Are you flying from Hong Kong to Sydney soon? Sydney is a vibrant waterside city with glittering boats, bays and beaches, and world-famous landmarks that shouldn’t be missed. Here are some attractions every traveller has on their bucket list if you visit Sydney! Be sure to get a pair of comfortable walking shoes – there is just so much to see to discover the magnificent Sydney Harbour and some unexpected side of Sydney.
- Sydney Opera House
Opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is one of the 20th century’s most famous and distinctive buildings and an internationally recognised Australian icon. The building plays an important part in the cultural scene of Sydney. It includes a number of performance venues like concert hall, opera theatre, drama and recital halls. There are also some outstanding bars and restaurants to dine in prior to the start of performances. Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities at the Opera House including regular daily guided tours to uncover the history, stories and magic of this architectural masterpiece. With a price of A$ 42, you have a chance to get up-close to the iconic landmark and visit areas that are off limits to the public!
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Sydney’s two most famous landmarks, along with the Sydney Opera House. The bridge, which is known locally as the “Coat Hanger”, took 8 years to build, including the railway line, and was officially opened in 1932. 53,000 tonnes of steels and six-million hand-driven rivets were used to construct the iconic bridge. If you would like to have a bridge walk, you will find the stairs up to the bridge walk next to the pedestrian crossing near the Australian Heritage Hotel on Cumberland Street. You can also get an amazing view of the bridge at the Pylon Lookout, as it is 87 metres above sea level, with the entry cost of A$19. If you have some extra funds, be sure to climb the bridge at BridgeClub Sydney for an unforgettable experience and a completely uninterrupted view of the Sydney Harbour.
- The Rocks
Located at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you can explore the urban locality and historic side of Sydney’s city centre. The Rocks is where the European settlers chose to land in 1788, making it the place where modern Sydney began. Everyone who comes to Sydney visits and loves the Rocks, and it is not hard to see why. The intriguing laneways and buildings built during settlement were conserved without the destruction of the old Sydney and historic buildings. Nowadays, it has transformed into a vibrant tourist area with cafes, restaurants, shops and weekend market stalls. A wonderful way to discover the Rocks is on foot. Immerge yourself into the interesting fusion of modern Sydney while walking, looking and eating. It is best recommended to go to the Rocks on a weekend, as there are more than 200 stalls featuring the work of local artisans open at the weekend market. You may want to take a self-guided tour for some more adventures in the city’s historic area.
- Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
As one of the most visited attractions in Sydney, the Gardens is an oasis in the bustling city centre. Established in 1816, it is a heritage-listed 30 hectares botanical garden, as well as an event venue and public recreation area. It is one of the most important botanical institutions in the world. Packed with thousands of native of plants, flowers and rare and threatened species of the world, the Garden shows the diverse beauty of nature and offers plenty of things to do. Take a look of the Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounter, which is a garden display that recognises the original inhabitants of Sydney and their connection with this land. The Gardens provide a free guided walk daily from the Garden Shop. You can also take the Aboriginal Heritage Tour that runs every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and the Behind the Scenes Sensory tour that runs every Tuesday and Friday. You will need to book online. Simply relax in this oasis and you can also enjoy a clear view of the Sydney Opera House here.
- Bondi Beach
If you are visiting Sydney, then you must not miss out on Bondi Beach. It does not disappoint you, no matter if you want to soak up in that Australian sunshine, surf the waves or just for a walk on the promenade. If you are not into sand and waves, why not take a dip in the famous Bondi Icebergs swimming pool, on the outskirts of the beach. Got tired after some exercise? Dine at the cafes and restaurants that are located on Campbell Parade and shop the designer shops and fashion boutique along Gould Street. Getting to Bondi is simple. There are express buses that run to Bondi Beach from Sydney city centre, and take about 30 minutes. Trains operate from the city centre to Bondi Junction, and another 10-minute bus ride to the beach.
- Sydney Fish Market
Australia is known for its harbours and quality seafood, this is why you have to visit the Sydney Fish Market to get the freshest catch of the day. The fish market is located on the harbour in Pyrmont, just a few stops from Chinatown if you take the light rail. The Market is open every day from 7am-4pm, but make sure you get in early as the fresh catches are sold out quickly. The Fish Market offers seafood lovers a choice of many wet fish retailers with fresh seafood from prawns, oysters, lobsters to sea urchins, spanner crab and scampis. The onsite food service is really impressive too. There are a range of cafes and restaurants offering snacks and meals such as fish and chips, sashimi and sushis. You can even select your own whole fish and have it cooked to order and enjoy them on the harbourside boardwalk. Be careful not to let seagulls snatch away your food!
Now, are you hooked by the attractions that Sydney offers? Fly to Sydney this holiday. You can book tickets on this website through Cathay Pacific. Start your journey with Cathay Pacific to make the most out of this holiday!
