Sydney Things to Do Tips by Ramonq

What? You don't want to see the Sydney Opera House?? Not seeing the Sydney Opera House inside and out, is sacrilegious. For most people, the Opera House symbolises Sydney, if not, Australia. This world-famous building was designed not by an Australian but by a Danish architect (Utzon) who won through a design competition. The money used to build it was raised through, yet another, but very Aussie competition, ie., a "chook" raffle otherwise known as sweepstakes.

Sydney Opera House is perfectly situated at Bennelong Point overlooking the coves of Sydney Harbour. The White egg-shaped sails mimics the sailboats that swan around the harbour any time of the year. It's organic design stands out amongst the background of boxy skyscapers.

It lifts the spirits. I always go here when I feel jaded. But I'd suggest that you should attempt to watch a performance inside to truly experience the Sydney Opera House.

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Address: Bennelong Point Sydney
Directions: Sydney (northeast of the CBD)

The Rocks is the historical heart of Sydney where the young penal colony grew. Here, one can see some of the oldest buildings and establishments in Sydney. Lovingly preserved terrace houses and sandstone structures are utilised for more modern activities such as fine dining in restaurants, shopping in boutiques or getting pissed (as the locals call it) in the pubs that dot the area.

The Rocks nearly got ball-wrecked by greedy developers in the 1960's, but its citizens revolted and the city elders relented. The place is now pleasantly gentrified which belies its rough and tumble beginnings as a penal colony and a dormitory for wharf labourers.

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Address: Sydney (northwest of the CBD)
Directions: The area around the southern pylons of the Harbour Bridge.

One of the most relaxing way to enjoy Sydney is to take the Manly Ferry to Manly, or any ferry to anywhere if that matters. The Manly ferry which goes east, is the most popular one, but the most distant ferry trip goes west to Parramatta.

Sydney Harbour is stunning expecially on a good day. On the Manly ferry trip, you'll be able to see the towering skyline of Sydney, the hidden coves of Sydney Harbour, the greenery around Taronga Zoo, and the opulent mansions of Sydney's eastern suburbs and the lower North Shore.

Manly itself has a relaxed resort feeling about it, where one can feed on fish and chips with seagulls while watching the beach world go by.

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Address: Start at Circular Quay
Directions: Sydney-Manly-Sydney ferry

George Street is Sydney's Main Street. Named after King George, the street highlights the architectural styles of the city's civic and business institutions.

Starting from the Rocks, which is lined by 19th century sandstone low rise structures, you then enter the CBD where gigantic postmodern skyscrapers tower over you, juxtaposed by some of the finest examples of Victorian-era architecture. Further along, you'll see the grand looking pedestrian square called Martin Place, where massive sandstone edifices dominate, including the old General Post Office Building. At the centre of the square is a forlorn statue to commerate the Anzac soldiers that died for the country.

Further down the CBD is the grandious Victorian-style building aptly named Queen Victoria Building (QVB). Made of sandstone, this ornate building is now a shopping mall. Next to the QVB is the fanciful Sydney Town Hall, where the mayor holds court and which shares a square with yet another sandstone structure, the understated St Andrews Cathedral.

Moving down George Street is Sydney's entertainment district. Here movie houses, fastfood joints, videogame arcades and pubs abound, including Sydney's largest outdoor television screen. New highrise apartments flank both sides of the street as you move closer to Chinatown district.

George Street ends at the massive Central Station which is austerely made of huge sandstone bricks. The train station is the hub of all trains that lead to Sydney. The street then gives way to Broadway which is a major bus transportion junction.

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Address: George Street
Directions: Runs north/south through Sydney CBD

This aquatic sporting event for lifeguards occurs during the summer months.
Lifeguards test their fitness prowess. How Aussie can you get!! Sydney people are just sports fanatics, they'll watch anything where people are running/swimming and competing.

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Address: The biggest ones are in Manly, Bondi and Cronulla
Directions: Checkout the newspapers for date and venue

Kings Cross or the Cross, for most part of the last century, and it still is, has been synonymous with nocturnal activities. It's got a bohemian atmosphere where the arty meets the sleazy. Bounded by the ultra-trendy Paddington to the east; gay Darlinghurst to the south; nautical Wooloomooloo to the north, and the gritty fringe of Sydney to the west, the Cross has become a meeting spot for drunken city workers, drug dealers, transvestite street walkers, cafe-latte sippers, and lonely sailors.

Not surprisingly, you'll see sex shops, strip joints and safe-injection rooms; but the trendsetters are gradually gentrifying the area with their cozy restaurants and botique stores.

If you're a student of sociology, then the Cross is for you.

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Address: Main street is Darlinghurst Road
Directions: East of Sydney