Sydney Attractions
Getting around Sydney - Part One -
Sydney Harbour, Opera House, Kings Cross and the CBD
You are eager to visit all of the
Sydney attractions?
Want to explore the must see places Australia's biggest city has in store for you?
Be aware that you might end up in Sydney Australia for weeks!
Sydney's
central business district begins just south of Circular Quay. The CBD is lined by the huge Royal Botanic Gardens, The Domain and Hyde Park in the east, while Darling Harbour defines the western end.
Circular Quay at Sydney Cove
Along with
The Rocks, Circular Quay and the CBD are the oldest parts of Sydney, even if the skyscrapers give you a different impression. You'll find many fine old buildings when you walk along Sydney's central business district.
How to get around and see all Sydney attractions?
In my opinion, the best way to get around Sydney and explore the highlights is to take the
Sydney Explorer Buses. No need to worry about car parking, no knowledge about how public transport works is required. The Explorer bus stops are clearly marked, and you get a brochure with the numbered stops and the highlights to discover from each stop.
Exploring a big city can be that easy! :)
The
Sydney Explorer (buses are
red) takes you along a 28 km circuit with 27 stops to the best Sydney attractions like the Opera House, Luna Park, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Kings Cross, The Rocks, Darling Harbour and much more.
From 8:40am to 5:25pm an Explorer bus starts every 15 to 20 minutes from Circular Quay. The tour takes about 1 1/2 hours, however, the best thing is that you can get off and on the buses as often as you want. You don't even need to start the tour at Circular Quay.
Just jump on a bus at any Explorer bus stop close to your Sydney hotel. It is wise to start the journey early, because there is so much to explore along the way.
There is another operator who runs a similiar bus loop called
Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Bus.
Buses are also red, but they are double-decker buses with an open top-deck, a big advantage to take photos and enjoy the beautiful views of Sydney while you drive from one stop to the next. The hop-on hop-off buses have much the same stops as the explorer buses, but in a different order. The tour starts every 15 to 20 minutes from Central station for the city loop, and every two hours to Bondi.
Both the Sydney Explorer and the
Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Bus run a separate loop from the CBD to Bondi which is included in the ticket price.
I'd suggest you purchase a two-day ticket which allows you to take your time to explore all Sydney attractions.
Explore Sydney & save money
The
Sydney Sightseeing Pass offers great value, whether you stay one or several days in Sydney.
With this Smartvisit Card you'll get
FREE entry to a long list of Sydney attractions. Art galleries, museums, tours, wildlife attractions, the Pylon Lookout & many more highlights are covered by the Sydney Sightseeing Pass. The pass comes with a free guidebook full of information about the attractions, opening times and how to get there.
The Sydney Sightseing Pass is available in a 1, 2, 3 and 7 day version. You can purchase a solo pass or the version with public transport. Or you combine the solo pass with your explorer or hop-on hop-off ticket.
Check the sightseeing pass out
Explore Sydney attractions along the red explorer bus route
Bus stops #1 to #17
After my longish explanation of how to get around in Sydney, let's do the sightseeing, finally.
Circular Quay - Stop #1
Browse around the hub of Sydney Harbour. It's here where harbour cruises and ferries leave to many destinations along the harbour. You have to be on the water to experience the magic of Sydney.
But first, you are here to go on tour with the Sydney Explorer.
Sydney Opera House - Stop #2
Situated on Bennelong Point, the Opera House is a famous landmark that represents Sydney and Australia.
The outstanding design was created by an Danish architect,
Jorn Utzon. The Opera House was officially opened by her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II in 1973. Since 2007 the Sydney Opera House is an Unesco World Heritage site.
The Opera House features a concert hall and several theatres. Tours are available. Actually, you can spend a full day in and around this fascinating building. At least you should enjoy a drink in one of the cafes and bars, and take in the marvellous scenery.
See my
Sydney opera house facts page for more info and great tour & performances suggestions.
Top of Sydney attractions
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Fondly named "The Coathanger" by locals, the harbour bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world (but not the longest, though).
The top of the bridge is 134m above the harbour.
You can walk over the bridge, even go by bicycle on a separate lane. Since 1998 you can do the adventurous bridge climb that leads you on top of the bridge to experience breath-taking views.
The southern pylon is open for visitors. Climb 200 stairs and enjoy a 360° lookout on top of the pylon.
More info about the Pylon Lookout.
Milson Point/Luna Park - Stop #3
Luna Park is a historical theme park, and another Sydney icon. The park first opened in 1935, but has been closed a couple of times in its history.
Entrance to the park is free. Have a look around, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the magnificent views.
Top of Sydney attractions
Royal Botanic Gardens - Stop #4
Stroll around Australia's oldest botanic garden.
You can walk south to
stop #5 (
Hyde Park Barracks) passing the State Library, the Parliament House, Sydney Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and the Mint Museum.
This is definitely a walk down Australia's early history.
Jump on the bus again at the Hyde Park Barracks, or walk even further to
stop #6 at the
Australian Museum.
The museum sure can keep you busy for a couple of hours. At least you can look around the very interesting Australian Museum shop. The shop sells books and gifts related to the museum's exhibitions and Australia's natural and cultural history.
Stop #7 is supposed to be at the famous
Hard Rock Cafe, however, I didn't find any evidence that this Sydney icon still exists.
UPDATE An Australian friend rang the Tourist Office in Sydney, and they confirmed that the Hard Rock Cafe closed about a year ago.
Top of Sydney attractions
Kings Cross - stop #8 at Darlinghurst Road
Well-known as Sydney's redlight district, Kings Cross is vibrant 24 hours a day. Darlinghurst Road is the centre of the Cross, with night-clubs, bars, adult bookshops, restaurants and take-aways.
El Alamein Fountain on the corner of Darlinghurst Road and MacLeay Street is a memorial to the soldiers who died at the El Alamein battle in 1942.
Kings Cross has always been a favourite place for
budget travellers with several good and not so good hostels in the district. There are also a few major hotels in the area.
The pace in Victoria Street is a little slower. You'll find nice restaurants and boutique hotels in old buidings, and it is only a short walk from the busy heart of Kings Cross.
Is it safe to stay here? If you take your common sense with you, avoid the back streets at night, it is safe, and most enjoyable. Dine out at night in one of the al fresco restaurants around Fitzroy Gardens, and watch life go by.
Kings Cross - stop #9 MacLeay Street / Elisabeth House
Stroll down MacLeay Street to visit
Elizabeth House, a fine example of architecture from the colonial area.
The northern end of Kings Cross is a bit more upmarket with recent renovations of the old houses. Again, you'll find plenty of restaurants to take a rest.
Top of Sydney attractions
Woolloomooloo Bay Stop #10
Woolloomooloo's greatest attraction is the Finger Wharf. The wooden construction is 400m long and stands on 3600 piles. It was used to ship wool in the 20th century, and disused for many years. Today the finger Wharf has been built into a modern complex housing a hotel, restaurants and apartments.
Hollywood actor
Russell Crowe lives in a penthouse at the wharf, so you might go and hunt for an autograph. :)
Mrs Macquaries Point - Stop #11
This is a magnificent viewing point. In the early colonial years a chair was carved into the rock for Governour Lachlan Macquarie's wife Elizabeth. The excellent view over the harbour has been enjoyed by locals and visitors ever since.
Come here in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset over the harbour. It is really beautiful.
Top of Sydney attractions
Art Gallery of NSW - Stop #12
The Art Gallery has an extensive collection of Australian and Aboriginal Art, as well as contemporay Art.
Wynyard Station - Stop #13
This is the business heart of Sydney. It is a short walk to Martin Place, a pedestrian mall, home to major bank buildings and the General Post Office.
You'll see a mix of architecture, from neo-classical colonial buildings to skyscraper from the end of the 20th century.
Walk down George Street, or Pitt Street to the next stop #14.
Top of Sydney attractions
Queen Victoria Building & AMP tower - Stop #14
The highlights around stop # 14 couldn't be more different.
Queen Victoria Building - the outstanding building occupies an entire block. It was built in 1898 and replaced the old city markets. Today the QVB is a fantastic shopping complex with more than 180 fashion, jewellery and arts shops.
The
Centrepoint AMP Tower is a Sydney landmark that can be seen on most photos of the Sydney skyline.
With 305m it is the third tallest tower in the southern hemisphere. Visit the observation deck at 250m and enjoy breath-taking 360° views of Sydney and the harbour. No worries, the observation deck is fully enclosed. Bring your camera!
For those of you who
love an adventure, take a
sky walk tour. Walk on the glass-floored viewing platform at 260m above Sydney, touch the clouds and the sky!
Click here to find out more about the unique Sydney Skywalk. Book for yourself, or buy a gift voucher for a daring friend. Enjoy!
The views from the Centrepoint Tower were among the most exciting experiences of my Sydney visit.
Top of Sydney attractions
Anzac War Memorial / Hyde Park South - Stop # 15
The Anzac War Memorial was built in 1934 to commemorate Australian Forces of World War I. The memorial is focus of ceremonies on ANZAC Day, that's the 26th April.
Central Station - Stop # 16
Central Station is the largest train station in Sydney and terminus for suburban, country and interstate trains. The interstate Bus Terminal is also located at Central Station.
Chinatown - Stop # 17
It's a 15 minute walk from Central Staton, or just go off from the explorer bus at stop #17.
Dixon Street is the heart of Chinatown. The pedestrian mall has many restaurants and Asian shops.
Market City at the southern end of Dixon Street houses Sydney's largest Asian supermarket.
Top of Sydney attractions
You're not tired yet? Want to see more Sydney attractions? Please continue on the next page, and
discover more attractions in Sydney.
