Sydney Australia Vacations

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A traveler to Sydney is able to enjoy one of the most cosmopolitan cities, located on one of the most beautiful harbors, in the world. Port Jackson is not only the heart of Sydney; it symbolizes the sun, water and outdoor spirit of those who inhabit it. The billowing sails of one of the world’s most beautiful buildings - the Sydney Opera House, dominate the eastern side of Sydney Cove. Stately and serene beside the botanical gardens, with its striking design it fittingly houses the artistic muse of modern Sydney.

What You Must See in Sydney

Beaches

A vacation to Sydney, Australia would not be complete without a trip to one or more of its famous beaches. There are several dozen sandy beaches that nestle along the suburban coastline. Bondi is about 15 minutes from the Central Business District (CBD) by taxi (and there are plenty of buses) and is in Sydney's eastern suburbs. A trip to beautiful Manly on the northern side of the harbor is only about 30 minutes from the city, traveling by ferry from Circular Quay. This has to be one of the most relaxing, picturesque and enjoyable rides you will ever experience.

Taronga Zoo

The Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia has a long and glorious history. Set on over 50 acres since the turn of the 20th century, the Zoo looks out over the magnificent harbor. Views of the old bridge and the new Opera House dazzle the eye, along with the green hills and blue sky.

Kookaburras, wombats, Tasmanian Devils and all manner of native species are found here, along with the more traditional chimpanzees and giraffes. The giraffes are particularly interesting, since you get such a close-up view of these gentle, large-eyed animals.

The Zoo has a number of innovative viewing programs, including private tours and even night tours.

Harbor Bridge

Completed in 1932, the bridge is unquestionably one of the most famous of Sydney's landmarks.

The structure includes a lookout point, called Pylon Lookout, from which visitors can see the magnificent harbor, including the much newer Sydney Opera House.

But for those who want a real workout, consider joining the Bridge Club for a stroll. Thanks to the Bridge Club, founded in 1998, visitors can don suitable clothing and, tied to a safety line, actually walk over the arch above the roadway. The view is breathtaking. For the truly bold, there are even night climbs.

Sydney Opera House

Like many large public projects, the building of the Sydney Opera House was bathed in controversy. But the final result is nonetheless breathtaking. While the interior has many flaws, such as the stage being blocked from portions of the seating area, inside and out it's an architectural marvel.

The exterior is now known the world over, owing to the distinctive series of overlapping 'sails' that form the basic shape. The architect says they were inspired by palm fronds, but they're technically sections of a sphere. The design is so different and astounding that the buildings have become a symbol of Australia to the whole world.

Today, the facility conducts tours for over 200,000 people each year through much of the facility, including a walk over the stage. Performances in the complex are attended by two million annually.

Have lunch in the Green Room then take a stroll around the steps outside.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Just a short walk from Sydney's world-famous Opera House is the equally impressive, and much older, Royal Botanic Gardens. Like many other attractions in the area, the gardens have a spectacular view of Sydney Harbor. The harbor is technically referred to as Port Jackson, you may see it listed this way in some brochures and on some websites.

The gardens offer a wide variety of things to see and do, with the centerpiece being the specimens themselves, of course.

The Palm House, erected in 1876, is the oldest glasshouse in New South Wales (the region of which Sydney is the capital). Sited in one of the many garden settings, it can even be used for weddings or art showings.

Since seeing all that varied beauty can be tiring, the Gardens offer a small train that tours around the different areas. Take a ride to the Maiden Theater and enjoy the turn of the 20th century courtyard. Then motor over to the Fernery and take in the large leafy samples.

Take the time to investigate the Wollemi Pine, so rare it was thought extinct since prehistoric times. Fewer than 40 specimens are known to exist now and until ten years ago the Garden's scientists kept it locked away.

Harbor Boat Tours

The Sydney Harbor (technically, Port Jackson) offers a number of stunning views. But how much more delightful to see them from a different angle on the water, while moving at top speed in a jet boat, or cruising along on a sailboat.

There are a dozen or more companies that offer boat rides of the harbor.

Take a fishing cruise and find out why the Great Barrier Reef is considered one of the best spots for anglers in the world. Whether you're interested in just a couple of hours of relaxing pole dipping or want an all-day excursion, Sydney's fishing cruise companies have what you're looking for.

For those who want just to watch, not to catch, there are variety of scenic cruises that offer whale watching, along with views of Fairy penguins, seals, dolphins and many of the birds native to the area.

Depart from the Opera House, the Taronga Zoo or Darling harbor to catch any one of a dozen different excursions. Lunch, dinner or sunset cruises are offered, too. There are even day or evening gondola rides for the romantically inclined. Set off from Cockle Bay and gently glide around the inner western area of Sydney Harbor.

The Rocks

The first British settlers arrived in Australia on the western side of Circular Quay in Sydney, at an area now known as 'The Rocks'. These city blocks, adjacent to the Sydney Opera House, house dozens of things to see and do.

Cadman Cottage is the oldest house in Sydney, built in 1816. Situated on George Street, the main street running through The Rocks, it now houses the National Park Information Centre.

The cottage isn't the only piece of interesting architecture in the area, however. There are several. The Old Police Station, Bond Store, Coachhouse and Puppet Cottage, and many more are found along streets, providing a leisurely walk from one to the next.

Be sure to spend some time at the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel. Built in 1836, it brews beer on the premises, as it has since 1841 when it was opened as a hotel.

Sydney Accommodations

If you prefer five-star hotels, there are a number connected to international chains that can be found in downtown Sydney. These are normally situated so that they command panoramic views over the city and harbor. The Sheraton and Hilton chains are represented. Other five-star locations include the Menzies Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel, Park Hyatt, and Shangri-La Hotel. The Swiss Grand Hotel overlooks the beach at Bondi.

At the other end of the scale, there is a flourishing backpacker industry. Budget-priced backpacker hostels can be found in the CBD at Central Station, at Potts Point (near the city) and at major beaches, such as Bondi, Coogee, and Manly. These are some of the best hostels to be found anywhere.

Restaurants

The arrival of migrants since the fifties has given an enormous boost to the variety and quality of Sydney's restaurant cuisine. These abound in popular areas, such as The Rocks, and Bondi. Important clusters are also to be found in near city suburbs, including Oxford Street; King Street, Newtown; and Glebe Point Road, Glebe. For a special treat try the revolving restaurants atop the Sydney Centrepoint Tower - beautiful by day, glorious by night!

Sydney has developed into one of the most appealing and friendly cities you could hope to visit. You can enjoy theaters, restaurants, gardens, sporting activities, cultural events, beautiful beaches and magnificent views - all within close proximity to the city center. But one word of caution: make sure you have bought your ticket to return home - you may not want to leave.

Synonyms: AU and Australia are used synonymously.

Ydney, ySdney, Sdney, Sdyney, Syney, Syndey, Sydey, Sydeny, Sydny, Sydnye, and Sydne are typos for "Sydney." ustralia, uAstralia, Astralia, Asutralia, Autralia, Autsralia, Ausralia, Ausrtalia, Austalia, Austarlia, Austrlia, Austrlaia, Austraia, Austraila, Australa, Australai, and Australi are typos for "Australia."