Sydney is Australia’s oldest and largest city. Although not the capital, it is home to more than four million people. Located on the eastern coastline of Australia, Sydney spans a distance of 1,430 square miles. Sydney has one of the world’s most cosmopolitan societies as the population consists of immigrants from many nations. Here is my Sydney travel guide of some of the bests things to see and do.
A popular city with much to see, Sydney’s location in relation to the Harbor makes it one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Many of the best attractions can be found within walking distance of the Opera House.
Resting on the banks of Sydney Harbor, the Opera House is the most recognizable structure in all of Australia. Unlike any other building on earth, the Opera House’s design is unique and futuristic. This is the work of Danish architect, Jorn Utzon, whose goal was to create a living structure that could be viewed from all angles.
The Sydney Harbor Bridge is another popular landmark and until 1967 was the city’s tallest structure. Before its completion in 1932, it took eight years and six million hand-driven rivets to build. It is the widest long-span bridge in the world, and connects the central business district and the North Shore.
A one of a kind adventure in Sydney is the Harbor Bridge, Bridgeclimb. You trek up to the summit of the bridge and are rewarded with spectacular views of the city. It is very safe as you have a harness connecting you to the bridge. Reaching the top is simply a matter of climbing ladders and walking up steps. Climbers must pass an alcohol breath test before starting the climb, so if you are afraid of heights, you’ll have to find another method of courage-building beforehand.
Two great sections of town to check out are the Rocks and Darling Harbor. Both are packed with shops and restaurants, and are nice places to have lunch and spend the afternoon. The Rocks is the oldest area in Sydney and also encompasses Fortune of War, which is the city’s oldest pub.
On a clear day, be sure to find your way to the top of the Sydney Tower. Standing at 1,000 feet, it’s the tallest free-standing structure in Australia. It also features an observation deck which is the highest in the southern hemisphere. Have lunch or dinner at one of the two revolving restaurants for a unique dining experience.
If you’re looking to take a break from all the bustle of the city, two beautiful places to stroll are Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Both located in the city center, they are a perfect place to wind down after a long day of sightseeing. The Gardens occupy 74 acres and house a huge collection of plants originating in Australia and oversees.
Because of Sydney’s close proximity to the Harbor and the Pacific Ocean, it’s no wonder that water sports play a huge role in citizens’ lives. Sailing and surfing are very popular. For a day under the sun, check out Bondi Beach. It is the city’s most famous beach and has long been a destination of surfers from all over the world, who come in search of that perfect wave. The trendy cafes and festivals also make it a Sydney hotspot.
There are also many sights to see on the outskirts of Sydney. Just to the West is the town of Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Although very crowded with tourists, it is an awesome place to visit. The Blue Mountains, named for the blue haze in the air caused by light striking the eucalyptus, are very pretty. Overlooks provide panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and rock formations. The most popular are the giant rocks of Three Sisters. Aboriginal legend states that three sisters fell in love with three men from a neighboring tribe. Because tribal law forbid the marriage to take place, a battle broke out and the sisters were turned to stone by a witch doctor in order to keep them safe.
Australia is a vast continent with many interesting and beautiful places. From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef, it offers a variety of playgrounds for those looking for adventure. However, if it is your first visit, Sydney is a great city to start your journey.
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