Summary of Top Attractions in Sydney
For numerous visitors to Australia, Sydney is the primary destination whether they spend all their time in this harbour city or explore other ventures from Sydney to Australia’s many other vacation spots, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback.
Why visit Sydney? Here are 10 good reasons why.
Sydney Opera House
The big thing in Sydney is, without doubt, the Sydney Opera House. It is beautifully located on Sydney Harbour and is one of Australia’s World Heritage sites. For visitors to Sydney, it is the perfect backdrop for “I was there” travel photos. You can take your pictures on the approach to the Opera House, on its forecourt, across the water from West Circular Quay near the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, or from Mrs Macquaries Point, where you can have both the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
This is usually part of the “I was there” photographic record. For those who do the Bridge Climb, it’s a unique “I did that” moment. For those who don’t climb the bridge, walking or bicycling on the bridge across the harbour is certainly possible. Sydney Harbour Bridge celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2012, officially opened in 1932. The bridge and Sydney Opera House remain Sydney’s most iconic features.
Sydney Harbour
The harbour itself is a major Sydney attraction. Harbour cruises—ranging from lunch, dinner, or party cruises to primarily sightseeing ones—are available from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. At a minimum, Sydney visitors can enjoy a ferry trip to any waterfront location on the regular ferry routes for a fairy tale experience. Popular ferry destinations include Manly, Taronga Zoo (for zoo-goers), and Watsons Bay for seafood dining at Doyles.
The Rocks
Usually described as the birthplace of Australia, what is now Sydney’s Rocks district marks the site of the first white settlement established by Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788. The area features buildings from colonial times alongside more recent structures designed to harmonize with historical architecture. A visitor center provides maps and information about places to visit in Sydney and beyond. Visitors can explore various pubs, restaurants, and specialty shops in its streets and alleys.
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour serves as a multi-venue destination featuring waterside walks, restaurants, shops, and museums, including the Australian National Maritime Museum and Powerhouse Museum. Additionally, it includes exhibition halls, an Imax cinema, boating venues, an aquarium, and wildlife attractions. The area stretches around Cockle Bay and encompasses the King St Wharf restaurant area located just south of Barangaroo.
Galleries and Museums
For those who enjoy museums and art galleries, Sydney offers several options right in or near the city center. Close to a transport hub is the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, located a short walk from Circular Quay. Other notable institutions include the Police and Justice Museum on Phillip St and the Sydney Museum on Bridge St, just a block away. Around Hyde Park, the Australian Museum, Hyde Park Barracks, Art Gallery of New South Wales (located at The Domain east of St Mary’s Cathedral), and the Anzac Memorial within Hyde Park itself are readily accessible. Darling Harbour is also home to the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Powerhouse Museum.
Beaches
In Sydney, you’re never far from sand and surf, as the harbours, bays, and shores are dotted with numerous beaches. Activities include surfing, boating, sailing, snorkeling, and diving, or you may simply relax under the Sydney sun. Generally, fine days for beach outings can be expected almost all seasons except winter. Among Sydney’s well-known beaches are Manly Beach and Bondi Beach, both easily accessible by public transport.
Parks and Gardens
You’ll be surprised to find how close you are to Sydney’s parks and gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens are adjacent to the Sydney Opera House, while Hyde Park is right in the heart of Sydney. National parks within the city or easily reachable by car are also readily accessible.
Transport Network
Navigating through unfamiliar streets in Sydney can be daunting for new or occasional visitors. Fortunately, there is an active, though sometimes very busy, public transport network. City trains radiate out from the center to most major suburbs, and bus stops are commonly available in Sydney. For harbour and waterside destinations, ferries can facilitate travel. Additionally, a tram operates on the light rail route from Central Railway Station, with stops at Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and The Star casino complex.
Shopping
Ah, shopping! What you are searching for will dictate your experience. From souvenir items, jewelry, designer clothing, to art, Sydney shops offer a variety of unique items. In the heart of the city, explore the Queen Victoria Building, Westfield Sydney, Strand Arcade, and boutique shops surrounding Pitt Street Mall. Don’t miss The Rocks located just northwest of Circular Quay. On your way to Bondi Beach, consider shopping at Westfield Bondi Junction. For bargain hunters, markets like Paddy’s in Chinatown provide eclectic finds.
