So what is there to do and see on a visit to Sydney? Here are 15 ideas for anyone visiting this vibrant city.

Words by: Travel the world and Smile Happy travelling with Davie

1. Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge

Get the best view possible of Sydney and its world famous harbour and Opera House by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can pre book this online at www.bridgeclimb.com there are a number of different options available. But having done it I can confirm it is a experience that will live long in the memory.


2. Visit The Sydney Opera House
Visit the world famous and other iconic building in Sydney, The Sydney Opera House. Now this is a working concert venue so you do have the option of going to a concert or show there, if something is on you like during the visit. Back stage tours are also available to see the inner workings of this classic building at www.sydneyoperahouse.com

3. A trip to the Blue Mountains

This stunning range of hills and temperate forrest are within easy reach of Sydney and trips to them are available. Here you will find some stunning viewpoints and scenery as well as the Worlds Steepest Railway that takes you down deep into the forrest below.


4. Stroll Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a popular recreational complex adjacent to Sydney city center with fantastic river views and plenty of venues to keep you fed and hydrated. It is also home to the National Maritime Museum.


5. Visit Bondi Beach
Visit possibly Australia’s, and definitely Sydney’s most famous Beach: Bondi Beach!!
This is a popular hangout for Sydney’s beach people and surfers, not to mention a few celebrities. There are also a number of bars and restaurants close by.
Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Bondi Beach


6. Have dinner at Circular Quay
This is where many of Sydney’s ferries dock but it’s also known to be the location of some of the cities gourmet dining options. Which include ARIA, the Sydney Cove Oyster Bar and Trapavino. However, there are also more pleasing to the budget options such as Vietnamese Street Food or a burger at City extra. You will have plenty of choice here.
Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia

Circular Quay


7. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens

The gardens were established in 1816 which makes them the country’s oldest gardens. They are situated only a few minutes walk from the Opera House. A number of guided and self guided tours are available. Or, why not take the Choo Choo Express and zip around the gardens by small train.


8. Visit Sydney’s Fun Fare

Get a adrenaline rush with a visit to Sydney’s very own fun fare overlooking the harbour at Luna Park. If this is your thing you can purchase a Unlimited ride pass online or at the park on the day.


9. Take the ferry to the seaside town of Manly

This is a relaxed beach suburb of Sydney. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals to escape the city and enjoy a fun day at the beach. It has numerous beach activities on offer alongside a good selection of bars, cafes and restaurants.


10. Go full Aussie and catch a game!!

Visit the SCG and like the locals watch a sports game. The SCG arena has something going on most weekends of the year as the venue plays host to a range of sports from Cricket, Rugby and the AFL.


11. Visit Taronga Zoo
Go get close to the locals!! Visit Taronga Zoo. This is a short ferry crossing away from the CBD of Sydney and is home to a huge number and variety of animals including some of Australia’s finest, such as Kangaroo’s and Koalas. However, if it’s just the local wildlife you want to see I can highly recommend going slightly further out of town no more than 50 mins and visit Featherdale Park. Now this excellent attraction is exclusively home to Australian species of animals and with some, including the Wallabies, you can get to feed. It’s brilliant for children.
Taronga Zoo, Mosman, Australia

Taronga Zoo, Mosman, Australia


12. Go on a Spooky Ghost Tour
Another side of Sydney that people don’t often come into contact with (literally or figuratively!), a ghost tour is a great way to learn about the spooky bits of Sydney, which was originally founded as a convict colony. Several different companies offer ghost tours, where you’ll hear true stories of murders, suicides, hangings and more.

One of these tours is of Quarantine Station, a location which was used to isolate people believed to be carrying contagious diseases.


13. Visit Parramatta Park

The park is a home to New Government House a 18th century mansion built by the first British Governor of the then new land of New South Wales. The house later became the summer residence of the subsequent Governors including many famous Australia names and today is open to the public with still some original furniture inside. The park also has some beautiful walkways and gardens.


14. Enjoy a Panoramic view on top of Sydney Tower

If climbing the bridge is a step too far for you, then this is another option of a view of the Sydney skyline. The Sydney Tower Eye is the highest point in Sydney, from which you can see 360-degree panoramic views. It’s lovely both during the day and in the evening; it’s particularly worth going shortly before sunset so that you can enjoy the daytime and the night-time views, but there’s never really a time when it’s not a wonderful sight. The Tower is open every day of the year, and you can also sign up for a SKYWALK tour of the outer perimeter.


15. Visit The Rocks
The Rocks is the first site of European settlement in Australia, and is rich in history; it was particularly important first as a convict site and then as a working-class part of town. It’s also home to Cadman’s Cottage, the oldest residential house in Sydney.
The Rocks is also well-known for its markets, cobblestoned laneways, and the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll find several excellent art galleries in this area, and great dining options.

Round Up

So, as you can see there’s plenty to suit all tastes on a visit to Sydney. There are other options such as taking a Free Walking Tour or visiting Paddy’s Market, or you can get back to nature with a visit to Garigal National Park and of course you can exercise your dance moves or party vibe by checking out Sydney’s famous and vibrant night life.

Bottom line, this is a great city to visit at anytime with plenty to offer the visitor.


Words by: Travel the world and Smile Happy travelling with Davie
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