The Eight Places That Tourists Need to Visit in Sydney
Sydney is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But that doesn’t mean that Australians don’t also love to pop by.
Sydney is the biggest city in New South Wales (NSW) and the whole of Australia. Also, it offers an enormous range of activities for visitors.
Are you a nature type? Sydney has one of the best and biggest zoos in the world. The metropolis also has beautiful gardens and parks.
Maybe you love beaches. If so, Bondi Beach offers the full package. And, it also has some of the best waves in the Land Down Under.
Strap in, here are the eight best places to visit in Sydney.
1. Sydney Opera House
A trip to Sydney doesn’t count if you miss the splendid Sydney Opera House. This marvel of world architecture is one of the best places to visit in Sydney. And that’s for a reason.
You’ll find the opera house on Sydney Harbour. Once you get there, you can take a walk around the complex and marvel at the billowing sails (roofs) from up close. You can also visit one of the more than 1,600 performances that happen throughout the year.
In May and June, you can witness the spectacular Vivid Sydney light show. During the exhibition, the artists use one of the sails as the canvas.
2. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Not just Sydney, the Royal Botanic Gardens are among the best places to visit in NSW. When you get tired of running around the city, you can find peace in this oasis. Located close to the aforementioned Sydney Opera House, the garden sees millions of visitors each year.
Established in the early 19th century, the garden takes up 30 hectares. You’ll find a large number of themed gardens there, as well as palm groves. The garden even has several flocks of fruit bats.
The Palace Rose Garden has some 1,800 roses. If you’d like something more exotic, visit the Glasshouse Latitude 23. You’ll also find exotic and tropical plants in the Fernery.
3. Taronga Zoo Sydney
Sydney has one of the best and most beautiful zoos in the world. If you love animals, the zoo is a must-see. You’ll find it in Northern Sydney, sitting on a hill in Mosman. The best way to get there is by the Sky Safari cable car from the wharf. Even the journey to the zoo is an adventure.
The zoo houses animals from all over the world — African savannahs, Caribbean Sea, the jungles of South America, you name it. Most importantly, you’ll find a vast selection of animals from the Australian Outback.
Make sure to catch the seal show, check out the koalas, and take the Lemur Walk-Through. If you’ve never been to a zoo at night, take the “Roar and Snore” tour.
4. Bondi Beach
For beach lovers, we recommend the world famous Bondi beach. This white sand beach is one of the best places to visit in Australia. If you want to catch some sun or ride big waves, this is the place to be. It’s a 45-minute ride from Darling Harbour or only 25 minutes from Circular Quay.
For those who want to get a tan, Bondi beach is the perfect spot. Board enthusiasts also flock to this beach as it offers some of the best waves in the country.
That said, foodies can get their fix at Bondi, as well. There are numerous restaurants and pubs near the beach.
5. Kayak to Goat Island
Are you looking for an urban adventure in Sydney? If so, a kayak ride to Goat Island might be right up your alley.
The adventure starts in the morning at Blackwattle Bay, near the popular Sydney Fish Market. You’ll get a quick debrief before you hop into your kayak. First, you’ll go under the Anzac Bridge and past Pyrmont. Next, you’ll paddle past Darling Harbour and on to Balmain.
A professional photographer will be on hand to take some pictures of you near the Harbour Bridge. After that, you’ll go straight to Goat Island. After the landing, the tour continues on foot. The guide is going to tell you all about Sydney’s early days.
Keep in mind that you’ll also have to kayak back to the starting point of Blackwattle Bay.
6. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Of all the interesting places to visit in Sydney, this one’s an absolute must for marine life enthusiasts. The aquarium sits at the center of Darling Harbour, which you can reach from pretty much anywhere in the city.
The aquarium has twelve distinct zones. Do you want to know how the seas looked millions of years ago? Then head straight to the Jurassic Seas section. Bay of Rays has a stunning collection of stingrays.
The aquarium is home to over 700 species from the world over. It also boasts the biggest collection of sharks. The tropical reef fish and dugong are also there.
7. The Queen Victoria Building
Is shopping your idea of the perfect vacation? Then, by all means, visit the Queen Victoria Building. It’s from the closing decade of the 19th century and one of Sydney’s prime shopping spots.
You’ll find 200+ shops in the building’s galleries offering a huge range of goods. Even if you’re not a shopping fan, you’d want to check out this architectural marvel.
8. The Rocks
History buffs shouldn’t miss the rocks. Sydney history and that of Australia have strong ties to this place. It was an aboriginal settlement that later became the site of the first European settlement in Australia.
Do you want to see the oldest house still standing in Sydney? Then drop by Cadman’s cottage that dates back to 1816.
Also, make sure to go for a tour of the Rocks Discovery Museum. You’ll see there first-hand how the Rocks changed throughout history. Spoiler Alert: The place was a convict slum at one point.
Start Packing
Sydney has a lot to offer to all types of tourists. It might be a bit far for visitors from abroad, but it’s worth the money and time.
Sydney’s legendary opera house is among the most recognizable buildings in the world. The Queen Victoria Building is a shopping mecca, while the Rocks offer a deep insight into Australia’s History.
Animal lovers will feel at home at the Sydney Zoo and Aquarium. And if you want to get a tan, make sure to spend time in Bondi Beach.
If adventure is your middle name, Goat Island awaits you. Rent a kayak for the ultimate urban adventure.
