Sydney – The Harbour City

Sydney harbour

Sydney – The Harbour City

Welcome to Sydney

If one city in Australia is world-renowned, it’s Sydney. With over four million inhabitants, the popularly known Harbour City bustles with energy and excitement, no wonder it’s a popular destination for tourists. From its iconic landmarks to its vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods and an abundance of eateries, you’ll never be short on things to do. Whether you’re looking to explore the sights and sounds or relax by the harbour, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city – a destination that welcomes travellers with an unforgettable experience.

How To Get There

Visiting Sydney is easy, with plenty of flight and transport options. The city’s major international airport is Sydney Airport (SYD) which also offers many domestic flights for visitors from other Australian cities. Once you’re in Sydney, getting around is a breeze. The comprehensive public transport system includes trains, buses, and ferries, making it easy to explore all the sights.

Places Of Interest

This vibrant city is known for its idyllic beaches, serene nature, the most world-famous landmarks, world-class dining and a buzzing entertainment scene.

Here are some highlights

Oprah House

This world-famous building, constructed in 1973, is best known for its unique sail-like architecture and for being one of the most-photographed buildings in the world!

Aside from simply admiring its exterior, visitors can also enjoy a variety of performances throughout the year, making it a genuinely multifaceted place of interest.

Inside you will be inspired by studios, a concert hall, theatres, rehearsal rooms, a restaurant and a spectacular open-air forecourt overlooking the city and the harbour. It’s free to visit anytime.

So, whether you’re interested in cultural events and history or want to take some fantastic photos, you can never go wrong with the Opera House. It is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Sydney.

We have attended a few shows at the Oprah house over the years and if you are into ballet or contemporary music, look out for any upcoming events.

Circular Quay

Circular Quay, famous for its stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, is also a commuter hub for passenger ferries, trams and pedestrians. It is located on the harbour front near The Rocks area, Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Also referred to as the “Gateway to Sydney“, and is the perfect vantage point for the fantastic Sydney New Year’s Fireworks!

Both tourists and locals love this popular spot, and there’s always something happening in the area with the presence of bars, restaurants, and shops. Circular Quay is located at the end of George Street, next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

Enjoy spectacular harbour views as you stroll around Circular Quay to Sydney Opera House, stopping at the many eateries to indulge your senses for casual or fine dining or have a drink and admire the fantastic views.

Harbour Bridge

One of the famous landmarks in Sydney is the Harbour Bridge. The bridge spans 490 meters across the harbour, being the world’s 6th longest bridge and the largest steel arch bridge when it opened—an excellent place for a walk or bike ride and plenty of nearby activities and attractions, such as the Bridge Climb. You can use your time admiring the stunning views of the harbour, the city skyline, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Several walking trails lead from the bridge to popular tourist destinations like Circular Quay and the Rocks. 

Vivid Sydney

Immerse yourself at Vivid Sydney – an annual event of light, music and ideas that includes outdoor light installations and projections, including performances by local and international musicians. For twenty-three days during May and June, each night at 6 pm, the city comes alive with an array of mesmerising lights displayed on iconic Sydney buildings from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour. A great time to experience the iconic Opera House with a colourful makeover of lights and fanfare.

The Sydney Tower Eye

The Sydney Tower Eye on Market Street, between Pitt & Castlereagh Street, was previously known as Centrepoint Tower, AMP Tower, or Westfield Tower.

Standing at a towering 315 metres above the city, The Sydney Tower Eye is one of Australia’s famous tourist attractions, boasting spectacular 360-degree views of the city and its surrounds. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction, taking in all of the city’s landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge and The Opera House. From high above is a great way to orient yourself with the city- where you can appreciate how vast and sprawling Sydney is.

Revolving Restaurant Sydney Tower

Ascend 81 levels above Sydney for a unique dining experience at the SkyFeast Sydney Tower amongst the clouds with incredible revolving views of the city skyline and harbour.

Watsons Bay is a beautiful spot for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. There’s a lovely sandy beach, and the harbour views are stunning. In addition to its natural attraction, Watsons Bay is also home to a few historical sites, including Fort Dennison and Macquarie Lighthouse. The latter is especially noteworthy as it’s the oldest working lighthouse in Australia.

Botany Bay

The famous Botany Bay is a must-see for any visitor to Sydney. This historic bay was the site of Captain James Cook’s first landing in Australia on 29 April 1770. It is now a beautiful parkland with ample hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities, where you can stroll along the coastline and take in sweeping ocean views.

Metro

Sydney Metro is the first fully automated driverless metro rail system in Australia.

If you want to get around Sydney and see all the different places of interest, the Metro is your best option. It’s cheap and efficient, and there are plenty of stops near the city’s main tourist attractions.

ANZ Stadium

This world-class sporting facility is home to various events, including rugby matches, football games, and concert performances. Beyond the stadium, the complex also features a range of other attractions, including a unique blend of shops and restaurants that offer state-of-the-art cuisines and local products.

The Grounds

Where To Stay

The Old Clare Hotel

Located in the heart of Sydney’s Chippendale neighbourhood, The Old Clare Hotel offers guests a unique experience, blending old-world charm with modern amenities. This 5-star hotel boasts its bar, restaurant, and outdoor terrace that offers easy access to some of Sydney’s top attractions, including Chinatown, Central Park, and the University of Technology Sydney.

 

General Gordon

General Gordon was built between 1887 and 1888 and took its name from General Charles George Gordon, who died during the Seige of Khartoum. It’s a 4-star hotel and pub known for its wide range of beers, ciders, spirits, and pub food such as burgers, pies, and salads. The pub also has a heated outdoor terrace that overlooks the harbour. 

 

Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney

Designed with the modern traveller in mind, Metro Aspire Hotel features a range of state-of-the-art facilities and services. The guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of natural light and sweeping city views. This 3-star hotel has a restaurant, bar, lounge area, gymnasium, and swimming pool. 

Where To Eat

If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in heaven in Sydney. It’s home to some of Australia’s best restaurants and international cuisine. Try fresh seafood and Australian delicacies at one of the many harbour-side eaters or explore the multicultural food scene in the suburbs like Chinatown and Little Italy.

There are a lot of places for good food in Sydney. Still, some of our favourites include the Grounds of Alexandria for the best coffees and homestyle foods, Quay Restaurant for waterfront dining, and Gelato Messina for delicious Italian gelato. For casual dining, we recommend checking one of the many food trucks always parked in different spots around town. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a good falafel or Vietnamese banh mi!

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