Australia has always been known as a sun lovin’, free-wheelin’, beer drinkin’ country with people to match who have a love for the simple life. But one of the country’s most iconic cities has done much over the years to shed itself of this stigma, creating a refined class and sophistication to rival some of the largest international cities. Ranked as one of the best places in the world to live, Sydney’s cultural identity continues to grow as it establishes an elegance and style that has moved it towards the upper most echelons of world class cities to visit.
There really isn’t a best season to visit Sydney, since temperatures remain rather stable throughout the entire year. Wintertime thermostats rarely drop below 10 degrees Celsius, except during the evenings, and summertime mercury often reaches upwards of 30. If you do arrive during the summer months, (December through February) be sure to bring a hat, your bathing suit, and lots of sunscreen as you’ll have plenty of sunny days to soak up the plethora of stunning beaches that line the east coast.
1.The Sydney Opera House
Named as one of the 20 finalists in the New 7 Wonders of the world project, impeccable taste and original design go hand in hand when you think of the Sydney Opera House. Take a wander around this marvelous structure and enjoy the harbour views, or sip a bevy on an outside patio while soaking up the seaside ambience. Not just one of Sydney’s architectural bests, the Sydney Opera House also offers up plenty of cultural activities for the artistic at heart. It is home to the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony. Choose from ballets, concerts, opera, theater, and much, much more.
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney Harbour close to Sydney Harbour Bridge
Website for Sydney Opera House
2.The Rocks
The Rocks is one of the oldest and most historic regions of Sydney. It brims with yesteryear charm and boasts many gastronomic and shopping delights. A must-do are The Rocks Markets, (George & Playfair Streets) where over 150 stalls offer up handcrafted goods and Australian delicacies such as honey-roasted macadamia nuts and homemade jams and lemonade. And you can’t go to The Rocks without enjoying a bite to eat at one of the award-winning restaurants. Entertain the kids at Pancakes on The Rocks, (4, Hickson Rd) seek out a well-hidden Italian trattoria, or soak up the marvelous views of the harbour while dining on lobster at Waterfront Restaurant, (27 Circular Quay West). Alternatively, leave your wallet at your hotel and simply enjoy a romantic stroll through the cobble streets, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of years gone by.
Address: Located 1km from the Sydney CBD
3. Sydney Harbour Bridge
This is a famous landmark that needs no introduction. Try climbing this well known bridge all the way to the top where you will come face to face with breathtaking views over the city and beyond the Pacific. But be warned: this activity is not for the faint at heart and if vertigo is your nemesis you may want to stick to walking across, instead of up, this Aussie masterpiece. To climbe Sydney bridge call: Tel: +61 (0)2 8274 7777.
4. Museum of Contemporary Art
If art is your passion then be sure to add the Museum of Contemporary Art, (MCA) to the top of your must-see list. As the only Australian museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting, and collecting contemporary art from Australia and around the world, the MCA is constantly showcasing an impressive collection to satisfy even the most discerning art coinsure. Perched between Circular Quay and The Rocks, the MCA makes for the perfect pit stop on a sightseeing journey around Sydney.
Address: 140 George Street, The Rocks
Website for the Museum of Contemporary Art
Open: 10am-5pm daily (closed Christmas day)
Entry: Free
5.Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is perhaps one of the most famous beaches on the east coast of Australia. Known for it’s eclectic artists, transient backpackers, and eastern suburb fashion devotees, Bondi boasts breathtaking views, talc-soft sand, shops-a-plenty, and a great diversity of restaurants to choose from. Whether it’s eating, drinking, sunbathing, or shopping Bondi has a niche to suit every personality. From high-flying celebrities like Nicole Kidman to the local bloke who enjoys dingy, beer soaked pubs, Bondi caters to every human need, want, or desire.
6. Sydney Tower
Venture into downtown Sydney and brace yourself for the vertical trip to the top of Sydney Tower. Housed inside the Sydney Tower, is Australia’s highest revolving restaurant that will have you eating in the clouds. Or brave the outside deck and conquer the Skywalk - Sydney’s highest open-air attraction which rises 260 metres above the ground. Suit up, strap in, then step out and onto a glass platform where you’ll come face to face with 360 degree views of the city. This may sound terrifying, but you’ve nothing to fear – Sydney Tower is ranked as one of the safest buildings in the world.
Address: 100 Market Street, Sydney
Open: Sunday to Friday: 9:00am to 10:30pm, last entry at 9:45pm, Saturday: 9:00am to 11:30pm, last entry at 10:45pm
Bus: Buses stops where Market Street crosses George Street, Castlereagh Street or Elizabeth Street.
Ferry: Ferries to/from Circular Quay, 15 minutes walk to Sydney Tower.
Monorail: City Centre Station, across the road from Sydney Tower.
Train: St James Station (5 minute walk) or Town Hall Station (10 minute walk).
7. Botanic Gardens
Whether you have a green thumb or are a garden klutz, the Botanic Gardens will inspire you to plant more than your average herb. This is a lush, green oasis comprising 30 hectares of nature smack bang in the heart of the city. It boasts the title of the oldest scientific institution in Australia, (established in 1816) and if you’re interested in learning more about Australian flora lessons and personalized tours are on offer, (+61 2 9231 8134). The gardens are located in a spectacular position overlooking Farm Cove and Sydney Harbour. Bring a picnic lunch and set yourself down inside this hidden hideaway and feel the irony of peace within a bustling city. Alternatively, enjoy a bite to eat at the Botanic Garden Restaurant & Café which is surrounded by tropical rainforest and wide verandahs that overlook the Harbour.
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain - Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney Tel: +61 2 9231 8111 –
Website for Botanic Gardens
Entry: Entry is free, except for the Tropical Centre (open daily 10 am to 4 pm )
Open: November-February: 7 am-8 pm, March & October: 7 am-6.30 pm, April & September: 7 am-6 pm , May & August: 7 am-5.30 pm , June & July: 7 am-5 pm
Train: the nearest station is Martin Place. Other stations close to the Royal Botanic Gardens are St James and Circular Quay.
Ferry: an easy walk from Circular Quay
Bus: the 441 (Balmain via QVB Building) leaves York Street, Town Hall on weekdays, stopping outside the Art Gallery of NSW. The Sydney Explorer Bus also includes the Royal Botanic Gardens on its route and the 200 (Chatswood to Bondi, stops in Macquarie Street).
8.Glebe Markets
Always a great spot to nab a bargain, these markets cater to the hippy artist in all of us. Located in the grounds of Glebe public school, prepare yourself for a diverse selection of clothing, jewelry, accessories, food, second hand books, and other hidden gems. These are some of the most well known markets in all of Sydney with an alternative flair and inner city vibe. Come here for a true local experience. And once you’re done grab a coffee and a bite to eat on one of the many trendy cafes in the area.
Address: Inside Glebe Public School Corner of Derby Road and Glebe Point Road
Open: Saturday 10am – 4.30pm
9.Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Situated on the edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens, directly east of the Sydney Opera House. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair - otherwise known as Lady Macquarie’s Chair – provides one of the best vantage points in the whole of Sydney. More than your average “chair” this naturalistic piece of Sydney-side furniture comes with its very own historic tale. It was carved out of a rock ledge over 150 years ago for Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s wife – Elizabeth Macquarie. She was known to frequent the area due to its breathtaking seaside vistas.
10. Blues Point
This is a well-kept Sydney secret often used by locals as a stunning backdrop for wedding photos or a peaceful place to perch if you’re feeling contemplative. A grassy knoll at the bottom of Blues Point road in Milsons Point, you can sit here - practically underneath the Harbour Bridge itself - and watch as boats float past. This has long be a lunchtime hangout for locals who work in the area, but it seldom crowds so you may find you have this special spot all to yourself to enjoy a cool seaside breeze under an open Sydney sky.
Address: Blues Point Road, Milsons Point
Source:http://www.thetravelmagazine.net
