Sumptuous Sydney – The Nine Sights You Have to See in Australia’s Biggest City

The largest city in Australia has the most extensive collection of iconic landmarks and historic sites. Here are some attractions you really mustn’t miss.

Planning a trip to Sydney is often tricky. While it’s one of the most popular vacation destinations, it’s not a city that never sleeps. That’s because most attractions, shops, and restaurants close early – some as early as the afternoon.

So if you want to make the most of your short time in Sydney, it pays off to know what places to see first. Check out the nine most iconic locations you have to visit during your time there.

1.   Sydney Opera House

At the top of everyone’s list is the Sydney Opera House. It’s not only one of the most iconic structures in the world but is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. And it’s the main attraction in the harbor area.

You can book a tour of the building, visit exhibition rooms, and even enjoy lunch at a restaurant. But like with many other attractions, the tours here end at 5 pm. However, they run every half hour starting at 9 am. So there’s plenty of time to see the massive opera house.

Although there’s a restoration underway until 2021, you can still visit the iconic location. Make sure to check out everything it encompasses, including the theaters, studios, and so on.

2. Bondi Beach

Another one of the top tourist attractions in Sydney is Bondi Beach. Australia’s biggest city has numerous beaches, yet Bondi Beach is the most famous. It has some of the best surf breaks in the region, in addition to a spectacular ocean view.

Bondi Beach is also close to Sydney, being just 15 minutes away by car. It has sugary sands, great restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene. The water is generally calm and great for beginners. But, if you head on down to the southern end, that’s where you can get some action. It’s where most experienced surfers spend their time carving up the big waves.

3. Cockatoo Island

Of all the places to visit in Sydney, Cockatoo Island is one of the most unique. It has many historic landmarks as well as accommodations.

But why visit? It’ where you can check out one of the oldest penal establishments in the area.

Once home to convicts, Cockatoo Island is now an artistic hub. It offers tours, galleries, and fantastic harbor views. The large island also gives a detailed insight into the history of the penal establishment.

4. Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the top tourist attractions in Sydney. It spans over 74 acres and is located in the middle of the city. It also wraps around the harbor, creating a magnificent backdrop view.

This is also one of the oldest scientific institutions in Australia. Unsurprisingly, it houses extensive collections of native and foreign plants. You can even see some of the rarest ones in the world. There are also both paid and free tours that you can take to see various exhibits.

But if you want to explore on your own, there is an audio-guided walking tour available. You only need to download the app and connect your phone to the garden’s WiFi network.

5. The Rocks

The Rocks is a fascinating neighborhood that’s rich in history. It’s on the rocky coast of Sydney Cove. There are well over 100 heritage sites in the area, including the oldest surviving home in Sydney, Cadman’s cottage.

The Rocks Discovery Museum is a prime tourist destination. It has exhibits showing the transformation of the area from aboriginal land to a tourist hotspot, while also shedding light on its time as a convict slum.

It’s one of the best places to go to understand more about Australian history.

6. Sydney Tower Eye

Who doesn’t want to see a building over 1,000ft tall?

The Sydney Tower Eye literally towers over the city. And it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks after the Opera House and Harbor Bridge.

You can access the turret by lift. From there, you can spend time on the observation deck. Alternatively, you can go on the Skywalk, which is a glass viewing platform that offers an unobstructed view of Sydney.

You can even have lunch there as you gaze at Australia’s largest city from above.

7. Harbor Bridge

One of the coolest things to do in Sydney is visiting the Harbor Bridge. Before the Opera House, this was the most iconic landmark in the region. It’s still a popular tourist attraction even now.

Why?

It’s the largest steel arch bridge in the world!

You don’t have to be an engineer or an architect to recognize its value. You can go over the beach by car or on foot. There’s also the BridgeClimb guided ascent option. Either will do if you want an amazing panoramic view of the city and its harbor.

8. Wild Life Sydney Zoo

No trip to Sydney is complete without a stop at the zoo. The Wild Life Sydney Zoo is the best place to be if you want to see uniquely Australian animals. You can watch koalas, wombats, and kangaroos in their natural environments.

There are also some parts of the zoo that offer a more interactive experience. The fact that it’s all located in the heart of the city makes things even better. That means you don’t have to go out of your way to plan a trip to the zoo.

9. Art Gallery of New South Wales

If you want to visit Sydney, you’ve got to make room in your schedule for museums and art galleries. And the Art Gallery of New South Wales is an excellent destination point. After all, it’s one of the most famous museums in the country and is so close to the city.

It offers one of the largest Aboriginal art collections in the country. Not only that, but it’s also where you can examine European and Asian works of art. There are free daily tours so you can fit this into a budget trip to Sydney.

Early Risers Get More Done in Sydney

Plan your itinerary well before you land in Sydney. Australia’s oldest city is also one of the busiest. But, given the historical significance and the many iconic landmarks, it’s definitely worth the visit.

The city offers a lot in terms of outdoor and indoor entertainment. And many of its museums don’t have entry fees.

Fortunately, all important sights provide guided tours in multiple languages. It’s simply a sumptuous and unforgettable destination for tourists worldwide.