Best Places to visit in Sydney

Highlights

• Utzon Room: Named after the architect that engineered the construction of the building, this room showcases stunning tapestry designed by John Utzon himself with occasional performances and small events also being held.
• Concert Hall: This is the largest venue within the Opera House that hosts large-scale concerts, symphony performances and other events.
• Joan Sutherland Theatre: Named after the great Australian Soprano, this theater is mainly used to perform opera and ballet.
• Opera House Forecourt A great spot for relaxing, this outdoor setting looks directly out on the harbor providing mesmerizing views. This large outdoor space is generally used for major public events and performances.
• The Royal Botanic Garden: These well manicured gardens lie adjacent to the Opera House that are a perfect fit to go for a leisurely walk or simply take in the scenic views of the Opera House and the Harbour.This is the largest venue within the Opera House that hosts large-scale concerts, symphony performances and other events.

Tips

• Take a guided tour to explore the backstage and many other inaccessible areas of the site.
• Take a stroll in the gardens for fresh air and peaceful time.
• Try the Bennelong fine dining restaurant within the Opera House to taste local delicacies.
• Check out the Opera Bar for a refreshing drink.
• Shop for souvenirs at shops offering Opera Themed merchandise.

Getting there:

• Take a train line T3,T4 and T8 to Circular Quay, from where a short 6 minute walk can lead us to the Opera House.
• Once you get dropped off at the Circular Quay, the Opera House authorities have made buggy transport available to ease the commute.
• Additionally a shuttle bus service is also available to take us to the location.
• A ferry can also be taken to get to the Opera House via the Harbour.

Highlights:

• Bridge stairs and the museum: The south-east pylon lookout of the bridge has a museum that displays the history and construction details of the bridge for an in-depth understanding of the place. The bridge stairs are a pedestrian access via the Rocks.
• BridgeClimb Base Camp Café: Climb up to the point and relax at this sophisticated dining place located at the base of the Bridgeclimb Sydney.
• Dawes Point Park: A nice, well kept park situated at the southern end of the bridge providing excellent photography backgrounds of the bridge and the harbor.

Nearby destinations

• The Rocks.
• Luna Park.
• Milsons Point.
• Kirribilli.

Highlights:

• Chinese Garden of Friendship: Designed in a distinct traditional Chinese style, this serene garden features waterfalls, a stunning collection of exotic plants, artificial lakes, and pavilions. This is a peaceful place fit to enjoy some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Darling Quarter: This is a fun entertainment area perfect for some family-friendly recreation with availability of a large playground, engaging water features, and a show of public art installations.
• Australian National Maritime Museum: Dive into a world of naval experiences as you head to this museum for a tour to explore some stunning exhibits of historic vessels, maritime aircrafts, and other equipment of historical significance. Get a chance to board the replica of Captain Crook’s HMB Endeavor Ship, the HMAS Onslow submarine.

Other Attractions:

• Darling Harbour Ferris Wheel.
• Madame Tussauds Sydney.
• Pyrmont Bridge.
• Harbour Cruises.
• Barangaroo Reserve.

Highlights:

• Bondi Baths: This is a saltwater pool located at the southern end of the beach with a separate section for kids’ pool area, where you can enjoy some quality swimming experience along with stunning views of the ocean.
• Bondi Pavilion: A building of historical significance where cultural events, exhibitions and workshops of different kinds are held. This building also includes a theater, a vibrant gallery along with a wide range of community facilities.
• Bondi Skate Park: A popular spot among the skaters, this park is a retreat for skateboarding located at the southern end of the beach. It houses a wide range of ramps and bowls catering to different levels of skating expertise.

Your To Dos:

• Swimming
• Beach Yoga
• Whale Watching
• Surfing
• Sunbathing
• Clubbing
• Taking Leisurely coastal walks

Dining Options:

• Billi’s Bondi
• Trio Cafe
• A Tavola Bondi
• Blanca
• Bondi Wholefoods

Things to see:

• Gardens and Plants This place features a wide collection of exotic plants, which include palm, desert,and many types of ferns. Separate shaded areas include nurseries and greenhouses that nurture the growth of some peculiar species of plants from across the globe.
  • The Palm Groove.
  • The Fernery.
  • The rose garden.
  • Cactus and Succulent Garden.
  • The herb garden.
• The Calyx: This wide and impressive indoor space serves as an event and exhibition center that displays a stunning show of floral presentations and horticulture exhibitions for visitors to enjoy and learn from.
• The Wollemi Pine: Famously known as the “Living Fossil” this is a specimen display of a rare and ancient tree species that was discovered in 1994.
• Sydney Tropical Center: This is a Major glasshouse that stands tall in the confines of the Royal Botanic Garden that features a diverse collection of exotic tropical plants which include beautiful orchids, bromeliads and many other species.

Other Attractions:

• The main Pond.
• The Pioneer Gardens.
• The mini rainforest.
• The Fountain Court.

Tips

• Enjoy your time amidst the variety of flowers providing background for photography.
• Check out the rooftop gardens.
• Take a stroll through lush landscape and exotic trees.
• Take advantage of the free guided tours offered, to know more about the place.
• Attend workshops and classes offered by the garden authorities.
• Make sure to enjoy birdwatching and flying foxes.

Additional Information:

• This chair is said to have been carved out of sandstone by the convicts of 1810, for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of then Governor of South Wales.
• Mrs Maquarie is said to have been sitting on the bench for long hours watching the ships along the Sydney Harbour.
• This bench is carved directly into the rock underneath, on which it stands.

Tips

• Early mornings or late afternoons are the best time to visit the monument to catch the beautiful sunrise or sunset from the point.
• The surrounding has plenty of open space with lush grass and clean benches to enjoy picnics.
• Take this opportunity to explore the various walking trails of the Royal Botanic Garden and enjoy the vistas it provides along the way.

Highlights:

• Scenic Railway: Give yourself a boost of adrenaline as you climb up the world’s steepest railway possessing an incline of 52 degrees and make a rushed and dramatic descent through a cliffside tunnel that leads you through an ancient rainforest at the bottom of the beautiful Jamison Valley.
• Scenic Skyway:Ride among the heights in this cable car, spanning about 720 meters of the Jamison Valley. Be picture ready as you tread past with the stunning views of the majesticKatoomba Falls, The three Sisters and the picturesque Jamison Valley through the incredible glass floor for an uninterrupted and exhilarating experience.
• Scenic Walkway: Take a walk through the ancient rainforest of the Jamison Valley as you alleviate through the 2.4 kilometer broadwalk with signs providing insight into the flora and fauna of the forest. We also come across the Coal Mine Exhibit that gives information about the region’s mining history.

Nearby Destinations:

• The three sisters rock formation.
• Echo Point.
• Leura Village.

Tips

• Consider visiting during early morning or late evening hours to avoid large crowds.
• Dress warmly as the temperature might be cooler than Sydney.
• Book your tickets well in advance to avoid any last minute hassle.
• Wear comfortable footwear for long walks.
• Grab a snack or warm coffee at Skyway Kiosk.
• Alternatively EATS270 is also a fine place with splendid views perfect for dining.

Things to Do:

• Keeper Talks and Animal Shows: Engage in these knowledgeable talk shows scheduled daily to grab insight about the animals’ lives and behaviors. Get a chance to enjoy a free and Seals for the Wild famous show.
• Sky Safari: Embark on an aerial adventure that is set above the zoo that provides us a chance to enjoy some of the unique views of the zoo and Sydney Harbour from the air. Watch the Sydney skyline dilute in the ocean as you move splendidly in a cable car ride.
• Behind-the -scenes tour: Take a chance at this specially curated tour that lets you take a closer look at the animal care and conservation efforts of the zoo. The focus of the tour remains largely on Australian animals and big cats.

Highlights:

• Australian Walkabout
• Great Southern Oceans
• Gorilla Forest
• Savannah
• Backyard to bush children exhibition
• Kids’ Trail

Transportation:

• Take a Ferry from Circular Quay, Wharf 4 side B that leaves every 30 minutes to Taronga zoo Wharf costing $3-$5 and takes about 12 minutes.
• Alternatively a bus service from Blacktown station can also be taken. Bus 729,723 or 724 from stand E or F travel to the Zoo every 15-30 minutes.

Highlights:

• Hunter Valley Gardens: Enjoy seasonal events and light displays as you indulge in family-friendly activities at this 60-acre garden that features special themed sections like the Rose Garden, Italian Grotto and the famous Storybook Garden.
• Hunter Valley Zoo: Make your time worthwhile by participating in interactive sessions at the Hunter Valley Zoo like feeding kangaroos and holding cute Koalas, for this place is home to some of the stunningly exotic species of Australian animals.
• Bimbadeen Lookout: This elevated destination is a perfect point to catch mesmerizing views of sunrise and sunset along with some panoramic views of the entire Hunter Valley region. Enjoy the sunset hue with a chill drink at this point.

Things to Do:

• Hot Air Ballooning
• Horseback Riding
• Picnicking
• Boutique Shopping
• Golfing
• Scenic Drives

Culinary Delights:

• Hunter Valley Semillon
• Hunter Valley Shiraz
• Pavlova
• Lamingtons

Getting there:

• Take a Central coast or Newcastle Line train from Sydney’s Central Train Station taking almost 3-4 hours to get to Hunter Valley.
• Alternatively a drive of about 2.5 hours can also be taken to reach Hunter Valley via Pacific Highway towards Hornsby.
• Additionally a special Hunter Valley Winery Tours’ Express Bus runs every weekend to and from Sydney and Hunter Valley.

Highlights:

• One Mile Beach: This beach is considered a surfers heaven with its long crashing waves and soft sand making it an ideal destination for some adventure and fun while relaxing in the sun.
• Nelson Bay: This is considered the pain hub of Port Stephens which facilitates a wide range of fun water activities like jet skiing and kayaking. This place also gives you a chance to go on dolphin and whale watching cruises.
• Karuah National Park: Experience some tranquility at this peaceful secluded park with well maintained open picnic spaces and a diverse range of beautiful flora and fauna. This park gives you a chance to engage in bushwalking and exquisite birdwatching.

Other Attractions:

• Tomaree Head Sumit
• Stockton Sand Dunes
• Tilligerry Habitat Reserve
• Zenith Beach
• Fingal Bay

Your To Dos:

• Parasailing
• Horse Riding
• Diving and Snorkeling
• Hiking

Must Have Food:

• Port Stephens Blue Swimmer Crabs
• Squid and Calamari
• Craft beer
• Bush Tucker
• Barramundi

Transportation:

• Take a line 136 Bus from Sydney that takes 3 hours and 48 minutes costing $22-$45 to reach Port Stephens.
• Alternatively a train via Hamilton Station can also be taken to get to Port Stephens which costs $7-$14 taking approximately 3 hours and 53 minutes.

Highlights:

• Cookington Green Gardens: Take a stroll through these meticulously crafted miniatures of buildings and landscapes from around the world while enjoying a tranquil time wandering around the gardens.
• Canberra Glassworks: Pay a visit to this marvelous contemporary glass art studio with a sight of skilful hands at work along with exploring the gallery and taking a fantastic glassblowing class.
• Lake Burley Griffin: This centerpiece of Canberra is an ideal location for outdoor activities. Enjoy the pristine waters while boating and kayaking. Take in the breathtaking views of the scenery around as you spend time picnicking and cycling along the shores.
• Australian War Memorial: Explore the heartfelt monument dedicated to the brave soldiers who have served in Australia’s Armed forces. Visit the museum, memorials and see the Last Post ceremony which is held daily.

Culinary Delights:

• Pialligo Estate Smoked Meats
• Canberra Black Garlic
• Clonakilla and Helm Wines
• Truffles