Glistening, vibrant and dynamic, the sun-soaked, beach-strewn metropolis of Sydney is the epitome of easy-going Aussie living. From the much-loved sights on the tourist trail (the iconic Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach) to the myriad of small, bustling bars and hidden art galleries, Sydney truly has something for all tastes.
Regarded by locals as the country’s capital in all but name, Sydney is a thriving centre for both business and the arts with a buzzing, cosmopolitan scene to rival New York or London. Its busy social calendar means that festivals, sporting events or carnivals are underway all year round, especially during the summer.
Fresh produce and a cosmopolitan population mean there is a plethora of dining options. Some of the city’s most exciting cuisine is fusion food, merging Asian, Middle Eastern, European and Pacific Rim dishes, often paired with home-grown wines.
Speaking of wines, Australia has asserted itself globally as a leading plonk producer, and recent liquor law changes have resulted in a prolific rise in wine bars across the city.
When it comes to nightlife, the choice is second to none. Watering holes here cater to everyone from hippies and trannies to jazz aficionados and pub-lovers.
Sydney is divided into distinctive pockets, so it pays to spend time exploring. The vibrant inner eastern suburbs around East Sydney, Darlinghurst and Kings Cross are LBGT-friendly, especially during Mardi Gras. And on the coast, you’ll find Sydney’s better-known beaches, like Bondi and Coogee.
Things To Do
1. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
Affectionately known as ‘the Coathanger’, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a feat of engineering genius. Opening in 1932, it took 1,400 workers (16 of whom died in the process), eight years, and $20 million to complete. The best way to experience the bridge is to climb it, and Bridge Climb gives thrill-seekers the chance to walk to the top of the 50-story-high bridge (over the cars and trains rumbling across the deck below) and down the other side. If you’re afraid of heights or on a budget, you can walk or cycle across the bridge free of charge. Use the aptly named “Bridge Stairs” on Cumberland Street in the Rocks for an hour-long, round-trip stroll.
Opening Times: Daily 0800-2100.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address: 3 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
2. Experience the top of Sydney Tower
Standing 309m (1,014ft) above Market Street, Sydney Tower is the city’s tallest building and offers views over the city, the harbour, the Olympic Park and as far as Terrigal Beach, 100km (62 miles) to the north. Entry to the 250m-high (820ft) observation deck includes the Skytour, a 35-minute virtual tour/ride on the podium level. Thrill-seekers can go one better and take a Skywalk, an outdoor tour on two glass-floored platforms. Dine in the rotating restaurant for a unique and spectacular Sydney experience.
Opening Times: Daily 0900-2200 (03 Oct–25 April); 0900-2130 (26 April—02 Oct).
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Corner of Pitt and Market Street, Sydney, Australia
3. Explore The Rocks
Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks (Sydney’s historical birthplace) is a neighbourhood of winding streets, sandstone cottages and some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. The site of the first landing from Plymouth, England in 1788, the area is now a busy tourist enclave with cafes, restaurants, galleries, museums, weekend markets and countless souvenir shops. Among the district’s historic buildings are the Hero of Waterloo inn (built over a tunnel that was originally used for smuggling), the Sydney Observatory (on the site of the colony’s first windmill) and Cadman’s Cottage (Sydney’s oldest building, built in 1816).
Opening Times: Daily.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
4. Head to Darling Harbour
A former dockside area, this small harbour has been transformed into a major tourist site. The vast, paved and landscaped precinct is packed with restaurants and shops, as well as a number of tourist attractions. These include the Powerhouse Museum, Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre and the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a gift to Sydney from its sister city of Guangdong in China. Harbour Cruises leave the King Street Wharf area and there are weekend festivals and events aplenty.
Opening Times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia
5. Sunbathe at Bondi Beach
Bondi is one of the world’s most famous beaches, a crescent of sand strung between two rocky headlands, just 15 minutes from the city centre. During the summer, visitors jostle for towel space on the beach while the promenade bustles with activity. Campbell Parade serves up a mixture of busy bars, seaside cafes, and the ever-popular Sunday market. Topless sunbathing is tolerated and swimmers should always swim within the patrolled areas marked by the red and yellow flags. The coastal walk, which starts at Bondi’s southern end and runs along the coast to Coogee, is a must for any visitor, especially in October and November when the annual “Sculptures by the Sea” is on.
Opening Times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Bondi Beach, Bondi, Sydney, Australia
6. Visit Sydney Opera House
Opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is the most recognisable symbol of both Sydney and Australia. It’s also considered one of the 20th century’s greatest buildings. Designed to resemble a ship at sea with its roof appearing as a billowing white sail, Sydney Opera House is one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world. Housing a large complex of theatres and halls that play host to a wide range of performing arts. The Opera House also offers fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ tours and spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a pre-show beverage or bite at one of the many restaurants and bars along the Opera House’s western side.
Opening Times: Daily 0900-1700 (tours).
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: Yes
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney, Australia
7. Explore the Art Gallery Of New South Wales
Featuring the Yiribana Gallery, the world’s largest permanent exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s foremost art museums. Among its most impressive exhibitions is its Australian art collection, extending from the early colonial period to the mid 20th century. The Asian Galleries showcase the gallery’s significant Asian collection and touring exhibitions. Shortlisted portraits in the Archibald Prize (Australia’s most prestigious and controversial art award) are exhibited here annually.
Opening Times: Thurs-Tues 1000-1700, Wed 1000-2100.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Art Gallery Road, Sydney, 2000, Australia
8. Hug a koala at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo boasts the largest variety of Australian flora and fauna under one roof, including Koala Encounter and Kangaroo Walk-About, providing a complete all-Australian wildlife experience in the heart of Darling Harbour. Visitors can watch over 6,000 animals including wallabies and wombats, sugar gliders and scrub pythons, living in their natural habitats and ecosystems.
Opening Times: Daily 0930-1700 (last entry 1600)
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Aquarium Pier, 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, Sydney, 2000, Australia
9. Roam through the Centennial Parklands
A grand park in the European tradition, the Centennial Parklands features landscaped gardens, statues, historic monuments and houses, ponds, formal gardens, wildlife habitat areas and grand avenues. There is a restaurant, cafe and facilities for every active pursuit under the sun.
Opening Times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Grand Drive, Bondi, Sydney, Australia
10. Wander through Royal Botanic Gardens
A short walk from Sydney Opera House and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Royal Botanic Gardens sits on a slope overlooking the harbour and covers 30 hectares (74 acres) in the heart of the city. Established in 1816, it is Australia’s oldest scientific institution and home to over one million specimens. Highlights include the Sydney Tropical Centre and the Rose Garden; there is a hop-on, hop-off trackless train to get around them all.
Opening Times: Daily 0700-1930 (Oct); daily 0700-2000 (Nov-Feb); daily 0700- 1830 (March); daily 0700-1800 (Apr and Sep); daily 0700-1730 (May and Aug); daily 0700-1700 (Jun-Jul).
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Mrs. Macquaries Road, Sydney, Australia
