1 - Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful in the world, thanks in part to the fantastic bridge.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the city's most obvious landmarks, connecting the CBD(Central Business District) to the northern part of the city(North Shore). Spanned by the Parramatta River, this bridge has spanned over the famous Sydney Harbour since its construction began in 1920 and was completed in 1932. Even today, given its record-breaking size, it is still a fine example of engineering and architecture worth visiting for its majesty.
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Visit it on foot or byclimbing: by car or train the view is not so spectacular, better to walk it. From the Pylon Lookout in the south-eastern part you can climb for a fantastic view. Alternatively, the more courageous can also attempt the Bridge Climb!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in the middle of The Rocks district, in the Circular area. Walking distance to the Opera House (1.3 km, 18 min), Observatory Hill Park (500 m, 6 min), The RocksDiscovery Museum (300 m, 5 min). Alternatively metro lines T2, T3 and T4 stop 'Circular Quay' and buses 324-325 to 'Hickosn Rd' - Get directions
Hours: always accessible / Ascent to pylon 10am-5pm
Ticket cost: free / Ascent to the pylon full A$15.00 (€9.00), concessions A$10.00 (€6.00)
2 - Sydney Opera House
Built by Danish architect Jorn Utzon with this futuristic 'shell' design and opened to great fanfare in 1973, the Opera House is a masterpiece of modern expressionism. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
Located in Sydney Bay, it is among the most visited attractions in the whole of Australia, and mostly by tourists not necessarily interested in opera and ballet. Characteristic of this exterior design is that it has no main façade as the architect wanted his masterpiece to look good from every angle.
Inside, it has two major halls, the Concert Hall and theOpera Theatre. The former can seat about 2,700 people, and here is the large organ with 10,500 pipes, which was installed in 1979. In addition to these, the Opera House has more than 1,000 concert halls and other rooms, and presents a calendar with more than 2,000 performances each year, including ballets, concerts, theatre and plays.
SEE ALSO: Visiting the Sydney Opera House: times, prices and tips
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 5 minutes walk from Circular Quay station at Bennelong Point, right in the middle of the CBD, the Central Business District. Walking distance to Royal Botanic Garden (500 m, 5 mins) and Rocks Discovery Museum (1 km, 15 mins). Can also be reached by bus lines 333, 392, B1, L94 and by underground lines T2, T3 and T4, 'Circular Quay' stop - Get directions
Hours: visit with tour, daily 9am-5pm
Ticket Cost: Full price from A$37.00 (€22.50), Concessions from A$20.00 (€12.10). To attend a show, see official website
3 - Royal Botanic Garden
Photo by Maksym Kozlenko. Particularly suitable for nature lovers, the Royal Botanic Gardens offers a great view of the Opera House and the bay, an ideal place for a nice picnic or a stroll.
There's no shortage of public parks in Sydney, and the Royal Botanic Gardens are a prime example, given their 30 hectares and the incredible variety of native plants found there, classified in the 19th century by botanist Charles Fraser. During a leisurely stroll through the beautiful flower meadows, it is not uncommon to come across the works of art on display in the gardens.
A visit is ideal for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoying a quiet day, perhaps having a bite to eat in the park's restaurant and shopping in the gift shop.
Takea free tour: in the park from Monday to Friday at 10.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. you can join several free walking tours offered by volunteer guides. Meet at the information point just outside the Garden Shop and the walk lasts 1 hr. A small tip is of course appreciated...
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: on Mrs Macquaries Rd, just off Hyde Park. Walking distance to Opera House (500m, 5 mins), Museum of Sydney (400m, 5 mins), Circular Quay (200m, 3 mins). By bus stop 'Circular Quay' and underground lines T2, T3 and T4 stop 'Circular Quay' - Get directions
Hours: daily from 7am until sunset
Ticket price: free
4 - Sydney Tower Eye
At 309 metres high, it is the tallest building in the city. Featuring three lifts and 1,504 steps from the base to the observation deck, it has a viewing platform 250m above the ground from where you can gaze out over the city and enjoy a splendid panorama.
The viewcan be even more impressive if you take the Skywalk up to the roof, where you can watch a 4D Experience film offering a bird's eye view. The panoramic restaurant at the top is not to be missed.
Climb to thetop at sunset: the perfect time to climb this tower is at sunset, when the sun goes down over the bay and the city begins to light up. In addition to the observatory, there are two revolving restaurants inside the tower that offer incredible views to admire between courses.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in Westfield Centre/100 Market St, on the corner of Pitt Street Mall and Market Street. Close to St Mary's Cathedral (500 m, 6 mins), Hyde Park (550 m, 7 mins) and the Darling district (1.2 km, 16 mins). By underground T2-T3-T4-T7-T8 stop 'St. James Station' or bus stop 'St. James Station' - Get directions
Hours: May to September 9am to 9.30pm; October to April 9am to 10pm
Ticket Cost: Full A$24.80 (€15.00), Concessions A$17.60 (€10.30), Skywalk A$70.00 (€42.50)
5 - Hyde Park Barrack's Museum
Photo by Kgbo. The Hyde Park Barrack's Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the originalAustralian Convict Sites. Today it is considered a museum and archaeological treasure trove, recommended for those who want to understand the city's history. It initially housed convicts employed in the city's public works, then in 1848, with the end of the convict deportations, it was converted into an immigration office, with accommodation reserved for single women arriving in Australia to work as domestic servants, and later became a care centre for sick or destitute women. Finally in 1991, renovations began to transform this building into a museum open to the public.
It is a touching and emotional place where many people have left testimonies such as everyday objects, clothes and letters that allow visitors to understand the reality of that time. The various permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that are organised from time to time are very interesting. It offers tourists an interactive guided tour aimed at illustrating and helping them understand the life and use of the building in different historical periods.
Practical info: directions, hours and prices
How to get there: on Elizabeth St within Hyde Park, a 5-minute walk from St James station. Also within walking distance of Royal Garden (1 km, 14 mins) and Circular Quay (1 km, 14 mins) - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm
Ticket Cost: Full A$12.00 (€7.20), Concessions A$8.00 (€4.80)
6 - St.Mary's Cathedral
St. Mary's Cathedral, Australia's patron saint, was the first Christian house of worship ever built in Sydney, built in the neo-Gothic style and completed in 1928. Inaugurated by the first two Catholic priests, John Terry and Philip Connoly, it was later enlarged to become a cathedral. The imposing neo-Gothic façade with its tall spires stands out on College Street and invites everyone to discover the wonders within.
Polychrome stained glass windows colour the walls and aisles with plays of light and also illuminate the works of art visible to worshippers and visiting tourists. It is the main Christian place of worship in Sydney, visible even in the distance thanks to the tall spires. You can join a free guided tour inside the church every Sunday at 12 noon, but on any day you can come in and take a look at this beautiful building during opening hours.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: St Mary's Road. Walking distance to Australian Museum (300 m, 4 mins), Hyde PArk and Hyde PArk Barracks Museum (300 m, 4 mins) and Circular Quay (1.2 km, 16 mins). Several train stations nearby, nearest St. James (2 min) - Get directions
Hours: daily from 6am until last mass
Ticket price: free
7 - Hyde Park
One of Sydney's best known parks is Hyde Park, the city's public garden and home to Barrack's Museum. It is Australia's oldest botanical garden, enclosed by Elizabeth Street to the west, College Street to the east, St. James Road and Prince Albert Road to the north and Liverpool Street to the south. Named after the park of the same name in London, it measures 16 hectares and has been open all week since it opened in 1878. Inside you can visit the fountain donated by J. F. Archibald, journalist and creator of the award of the same name.
Very special is the Giant Chess, a giant chessboard on which you can play with the pieces provided (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Various events take place in this park throughout the year, such as the Sydney Festival, Australia Day, ANZAC Day and the Food & Wine Fair, all great opportunities to see this place come alive.
Walking distance from Tower Eye (550 m, 7 min), and Circular Quay (1.5 km, 20 min). By metro T3-T8 stop 'St.Jaes' or 'Museum' - Get directions
Visit the Japanese gardens in Hyde Park: the tiny Nayoga Gardens have a Zen-like atmosphere, created to seal the friendship between Sydney and the Japanese city of Nayoga. Here you can admire a variety of Japanese plants such as bamboo, azaleas and plum trees perfectly complemented by the ponds, fountains and stone lanterns.
8 - Australian Museum
Photo by Greg O'Beirne. The Australian Museum is the country's oldest museum and enjoys an international reputation for history and anthropology. The jewel in the crown of this recently refurbished museum is the collection dedicated to Australia's indigenous peoples.
Also not to be missed is the gallery of stuffed animals, while the dinosaur gallery houses specimens of local herbivores and the huge jobaria, a dinosaur similar to the brontosaurus. The sections dedicated to large extinct animals and Australian fauna are also beautiful, while the 'Oceania' sections are devoted to the colourful collection dedicated to the Pacific islands.
Funfact: This museum was the scene of a rather funny episode a few years ago, when an intruder sneaked in at night to take a selfie with a dinosaur.
Practical info: directions, opening hours and prices
How to get there: in William ST. in central Sydney 2 min walk from Hyde Park and close to Sydney Tower (600 m, 10 min). Can be reached by metro T2- T3-T4-T7 -T8 feramata Museum (4 min walk) or by bus stop William St - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm
Ticket price: A$15.00 (€9.00)
9 - Bondi Beach
A few kilometres from the centre of Sydney, accessible by bus, there are several beaches but the most famous isBondi Beach or Bondi Bay. It takes its name from an ancient Aboriginal word meaning'sound of water crashing on rocks'.
Characterised by about a kilometre of sand bordered by two cliffs, it offers swimmers a perfect Australian-style surfing atmosphere, which in the summer months allows them to spot whale fins, dolphins or even penguins. This is therefore the ideal place to try your hand at surfing, so we recommend a 2-hour surfing lesson at each level!
However, if you want to bathe safely without the fear of sharks and waves, you should know that here, as elsewhere, there are several ocean pools carved out of the rock and natural-looking thanks to the seawater.
It takes 35 minutes by bus from Museum Station to the Bondi Beach stop. 7km south of central Sydney, accessible by bus 333, 380, 2 - Get directions
10 - Coogee to Bondi Costal Walk
In south-eastern Sydney, 8 km from the city centre, is Coogee Beach, popular with families with children who can find calm waters, picnic areas, swim in the natural pools and have fun in the play areas.
In addition to spending a relaxing day, this place is famous for the beautiful and scenic 6 km walk from South Bondi right here. In addition to the beautiful views, during the walk you can see various sights such as the Aboriginal drawings on the rocks at Mark's Park in Tamarama, and in springtime you can admire the works of local artists who exhibit along this path during Sculpture by The Sea. On the way, you can also take a dip at the beautiful Bronte Beach, where there is a natural swimming pool.
Various events are organised at this beach during the year, such as the Coogee Arts Festival in February, which features a series of outdoor exhibitions and theatre performances, and the Coogee Family Fun Day (first Saturday in December) with stalls and rides next to the beach.
About 8 km from Sydney it can be reached from the city by direct bus B377 'Oberon St Before Arden St' stop in 40 minutes, or on foot from Bondi Beach following the Costal Walk (6 km, 1 hr) - Get directions
11 - Sea Life Aquarium
Photo by Maksym Kozlenko. A city like Sydney, which lives in close contact with the sea, could not fail to have one of the world's largest and most beautiful aquariums, the SEA LIFE Aquarium. Opened to the public in 1988, no less than five marine habitats have been recreated inside, and there are more than 10,000 specimens of sea creatures of about 700 different species.
The beauty of this place is that in addition to the tanks along the walls, there are also pools under the floors and two large tanks that you pass through transparent plastic tunnels, where you feel as if you are walking along with sharks and rays. Highlights include dugongs, moon jellyfish, seahorses and clown fish.
An incredible but expensive experience is shark diving: with the support of experts and professionals, you can dive into a tank full of bull sharks... without a protective barrier!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: 1-5 Wheat Rd in Darling Harbour. Within walking distance of the National Maritime Museum (700 m. 9 min). By bus stop "Town Hall Statio" - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Thu 9:30am-6pm, Fri-Sun and holidays 9:30am-7pm
Ticket price: full price from A$38.40 (€23.50), concessions from A$28.00 (€17.00)
12 - Australian National Maritime Museum
Photo by Tony Hisgett. Under an imposing roof in the harbour area, the Maritim Museum illustrates the inextricable link between Australia and the sea, with themed exhibits ranging from canoes used by the natives, to surf culture and the Navy. The giant white building was opened in 1991 and houses large collections of sea-related objects, divided into six galleries.
Aplace for the whole family and especially for those travelling with children; perhaps on the same day you can also visit the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium, given its proximity.
Freeor big ticket: admission is free but with the big ticket you are allowed to board some of the ships moored in the harbour, including the famous submarine Onslow and the destroyer Vampire. In addition, film clips illustrate some of the operations in which these ships were involved, and through the interesting free guided tours you can learn about the characteristics of each vessel.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 2 Murray ST., in the Darling Harbour area. Walking distance to Sea Life Aquarium (700 m, 9 min), Sydney Fish Market (1 km, 13 min) and Circular Quay (10 min, metro T2, T3 and T4) or by bus 389 to Pyrmont Bay - Get directions
Hours: daily 9:30am-6pm
Ticket Cost: Museum Free / Big Ticket A$20.00 (€12.00)
13 - Museum of Contemporary Art
Photo by Esteban Maurer. Close to the harbour is this museum, considered a showcase of contemporary Australian and international art, where much attention is given to the art of Aboriginal peoples. Exhibitions from the permanent collection alternate with temporary exhibitions.
Divided into several large rooms, the exhibitions are arranged on three levels. Very interesting is the display of paintings and drawings by the inhabitants of the Tiwi Islands, an archipelago in the north of Australia about a hundred kilometres from Darwin, which are completely inhabited by Aboriginal people and even require a permit to visit.
The Museum of contemporary art in Sydney is also a place to socialise thanks to the auditorium, where documentaries and films are shown, the library and the rooftop bar for a drink or a bite to eat overlooking the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Practical info: directions, hours and prices
How to get there: 140 George St., Circula Quay close to The Rocks Discovery Museum, The Rocks district and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is within walking distance of the harbour and the nearest tube station is Circular Quay, where the T2, T3 and T4 lines arrive Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm, Thu until 9pm
Ticket price: free
14 - Sydney Observatory
Photo by Timo. Dating from 1850 in Italianate style and topped with a copper dome, the sandstone Sydney Observatory sits on top of Obesrvatory Hill, overlooking the bay and in the historic The Rock district. Inside you can see a collection of vintage instruments, an antique telescope and understand the history of astronomy in Australia.
The tour includes the Space Theatre, where with 3D glasses you can venture on a virtual journey through galaxies, the sun, stars, planets and the moon. In the planetarium section, you sit under a large canopy to admire projected images of the sky as it changes daily while you listen to interesting stories about the relationship between Aboriginal tribes and astronomy. The last stop of the visit is on the top floors where the telescopes are located.
Interesting fact: at the top of the observatory tower you will see a sphere, once used to tell the time on ships and at the harbour post office. At 1 p.m. it was lowered down a pole and accompanied by a cannon shot.
Takea night tour with astronomers: the planetarium can be visited free of charge along with the outdoor gardens and various exhibitions, or you can book a day or night tour where you will be accompanied by expert astronomers. The Sydney Observatory is very interesting, both for adults and children, thanks to the interactive exhibits and the 3D cinema where you can 'fly' among the stars and planets of the solar system
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 1003 Upper Fort St, in The Rocks district. Walking distance from Circular Quay. Nearby are The Sydney Harbour Bridge (200 m, 5 min), The Museum of Contemporary Art (500 m, 8 min) and The Museum of Sydney (1.2 km, 15 min) - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm / Guided tours and evenings see official website
Ticket cost: free / Guided tours A$10.00 (€6.00)
15 - Blue Mountains Park
As the name suggests, the Blue Mountains National Park will make you fall in love with the blue hues on the horizon of the World Heritage area, home to impressive acres of forests, waterfalls and natural rock formations untouched by man.
In addition to the vegetation, this park offers visitors the experience of living in close contact with the local fauna. Moreover, the park is so large that there are plenty of activities to do in it: from bike rides to breathtaking trekking sessions, interspersed with a stop at one of the picnic areas or restaurants in the park.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Getting there: Approximately 90 minutes drive from Sydney. Accessible by train from Central Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours 17 minutes and there is a change at Richmond Station taking a bus at East Street Market to Berabing Picnic Area Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket Cost: Free
16 - Manly and Manly beach
On a strip of land to the north of Sydney lies the quiet, tree-shaded neighbourhood of Manly, known for its beautiful beach and long pavements for walking and running. Unlike Bondi Beach, which is popular with young people, Manly is mainly frequented by families who find calm seas here, and by surfers since most surfing schools are concentrated in this area.
It is frequented at all times of the year, especially at weekends, when people come to eat great fish and chips, ride the waves, go for a walk or relax in a bar. In addition, there are several hiking trails in Manly that allow you to discover the coast or the nearby hinterland. Very popular is the 10 km coastal walk from Manly to Spit Bridge. Here you will find the Manly Art Gallery Museum and the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary suitable for children.
Fun fact: the name Manly was given by Captain Arthur Phillip in the late 1700s because he was struck by the strong and proud attitude (in English'manly') of the local Aboriginal population.
Located 12 km east of Sydney, it is easily reached in 30 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay, F1 (Pier 3) and MMF Manly Fast Frrry (Pier 6), or by bus 151 from Wynyard Station to Manly - Get directions
17 - Taronga Zoo
After the SEA LIFE Aquarium, Taronga Zoo is home to the largest number of animals in Sydney, with more than 2,600 living in around 21 hectares.
The zoo is divided into eight zoogeographical zones, each of which houses species found in different parts of the world, perfectly simulating their natural habitat and allowing the animals to feel comfortable in a controlled and protected environment. It is a safe and educational place to get up close and personal with Australia's friendly inhabitants.
Wild Ropes Experience: You can have an incredible experience here! The Wild Ropes is a 90-minute trail through the trees that allows you to see animals and scenery while walking on walkways, tubes and ladders, all made of wood of course! And for those who would like to sleep inside the zoo, there is an indoor campsite that offers much more than just a night in a tent!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: on Bradleys Head Road in Mosman, on Sydney Harbour. Accessible by ferry from Circular Quay in Mosman (12 mins). Alternatively bus 430 to Taronga Zoo from Central, Town Hall and Wynyard train stations (15 mins) - Get directions
Hours: September to April 9:30am-5pm, May to August 9:30am-4:30pm
Ticket price: full A$44.10 (€27.00), concessions A$26.10 (€16.00)
Other attractions to visit
Sydney is a city that really has a lot to offer; in addition to the attractions already mentioned not to be missed, there are many more to visit if you still have time.
Among themany museums are the Rocks Discovery museum (free) and the Susannah Palace Museum (A$12.00/€7.00), which trace the history of The Rocks district. Then the Museum of Sydney where you can learn about the city's history (A$12.00/€7.00) and the Powerhouse Museum, the huge science and design museum (A$15.00/€9.00).
If you're in the mood for the great outdoors, check out the Barangaroo Reserve (free), a park that sits on a promontory and offers beautiful views, or Centennial Park (free), where you can go for a run, ride or walk. Don't forget Nielsen Park, a sandy beach park overlooking Sydney Bay where a shark net ensures the safety of swimmers.
If you're in the mood for fun, take a trip to Sydney's Luna Park, also overlooking the bay and also accessible by ferry to Milsons Point (free).
Plan your stay in Sydney: flights and hotels
If you're planning a trip to Sydney, the best time is during the austral summer, from December to March. To save money, the best times are the middle seasons, spring and autumn, which are less touristy and therefore cheaper.
The flight takes on average 30 hours, and prices are obviously high(compare flights from €600.00). The airport is 10 km from the centre.
Once in the city, the best way to get around is by transport (metro, trams, ferries and buses). In this respect, we recommend buying the Opal Card, for transport that can be recharged anywhere and used on any means of transport.
Regarding accommodation, we suggest you choose something in the centre, close to metro and bus stops(compare the best accommodation on Booking.com). Here you will also have all the services at your fingertips and find plenty of clubs and restaurants!
If you are travelling with children, be aware that the city is baby-friendly and there are plenty of experiences to be had with them. These include a visit to the Taronga Zoo, the Sea Life Aquarium, the Astronomical Observatory, but also the maritime museums and the many parks such as Hyde Park and the Royal Garden are ideal for a run or a picnic, not forgetting the beautiful beaches.
If you are travelling cheap, we recommend booking your accommodation and flight as soon as possible. Australia is a very expensive destination, as the cost of living is high. So take your time and, to save even more money, we recommend buying city passes.