Sightseeing OverviewWho can argue with the claim that Sydney has the most magnificent harbor 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. It is therefore hardly surprising that much tourist attention is focused on the harbor, with the revived cobbled charm of
The Rocks, the perpetual motion of people arriving and departing
Circular Quay and the enduring awe that visitors
experience at the steps of the Opera House.
But behind these modern monoliths, there is a wealth of history, culture and tradition. In inner-city Sydney,
Macquarie Place and
Macquarie Street are characterized by their imposing Victorian banking chambers and municipal buildings, while further afield, the areas of
Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and
Paddington are thriving cosmopolitan communities, each with their own distinct character. Kings Cross, renowned more for its red light district, has a bustling café society, 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 verandahs.
Tourist InformationSydney Visitor Center 106 George Street, The Rocks
or 33 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour
Tel: (02) 9240 8788
or (1800) 067 676 (Australia only). Fax: (02) 9241 5010.
E-mail:
visitorinformation@shfa.nsw.gov.au Website:
www.sydneyvisitorcenter.com Opening hours: Daily 0930-1730.
PassesThe
All Day Pass & Tower & Aquarium package from Captain Cook Cruises incorporates entry to Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower and a hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise departing from Circular Quay. Tickets are available from any of these attractions and cost A$59.
The
Darling Harbour Super Ticket, costing A$62 and 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 Theater and discount travel on the People Mover train.
Combined ferry and attraction admission passes are available from the Sydney Ferries ticket office at Circular Quay. For example, the A$33.50
Zoo Pass includes return ferry and bus transport to Taronga Zoo, entry to the zoo and an aerial cable ride.
Key Attractions: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 the interior complex of auditoria, theaters, restaurants and bars was completed by other architects. In spite of its compromised genesis, the building instantly became a world icon on opening in 1973. Utzon has never seen the completed building but in recent years has collaborated on a A$70 million interior refurbishment that will bring the building closer to his original vision – including a 14-meter long tapestry that was installed in September 2004. The four main auditoria (the
Concert Hall, the
Playhouse, the
Opera Theater and the
Drama Theater) stage a total of 3,000 performances per year.
Bennelong Point
Tel: (02) 9250 7111. Fax: (02) 9251 3843.
E-mail:
infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com Website:
www.sydneyoperahouse.com Transport: CityRail, ferry or bus to Circular Quay; bus 438 to Opera House steps.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700 (tours); Mon-Sat 0900-2030 (box office), plus two hours before Sun show.
Admission: Free; A$23 (front-of-house tour); A$140 (backstage tour).
Sydney Harbour Bridge Not to be outdone by the imposing grandeur of the Opera House, the
Sydney Harbour Bridge is, in its own right, a feat of engineering genius. Affectionately known as ‘the Coathanger’, it took 1,400 workers (16 of whom perished in the process) eight years to complete the bridge, which opened in 1932. If the views from the
Pylon Lookout across Sydney Harbour and over the Opera House are not spectacular enough, the
Bridge Climb gives thrill-seekers the chance to walk to the top of the 50-story-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.
Pylon Museum and Lookout Access from stairs via Cumberland Street
Tel: (02) 9240 1100. Fax: (02) 9241 2151.
E-mail:
pylonlookout@bridgeclimb.com Website:
www.pylonlookout.com.au Transport: CityRail or ferry to Circular Quay.
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700.
Admission: A$8.50; concessions available.
Bridge Climb 5 Cumberland Street
Tel: (02) 8274 7777. Fax: (02) 9240 1122.
E-mail:
admin@bridgeclimb.com Website:
www.bridgeclimb.com Transport: CityRail or ferry to Circular Quay.
Opening hours: Daily 0700-2000.
Admission: A$160-225; concessions available.
The Rocks Nestled at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge,
The Rocks (Sydney’s historical birthplace) is a neighborhood of winding streets, sandstone cottages and some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. The site of the first landing from Plymouth in England, in 1788, the area is now a busy tourist enclave, with cafés, 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 Rocks, Sydney Harbour
Transport: CityRail or ferry Circular Quay.
Sydney Observatory Watson Road, Observatory Hill
Tel: (02) 9217 0485. Fax: (02) 9217 0489.
E-mail:
observatory@phm.gov.au Website:
www.sydneyobservatory.com.au Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700.
Admission: Free; A$6 (day tour); A$15 (night tour); concessions available.
Cadman’s Cottage 110 George Street
Tel: (02) 9247 5033/8861.
Website:
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1630; Sat and Sun 1000-1630.
Admission: Free.
Museum of Contemporary Art 140 George Street
Tel: (02) 9252 4033.
Website:
www.mca.com.au Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700.
Admission: Free (some special exhibitions charge entrance).
The Rocks Toy Museum 2-6 Kendall Lane
Tel: (02) 9251 9793.
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1715.
Admission: Free.
Susannah Place Museum 58-64 Gloucester Street
Tel: (02) 9241 1893.
Opening hours: Sat and Sun 1000-1700.
Admission: A$7; concessions available.
Darling Harbour A former dockside area, this small harbor 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 Theater and the
Chinese Garden of Friendship, a gift to Sydney from its sister city of Guangdong in China.
Darling Harbour
Website:
www.darlingharbor.com Transport: CityRail Town Hall; monorail Darling Park or Harbourside; ferry Darling Harbour.
Powerhouse Museum 500 Harris Street
Tel: (02) 9217 0111.
Website:
www.phm.gov.au Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700.
Admission: A$10; concessions available; some special exhibitions charge an extra entrance fee.
Australian National Maritime Museum 2 Murray Street
Tel: (02) 9298 3777.
Website:
www.anmm.gov.au Opening hours: Daily 0930-1700.
Admission: Free.
Sydney Aquarium Aquarium Pier
Tel: (02) 8251 7800.
Website:
www.sydneyaquarium.com.au Opening hours: Daily 0900-2200.
Admission: A$25; concessions available.
IMAX Theater Tel: (02) 9281 3300.
Website:
www.imax.com.au Opening hours: Daily 1000-2300.
Admission: A$16 for 2D films, A$17 for 3D; concessions available.
Chinese Garden of Friendship Tel: (02) 9281 6863.
E-mail:
edgarm@shfa.nsw.gov.au Opening hours: Daily 0930-1700.
Admission: A$6.
Bondi Beach Bondi is one of the world’s most perfect beaches, a white crescent of sand strung between two rocky headlands, situated just 15 minutes from the city center. The waterfront scene, with its street musicians, surf shops and bars is ideal for a summer evening’s prowl or a lazy saunter past Campbell Parade’s restaurants, cafés and Sunday markets. Topless sunbathing is tolerated and swimmers should stick to the patrolled areas of
North Bondi or
Bondi Baths, on the southern rocks. The coastal walk takes in the whole gamut of beach cultures, from the wild surf and gleaming bodies at
Tamarama to the palm-fringed views of
Bronte and the soothing sea pools at
Coogee.
Campbell Parade, off Bondi Road
Website:
www.voyeurmagic.com.au Transport: Bus 380, 382 or L82; CityRail Bondi Junction and then bus 380; ferry from Circular Quay to Rose Bay and then bus 380.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free.
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 recently completed Asian Galleries showcase the gallery’s significant Asian collection and touring exhibitions. Shortlisted portraits in the
Archibald Prize (Australia’s most prestigious art award) are exhibited here annually.
Art Gallery Road, The Domain
Tel: (02) 9225 1700. Fax: (02) 9221 6226.
E-mail:
artmail@ag.nsw.au Website:
www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au Transport: CityRail Martin Place/St James; bus 441.
Opening hours: Thurs-Tues 1000-1700; Wed 1000-2100.
Admission: Free (some special exhibitions charge entrance).
Sydney Tower Standing 250m (820ft) above Market Street,
Sydney Tower is the city’s tallest building, with 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.
Podium Level, 100 Market Street
Tel: (02) 8251 7800. Fax: (02) 9223 0233.
Website:
www.sydneyskytour.com.au Transport: CityRail St James/Town Hall; monorail City Center.
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 0900-2230, Sat 0900-2330.
Admission: A$22; concessions available.
Royal Botanic Gardens A short walk from the Opera House, the
Royal Botanic Gardens sits on a slope overlooking the harbor 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 Center 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. Fax: (02) 9251 4403.
E-mail:
feedback@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au Website:
www.rbgsyd.gov.au Transport: CityRail St James, Martin Place or Circular Quay.
Opening hours: Daily 0700-sunset.
Admission: Free.
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 magnificent 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 Avenue, Homebush Bay
Tel: (02) 9714 7888
or 131 500 (Australia only) (bus rides). Fax: (02) 9714 7822.
E-mail:
info@sopa.nsw.gov.au Website:
www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au Transport: Train to Strathfield, then bus 401 or 404; train to Olympic Park; ferry from Circular Quay to Sydney Olympic Park Terminal then bus 401 or 404.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700 (Visitor Gateway).
Admission: Free.
Telstra Stadium Olympic Boulevard, Gate C
Tel: (02) 8765 2300 (tours).
Opening hours: Daily 1030-1530.
Admission: A$26 (60-minute tour), A$15 (30-minute tour); concessions available.
Observation Center Level 17, Novotel Hotel, Olympic Boulevard
Tel: (02) 8762 1111.
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1600.
Admission: A$4.40; concessions available.
Sydney Aquatic Center Olympic Boulevard
Tel: (02) 9752 3666.
Website:
www.sydneyaquaticcenter.com.au Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0500-2045, Sat-Sun 0600-1845.
Admission: A$18.50 (tour and swim); A$6 (swim only); concessions available.
Bicentennial Park Bennelong Road
Tel: (02) 9714 7888.
Opening hours: Daily sunrise to sunset.
Admission: Free.
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 favorites such as elephants, gorillas, giraffes, orangutans and so on, to more bizarre representatives 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 (little cable cars going over the zoo to give a bird’s eye perspective) is extremely popular.
Bradleys Head Road (main entrance)
Tel: (02) 9969 2777. Fax: (02) 9969 7515.
E-mail:
tz@zoo.nsw.gov.au Website:
www.zoo.nsw.gov.au Transport: Ferry from Circular Quay; bus 247.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission: A$27; concessions available.
Fox Studios Australia Fox 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 precinct includes shops, markets, cinemas, restaurants, mini golf, bungy trampoline and an indoor children’s playground.
Lang Road, Moore Park
Tel: (02) 9383 4333. Fax: (02) 9383 4005.
E-mail:
fox_studios@gandel.com.au Website:
www.foxstudios.com.au Transport: Bus 272, 290-299, 355, 372-377, 391, 393 or 395.
Opening hours: Daily 1000-2400.
Admission: Free.
Further Distractions:Rose Seidler House The designs for Australia’s first modernist home,
Rose Seidler House, so appalled local residents they almost succeeded in preventing the building’s construction. Created by the great Canadian/Australian architect Harry Seidler for his parents, the concrete house has glass walls, a sun-filled deck and panoramic views of
Ku-ring-gai National Park. The house has been restored to its original scheme, with 1950s furnishings and objects.
71 Clissold Road, Wahroonga
Tel: (02) 9989 8020. Fax: (02) 9487 2761.
E-mail:
info@hht.net.au Website:
www.hht.nsw.gov.au/museums/rose_seidler_house Transport: Train to Wahroonga.
Opening hours: Sun 1000-1700.
Admission charge.
Centennial Parklands A grand park in the European tradition, the
Centennial Parklands features landscaped gardens, statues, historic monuments and houses, ponds, formal gardens, wildlife habitat areas and grand avenues. There is a restaurant, café and facilities for every active pursuit under the sun.
Southeast of the city, bordering Paddington, Moore Park and Bondi Junction
Tel: (02) 9339 6699.
Website:
www.cp.nsw.gov.au Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Free admission.
Sydney Wildlife WorldBranding itself as Australia's wildest new attraction, the
Sydney Wildlife World boasts the largest variety of Australian flora and fauna under one roof, providing a complete all-Australian wildlife experience in the heart of Darling Harbour and allowing visitors to see over 6,000 animals living in their natural habitats and ecosystems.
Aquarium Pier Darling Harbour
Tel: (02) 9333 9288.
Website:
www.sydneywildlifeworld.com.au Admission charge.
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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