No matter why you’re visiting down under, there is so much to do that if you show up unprepared you could easily waste a whole day trying to figure out what to do, where, and when. There is incredible architecture, stunning flora and fauna, and loads of other attractions and activities to experience, but you will only have a limited time in which to experience them.
The first thing you’ll need to do to be able to enjoy the city freely and unencumbered is to make arrangements for your luggage or personal effects that you may be carrying around. The best way to do this is by using one of the great options for luggage storage in Sydney, which will usually only cost you a few dollars a day. They are secure locations that you can find easily, nearby just about any place that you’ll be staying.
Arguably one of the most iconic buildings in Sydney, the Sydney Opera House is one of the must-see sights, and for good reason. The amphitheater’s design makes it one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, and the architectural engineering combined with the picturesque harbor backdrop makes it the perfect place for a selfie or family picture.
It’s located on Bennelong Point, which is at the tip of the Circular Quay on the northeastern end. During most times of the year, there are informative and enthralling tours that give you a detailed look both in the front of the house, as well as behind-the-scenes. If you want to take part in a tour, be sure you are aware of any current limitations or requirements imposed by the ongoing pandemic.
Many people are unaware of the depth of diversity Australia has, and Sydney in particular has an incredibly beautiful and diverse downtown area. It is equally active both day and night and the main drag, George Street, will get you close to any areas you’d like to look at more closely.
The streets are alive with the vibrant multicultural melting pot that is the Sydney population, from Chinatown to the Spanish Quarter. Fans of good food will find it in surplus in these areas, and at night you can feel the city become even more energetic as the streets light up with nightlife and beautiful illumination.
Known as one of the finest art galleries in the whole of Australia, the Art Gallery of NSW is only closed two days each year, Christmas Day & Good Friday, and is a perfect place to take in a bit of Australian and international culture. If the weather is a little wet, however, attendance spikes because it’s an ideal place for pedestrians to get out of the rain.
Only a brief walk from the NSW Art Gallery are the Royal Botanic Gardens, which are home to indescribable floral displays and even views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The gardens are open every day of the year and are divided into various specialized themed gardens. Each garden highlights different families of plants, including palms, roses, orchids, ferns, and more.
The “Coathanger” as it’s locally known is the world’s largest steel arch bridge, and you can experience it in a variety of ways. You can boat beneath it of course, but you can also drive it, cross it via train, and even climb to the 135-meter high pinnacle for the absolute best view of the harbor. There is even a tour that will lead you on the climb over the course of about 3-4 hours, which can even include an Indigenous storytelling.
While you’re in Sydney, be sure you go off the beaten path and experience some of the local histories. The Rocks is a small finger of land that juts out into the harbor and was the home of the Gadigal people before colonization. It is named for the rocky coast where the first settler convicts made their homes, and it is full of heritage buildings and a wonderful museum
If you are looking to get some shopping in, the QVB is one of the best places to do so. Even if you aren’t looking to spend any money, the building itself is a beautiful example of a restored historical site that boasts mosaic floors and stained-glass windows.
One of the most famous things about Sydney is its harbor setting, which as you may have guessed, is experienced only in part by staying on the land. To get the full experience you’ll need to hop on a harbor cruise or ferry ride, which can be as short as 2 hours, making them great for those visiting under a time crunch.
At a staggering 309 meters tall, the Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest building in the city and is one of the most popular attractions in the city center. The express elevators (or “lifts” locally) will get you up to the observation deck in no time, where you can experience the glass-floored Skywalk. The ultimate location for panoramic photos also has an array of dining options.
The Taronga Zoo is on the north side of the harbor and has all of the usual wildlife you’d expect to see, and it’s one of the best things to check out if you’re visiting with kids. Once there, you can even enjoy some special up close and personal visits with some of the most famous Australian wildlife, as well as daily presentations from expert keepers.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, be sure you take some time to check out at least a few of the sights that we’ve highlighted for you. Even seeing one or two can give your vacation unforgettable memories.