Travel Information Guide and Tips

As the most populous city in Australia,
Sydney has a whole host of cultural attractions to visit. The two landmarks that immediately spring to mind are the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which are among the most iconic structures in the world. Then there’s The Rocks, where the first European settlers built their camp, and Circular Quay, which is usually busy with tourists, locals and buskers. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city you can relax and read a book in Hyde Park or take a look at exotic plant species in the Botanical Gardens. For a cultural fix, you can browse some of the city’s museums, aquariums, art galleries and exhibition centres. Here’s a list of some of Sydney’s top tourist attractions.

Sydney Opera House- The distinct sails of the Sydney Opera House make it an instantly recognizable Australian landmark. You can enjoy High Tea and afternoon of live opera, or take a tour to discover the House and get a sneak peak behind the scenes. For something special to do in the evening, you can sip on a cocktail and watch the sunset in the Opera Bar, or have dinner in the Studio Cafe. Of course if you have the cash to splurge, you could watch a ballet, opera, theatre or symphony performance.

The famous Harbour- The spectacular Harbour is a hive of activity with lots going on. The restaurants and cafes are packed with people dining outside in the sunshine, whilst street performers and buskers entertain the crowds walking by. Tourists pose for photos in front of the Sydney Opera House, as boats and ferries glide along the water in the background. The magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge dominates the harbour and links the city with Northern Sydney.

The Rocks- The Rocks is where Sydney began when British convicts settled and built their camp on the sandstone cliffs. Quaint streets are lined with historic buildings housing cafes, restaurants, art galleries and shops. Sydney’s oldest pubs are located in this area, including the Lord Nelson, which has been around since 1841. You can also step inside Cadman’s Cottage, which is the oldest surviving residential building in Sydney.

Darling Harbour & The Chinese Garden of Friendship- Darling Harbour is built around Cockle Bay on the western edge of the CBD. The harbour is a major leisure and entertainment centre with numerous restaurants, bars and clubs, as well as several major tourist attractions. It’s here that you’ll find the Star City casino, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney Aquarium, the IMAX theatre, the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Entertainment Centre and Oceanworld. A short walk from the harbour is the Chinese Garden of Friendship, which was initiated by the Chinese community to celebrate Australia’s 1988 Bicentenary. Walk through a garden filled with Chinese pavilions, waterfalls, lily ponds, sculptures and exotic plants, then relax with a cup of tea in the tea rooms.

The Royal Botanical Gardens- The Royal Botanic Gardens were established in 1816 and cover 30 hectares of land. There are many different species of plants and flowers from Australia and abroad growing here, and it is an ideal place to relax under the shade of a tree.

Hyde Park & Macquarie Street- Hyde Park is the city’s largest green space and is a popular with city workers to take a break and get some fresh air. The main features of the park are the Archibald Fountain and the Anzac War Memorial, which are linked by a walking path. Strolling down Macquarie Street towards Circular Quay you’ll pass Parliament House, the Old Mint, the Sydney Hospital and the State Library of New South Wales.

The Domain & Mrs Macquarie’s Chair- Walking through the Domain past the afternoon joggers you’ll come to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, which offers spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the city skyscrapers. The Domain is also where Sydney’s outdoor concerts and open-air cinemas are hosted.

Art Galleries and Museums- The Australian Museum is an excellent natural history museum with interesting collections and exhibitions, including an exhibition examining the history, culture and political struggles of the indigenous Australians. If you enjoy browsing art galleries, the two main galleries are the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.