Central Sydney is the natural Sydney Harbour which is home to high-octane adventures such as motor boating, as well as scuba diving, fishing and of course, sailing. The vast harbour is home to secluded beaches, hidden coves and cliff faces. Travellers can walk the cliff path that runs from Manly to Middle Head along the harbour cliffs passing artillery fortifications that run along the coast which were built in the 19th century, whilst enjoying a fantastic view out over the ocean. Also get an excellent view of the harbour by taking a trip on the Sydney Ferry. The Circular Quay, the ferry terminus, is the central base for activity in the harbour, and many ferries leave this terminal to other parts of the harbour. Another way to view the harbour is from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The harbour is the original penal settlement and is very different today as it’s surrounded by skyscrapers and impressive modern structures.
Catch a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House
Probably the most iconic landmark in Sydney is the Opera House, which is located on Bennelong Point and opened in 1973. Shaped like a sail and designed by Jørn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House regularly hosts opera and classical music events. There are seven main performance venues–the Concert Hall, the Joan Sutherland Theatre (originally named the Opera Theatre), the Drama Theatre, the Playhouse, the Studio, the Utzon Room, and the Forecourt. The Concert Hall is the main location for the Sydney Symphony and also houses Sydney Opera House Grand Organ, an organ with over ten thousand pipes. Joan Sutherland Theatre is the main venue for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. There are also many other opera and ballet shows that are shown here. The Drama Theatre has put on both traditional drama and dance presentations as well as those that are a bit more experimental in nature. The Playhouse is a smaller theatre designed for more intimate showings of theatre, dance, or music. The Studio and Utzon Room are the perfect places for the creative mind to take flight because they can be configured to meet the user’s needs. The Forecourt is an amazing outdoor venue, and the Monumental Steps can be used as seats.
Explore Sydney’s Chinatown
Australia’s largest Chinatown is located in Central Sydney in Haymarket and is a real hive of activity. Prepare to be captivated by the sights, sounds and smells. It is home to the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a traditional Chinese garden filled with waterfalls, fish ponds and bridges, which offers a little spot of tranquillity. This is one of the best things to do in Sydney if you crave authentic Chinese food and traditional culture.
Chill out at the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a short walk from the Sydney Opera House, on the shores of Sydney Harbour. Covering 30 hectares, the Botanic Garden are also conveniently situated to the hotels of Hyde Park. Travelers can take a break from the hustle and bustle of Sydney by taking a relaxing stroll through the beautiful gardens, which draw over 3 million visitors annually. Wander the ‘First Encounters Garden’ which tells the history of the area with plant species from the period before the British arrived in in 1788. Admire the Wollemi Pine which was feared extinct and explore the Sydney Tropical Centre, which houses sculptures, fountains and native animals such as flying foxes, possums and lizards. The Royal Botanic Gardens can be reached by taking a train to the Circular Quay, or Sydney Explorer Buses stop at the gardens.
Cross over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge
Another famous Australian landmark is Sydney Harbour Bridge, which traverses the harbour from North Sydney to The Rocks. Built in 1932, travellers come here to walk, drive, cycle or even rollerblade across this iconic bridge. Spanning 502m and at a height of 134m this bridge is very much part of daily Sydney life – in fact the locals have dubbed it the “old coat hanger”. Visitors should stop by the Pylon Lookout for a display about how the Sydney Harbour Bridge was built, and those who are feeling a little more daring can take on a BridgeClimb. The BridgeClimb is a 3 1/2 hour climb from the base of the bridge to the top of the famous arch.
Browse Sydney’s Museums and Galleries
Sydney has a healthy number of museums and galleries including the Australian Museum, the Sydney Observatory, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, to name but a few. For those interested in learning about the history of Australia, the Australian Museum is definitely the place to start with exhibitions on indigenous Australia and the creatures that inhabit the continent. Any traveller interested in the night skies will love a visit to the Sydney Observatory with its 3-D Space Theatre. Finally, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a great place for the creative traveller to walk and view the art of others.
