Visit Sydney
25 Nov 2013
Even if you don’t stray far from the inner city, Sydney has more to offer than bright lights and hustle and bustle.
Sydney Opera House
Enjoy a casual stroll along the boardwalk, taking in the views of the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park, and soaking up the atmosphere and activity surrounding the Opera House.
For a quick dinner or drink before a show you can’t beat the view from the Lower Concourse, where you’ll find the iconic Opera Bar.
If you aren’t seeing a show, book an interactive tour of the 1000 rooms and 300 corridors to view the architectural masterpiece at your own pace.
If you’re celebrating, book dinner at Guillaume at Bennelong. This award-winning restaurant in the southern shell of the Opera House offers views of the bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, Circular Quay and city.
The Rocks
At the newly renovated Museum of Contemporary Art, the new rooftop MCA Café and Sculpture terrace boasts great food and even better views. Downstairs on George St, you’ll find high-end fashion, Australian souvenirs, quaint bookshops and opal jewellers. On weekends at the Rocks Markets, stallholders sell clothes, one-off jewellery and original artworks. Each Friday the Foodies Markets are held in the same place. The Rocks is home to an array of great pubs. Special mention goes to The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel.
Shopping
Wander through the halls of the Queen Victoria Building for a taste of the grandeur of Sydney in the days of old. Admire the Romanesque stone exterior, ornate interior and beautiful stained glass windows. The Strand Arcade is a short walk up the road and offers further insight into the pioneering designs emerging in Sydney in the mid 1880s. Both are home to great shops and cafes.
Coastal walks
Catch a bus directly to Bondi Beach from the city or Circular Quay to bask in the beauty of Sydney’s eastern beaches. The first thing on your agenda should be the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. The 6km stretch passes Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly beaches, and takes two hours at a relaxed pace. The walk from Ben Buckler Point to the south end of Bondi Beach is a leisurely 10-minute stroll.
Adventure
Finish your Sydney visit on a high atop the Harbour Bridge. Bridge Climbs are run at dawn, twilight, day and night over three routes, and whichever you choose, once you reach the top of the coat hanger you will be blown away, figuratively of course.
If you still haven’t satisfied your sense of adventure, view the city from 268 metres above it at Sydney Tower. For something truly unique sign up for a Wednesday morning yoga class on the Observation Deck.
Photo credit: Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW
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