Sydney Sightseeing

As Australia’s largest city, you would naturally expect Sydney to have an impressive array of tourist attractions. Indeed it does. But what makes the ‘Emerald City’ so pleasant is that most of its star highlights are loved and used by the residents as much as the many visitors. From architectural icons such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to living hubs of activity like The Rocks and Darling Harbour, travellers will have to face the daunting task of choosing what to do first. Fortunately, most of the real gems are clustered around the harbour area, making it easy to see a lot.

Darling Harbour
The waterfront tourist hub of Darling Harbour is Sydney’s most entertaining and diverse district. Home to the world-class Sydney Aquarium, a handful of museums, and the splendid Chinese Garden, visitors could spend their whole trip in this single location. There are certainly enough choices to eat and drink here. For entertainment, there’s the massive Star City Casino, IMAX Theatre and the Sydney Entertainment Centre. A monorail will whisk you around this sprawling complex in style. Phone: +61 2 9281 0788.

Royal Botanic Gardens
This lovely botanical garden in the heart of Sydney was founded in 1816 and still serves as the green lungs of the city. There are few activities more relaxing in Sydney than a stroll along one of the garden’s winding paths which lead from garden to garden. Several dedicated buildings like the Sydney Tropical Centre, Fernery and the First Farm add some extra interest to the idyllic surroundings. Guided walks are offered every morning, or you can opt for the scenic train tour. The gardens are located on Mrs Macquaries road. Phone: +61 2 9231 8111.

Sydney Aquarium
If there’s one tourist attraction not to pass by, it’s Sydney’s mind-boggling aquarium in Darling Harbour. Certainly among the world’s top three aquariums, the highlights here run for pages. The Great Barrier Reef section is only rivaled by the reef itself, and the jellyfish displays are quite surreal. The real crowd-pleasers however are the two underwater walkways which pass through giant tanks. One is filled with playful seals swimming about, and the other with nurse sharks and giant manta rays. Avoid visiting at the weekend if you can, as the locals love this place as much as you will. The aquarium is located on Aquarium Pier. Phone: +61 2 9262 2300.

Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney’s closest national park borders the city itself, covering parts of the Inner Harbour before stretching inland into the bush. This park is the best quick nature fix if you want to see a bit of the native flora and fauna without leaving the city. A great walk runs from Manly to Spit Bridge. This six-mile scenic trail is popular, and the views across Sydney Harbour are unbeatable. A few remnants of Aboriginal rock art are signposted along the way to add some culture to the experience. Phone: +61 2 9977 1088.

Sydney Opera House
This global icon of architectural creativity is the epitome of Sydney and well worth a closer look. Said to have the finest acoustics on the planet, the Opera House maintains a constant schedule of performance arts. It’s location at the edge of the harbour is amazing, and every Sunday you can catch a free performance of some kind on the boardwalk that fronts the venue. Phone: +61 2 9250 7111.

The Rocks
The last remaining bastion of Old Sydney is preserved at The Rocks. This restored village from the 1800s sits at the edge of Harbour Bridge and is considered the birthplace of Australia. Quaint cobblestone lanes dotted with authentic gas lamps give access to Sydney’s oldest buildings, many of which have been converted into interesting pubs, restaurants and shops. There’s a lot to see in The Rocks, so it’s a good idea to head straight to the Visitor Centre on George street to get an essential map before stepping back in time. Phone: +61 2 9240 8500.

Add a dose of adventure to the best views in Sydney by doing the Bridge Climb. The Harbour Bridge is a Sydney icon, containing eight lanes of road, two railroad tracks and a pedestrian walkway. The views from the top of this beautiful structure are jaw-dropping, and the only way to enjoy them is to join a group climb to the top. No technical skills are required, just a sense of adventure. This is one of only three bridge climbs in the world. The less daring can climb the 200 steps to the Pylon Lookout, which has great views as well. For a more casual experience, you can stroll across the bridge on the pedestrian walkway.

Dive with sharks at Oceanworld Manly. Sydney Aquarium is certainly more impressive, but it doesn’t offer you the chance to get in the water with a bunch of giant sharks. Oceanworld has a unique programme where even non-qualified divers can learn the basics and swim in a tank with huge grey nurse sharks. This unique experience is complemented by nice exhibits on Barrier Reef fish and the five most poisonous snakes on earth.

Get the full Australian experience in one go at Sydney Tower’s Skytour. This steel structure is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, and the breathtaking views from the observation deck stretch all the way to the Blue Mountains. As a bonus, your ticket gets you into Skytour, a series of simulation rooms each focusing on a different Australian landmark. The grand finale is a strapped-in simulator ride in front of a 180 degree movie screen. You will climb Ayers Rock, go whitewater rafting and run away from a crocodile without even leaving your seat.

Learn to surf at the legendary Bondi Beach. Surfing and Australia go hand in hand, and Sydney happens to be the home of one of the nation’s most famous surf spots. Bondi Beach is well-known throughout the world for its surf break, so what better place to learn the sport. There are several surf shops that can teach you all you need to know including how to paddle out, stand up, and catch your first wave.

Take a boat cruise on Sydney Harbour. Cruising around one of the planet’s most beautiful natural harbours is a popular excursion in Sydney. Once you’re out on the water, it’s easy to see why. The views across the skyline are unlike any others, adding a depth and perspective that you just can’t get standing on the shore, the bridge or the tower. Numerous tour companies run every kind of cruise imaginable. There are sunset cruises, dinner cruises, cabaret show cruises, and booze cruises. You name it.

Tour some of the wonderful national parks surrounding Sydney. The city is literally ringed by stunning national parks, all within easy driving distance of Sydney. To the west are the mysterious Blue Mountains; to the south lies the incredible Royal National Park; and to the northeast is Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with its legendary wild flowers. Each of these parks has great walking trails, good infrastructure and plenty of wildlife.