The climate, the people, the location on the Pacific, the mythical beaches and the atmosphere, Sydney is an exciting city where you feel good and where you do not get bored. Many activities and visits are expected during your getaway in the city. If you would like to visit Sydney in comfort on one of our great value Sydney Private Tours, you can follow this link: https://dailysydneytours.com/sydney-day-tours/
Sydney can definitely be explored without a tour and if that is what you are going to do here is a small list of sites not to be missed!
WHAT TO DO IN SYDNEY? THE UNAVOIDABLE
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sydney is opera. It’s beautiful to have seen hundreds of times in pictures or on TV, when we face the sumptuous monument designed by the Danish architect Jorn Utzon, we remain taped. The Sydney Opera House is the emblem of the city, or even Australia.
It is possible to do a guided tour for 35 dollars, with a departure every 30 minutes but also to see shows, concerts and of course plays. Enjoy a drink at the Sydney Opera Bar, the view is great!
MACQUARIE STREET & ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Macquarie Street is the long artery that leads to the opera from Hyde Park and has a number of colonial-era buildings. Several monuments follow one another: Mitchell Library, Parliament House but also the Cathedral Sainte Mary. All blend in perfectly with Sydney’s urban landscape.
To the east of the opera and on the edge of Sydney Bay, the huge Royal Botanic Gardens is the perfect place to have a picnic and have a good time while admiring the view of the Opera House. Mrs Macquarie Point. It is accessed by Art Gallery Road and Macquarie Street.
CIRCULAR QUAY
Circular Quay, Sydney’s historic and nerve center, is also home to ferries to Manly Beach and other parts of the city every day. There are some souvenir shops, small snacks where to taste the famous “pie” (meat pies) but also change offices, ticket machines and toilets.
HARBOR BRIDGE
The Sydney Harbor Bridge, another emblem of the city stands on the beautiful bay of Sydney. The huge metal bridge offers a spectacular view of the opera house. You can drive, you can walk and you can climb (against the modest sum of 198 dollars anyway). It is accessed at the entrance to the Rocks neighborhood, just behind Circular Quay.
A quick tip, take the subway to Milsons Point station and cross the bridge on foot, then visit The Rocks. Count 30 good minutes all the same!
THE ROCKS DISTRICT
A historic landmark of the colonial era, the Rocks is Sydney’s oldest neighborhood, where the first British settlers took up residence. Located at the foot of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and 5 minutes from Circular Quay, it mixes modernity and history with its cobblestone streets and homes of particular architecture. There are small shops, some restaurants but also a small market where you can feast with different cuisines of the world!
DARLING HARBOR
A former dockside area converted into a tourist attraction, Darling Harbor stretches out around Cockle Bay. It includes shops, museums, aquarium, cinema but also shops, cafes and restaurants. Darling Harbor is lively throughout the day but the perfect time to enjoy it is in the early evening at sunset.
It can be reached from Chinatown, past the Chinese Garden of Friendship or across the Pyrmont Bridge, the world’s first rocking electric bridge, from Market Street. Ferries connect Darling Harbor to Circular Quay and vice versa.
BONDI BEACH
Bondi Beach is the place to be in Sydney. The best known and probably the longest beach.
The best way to experience Bondi Beach is from Coogee and the 6km coastal path. Not only is there a breathtaking view of Bondi as you arrive, but all along the walk you get to beautiful turquoise beaches and coves. The ride is really nice to do but do not go on Sunday, at the risk of finding yourself in the traffic jams on the trail!
To get there by bus, take number 333 or 380 to Bondi Beach.
MANLY BEACH
Further north of Sydney is the long and beautiful beach of Manly, a surfers paradise. After Bondi, it is the second most popular beach in the city.
To get there, take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf. The crossing lasts 30 minutes and offers a superb view of the bay. In Manly, take the opportunity to reach the beautiful little cove of Shelly Beach and take the path that joins the Sydney Harbor National Park.
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Less than 2 hours from Sydney, this large national park plunges us into a breathtaking natural scenery: mountain, eucalyptus forest, flourishing fauna and flora and plenty, wide open spaces. It’s a beautiful place that has only titillated my desire to explore Australia as a whole.
A day is enough to discover the Blue Mountains, but if you can, plan at least 2 days. You can book our Blue Mountains Private tour or read here how to explore Blue Mountains in a day. You can also read here about the best restaurants in Blue Mountains.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
When to go to Sydney?
The best times to discover Sydney are spring, March to April and fall, October-November. We were there at the end of October and the weather was beautiful: sun and heat at will.
Visa for Australia
Before you go to Australia, you should apply for tourist visa. Read more here: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/600-
Where to change money?
In Chinatown again. You will find some exchange offices where the rates are very correct and without commission.
Where to eat ?
In Chinatown, again and again. There is food court where you enjoy for three times nothing.
Where to buy UGG?
Almost everywhere! There are many shops in the city center.
Where to have a drink?
At the Sydney Opera Bar, from where you will enjoy a superb view of the Harbor Bridge.
So, when do you leave for Sydney?