10 Places to Visit in Sydney, Australia

Australia’s oldest and largest city is an unforgettable combination of natural beauty and manmade feats of architecture and engineering. Whether riding the waves at a picturesque beach or snapping a photo near the harbour, Sydney has something for everyone.

Sydney Opera House

You knew this would be on the list. Perhaps one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet, Sydney Opera House is an impressive feat of design and engineering. Hosting over 1,500 performances every year, and more than a million attendees, this is one of Sydney’s premier attractions. Whether you’re there for a performance, organized tour, or photo opportunity, you can’t skip the Sydney Opera House.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Nicknamed the “Coathanger,” the Harbour Bridge is another of Sydney’s prominent landmarks. This is the world’s largest steel arch bridge, a single curve rising 134 meters above the water. Walkways allow for beautiful, photogenic views, but if you’re really daring you can try the Sydney Bridge Climb. This lets groups of up to 13 take a 3 hour climb to the top of the outer arch.

The Rocks

Syndey’s oldest neighborhood is now a tourist hotspot, filled with heritage sites, cafes, and boutiques. A jaunt through the Rocks Discovery Museum will tell you everything you need to know about the area’s history, while Cadman’s cottage stands as Sydney’s oldest surviving house. The Rocks is also home to a number of guided tours, from aboriginal heritage walks to nighttime ghost tours.

Bondi Beach 

Perhaps the most famous of Australia’s many beautiful beaches, Bondi is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Great sand, clean waters, and ease of access by mass transit make for a stellar opportunity to swim, surf, sunbathe, and people watch.

Circular Quay (Harbour Cruises)

Circular Quay is Sydney’s main ferry terminal, a bustling connecting point for thousands of commuters. This is the place to be if you want to experience a harbor cruise, the best way to appreciate Sydney’s gorgeous waterfront. You’ll also find ferries headed for the Taronga Park Zoo, Watson’s Bay, and other destinations.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium 

Australia is home to a diverse assortment of aquatic creatures, and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is one of your best means of experiencing them. Walk through underwater exhibits featuring the world’s biggest collection of Australian marine creatures, and stop in at the various show-and-tell sessions as animals are being fed.

Sydney Tower

Sydney Tower is the city’s tallest building, rising from the Centrepoint shopping mall. Featuring revolving restaurants and a 4D cinema experience, the tower provides a unique view of the surrounding city. There’s also the SKYWALK, a glass-floor viewing platform for those with the stomach for it.

George Street 

George Street is the oldest street in Australia, now home to an impressive assortment of high-rise offices, historic buildings, and shops. Walking along George Street lets you take in the elegant Queen Victoria Building, the varied architecture of Sydney Town Hall, and the neo-Gothic St. Andrew’s Cathedral. In addition to these architectural landmarks, the avid shopper will be pleased with the number of designer boutiques.

Royal Botanic Gardens 

If you’re looking for a break from the busy city scene, head over to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Not far from the Sydney Opera House, this Farm Cove location features 30 hectares of gardens, each with their own theme. Whether you walk through the gardens or take the touring train, you’ll find beauty all around you.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

If art is your cup of tea, be sure to stop by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Surrounded by picturesque parklands, the Gallery houses collections from Asian and European masters, as well as contemporary art from all over the world. You’ll also find one of Australia’s largest collections of aboriginal art.

Planning to go “Down Under”?  Contact Gavel International for more information about travel incentives and meeting planning in Sydney, Australia.