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About the City (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
The City or CBD
All of Sydney's wealth and power is on prominent display here. The area of the city is quite extensive, and it is useful to break it up into North and South, as the locals do. The real action is in the North. Modern buildings characterise the nerve center of the city itself. A quick walk to Darling Harbour will give you an idea what modern Australia looks like. Since it is the main financial and commercial centre, the City houses major international companies where everybody goes to work. |
Inner East & Outer West
If you notice the huge Coca-Cola sign then you will know that you have reached the Inner East. Composed of suburbs as King Cross, Darlinghurst, Paddington. Colourful and naughty nightlife. The Inner West has now become an interesting area filled with the best cafes and restaurants in the city. With an eclectic and bohemian atmosphere, there is a unique Italian culture scene in Leichardt and famous boutiques and shops in Balmain. Outer highly concentrated with Vietnamese, Thais, and other Asians. |
The Rocks
The Rocks takes its name from the grand sandstone houses that dominated its streets during the 1800s. Gradually, the suburb fell into disrepair, and in the 1900s it became one of Sydney's most notorious slums. But recent decades have seen the area regain its former caché - it's now one of the city's ritziest retail and dining spots. Despite the tackiness of some of the more touristy stores, The Rocks retains a certain bygone charm, reflected in the historic pubs and abundance of narrow streets. |
Circular Quay
Circular Quay is the hub of Sydney Harbour, situated at a small inlet called Sydney Cove, the founding site for Sydney and Australia. It is a stepping-off point for most attractions based around the harbour and an exciting place to be on a warm summer's day. The quay is a vibrant, bustling place with ferries leaving every few minutes to different parts of the harbour, including Manly, Watsons Bay, Mosman and Taronga Park Zoo. Offering spectacular views, Circular Quay is a must-see. |
Darling Harbour
Prior to European settlement, Darling Harbour was known to the local Aboriginal people, the Cadigal, as a meeting place. These days, attractions such as Sydney Aquarium, the National Maritime Museum and an IMAX theatre have made Cockle Bay a popular family destination, while the city's 'suits' prop up the many bars here of an evening. Although a rampant tourist Mecca, it's still worth wandering down here to take in the sights. From fireworks to jazz festivals, always something going on. |
Harbour Bridge
As Australian as cork hats and barbecues, the 'Coat Hanger', as it's known, has dominated the Sydney skyline since 1932. Security fencing along the pedestrian walkway prevents great photo opportunities from street level, prompting many visitors to sign up for Bridge Climb, whereby participants don a particularly unflattering grey jumpsuit to ascend a staircase to the summit. Despite nearing its first century, the structure still holds the title of the world's widest long-span bridge. |
Opera House
The venue plays host to more than 1,600 performances each year, from classic opera to rock concerts, stand-up comedy and dance performances. Guided tours provide an opportunity to learn a little more about the history that has unfolded within 1,000 rooms of this UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece, while fine diners can enjoy stunning views and cuisine at Guillaume at Bennelong, located in the venue's southern tail. Catch one of the many amazing performances. |
Sydney Tower
The Sydney Tower Eye - often referred to by Sydneysiders as Sydney Tower, Centrepoint Tower, AMP Tower, Westfield Centrepoint Tower or Sydney Skytower, amongst other names - has been an integral part of the skyline. Ranked as one of the safest buildings in the world, the striking design has made the tower capable of withstanding earthquakes and extreme wind conditions. Three double deck lifts provide access to the Observation Deck and restaurants. |
Bondi Beach
It's well and truly established as one of Sydney's major tourist attractions. But there is far more to this area than the beach, as great as the beach is, packed to the inch on a warm Summer Saturday. It's intoxicatingly easy to lose days to the delights of Bondi Beach, and to lose your nights in the bars and clubs that make the area one of Sydney's favorite nighttime playgrounds. But make sure you explore along the coast. The cliff top walk from Bondi to Coogee is certainly one of the highlights. |
Bronte Beach
Probably the most family-friendly beach in Sydney hemmed in by sandstone cliffs and a grassy park, Bronte lays claims to the title of the oldest surf life-saving club in the world (1903). Bronte Beach has three standout features: a small beach encased by two headlands, giving it a private feel; an enormous park complete with barbecue huts; and a fantastic strip of trendy cafes and restaurants. There’s a kiosk andchanging room attached to the surf club, and outdoor seating near the coin-op barbecues. |
Cockatoo Island
Recently added to the World Heritage List as part of 11 convict sites, Cockatoo Island is Sydney's largest island, located by ferry from Circular Quay. Unique remnants of the island's history include solitary prison cells, hand carved silos, a guardhouse and convict workshops. The island was also an industrial school, a reformatory and one of Australia's biggest shipyards. Cockatoo Island is open to the public daily, offering major events, exhibitions, venue hire, accommodation, tours, etc. |
Bare Island
Bare Island is a small island in south-eastern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is located about 16km south east of the Sydney central business district, close to the northern headland of Botany Bay. Bare Island offers some great diving and there are a variety of different dives you can do around Bare Island. Bare Island is connected by a footbridge to the suburb of La Perouse. The island was featured in Mission: Impossible II and East West 101. |
Glebe
Glebe can lay claim to the title of Sydney's most vibrant and "alternative" community. Adjacent to 2 universities, home to 1000s of academics and students. At long Glebe Point Road, there are tiny eateries, cheap eats galore, bookshops, galleries and old-style pubs such as The Nag's Head. At the end is Jubilee Park, perfect for harbourside picnics and a walk along the relaxing Foreshore Walk. Don't miss great food, bargains and retro fashion at Saturday's Glebe Markets. |
2 Danks Street
Danks Street gives the general public direct access to artists and their work. A hive of creativity, this Waterloo arts complex is a working centre for Sydney's emerging artists, photographers and designers, and also hosts regular, expert-led panel discussions on a range of arts-related topics. The attached Danks Street Depot is an award-winning cafe/restaurant with a daily changing menu. Most artworks are for sale. Saturday mornings are the best. |
Writer's Walk
Writers, with their metal plaques embedded along the walkway around Sydney's Circular Quay are being honored, and their lives and works celebrated, on the Sydney Writers Walk. You will find these plaques all around the city. The writers represented on Writers Walk include not only Australians but also those who lived in, or visited, Australia, such as D H Lawrence, Rudyard Kipling and Mark Twain. Stroll along Writer's Walk along Circular Quay. |
Sydney Fish Market
Australia's seafood is world renowned and here you'll see hundreds of species in all their glory. It's the second largest fish market in the world (after Tokyo), and it's where all the top chefs come, as well as hordes of locals. Local specialties include Balmain lobster and rock oysters. You can grab a quick lunch (just choose the seafood you want and most places will cook it up in front of you) then eat it outside next to the bobbing fishing boats. |
Royal Botonic Gardens
Accessed from the eastern side of the Opera House, the Gardens have been a fixture of Sydney life for 200 years, and are home to some 10,000 different plant species as well as a Herbarium, a Tropical Centre, a research library and numerous ornamental gardens. Open year-round, the beautifully manicured lawns and spectacular harbour views make the Gardens a favourite picnic spot. Follow the waterfront path until you reach Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, a huge sandstone seat carved by convicts. |
Centennial Parklands
Encompassing 3 adjoining parks Centennial, Moore and Queens Park in Eastern Suburbs, this lush 360-hectare oasis is large enough for to find their own quiet corner to take a cheeky afternoon snooze. Explore a wider section of the vast grounds peppered with ponds, statues and Australian native flora via bicycle or on rollerblades (both can be hired on-site), or opt for horse-riding tour at the Equestrian Centre. The Moore hosts an excellent produce market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. |
Sydney Olympic Park
Apart from its ultra-modern sport venues, the Olympic Park is set in extensive parklands. Bicentennial Park, one of Sydney’s most popular recreational areas and picnic spots, is criss-crossed with walking and bicycle tracks. At Sydney Olympic Park Visitor Centre, you’ll be able to find out about tours of this famous venue audio, behind-the-scenes, cycling. Major sporting games are staged here throughout the year as well as rock concerts and other spectaculars. |
Anzac Bridge
Spanning Johnstons Bay at Glebe, is one of Sydney's most recognisable landmarks, together with its commemorative Digger statue. Anzac Bridge has a main span of 345 metres, and a total length of more than 800 metres. From two 120-metre-high towers, 128 stay cables support the reinforced concrete deck. It is the longest cable-stayed span bridge in Australia and among the longest concrete cable-stayed span bridges in the world. Key link between city centre and suburbs to west. |
The Justice & Police Museum
The building's heavy blocks of sandstone, spiked gates, winding steps and corridor of cells reinforce the museum's themes of crime and punishment and law and order. The museum features a magistrates court, a recreated police charge room and remand cells, a gallery of mug shots of Sydney's early criminals and an array of spine chilling weapons. It also showcases weird and wonderful relics from notorious crimes and original objects associated with major crimes. |
Powerhouse Museum
This popular museum showcases the best of human ingenuity. Changing exhibitions range from fashions, cutting-edge design to photographic competitions, indigenous stories, school holiday programs and more and home to some 400,000 artifacts. First Harry Potter, now Chronicles of Narnia - the highly interactive exhibition lets fans walk through the proverbial wardrobe into the wonderful world of Narnia, as portrayed in the blockbuster film. based on C.S. Lewis's classic fantasy series. |
Museum of Contemporary Art
The MCA is housed in the Art Deco-style former Maritime Services Board building overlooking Sydney Harbour, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is one of the best places in central Sydney to escape for a reflective moment. The gallery's constantly-rotating exhibitions range from the controversial to the explicit but the real drawcard here is 'Volume One: MCA Collection', an entire floor dedicated to the works of more than 170 contemporary Australian artists. |
Art Gallery of NSW
A treasurehouse of various types of art in permanent and temporary visiting collections. The Art Gallery of New South Wales houses extensive art collections including Australian art from the colonial period, Asian and European art, and an extensive Aboriginal collection in the Yiribana Gallery. The Domain is a large grassy area set aside for public recreation. The Art Gallery is normally open from 9am to 5pm daily. Entry and scheduled tours are free to public. |
Taronga Zoo
Zoological garden, featuring fine collection of native animals and a diverse collection of exotic species. What makes Taronga something special is its location. It is situated on elevated land along the waterfront, in one of the most beautiful vantage points on Sydney Harbour. A must see while there is the new Great Southern Oceans exhibit. Covering 1.2 hectare, it features Australian Sea Lions, Australian Fur Seals, NZ Fur Seals, Californian Sea Lions, Leopard Seals, Penguins and Pelicans. |
Wild Life Sydney Zoo
It features interactive displays, inspiring and entertaining daily shows, captivating daily feeding sessions and enhanced walk-through habitats including Koala Encounters, Heart of Australia, and Butterfly Tropics. WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is Australia's most unique and best wildlife park and it's conveniently located right in the heart of Sydney on Darling Harbour. Meet Rex, the huge 5 metre crocodile in Kakadu Gorge, see creatures of the night in the Nightfall habitat, and much more. |
Sydney Aquarium
It boasts the world’s largest collection of all-Australian aquatic life featuring a number of habitats, 60 tanks and three oceanariums set in the heart of Sydney on Darling Harbour. Sydney Aquarium showcases more than 12,000 aquatic animals from 650 species, in spectacular habitat displays. Visit Mermaid Lagoon, featuring two of only six dugongs on display anywhere in the world. Walk under water and explore Australia's rich and diverse aquatic life and habitats. |
Sea Life Manly
Across three levels, visitors have the chance to interact with a wide variety of marine life, as well as see the Penguin Cove, where they can discover a colony of Manly's iconic Little Penguins. With an abundance of incredible marine life, from Cuttlefish, Lionfish, baby sharks, Seahorses to Octopuses, there is so much to see here. Also home to huge sharks, giant stingrays and turtles that you can dive with at Shark Dive Xtreme, suitable for first time and experienced divers. Experience animal conservation in action. |
Luna Park
Superbly restored amusement park! It’s an entertainment precinct where you can see shows and concerts in the Big Top, or enjoy an intimate meal with spectacular Harbour views The Deck Sydney. You can throw a party for the kids, have your dream wedding, or even host a gala event for up to 2,000 in one the state of the art Crystal Palace Venues. Voted Australia's favourite ride by Luna Park fans, the Wild Mouse is Sydney's only hair-raising rollercoaster with a world class view. |
Madame Tussauds
Revel in the unique atmosphere of glamour, fame and history at Madame Tussauds Sydney and go on an interactive star-studded journey through the world of music, sport, culture, film and much, much more! ow you can get up close and personal with over 70 of the world's iconic celebrities and our very own Aussie stars! People you usually never meet in real life are now taking their time for a picture with you. Don’t forget your camera! Enjoy the glitz and glamour. |
Sydney Observatory
Located on Observatory Hill, it is now a working museum where evening visitors can observe the stars and planets through a modern 40 cm schmidt-cassegrain telescope and a historic 29 cm refractor telescope built in 1874. By day, you can observe our active Sun with special safety filters, on occasion see the Moon and even glimpse the brightest stars and planets in our sky.Host of stunning short films in the 3D space theatre. Private telescope viewing sessions are available. |
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is a Canadian entertainment company based in Montreal (QC), its various shows and performances are held all over the world. OVO is now playing Under the Big Top on The Showring at the Entertainment Quarter. OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects' home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action. |
Westfield
If you've only got time to visit one Sydney mall, this is it. This shiny new CBD space houses more than 330 specialty stores including Australian-first store openings by international luxury labels including Bottega Veneta, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Fürstenberg, and Miu Miu, just to name a few. If you're from out of town, present your driver’s license or passport at the Concierge Desk to receive a Privilege Card offering exclusive discounts. Consider enlisting an in-house personal stylist. |
Aesop
In a city with such a vibrant outdoor culture Sydneysiders take skincare seriously. Arguably Australia's biggest beauty export, botanical hair and skincare brand Aesop have several minimalist-style storefronts in Sydney where specially-trained staff can 'prescribe' personalised potions in trademark, pharmaceutical-style brown glass bottles. So dedicated are they to creating products of exceptional quality, the Aesop team spent 10 years perfecting an SPF 15 moisturiser launched in 2011. |
Red Eye Records
Spinning Sydney 'round since 1981. Even in the age of rampant digital piracy, this York Street institution thrives on its long-standing promise to connect music lovers the world over with rare, out-of-print and unique Australian sounds, from ambient electro to hardcore punk. The effortlessly cool and super-knowledgeable staff here can also help you find Australian major label and independent releases and import titles, with frequent shipments from US, UK and the world over. |
Kirribilli Markets
Every fourth Saturday of each month from January to November and on the first and third Saturdays of December, Sydney's fashion set spring clean their wardrobes here to the delight of bargain hunters city-wide. With 120 stalls offering new or second-hand fashion and accessories, antiques and bric-a-brac, it's the perfect place to pick up a pre-loved designer dress or two for peanuts. Arrive at 8.30am sharp to bag the best bargains – it'll be slim pickings after 11am. |
Tunnel Nightclub
This phoenix from the flames is a favorite with celebs and after-show parties. This is a popular nightspot for celebrities due to the owner's sizeable 'little black book'. It used to be the infamous Dragonfly. Trendy weekend haunt of wannabe supermodels and on-the-fringe hip hoppers, constantly on the lookout for someone more famous than them to walk through the door. Music is contemporary, with very much a 'live' feel, but sometimes it's hard to get in, since all the big guns are inside. |
Ivy Bar
Part of the Merivale complex of shops, bars and restaurants, the Ivy Bar is way cooler. The vibe is fresher, classier, and perfect for catching up with friends in one of the many little cushioned corners hidden behind the palm plants. In the evenings, the bar becomes a smart nightclub, and it's where you'll find the glamorous set showing off a few choice moves by the balconies, as they wait for their silver-plattered snacks to arrive from the kitchen. It's not cheap. |
Arq Club
Gay or straight, no self-respecting clubber can come to Sydney and not check out what's happening at Arq. Welcoming to starlets of all persuasions, the club is divided into two rooms - "The Arena", with it's adjustable ceiling and pillarless floor space, which plays host to some gloriously high-camp stage shows, and the downstairs "Vortex", which is more geared towards the DJs and dancers. Entry is often free, especially in the winter months, and the drinks are cheap. |
Home Nightclub
Three floors of music for hard-core clubbers, even those on the guest list have to pay if they arrive after 10.30pm, such is the demand to get in here. This place is so big, it's like having a night out in a shopping mall. Capable of hosting 2,100 people, it's divided into several different club rooms over three levels, including a roof terrace with obscenely stunning views worth the entrance fee alone. You'll undoubtedly have to queue, whenever you go, but you'll be in heaven here. |
Icebergs Dining Room & Bar
The uber-modern restaurant, all candles and floor-to-ceiling glass, is perfect. For something more laid-back, head for the bar, full of sofas and wicker swings, and munch on a few tapas plates. Wherever you eat, though, what people really come for are the drop-dead-gorgeous cliff views and equally-attractive clientele. Settle in with a bellini, and watch the sun set over the erstwhile surfers gliding onto the beaches below. The coral trout and oregano risotto is superb and quite popular. |
Otto Ristorante
Not your average Italian, Otto Ristorante likes to put a 21st century spin on familiar classics, so it's risotto with figs, and pappardelle with venison and cranberries. No boring carbonaras, here. It's not the cheapest place; the pistachio semi-freddo is such a work of art, it's a shame to take a spoon to it. The restaurant itself is a chic, modern space, popular with Sydney's in-crowd of celebrity diners and the waterside location and impressive views are worth spending the extra dollars for. |
Harry's Cafe de Wheels
House speciality is 'Harry's Tiger', a chunky beef pie with mushy peas, gravy and mash, which fly out the window at lunchtimes. Other flavors include cheese and bacon, curry chicken, seafood and veggie. Harry's is so famous they even have their own merchandising range, and celebrity fans include Brooke Shields and Kevin Costner. Elton John once held a press conference from inside Harry's van. Boardwalk-style metal van greets you on approach, there's nothing greasy or tacky about this place. |
Little Ethel's
This quirky little place stands out in what is a mainly residential area, where the loyal locals are happy to queue out of the door most mornings, not just for the great coffee, but for the generous brunches cooked up by barista-cum-chef, Jamie. The coffee is Little Ethel's own blend, from the famous Single Origin Roasters. It's impossible to get a seat between 8am-10am, so come later to avoid the rush. Eccentric excellence are only parts of delights in this European-style cafe. |
Shangri-La
Every room at the Shangri-La has a best of Sydney view of the harbor, although some rooms (and views) are better than others. A modern Asian style focused on the oriental blossom now ties things together. A nice touch, but nothing tops sitting in your room and staring out at the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. You can park in the window seat and soak it all in, especially early in the morning or at sunset. |
Marriott Hotel
Viewed from the harbor, the Marriott looks that squat younger sibling getting muscled out by its bigger, five-star rivals and the other skyscrapers that populate The Rocks and Circular Quay. But don’t be fooled, it’s still among the best of Sydney hotels. The operators spent millions renovating the rooms in 2011, giving them a more modern feel. Staff are helpful and seem genuinely eager to assist you. |
Establishment Hotel
This place with its loft-like designed spaces and dimly lit hallways that smell of incense feels like your chic pied-à-terre in Sydney. The majority of the 31 rooms (save two penthouses) have queen beds, sleek bathrooms (some with sliding walls), Bose sound systems, AppleTVs and iPads loaded with music, information on in-room dining and things to do in the city. No harbor views, but the best pancakes here. |
Diamant Hotel
Location. Location. Location. For anyone wanting to be in the thick of Sydney’s bar, restaurant and nightlife quarter, hotels don't come much better situated than this. Some suites are on the small side, but there are great add-ons, such as free gym passes, iPod docks in rooms and cheap Internet connections. The chic accommodations range from standard rooms to two-bedroom apartments. |
Festivals of Sydney
Sydney has named as the World’s Best Festival and Event City. Once autumn settles, spring enlivens Sydney, welcoming several exciting festivals that cater to each and every tourist and local. Some are International Food Festival (throughout October); Sculpture by the Sea (28 October – 14 November); Granny Smith Festival (16 October); Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival (22-24 October); Comedy Unleashed (20-21 October); Winterland (5-31 July); Oktoberfest (September) is held with huge gusto across the city. |
Mardi Gras
March 3rd There is no city in the world that celebrates Mardi Gras Parade like Sydney. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an annual gay pride festival where not only people all around Australia gather to attend this event but also tourists around the world. Thousands of people attending the parade will be dancing their way to Oxford Street with the outrageous and fantastic floats. After the parade, party-goers would stay awake till morning hours, partying the night away in all the wonderful clubs. |
Hobart Yacht Race
Boxing Day, December 26th The annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race draws challengers from around the globe. Racing yachts of various classes join the blue-water classic despite the dangers of the sea. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race follows a course down the eastern coast of New South Wales and Victoria, then crosses Bass Strait. It is a handicap race and the yacht winning line honors may not be the ultimate race winner. Nevertheless, there’s always the glory of being ahead of the rest. Organised by Cruising Yacht Club. |
Vivid Festival
May - June Vivid does many things – ‘lights, music and ideas’ is its rather broad tagline – but if you know only one thing about it, it’s that it turns the Opera House into a delightful psychedelic canvas which can entrance you for hours. Vivid is just about the only winter festival we’ve got, and while still young at three years old, it’s made itself a permanent fixture on the Sydney calendar. Vivid is the kind of festival which immerses the entire city for weeks at a time, and we’re very glad to have it. |
Sydney Festival
January 8th - 30th The whole city is turned into a summer wonderland, there’s something amazing to do every single night, and people flood to see performances while merrily sipping beer, cider, goon or all three. The Sydney Festival now has a total audience of about 1 million, making it the most attended cultural event in Australia. Every year the festival grows and improves, and with the state government recently giving the Festival a heap of cash to extend their program, it makes the prospects very exciting indeed. |
Field Day
New Year's Day Field Day is the indisputable king of New Years Day partying in Sydney. What began as a recovery party with a handful of house DJs and a few hundred punters has grown and diversified with each year. Slickly organised and always buzzing, it’s little wonder Field Day has endured. Its star attraction remains the grassy surrounds of The Domain, which in are filled with the likes of Justice, Public Enemy, Erol Alkan and Trentemoller. Local and international musical talent performs. |
St. Jerome's Laneway
February 5th The Laneway Festival’s success lies in their ability to present a line-up of consistently amazing, impeccably curated acts in some truly beautiful locations. The acts over the past two years – Florence & The Machine, The xx, Echo & The Bunnymen, Beach House, Deerhunter – have been some of the best at any festival in the country, This year the awed stuttering: Feist, Laura Marling, Austra, Cults, M83, The Horrors, Toro Y Moi, and on it goes. It's a hundred different kinds of amazing. |
Parklife
October 2nd This is pretty much Sydney's definitive indie-electro festival. You have your music, mud, the hint of illicit substances in the air, shirtless gentlemen in fluoro shorts. It resides at the beautiful Kippax Lake as a part of the Centennial Parklands. Last year’s line-up featured Missy Elliott, The Wombats, and Kele of Bloc Party fame, while this year brings us The Gossip, Santigold and Lykke Li. Parklife has become one of Sydney’s biggest festivals, tends to be pretty heavily monitored by police. |
Ride the City-to-Manly Ferry
Ask any respecting Sydneysider for their must-do in Sydney, and chances are it'll be this excursion. Leaving roughly every half hour from Circular Quay, the Manly ferry chugs past some of Sydney's most interesting sites during the 30-minute trip, from the 19th century Fort Denison prison to secluded harbour coves, the iconic Sydney Heads (harbour entrance) and an unbeatable view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Dolphins routinely glide in the ferry's wake. |
Take a Surf Lesson
With dozens of world-class surfing beaches on its doorstep, Sydney is the perfect place to take your first surf lesson. It may sound daunting, but lessons are held using foam boards to prevent injury, and by law, all instructors must hold government-regulated qualifications, so you're in safe hands. During 2 hour lesson you'll learn how to handle yourself and your board in the ocean. Requiring balance, agility and a healthy dose of confidence, surfing isn't easy, but once you master it, nothing beats the thrill. |
Swim in 60+ Beaches
While most visitors flock to world-famous Bondi Beach to join the bronzed lifeguards, sunburned backpackers and territorial surfers, the surrounding Eastern Suburbs beaches like Bronte, Tamarama, Clovelly and Coogee exude more of a relaxed, local vibe – on weekdays, at least. At Sydney's most northern tip (a 90-minute drive from the CBD) lies Palm Beach, a glorious stretch of sand housing some of Sydney's most exclusive real estate. Regular buses and the train line connect with eastern beaches. |
Whale Watching
Around 3000 whales migrate past (and sometimes come inside) Sydney Harbour so you’ve got a great chance of spotting one or two over the season that runs from May to November. Best viewing times are early morning or late afternoon. Cape Solander in Botany Bay National Park has a viewing platform and is known as one of the best whale-watching locations in Sydney. Fancy a close-up look? Whale-watching tours are the way to do it. Operators offer powerboat tours, departing from Rose Bay. |
Skywalk Experience
Skywalk at the Sydney Tower Eye is a breathtaking outdoor experience - 268 metres above the streets of Sydney. Step out onto the clouds as you venture across the glass-floor viewing platform for unique 360 degree views over glittering Sydney as your host points out the sights below. Skywalk will literally send you over the edge! Suspended from Sydney Tower's limits, you will get sensational 360-degree views of Sydney from 260m above street level! Don't miss it. |
The Bridge Climb
One of the most sought-after tourist experiences in Sydney, and one that almost every visitor seems to do while in town, is climbing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb. But it’s not just international travelers that come to admire the breathtaking views from the top of the “Coat Hanger’s” arch. Thirty-five percent of the over 2.5 million climbers who've scaled the structure since BridgeClimb began in 1998 have been Australians. Yeah, they seem pretty proud of it. |
4D Cinema Experience
It begins on the ground floor of the Sydney Tower, with fascinating facts about Sydney adorning the walls. See what makes Sydney the city it is through a whole new perspective with spectacular footage transporting you across Harbour, its famous coastline, iconic landmarks and events that are integral to the city. The engaging film experience is taken to the fourth dimension with evocative in-theatre effects including wind, bubbles and fire - a perfect way to get to know the inspiring city of Sydney. |
Hot Air Ballooning
Float above the historic Macarthur region or Penrith Valley in a beautiful balloon! Peaceful yet exhilarating, the hot air ballooning lasts for approximately one hour. Your Sydney adventure will finish with breakfast and a champagne toast! You will be welcomed by your pilot and friendly crew one hour before sunrise. Tea or coffee is available while you listen to your flight briefing. After approximately 1 hour of hot air ballooning you will be greeted by your crew as you land softly back down on earth. |
Whitewater Rafting
Penrith Whitewater at the foot of Blue Mountains is the only man-made whitewater river of its kind designed to recreate the characteristics of a wild river and provides the watercourse for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Guided and self-guided trips are offered. Both are 90-minutes in duration. Adventure level is moderate to high. he necessary equipment is provided and all fun takes place under the friendly guidance of their trained river guides. Get your adventure. |
Wine Tours
Leave Sydney for the day to taste award-winning regional foods and wines on a wine-tasting tour of the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine-producing region. You'll enjoy private vineyard inspections, gain insights into the wine making process, purchase premium Hunter Valley wines and enjoy the beautiful Australian countryside on your day trip from Sydney. Visit Lindemans, Hunter Resort, Bluetongue Brewery and McGuigans Winery. Includes three wine tastings. Stroll historic Wollombi Village. |
Hop a Ferry
Sailing not your thing? Don’t let that stop you from exploring Sydney’s nautical side. Dozens of ferries sail every day from the main hub, Circular Quay. Hop a ferry (and connecting bus) to visit the pristine and picturesque Balmoral, where you can soak in the calm atmosphere as you stroll along the beach. The seaside municipality of Manly has alluring beaches, surfing, boutiques and myriad coffee shops. A popular Watson’s Bay meal is fish-and-chips at Doyles on the Beach. |
Ferrari Drive Experience
At Prancing Horse, wannabe Schumachers get to experience a Ferrari drive that lets anyone with a valid driver’s license drive a quarter of a million dollars worth of Italian engineering through Sydney's Royal National Park and the dramatic Grand Pacific Drive. Participants drive in pairs, taking 45-minute turns in the driver’s seat of various models, including F430, 360, 355 Spider and 328 GTS. Drives cost AUD$999 per driver and AUD$799 for a passenger accompanying a driver. |
Popular side trips (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Blue Mountains
Located immediately to the west of the sprawling metropolian area that is Sydney, is one of the most accessible areas of highland natural beauty. It's renowned for its majestic scenery of a unique kind, for its cultural attractions and for its relatively tranquil, alternative mode of life. the spectacular Three Sisters rock formations, best viewed from Echo Point Road at Katoomba. The Zig Zag Railway is a historic railway, Enjoy The Scenic Skyway and Railway. The historic Jenolan Caves are only 55kms away. |
Newscastle
It is 150km south. But, at around one-tenth the size, Australia’s second-oldest city has Sydney-like assets: surf beaches, a sun-drenched subtropical climate, and diverse dining, nightlife and arts. Australia's seventh largest city, named by Lonely Planet as one of the best 10 places in the world to visit, "The Steel City" is less than an hour’s drive west to the Hunter Valley wineries, south to sailboat-filled Lake Macquarie, Stockton Beach is a five-minute ferry ride across harbour |
Port Stephens
Only 2.5 hrs away are golden sandy beaches, crystal clear water and blue skies that go on forever. Known for its nature and abundance of aquatic marine life and land activities on its uncrowded sandy beaches, sheltered bays and unspoilt national parks. Gourmet restaurants, boutique shopping as well as being the Dolphin Capital. Sand boarding on the dunes, dolphin watching on our pristine waterways, koala spotting, hire a bike, learn to surf. There is lots to do here at this family friendly place. |
Byron Bay
Located at the most easterly point in Australia Byron Bay is also one of the most naturally beautiful. A year round tropical paradise. Famed worldwide for its surfing beaches, scuba diving, whale watching, rural beauty and a laid back lifestyle. It is a major tourist centre.Well established destination for backpackers. Explore the 'Rainbow Region' - rural towns and sleepy villages, set in lush and particularly scenic countryside. The area is famed as a haven for alternative culture. |
Canberra
Visit beautiful Canberra on a day trip from Sydney. The nation's capital - a purpose built city, uWltra modern, with imposing architecture yet a rural charm of lakeside, gardens and open spaces. Come and discover this hi-tech city - home of superb national monuments, museums and galleries. Spring into a weekend getaway in the nation’s capital. Reconnect with family while enjoying fun activities in Canberra’s brilliant outdoors. Be inspired by Floriade, and immerse yourself in arts and culture. |
Ayers Rock, Uluru
Behold the intense colours of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Uluru is the world's largest monolith. Note that climbing the rock is considered a gross sacrilege by the indigenous people. The nearby Kata Tjuta, meaning 'many heads' and formerly known as The Olgas, is a series of 36 massive rock domes and a system of gorges and valleys. Visitors can walk through the Valley of the Winds and the Olga Gorge, and also visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, which has exhibitions on local history and geology. |
Cairns
Cairns is ideally located within striking distance of two stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, and its excellent transport links make it an easily accessible base from which to explore these sites. Australia's most popular tourist destination also boasts a new lagoon, an attractive addition to the city's landscape. The central man-made lagoon on The Esplanade, has room for 1,000 swimmers and is surrounded by pleasant grassy areas perfect relaxing. |
Road Trip from Sydney
When it comes to popular day trips from Sydney, the Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains are at the head of most folks' lists. But with such a beautiful coastline north and south of the harbor city, ocean drives are also a favorite of surfers, backpackers and any traveler getting away from the big smoke. With the sun shining, surf beaches and inlets along the New South Wales coast beckon everyone in Sydney. Take the The Grand Pacific Drive to Jervis Bay Road trip. |