Sightseeing in Sydney

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Overview
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Vast, vibrant Sydney is the epitome of the Australian surf, sand and sun cliché. Carved out of sandstone headlands with golden beaches and world-class surf, this sun-soaked city offers the ultimate in outdoor living..At the heart of the city is the harbour, arguably one of the most beautiful waterways in the world, where the curves of the Sydney Opera House shimmer in the sunlight and dozens of white sails float beneath the Harbour Bridge..The state capital of New South Wales, Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city and is regarded by many (particularly Sydneysiders) as the country's capital in all but name. It's a thriving centre for both business and the arts with a buzzing cafe culture, a vibrant nightlife, and a restaurant scene fit to rival the most gastronomic destinations..The Sydney experience is essentially a physical one. Semitropical summers and mild winters mean that days spent indoors are rare. Take a dip in the ocean at Bondi Beach or stretch your legs along the coastal walk to Coogee. Learn to surf at Manly, swim laps at Icebergs pool, kayak around the harbour, catch some rays along the northern beaches or go bush in one of the national parks..But despite what its neighbours might tell you, there is more to Sydney than it's good-looking exterior. The museums, galleries, theatres and concert venues should satisfy those seeking more cerebral pursuits. History buffs will enjoy The Rocks, where Sydney's sordid beginnings as a British penal colony remain, and further downtown grand Victorian structures sit side by side modern monoliths in glass and steel..Sydney's Aboriginal heritage has, for the most part, been eclipsed by Australia's white history. Although Sydney has the highest Aboriginal population of any Australia city, a stroll around the city streets offers little evidence of their existence and they remain very much an invisible minority..The city's busy social calendar means that at almost any time of year, a festival is underway. The summer months host numerous sporting events as well as film, art and theatre festivals but pick any month of the year and you're almost guaranteed to witness some sort of celebration..Locals have long argued that Sydney is the city that has it all but it was only following the triumphant hosting of the 2000 Olympic Games that the rest of the world sat up and took notice. Now Sydney is a ‘must see' on many a traveller's itinerary and once you've visited, you'll understand exactly why. .
SIGHTSEEING IN SIDNEY
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Who can argue with the claim that Sydney has the most magnificent harbour in the world? Its intricate coastal geography of headlands and secluded bays is the stunning setting for two of the modern world's most ambitious architectural achievements - the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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It's not surprising then that much of the tourist attention is focused on the harbour and its surrounds. The Rocks forms the historical backbone of the city and a day spent wandering these old-world streets is a must. Circular Quay buzzes throughout the day with visitors, buskers and locals hopping on and off the ferries on their way to and from work.

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But step away from this and you'll see that there is more to Sydney than just the harbour. The central business district (CBD) holds remains of its Victorian past with grand banking chambers and intricate shopping arcades. Further afield, the areas of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Paddington are cosmopolitan communities, each with their own distinct feel and character.

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Surry Hills is a colourful neighbourhood lined with cafes and boutiques, while Darlinghurst comes alive every March for the world-famous Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Paddington has a more genteel feel, with its fashionable restaurants, galleries, antique shops and restored Victorian terraces complete with wrought-iron lace verandas. Another area worth exploring is Kings Cross. Although traditionally renowned for its red light district it boasts a bustling cafe society and some excellent restaurants.

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Tourist Information
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Sydney Visitor Centre

Corner Argyle and Playfair Streets, The Rocks or 33 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour

Tel: (02) 9240 8788 or 1800 067 676, in Australia only.

Website: http://www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com/

Opening hours: Daily 0930-1730.
Passes
The All Day Pass & Tower & Aquarium package from Captain Cook Cruises incorporates entry to Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower and a hop-on, hop-off harbour cruise departing from Circular Quay. Tickets are available from any of these attractions.

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The Darling Harbour Super Ticket, available at the Sydney Aquarium, includes entry to the Sydney Aquarium and the Chinese Garden, Matilda Rocket Harbour cruise, a monorail ride, a meal at the Aqua Bar and Grill, discount entry to the Powerhouse Museum and IMAX Theatre and discount travel on the People Mover train.

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Combined ferry and attraction admission passes are available from the Sydney Ferries ticket office at Circular Quay. For example, the Zoo Pass includes return ferry and bus transport to Taronga Zoo, entry to the zoo and an aerial cable ride.
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Sydney Opera House

In April of 1966, the architect of the Sydney Opera House, Jørn Utzon, left Australia, never to return. His grand architectural vision was only half completed, but arguments with the state government over the spiralling cost of the project meant that other architects were employed to complete the interior complex of auditoria, theatres, restaurants and bars. In spite of its compromised genesis, the building instantly became a world icon upon opening in 1973. Utzon has never seen the completed building but in recent years has collaborated on a A$70 million interior refurbishment (due for completion in 2009) that will bring the building closer to his original vision - including a 14m- (46ft-) long tapestry installed in September 2004. The four main auditoria (the Concert Hall, the Playhouse, the Opera Theatre and the Drama Theatre) stage a total of 3,000 performances per year. .Bennelong Point, Circular QuayTel: (02) 9250 7111.Website: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/ Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700 (tours); Mon-Sat 0900-2030 (box office), plus two hours before Sun show. Admission charge.

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Sydney Harbour Bridge

Affectionately known as ‘the Coathanger', the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a feat of engineering genius. It took 1,400 workers (16 of whom died in the process) eight years to complete at a cost of A$20 million finally opening in 1932. The best way to experience the bridge is to climb it and the Bridge Climb gives thrill-seekers the chance to walk to the top of the 50-storey-high bridge (over the cars and trains rumbling across the deck below) and down the other side. Paul ‘Crocodile Dundee' Hogan, a bridge-painter in a former lifetime, was one of the first to climb the bridge. A second bridge climb recently opened, the Discovery Climb, which gives visitors a look at the inner workings of the bridge with a tour through the heart of the enormous steel structure..Pylon Museum and Lookout Access from stairs via Cumberland Street Tel: (02) 9240 1100.Website: http://www.pylonlookout.com.au/ Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700. Admission charge..Bridge Climb 5 Cumberland Street Tel: (02) 8274 7777.Website: http://www.bridgeclimb.com/ Opening hours: Daily 0700-2000. Admission charge.

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The Rocks

Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks (Sydney's historical birthplace) is a neighbourhood of winding streets, sandstone cottages and some of Sydney's oldest pubs. The site of the first landing from Plymouth, England in 1788, the area is now a busy tourist enclave with cafes, restaurants, galleries, museums and countless souvenir shops. Among the district's historic buildings are the Hero of Waterloo inn (built over a tunnel that was originally used for smuggling), the Sydney Observatory (on the site of the colony's first windmill), Cadman's Cottage (Sydney's oldest building, built in 1816) and Susannah Place (a museum of working-class life). Other attractions include the Museum of Contemporary Art and The Rocks Toy Museum. The RocksWebsite: http://www.therocks.com/

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Sydney Observatory Watson Road, Observatory Hill Tel: (02) 9217 0485.Website: http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/ Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700. Admission charge.

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Cadman's Cottage 110 George Street Tel: (02) 9247 5033/8861. Website: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1630, Sat and Sun 1000-1630. Admission charge..Museum of Contemporary Art 140 George Street Tel: (02) 9245 2400.Website: http://www.mca.com.au/ Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700. Admission charge.

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The Rocks Toy Museum 2-6 Kendall Lane Tel: (02) 9251 9793. Opening hours: Daily 1000-1715. Admission charge..Susannah Place Museum 58-64 Gloucester Street Tel: (02) 9241 1893.Website: http://www.hht.net.au/ Opening hours: Sat and Sun 1000-1700. Admission charge.

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Darling Harbour A former dockside area, this small harbour has been transformed into a major tourist site. The vast, paved and landscaped recreation ground is packed with restaurants and shops, as well as a number of tourist attractions. These include the Powerhouse Museum, Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre and the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a gift to Sydney from its sister city of Guangdong in China. .Darling Harbour Website: http://www.darlingharbour.com/ . Powerhouse Museum 500 Harris Street Tel: (02) 9217 0111. Website: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/ Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700. Admission charge.

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Australian National Maritime Museum 2 Murray Street Tel: (02) 9298 3777. Website: http://www.anmm.gov.au/ Opening hours: Daily 0930-1700. Admission charge..Sydney Aquarium Aquarium Pier Tel: (02) 8251 7800. Website: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/ Opening hours: Daily 0900-2200. Admission charge..IMAX Theatre Tel: (02) 9281 3300. Website: http://www.imax.com.au/ Opening hours: Daily 1000-2300. Admission charge..Chinese Garden of Friendship Tel: (02) 9281 6863. Website: http://www.chinesegarden.com.au/ Opening hours: Daily 0930-1700 (winter); daily 0930-1730 (summer). Admission charge.

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Bondi Beach

Bondi is one of the world's most famous beaches, a kilometre-long crescent of sand strung between two rocky headlands, just 15 minutes from the city centre. During the summer months families, tourists, locals and out-of-towners jostle for towel space on the beach while the promenade bustles with activity. Campbell Parade serves up a mixture of busy bars, seaside cafes, and the ever-popular Sunday market. Topless sunbathing is tolerated and swimmers should always swim within the patrolled areas marked by the red and yellow flags. The coastal walk, which starts at Bondi's southern end and runs along the coast to Coogee, is a must for any visitor..Campbell Parade, off Bondi Road Website: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/council/beaches Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.

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Art Gallery of New South Wales

Featuring the Yiribana Gallery, the world's largest permanent exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia's foremost art museums. Among its most impressive exhibitions is its Australian art collection, extending from the early colonial period to the mid 20th century. The Asian Galleries showcase the gallery's significant Asian collection and touring exhibitions. Shortlisted portraits in the Archibald Prize (Australia's most prestigious and controversial art award) are exhibited here annually. .Art Gallery Road, The Domain Tel: (02) 9225 1700.Website: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/ Opening hours: Thurs-Tues 1000-1700, Wed 1000-2100. Free admission.

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Sydney Tower

Standing 250m (820ft) above Market Street, Sydney Tower is the city's tallest building and offers views over the city, the harbour, the Olympic Park and as far as Terrigal Beach, 100km (62 miles) to the north. Entry to the observation deck includes the Skytour - a 35-minute virtual tour/ride on the podium level. Thrill-seekers can go one better and take a Skywalk, an outdoor tour on two glass-floored platforms..Corner of Pitt and Market StreetTel: (02) 9333 9222.Website: http://www.sydneytoweroztrek.com.au/ Opening hours: Sun-Fri 0900-2230, Sat 0900-2330. Admission charge.

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Royal Botanic Gardens

A short walk from the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens sits on a slope overlooking the harbour and covers 30 hectares (74 acres) in the heart of the city. Established in 1816, it is Australia's oldest scientific institution and home to over one million specimens. Highlights include the Sydney Tropical Centre and the Rose Garden; there is a hop-on hop-off trackless train to get around them all..Macquarie Street (main entrance) Tel: (02) 9231 8111.Website: http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/ Opening hours: Daily 0700-sunset. Free admission..Sydney Olympic Park Built on the site of an old rubbish tip, the focal point of the ‘best ever Olympics' in 2000 is now an attraction in its own right, comprising 15 architecturally impressive venues as well as extensive parks and wetlands. Separate guided tours of the venues are given and a self-guided tour brochure is available from the Visitor Gateway or from the website. .1 Herb Elliot AvenueTel: (02) 9714 7888. Website: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/ Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700 (Visitor Gateway). Free admission.

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ANZ Stadium

Edwin Flack AvenueTel: (02) 8765 2000. Opening hours: Tours run daily at 1100, 1230, 1400 and 1530. Admission charge..Observation Centre Level 17, Novotel & Hotel Ibis, Olympic Boulevard, Homebush Bay Tel: (02) 8762 1111. Opening hours: Daily 1000-1600. Admission charge..Sydney Aquatic Centre Olympic Boulevard Tel: (02) 9752 3666. Website: http://www.aquaticcentre.com.au/ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0500-2100, Sat-Sun 0600-1900. Admission charge.

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Bicentennial Park

Bennelong Road Tel: (02) 9714 7888. Opening hours: Daily sunrise to sunset. Free admission..Taronga Zoo The most desirable residence in Sydney is inhabited not by the upper echelons of society but by a collection of seals, snow leopards, koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. Taronga Zoo's location, on Bradley's Head, at Mosman, is one of the most beautiful vantage points on Sydney Harbour, situated on elevated land along the waterfront. The zoo is home to over 350 different species of animals, ranging from old time favourites such as elephants, gorillas and giraffes to the more curious inhabitants of the animal kingdom such as the platypus (an animal so odd-looking that when settlers first came across it they thought it was a hoax) and the echidna. There are keepers' talks and shows throughout the day, and the sky safari (cable cars that glide over the zoo to give a bird's-eye perspective) is extremely popular. .Bradleys Head Road (main entrance) Tel: (02) 9969 2777. Website: http://www.zoo.nsw.gov.au/ Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700. Admission charge.

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Fox Studios Australia - The Entertainment QuarterFox Studios generated the principal photography of The Matrix Trilogy (1999/2003), Moulin Rouge (2001), Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005). The adjoining Entertainment Quarter boasts shops, markets, cinemas, restaurants, mini golf, bungy trampoline, an indoor children's playground and a music venue..Lang Road, Moore Park Tel: (02) 8117 6700.Website: http://www.eqmoorepark.com.au/ Opening hours: Daily 1000-2400. Free admission.