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Sydney highlights
Yes, it’s a city full of well-known iconic landmarks and must-sees, but it always helps to have some local knowledge. Here are some tips and insider information on the well-known (and lesser known) attractions of Sydney.
The Bridge
The Sydney Harbour bridge, known locally as ‘the coat hanger’ is one of the most recognisable bits of metal in the world. You can walk over it, ride over it, drive over it or take a train over it. But we suggest you climb it. It’s an exhilarating way to see the harbour from a totally different angle. You can book your climb before you go at STA Travel.
The Sydney Harbour bridge, known locally as ‘the coat hanger’ is one of the most recognisable bits of metal in the world. You can walk over it, ride over it, drive over it or take a train over it. But we suggest you climb it. It’s an exhilarating way to see the harbour from a totally different angle. You can book your climb before you go at STA Travel.
The Opera House
The Opera House was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, took 14 years to complete and was funded by a local lottery. You can take a tour, but there’s no better way to capture the real beauty of the place than having a few beers out the front at the Opera Bar at sunset.
The Beach
Bondi Beach – one of dozens of beaches in Sydney - is world famous and with good reason. It’s got great surf, golden sand and is a magnet for people from around the world. After you’ve had a swim grab a coffee and take the rugged coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte. It’s something of a local obsession on a Saturday morning and is the best way to unwind after a big night out.
The Theatre
The Sydney Theatre Company has a full schedule of world-class theatre throughout the year. But did you know that last year Cate Blanchette took up the posting of Creative Director? It’s not often that you get the chance to see an Oscar winner up-close-and-personal on stage.
The Harbour
The best way to see the magnificent harbour is not on an expensive tourist cruise. You can see just as much, for a fraction of the cost on a local ferry. Take the circle line ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay (it will cost around £3) and gape at all the beautiful houses on the posh harbour-side suburbs along the way. Stop at Doyles for some high-class fish and chips before heading back to town. Or for an experience with a difference why not camp out on Cockatoo Island in the heart of the harbour.
The (other) Hyde Park
Take a walk through Hyde Park, right in the middle of the CBD, to take a break from the mayhem of the city. Named after Hyde Park in London, it was originally a racecourse and sporting grounds. These days it’s a bit more relaxed.
Surry Hills
Originally an overcrowded slum full of brothels and gangs, the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills is having somewhat of renaissance. It’s now an eclectic mix of antique shops, pokey cafes, trendy bars and sought-after restaurants.
To find out more, and to book your Sydney adventure, explore these pages or talk to an STA Travel adviser.
