Sydney Things to Do Tips by SydneyGal

This is probably the #1 must see attraction for Sydney. From Circular Quay you can soak in the busy bustling atmosphere of Sydney, enjoy the harbour, the Opera House and last but not least, enjoy a magnificent view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Circular Quay is Sydney city's harbourside transport hub where trains, ferries and buses converge. It is a convenient starting point for tours of the city. TIP - catch a ferry or harbour cruise from Circular Quay, and enjoy a trip around our beautiful harbour.

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Address: Circular Quay - Sydney

The Sydney Opera House is a landmark building in Sydney, recognisable internationally as a major gem on Sydney's Harbour. When originally built, it was a very controversial building - most Sydneysiders at the time thought it was a blight on the harbour. Today it is one of Sydney's treasures. TIP: Go to the Sydney Opera House website (I have included the link below) for details of theatre, comedy, ballet, opera, symphony shows. You can book and pay for shows online. TIP2: you can enjoy spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge from the Opera House. Get a seat at the Opera Bar have a drink as the sun goes down over the harbour - beautiful!

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Address: Opera House, East Circular Quay, Sydney
Directions: East Circular Quay
Website: www.sydneyoperahouse.com.au

Scores of restaurants on the water, this is a massive 3 level development on Darling Harbour. This is a place mainly dedicated for eating. Baia San Marco is great for Italian (great pastas!), Blackbird is cheap and funky targeted to the teens and 20s crowd. Chinta Ria is a popular Malaysian Restaurant on the top floor. Pontoon Bar, an outdoor bar is popular on Friday and Saturday nights. In the summer, Cockle Bay is an excellent place to hang out to experience Sydney alfresco outdoor dining. (pic above: Cockle Bay by night)

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Address: Cockly Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour
Other Contact: www.cocklebaywharf.com

You MUST visit Bondi beach! Although a major tourist spot, you cannot beat it for people watching, and standing back to watch a mish-mash of cultures bathing in the ocean waves. In the summer, there are thousands of people at any time basking in the sun, a mixture of locals, tourists, families, the elderly ... you name it, its here. And for good reason too, it is a great atmosphere. Make sure you bring sunscreen and your hat, though! Don't fear in the colder months, Bondi is always a beautiful place to be. If you get tired of the beach, there are scores of cafes and restaurants 2 mins away on Campbell Parade. Try Gelbison, Liberty Lunch or Yulla. On Sunday and Wednesday nights, the Beach Road Hotel is your local hangout (on Beach Road - of course ... about 10 mins walk from the beach) (pic above left: Me, Tanya and Amanda New Years Day 2000, posing as tourists - click on the image and check out how packed it was!)

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Address: Bondi Beach

Walk from South Bondi to Bronte Beach
This is a breathtaking coastal walk by the ocean, taking about 20-30 mins from South Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach. On the way you can see some lovely beachside homes and get a taste of the beachside lifestyle. At the end of the walk, stop and have lunch in one of the many cafes in Bronte overlooking the beach. So many people visiting Bondi Beach seem to miss this. Don't be one of them! (pic left: the pool at Bronte Beach)

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Address: Start walking south of Bondi Beach

If you do the Harbour Bridgeclimb, I can pretty much guaruntee that it will be one of the highlights of your travels in Australia. (pic left: I took this photo whilst on a ferry. See the white specks of colour at the top of the harbour bridge? ... that could be YOU!... click on the image to enlarge if you cannot spy the people!) The whole trip takes about 3.5 hours. Keeping this in mind, the best time to go would be just as the sun is setting or rising - so you can see Sydney at its most lovely. Book in about 5pm if you can. You'll even learn a little bit of history on Sydney from the intelligent and professional tour guides who take care of groups of 10 or so. For those scared of heights, this is the perfect opportunity to overcome it! DO IT, you won't regret it, I promise.

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Address: The Rocks - check website for clear directions
Other Contact: Adult weekdays: $125, weekend an

The site of the first colonial settlement in Australia in 1788, when about 1400 men, women and children arrived after 250 days sailing in the First Fleet, a fleet of prison ships. Sydney’s historic Rocks precinct is a charming blend of the past and present.

Wander through the maze of cobbled lanes and beautifully restored sandstone buildings, learn about Sydney’s history at a museum or gallery and discover some of the best contemporary shopping, sightseeing and dining the City has to offer.

TIP: visit The Rocks on a Saturday or Sunday and you will be able to enjoy the "Rocks Market" - these innovative street markets are held just beneath the Harbour Bridge, in George Street. There are over 150 stalls offering gifts, antiques and homewares, as well as cafes, pubs and great entertainment.

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Directions: Take a train to Circular Quay and walk along George Street towards the Harbour Bridge.
Website: http://www.rocksvillage.com/

Darling Harbour, across the water from the Cockle Bay complex is also an interesting place to visit. It is a bit touristy but if you are holidaying in Sydney, you will probably enjoy a visit here. Great for souvenir shopping.
With Australia's leading maritime & powerhouse museums, an aquarium, the world's largest movie screen and a magnificent Chinese Garden, Darling Harbour attractions are sure to please!

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Directions: visitors can come to Darling Harbour by ferry, Monorail, Light Rail, bus or train followed by a short walk from the city.