Sydney Tourist-Attractions

Sydney Tourist-Attractions information

The Opera House

The most recognisable of Sydney's icons, the distinctive sight of the Opera House is famous the world over. 14 years in construction it opened in 1973 but still remains one of the most remarkable modern buildings in the world. Naturally it is predominantly an auditorium and offers a full programme of opera and other stage performances but it is possible to take a variety of guided tours around the building, either around the front of the house or backstage. You can even arrange specialist tours, when qualified experts give you the full insight into the architecture and unique design of the opera house. Standard tours leave from the tours office every half-hour or so. Specialist tours must be booked in advance. Open: daily 09h00-17h00. Admission: AUD26, adults; AUD18, children.

Harbour Bridge

If the Opera House is the most recognisable Sydney image, the Harbour Bridge is the most dominant. From anywhere on the city's quay it is a fantastic photo opportunity but there are a couple of ways to get even more out of it. You can either walk along to the first pylon and climb the 200 steps to the viewing platform, from where you can obtain the best vantage point to take in the city skyline, or do the awesome bridge climb, which involves hooking up a safety line and climbing all the way along the arch right to the very top. Both day and night climbs are available; the latter is particularly spectacular as the city lights are reflected in the water of Sydney Harbour - 134metres below you. A reasonable level of fitness is needed to complete the climb, with the full walk taking three hours to complete. Pylon Platform: Open: daily 10h00-17h00. Admission: AUD9, adults; AUD3.50, children. Bridge Climb: daily, times vary according to time of year. Cost: from AUD169 (prices generally higher at weekends).

Australian Museum

The Australian Museum of Sydney is arguably one of the best natural history museums in the world. The large collection is drawn from all over Australia and demonstrates the remarkable uniqueness and diversity of flora and fauna of the country. The Aboriginal Gallery is particularly fascinating, displaying artefacts and items relating to the culture of the indigenous inhabitants of the country. Performances of Aboriginal ceremonial dance and story add to the experience. The museum also hosts a year-round programme of excellent lectures and special exhibitions that is worth checking out when you get there - there might just be something to interest you. 6 College St. Open: daily 09h30-17h00. Admission: AUD10, adults; AUD5, children.

Sydney Aquarium

The largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere the Sydney Aquarium cannot be missed. One of the world's great coastal cities, Sydney's relationship with the sea has always been a healthy one, and in this marvellous living museum you can see just some of the remarkable animals that inhabit the waters around Australia. Of particular note is the Great Barrier Reef display and, of course, the sharks, while the platypus section allows you a glimpse of Australia's freshwater marine life. While you're around Darling Harbour you should also check out the other attractions on offer including the IMAX cinema, the National Maritime Museum and the many shops, bars and restaurants. Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour. Open: daily 09h00-22h00. Admission: AUD27.50, adults; AUD14, children.

Taronga Zoo & Sydney Ferries

Beautifully located on the north shore of the harbour, the progressive and modern Taronga Zoo offers an ideal opportunity to meet some of the wildlife that makes up Australia's unique eco-system. Wombats, koalas, platypuses and, of course, snakes are just some of the inhabitants here. It is said that the giraffes have the best views of Sydney! The ferry from Circular Quay that goes to the zoo also provides an opportunity to get a great view of the Sydney skyline. From the ferry terminal, you can walk, take the bus or for a more spectacular journey, take the cable car to the zoo's main entrance. Taking any of the ferries departing from Circular Quay is a great way of discovering different parts of the city. Take a ferry to Manly and admire the bay, or take one to Darling Harbour and pass under Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are eight different routes to choose from. Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman. Open: daily 09h00-17h00 (occasionally later in high season). Admission: AUD32, adults; AUD17.50, children.

Museum of Sydney

Whereas the Australia Museum covers the whole continent, the Sydney Museum concentrates on the tiny portion of it occupied by Sydney. You'll certainly get more out of your stay in Sydney if you learn a little about the short history of this gorgeous city and the Sydney Museum is the place to do it. Just a short walk from the central boardwalk of Circular Quay it is well worth dropping in. The preserved original remains of Australia's first Government House lie underneath the museum and you can see them exposed inside. 37 Phillip St. Open: 09h30-17h00. Admission: AUD10, adults; AUD5, children.

Bondi Beach

The most famous beach in Sydney and one of the best known in the world, Bondi is the home of the long blonde-haired surf dude of Australian stereotype. But don't be intimidated, although this is home to the best surfers in the world it is also surprisingly egalitarian and very easy going on the surf novice. Hire yourself a surf or boogie board and let yourself go - you can even get a surf tutor to show you the ropes. Stick to surfing areas though, surfboards and swimmers don't mix, and be prepared to fall off. A lot. After you've tired of sea and beach life head for one of Bondi's many beach bars or restaurants and grab yourself an après-surf drink or meal and watch the real professionals carving up the waves. Note that there are shark nets so you don't have to worry on that score, but still take care in the water and don't let bravado outstrip your ability. The guys who make it look easy have been doing it for years. And when you're swimming on Bondi, stay between the flags, if in doubt about where the safe area is, ask a lifeguard.

Sydney Tower

Centrally located, Sydney Tower offers the best views available over the city, its harbour and parks. The Observation Deck, at 250m above street level, is the ideal place to get a general idea of Sydney's skyline. Either by day or by night, it is an exhilarating experience. If the views from the observation deck aren't thrilling enough for you, though, you can head one level up to the Skywalk, an outdoor glass-floored viewing platform from which you can see the city quite literally below your feet. The other attraction in the tower, OzTrek, is an altogether more sedate experience. Based on the ground floor, it consists of a virtual ride around Sydney and Australia, and gives visitors a good idea of what to expect while travelling around Oz. It's also worth stopping off at one or other of the two restaurants in the tower, both of which have revolving floors allowing 360-degree panoramic views. Enough to satisfy any appetite. Gallery level, 100 Market St. Sydney Tower & OzTrek open: Sun-Fri 09h00-22h30; Sat 09h00-23h30. Admission: AUD24, adults; AUD14, children. Skywalk open: daily 09h00-22h00 (last entry: 20h15). Admission: from AUD109, adults; from AUD85, children.

Powerhouse Museum

Near the Darling Harbour site this award-winning museum is a homage to human industry. The massive site once housed Sydney's power station and now is home to 25 exhibition galleries. The displays range far and wide over design, science and technology, from clothing fashions through the ages to the steam engines and machinery of the industrial revolution. Hands-on exhibits allow kids to test the principles of science for themselves while the transport galleries trace mankind's harnessing of nature from horsepower to the internal combustion engine and beyond. The museum has an Australian focus through much of it, and concentrates on specific achievements Down Under as well as the great migration that initially brought the ancestors of modern-day Australians to the continent. 500 Harris St. Open: daily 10h00-17h00. Admission: AUD10 adults and AUD5 children.

Sydney Harbour

Between the two towering structures of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, Circular Quay is a favourite boardwalk. This pleasant area is filled with street entertainers, musicians and plenty of bars and restaurants. Meanwhile further around the waterfront "The Rocks" area is a preserved part of historical Sydney - cobbled streets and squares hide traditional pubs and small shops ideal for browsing. You can even take tours of Shark, Clarke, Rhodd and Goat islands, which lie in the harbour and form the Sydney Harbour National Park. The rocky island of Fort Denison is worth a visit - once a prison it became a fort in the 19th century as part of Sydney's harbour defences. Check at the Sydney Harbour National Parks Information Centre (110 George Street, The Rocks) for details of tours.

Water Tours

Sydney from the water is magnificent and a variety of options exist for people who want to get the sea-level view. Sightseeing ferries run all day from various locations around the harbour. Several companies provide services ranging from express tours to luxurious sunset and dinner cruises. Enjoy a harbour sightseeing cruise with Blue Lines (Tel: +61 (0)2-8296-7296) on one of its authentic replicas of a 19th-century paddlesteamer evoking the romance of early colonial days. Other interesting tour companies include Bounty Cruises whose replica of the famous mutiny vessel sails from The Rocks daily (group bookings only). Captain Cook Cruises have a wide range of sightseeing vessels including the world's first wind and solar powered vessel as well as the sleek MV Sydney 2000 built as a stunning new addition to the waterfront for the Olympic Games. The sunset harbour dining cruise is perfect for a special occasion. Matilda Cruises offers sightseeing aboard one of its sleek, modern twin-hulled catamarans which ensure both stability and comfort. Take your pick from the aptly named hour-long Rocket Express Harbour Cruise, or a range of lunch and dinner cruises.

Parks

What makes Sydney such a pleasant place to live and visit is the way in which the city blends so harmoniously with nature. With water never very far away, there is also a huge expanse of green space that cuts a swathe through the city centre. Slap bang in the middle of Sydney, Hyde Park is the most central of the string of city parks, making it an ideal place to enjoy a picnic or have a rest while sightseeing. The park has a number of its own attractions to boot, not least St Mary's Cathedral, Archibald Fountain and the Anzac War Memorial. Next to Hyde Park is the Domain, home to the Art Gallery of New South Wales and plenty of trees that make for a pleasant, shady walk, while the Royal Botanical Gardens lead right up to the waterfront, and therefore have great bay views, overlooking Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison. Sydney Harbour National Park, stretching around the bay, completes the picture.