With oodles of natural beauty and a modern vibrancy, see what makes Sydney so special via our virtual tour.
As Australia’s largest and most well-known city, Sydney is the starting point for most visitors to the country. Here travellers will find a city packed full of natural beauty, set on the picturesque Sydney Harbour and stretching to the buzzing beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Exploring the city reveals a laidback modern culture with a fascinating history, as observed in historical suburbs like the Rocks. So enjoy this fun tour of some of the highlights of the city to get inspired for your trip in real life.
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The Sydney Opera House
With its unique shape and picturesque position on the Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is an iconic symbol of the city and Australia. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened in 1973, the building houses several performance venues and hosts over 1500 performances each year. If you don’t have the chance to enjoy a show, you can explore inside with a guided tour or grab a drink at the bar on the waterfront to soak up the views and vibe of this famous venue.
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Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
For one of the finest viewpoints of Sydney Harbour, head to Mrs Macquarie’s chair and take a seat on the stone bench to admire the views of the busy waterway. The bench, carved from sandstone by convicts in 1810, was a favourite spot for Elizabeth Macquarie, wife of the Governor General of NSW, who would sit and watch the British ships sail into Sydney. While Mrs Macquarie is long gone and the view has changed dramatically since her time, the lookout still offers incredible views of the harbour.
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The Rocks
As you enjoy a wander through the streets of the historical district of The Rocks you are walking in one of Australia’s oldest neighbourhoods. Established soon after British settlement in 1788, The Rocks was known as Tallawoladah to the local Aboriginal people, the Cadigal. Many of the original colonial buildings survived the threat of demolition in the 1970s and now host trendy cafes, boutiques and galleries. Enjoy a drink at the old pubs dotted around the area, take in the views of harbour or pick up a souvenir from one of the local craft shops. The eclectic mix of old and new offers you a view into Sydney’s convict past and while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the modern city today.
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The Sydney Harbour Bridge
Affectionately known as The Coathanger to locals, the Sydney Harbour Bridge has connected the Sydney CBD to the northern suburbs since 1932. Spanning 500 metres, the steel arch bridge is the 6th longest of its type in the world. The bridge accommodates six lanes of road traffic and four railroad tracks and with two walking paths, you can easily cross the bridge and take in the views with a stroll to the other side. If that doesn’t sound adventurous enough for you, climb to top with an organised tour.
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Bondi Beach
For many people, Australia is synonymous with sun, surf and sand and nowhere symbolises this better than Bondi Beach. This famous beach, 7kms east of Sydney, is one of the most popular beaches in Australia and offers all the quintessential experiences of an Aussie beach. You can learn to surf on the curling waves, watch the Surf Life Savers in action, look out for whales in winter months, or just lay about on the beach and appreciate the vibrant atmosphere. Once you’ve soaked up enough rays and enjoyed a dip, enjoy a stroll along the foreshore promenade to peruse the local boutiques, stop for a coffee or grab a drink at the iconic Icebergs Surf Life Saving Club. If you’re feeling more energetic, explore the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee for amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
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Manly
If you can’t get enough of Sydney’s beaches, head north to Manly for more of the city’s famous sand and surf. Like Bondi, Manly offers everything a dedicated beachgoer could ask for. You can learn to surf at one of the local surf schools, wander the buzzing foreshore and grab a pint at the local 4 Pines brewery, or explore the coastal tracks and walking trails. While Manly is a bit out of the city, it’s easily accessible via a scenic ferry journey from Circular Quay. How’s that for a commute?
Related article: Top 6 Day Trips from Sydney