As soon as you land in Sydney, you get the feeling that the city is unique from so many popular European and North American tourist destinations. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is relaxedand easy going and with so many things to see and do, the only problem is knowing what to do first. So with that I mind, this article is to assist anyone thinking of heading to Sydney in deciding what to do, whether they are there for a short time, or a long time.
Sydney Harbour
it’s not called the “harbour city” for nothing. The Sydney harbour precinct is simply stunning. Stretching from Darling Harbour, through to King Street Wharf and around to Circular Quay, the best way to see it is via a $15 ferry pass. Tourist stare in wonder as they slowly cruise under the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and past one of the most amazing feats of architecture, and one of the seven wonders of the world, the Sydney Opera House.
At night, both elements of the harbour are illuminated by lights. If you are lucky enough to be on the harbour during the weekend at around 9pm, you will be treated to an amazing fireworks show that Sydney is known for. Continue on, and you’ll likely end up at Manly, one of the most well-known beach side suburbs in Sydney, known for its nightlife and amazing restaurants.
Kings Cross
If you like the nightlife, then head to Kings Cross (known as The Cross) to the locals and you will be in awe of the swarms of people drinking, dancing and having great time under the famous Coca Cola sign. The history of Kings Cross is as fascinating as it is sordid. Getting its identity in the 60’s during the Vietnam War, American veterans would head to Kings Cross nightclubs and bars for R and R. Catering to the tastes of their newfound clientele, the local businesses changed to become distinctly more “red light,” giving the precinct both its fame and infamy. Not for the faint hearted, it’s a suburb where partygoers, the criminal underworld and everything in between rub shoulders enjoying whatever pleasure they choose to indulge in.
The Rocks
Hugging the harbour underneath the Southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks precinct was one of the first places settled in Sydney. It can be described as taking a step back in time to the convict era of Australia, with some of the first buildings erected in Sydney after being settled in the late 1700’s alongside the most elite fashion labels in the world. A melting pot of the old and new, a visit to Sydney is not complete without a trip to The Rocks.
Hugging the shoreline a short walk from Sydney’s CBD is the botanic gardens. An oasis in the heart of Sydney, flowers replace traffic and skyscrapers make way for native flora in an intense juxtaposition of nature and modern day life. Overlooking the Opera House, the botanic gardens remains one of the feature attractions of Sydney city, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Bondi Beach
The most famous beach in all of Australia, Bondi beach is without question a must see part of Sydney for any traveller. Whether you are looking for a quick dip, fancy a spot of shopping or just looking to see something completely out of the ordinary, Bondi Beach is a melting pot of sun, surf and affluence you need to see to believe.
