Sydney, Australia’s oldest and largest city, was once nothing more than a poor convict colony. Two hunderd years on, Sydney is a beautiful, vibrant and charming city that has something for everyone. In the daytime, you can relax in trendy cafes or on the beaches. At night, Sydney’s plethora of multi-cultural restaurants and fine theatre have plenty to offer. Above all, the people of Sydney are a friendly lot.

This place will beckon you with all it has to make your trip one of the best you have ever had.

Must-See Sights Of Sydney

SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE
If you truly wish to experience the Bridge and gain a breathtaking 360 degree view of Sydney harbour and its outlying suburbs, why not venture up on top! Spend two hours weaving through catwalks, up ladders and then to the most spectacular point of all, the upper arch climb. Not for the faint hearted or for those under twelve years of age but certainly for those who wish to do something very unique during their visit to Sydney. Walks operate day and night.

TARONGA ZOO
Australia boasts many unique animals.

Taronga Zoo’s giraffes have one of the best views in the world, with a backdrop of Sydney’s city skyline, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. With over 50 acres running down to the water’s edge, you can reach the zoo by ferry from Circular Quay (city) and then spend the day introducing yourself to Australia’s native animals. When your legs become too weary, hop on the free Sky Safari gondola and take in the awesome sight of the city behind you and the animals below. The zoo is open everyday. So pack a picnic lunch, grab the kids and make a day of it.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
One of the best recognised bulidings in the world. And the most representative of Australia. A great architectural masterpiece of the 20th Century, its sails frame the edge of spectacular Sydney Harbour. Designed by the Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is the centre of Sydney’s cultural activity. Classical concerts, opera, ballet, drama and comedy are all performed within its breathtaking architecture. There are 3,000 contemporary and classical performances held in this truly awesome building every year. So go enjoy a show of our choice while you are in this city. The building can be seen from the foreshore or you can take a one hour guided tour.

DARLING HARBOUR
Whether you visit in the day or the night, it is a constant buzz of activity. Apart from the Aquarium, you can visit the Imax Cinema, Australia’s tallest cinema screen, eight stories high. Or you can relax in the Chinese Gardens, visit the tall ships and submarines at the Sydney Maritime Museum or shop among the hundreds of boutiques on the foreshore. At night, Darling Harbour is the perfect place to view the city skyline’s neon colour and experience the fervour of nightclubs, restaurants and bars.

SYDNEY AQUARIUM
Located in bustling Darling Harbour lies some of Australia’s most spectacular fish.

If sharks are your thing, then you’ll enjoy viewing them up close and letting them swim directly above you by walking through the glass tunnels. And if you are unable to find the time to visit The Great Barrier Reef, then this will be the next best thing as Sydney’s Aquarium has a magnificent selection of Queensland’s reef fish. Open everyday except Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

CENTREPOINT TOWER
For those of you who don’t wish to conquer their fear of heights by doing the bridge climb, here is another way to experience Sydney’s expanse. Right in the centre of Sydney’s Shopping precinct, you can catch a lift up the tower and visit the Tower’s Observation Deck, which at 305 metres high, is the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. You can see right across the city area and, on a clear day, all the way to the Blue Mountains in the West. If hunger strikes while you are there, enjoy a meal in the 360 degree revolving restaurant that guarantees spectacular views while you eat.

THE ROCKS
The Rocks is where mariners of the First Fleet stepped ashore on 26 January 1788 and British settlement of Australia was first established. Today it is Sydney’s historic old town quarter, nestling between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. If you want to enjoy some great Australian beers and food, why not take The Rocks Pub Tour – explore historic drinking places. Or you can simply wander around the cobblestone paths to a plethora of cafes and restaurants ranging from the simple to the sublime. For a bit of modern culture, visit The Museum of Contemporary Art situated on the water.

FERRY TO MANLY BEACH
From Circular Quay, you can catch a ferry to the Northern suburbs beach of Manly. Its pristine beach is sprinkled with people during the weekday but alive with swimmers, jazz music and market stalls on the weekend. Either way, it is a beautiful location to take in some fish and chips, go for a swim and visit Oceanworld or Manly Waterworks with its three giant water slides for the kids. The Manly Beach is open 24 hours daily and has some fantastic scenery and walking along the coastal areas. You will see why there is such a beach culture in the area. Just take the day to enjoy this special beach and unwind and relax for the afternoon or evening.

BONDI to TAMARAMA COASTAL WALK
If you are feeling energetic, then catch a bus from the city to Bondi Beach and do the stunning coastal walk along Australia’s eastern seaboard, cliffs and all. It is an easy walk, suitable for families. As an added treat, during November each year, the walk is home to the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, where Australia’s finest sculptors display their work against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

OLYMPIC STADIUM
In 2000, Sydney was the host to the 27th Olympic Games. The site is located in Homebush Bay, approximately 14 kms west of the Harbour Bridge. It is an outstanding complex of stadiums, parks and ultramodern athletics centres. By train, the journey is 20 minutes from the Sydney CBD. Or you can catch a River Cat Ferry from Circular Quay up the Parramatta River. One way to see Olympic Park is on an Olympic Explorer Bus Tour. There are also tours to three major venues including Stadium Australia which holds 110,000 people.

SYDNEY'S OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Royal Botanic Gardens
Balmoral Beach
Palm Beach

There are many more places to see and things to do. Just pull on your walking shoes and get out there and enjoy it all.