Sydney, the metropolis that you absolutely must see! With its iconic Opera House and Harbor Bridge, Sydney is a hip and modern city Down Under. In addition to these well-known attractions, this city has much more to offer: relaxing on the famous Eastern beaches of Sydney, but also enjoying the bustling city life. Discover the different neighborhoods of Sydney, stroll along Darling Harbor and go surfing in a true surf paradise. Sydney has it all! Discover 10 surprising highlights in this metropolis now!
1. I’m Free Tour
To start your visit to Sydney right, it can be useful to immediately get a good picture of the city. In 2.5 to 3 hours, enthusiastic students offer you a free tour through the city, which takes you to the most famous highlights. These tours start daily at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM from the Town Hall in central Sydney. The tour starts here and takes you to Queen Victoria Building, Martin Place, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sky Tower, Hyde Park & The Rocks District, among others.
The students who lead you around the city have often lived in Sydney all their lives and can tell you all about the city’s history and origins. The tour ends at Circular Quay, the wharf and harbor in central Sydney. From here you look out over the world famous Harbor Bridge and the Opera House.
2. Botanical Garden
The free I’m Free tour ends at Circular Quay. From here you have the opportunity to view the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. After a visit to the Opera House, it is recommended to walk through the Botanical Gardens. These landscaped gardens are easily accessible from the Opera House. The gardens have a very diverse vegetation and offer an oasis of peace, amidst the busy city life. The Botanical Garden is also a popular place for the cockatoo and the Australian Ibis.
3. Sydney Tower
De Sydney Tower reikt 309 m boven het Central Business District van Sydney uit en is daarom niet te missen. Je bereikt de Sydney Tower via Pitt Street en de ingang bevindt zich in het Westfield warenhuis. Met name het restaurant Infinity Dining (voorheen 360 Bar) in de toren is een absolute aanrader. Deze bar draait – je raadt het al – 360 graden rond, waardoor je binnen een half uur een fenomenaal uitzicht kunt verkrijgen over de Harbour City. Voor een driegangendiner zal je behoorlijk ver in je buidel moet tasten, maar een fancy cocktail is zeker de moeite waard. Het prachtige uitzicht over het Central Business District, Harbour Bridge en Opera House krijg je er namelijk gratis bij! Vergeet echter niet je paspoort mee te nemen en nette schoenen aan te trekken, want met slippers of sandalen kom je waarschijnlijk niet naar binnen.
4. Darling Harbour
Darling Harbor is the place to be when the sun goes down. This lively harbor is surrounded by dozens of restaurants and cafes and is also the entertainment center of Sydney. When you find yourself in Sydney during the Australian summer season, try to grab a drink or a bite to eat in this harbor on Saturday evenings .
The Coastal Walk is a 6 kilometer walk along the beaches and cliffs of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The walk takes you along the most beautiful views, beaches, cliffs, parks and rock pools. The total walk takes about 2 hours and the beaches meanwhile offer you the opportunity for a moment of rest or refreshing dip. Start at the famous Bondi Beach and walk to Coogee Beach via Tamarama, Clovelly and Bronte Beach. Coogee Pavillion at Coogee Beach with its lively rooftop bar is the perfect place to relax with a cool drink after completing the Coastal walk.
6. Milk Beach
It’s not just the beaches in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs that are worth a visit. There are also some hidden gems to be found in the Northern suburbs of Sydney. Milk Beach is a small sandy beach, located in the Harbor National Park, and is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. From this intimate bay you have a panoramic view of the entire Sydney skyline, including the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House.
7. Manly
Manly is a suburb of Sydney on the southern side of the Northern Beaches. This district is particularly known for the cozy atmosphere and the nice shops on the Boulevard. Manly is a real surf spot and Manly Beach regularly hosts surfing competitions, such as the Australian Surf Open. However, a visit to Manly is recommended alone, because this area is best reached by ferry from Circular Quay. Quite an experience, because while sailing you have a beautiful view over the photogenic skyline of Sydney with the Opera House and Harbor Bridge in the background.
8. Palm beach
When you think of Palm Beach, you might immediately think of the miles of sandy beach with massive hotels in Florida. However, in the northeast of Sydney, a beach of the same name can be found, thanks to the palm-shaped landscape of this beach. This beautiful beach is a feast for the eyes. It is therefore not for nothing that it forms the film set for the Australian series Home and Away . Despite the beauty of the 2 kilometer long sandy beach, Palm Beach is relatively quiet compared to Sydney’s Eastern Beaches.
9. Open air cinema’s
There is never a reason to be bored in Sydney! During the summer season, open air cinemas can be found in several parks in Sydney. Rent a beanbag, bring a blanket and find a nice spot to enjoy the latest movies during Sydney’s balmy summer evenings. The many food trucks provide you with plenty of tasty snacks, but you are also allowed to bring your own. The most easily accessible for tourists is the St George open air cinema , which can be found in the Botanical Garden. But also in Centennial Park you can enjoy a different movie every night at the Moonlight cinema . Check the sites for the current film program!
10. The Rocks
The Rocks – the area west of the Harbor Bridge – has Sydney’s oldest watering holes. This old and charming area of Sydney is perfect for sampling locally brewed beers, while enjoying live music on the terrace. At the weekend there are often lively markets in this neighborhood. The Rocks is also an excellent place to grab a bite to eat. At the Glennmore you can eat for a reasonable price, while you have a view of the Opera House from the hip rooftop bar. At The Australian Heritage Hotel you can taste local specialties such as kangaroo or crocodile.
