Welcome to Sydney, Australia, one of the world's most picturesque cities. Surrounded by a majestic Harbour and scattered with beaches, national parks and green areas, this is a city that entices you to explore. Take a ferry and see Sydney Harbour from the water, lose yourself in the cobbled streets of the historic Rocks district and learn about the area's rich heritage at one of the cities fantastic cultural institutions.
An icon of Australia, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, endearingly referred to as the 'coat hanger' by some locals, is not just a wonderful landmark to observe at a distance. Whilst in Sydney climb, walk, or travel across it in and enjoy some of the best views the harbour city has to offer.
The fitter and less faint-hearted may like to consider a challenge at greater heights: guaranteed to be an experience you'll never forget!
Bridge Climb is one of Sydney's most popular attractions. There are now four unique adventures to choose from; The Express Climb, The Discovery Climb, The Bridge Climb and the NEW Mandarin Climb. Climbs are available at dawn, day, twilight and night.
One of the greatest triumphs of modern architecture, the World Heritage Listed Sydney Opera House is a must see.
Sydney Opera House has a colourful schedule of performances throughout the year and offers interactive guided tours of the building. Take a leisurely stroll around the building and enjoy the 'sails of Sydney' close-up.
Take a unique historical journey and learn about Sydney's past on one of the harbour Islands: Fort Denison, Shark, Clark, Rodd, Goat and Cockatoo. Each has stunning views of the Harbour and its own little treasure chest of secrets.
Guided tours are available during the day and some nights.
The Rocks is nestled on the southern side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Its cobblestoned laneways and heritage architecture entice you to lose yourself and discover a wealth of history. As the traditional home of the Gadigal people, and the place of first European settlement in Australia, there are many stories to be revealed.
The Rocks is home to some of Sydney's finest restaurants, bars and boutique stores. It is abuzz with cultural activities and on Sunday has a weekly art and crafts market.
Visit www.therocks.com.
Imagine a place that's always open, always pleased to see you and always looking for bigger and better ways to have fun. This is what you get every time you come to Darling Harbour, one of Sydney's premier visitor precincts. You will find restaurants, cafes, shopping centres and outdoor activities.
Visit www.darlingharbour.com.
Sydney is home to some of the finest and most famous beaches in the world. There are dozens of surf beaches and harbour coves waiting for you to explore. We recommend that you wear a hat and put on your sun lotion - the Aussie sun is harsh! Amongst the most famous and accessible beaches are:
Popular with backpackers, billionaires, board riders and the body beautiful, Bondi is one of Sydney's most stunning beaches. A walk along the beachfront promenade gives you the chance to experience its carefree sun-drenched lifestyle. Bondi Beach is about 30 minutes by public transport from the Sydney city centre.
The Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk is a 6km (one way) picturesque coastal route that weaves across beaches, bays, cliffs and stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Nestled between a tranquil inner-harbour beach on one side and a popular Pacific Ocean surf beach on the other, Manly combines a laid-back attitude with a sophisticated dining scene and stylish shopping.
Ferries leave from Circular Quay to Manly regularly.
Other information: http://www.sydney.com/things-to-do/beach-lifestyle/sydney-beaches
Meet a koala, a kangaroo, echidna or a platypus - and over 2000 other wild and wonderful creatures at Taronga Zoo. Taronga, an Aboriginal word for "water view" is located on the north side of the harbour and bodes some of the most spectacular views of Sydney from its elevated vantage point.
The zoo is located just 12 minutes ferry ride from Circular Quay.
Be inspired and delve into Sydney's history, culture and artistic talent at one of several quality museums around the city.
The Australian Museum is the country's first museum. It houses an extensive natural science and cultural artefacts collections and runs engaging public programs and exhibitions.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is one of the world's largest aquariums. It houses over 13,000 animals from over 700 species of Australian sea life and runs exciting visitor experiences. Don't miss the daily shark feeding! The Sydney Aquarium is situated in Darling Harbour.
Discover breathtaking landscapes, sit and listen to a rainforest stream or contemplate a wilderness stretching out to the horizon. It's the perfect place to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your soul in Australia's most accessible World Heritage Listed wilderness.
180 years young, Australia's oldest and best known wine region is soaked in history but is certainly not a museum piece. It's a dynamic and fascinating area that brims with over 150 top-class wineries, 65 indulgent restaurants and 180 places to stay as well as gourmet produce, boutique wineries, special experiences and friendly local communities.
Explore Taronga Western Plains Zoo, an African safari experience in regional New South Wales. Roam over 300 hectares of open bushland, home to elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses, big cats & world renowned rhinoceros breeding programs.
Attractions
Regions
Sydney continues to attract major world fashion brands making the inner-city an unsurpassed shopping experience.
You'll have fun stocking up on the latest boots, party frock or piece of jewellery in stylish shopping centres and boutiques across the city. Shopping at an outdoor market is where you'll pick up some great vintage finds or the next hot fashion name.
Sydney is home to some of Australia's best restaurants, many with stunning views, and their dynamic chefs are well-known for creating innovative cuisine. From pocket cafes to internationally renowned chefs, Sydney Restaurants are as diverse as they are numerous.
Global food trends making their mark in Sydney right now range from the flavours of Italy and Spain to Mexico, Brazil, China and Vietnam.
Sydney chefs also have access to an abundance of local, fresh produce, where the most highly valued ingredients are seasonality and quality.
