For many of those who have been to Australia, Sydney is a must-visit whether they mean to stay in the city or proceed to other attractions in New South Wales.
And why not? Sydney is popular, gorgeous, vibrant, and cool. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe this beautiful harbour city that was established as a penal colony in the 18th century. The city has stolen the hearts of millions and its tourism numbers continue to swell. To accommodate its ever-growing popularity and high demand for dining and entertainment options, many of the place’s once-nondescript neighborhoods became haunts for the hip, fun-loving, and trendy lot.
Many travellers visiting the harbour city for the first time extend their stay and even plan their return trip long before they leave for other destinations. Here’s why Sydney is the best city to visit on your next vacation:
1. Sydney has a collection of great beaches.
Sydney is a beach destination that offers some of the best sand, sea, and surf in Australia. With many gorgeous beaches to enjoy, locals and visitors alike are guaranteed to have days spent swimming, surfing, or simply lazing in the sun.
Bondi Beach, the city’s most popular beach, features a long stretch of powdery sand and is easily accessible by public transport. Other must-visit beaches in Sydney are Manly Beach, Avalon Beach, Cronulla Beach, and Freshwater Beach, to name a few.
2. Sydney’s landmark attractions are strikingly beautiful.
If you are a huge fan of gorgeous sights, you’ll love Sydney. It is a stunningly beautiful metropolis that is home to some of the world’s most spectacular modern attractions.
Examples of these iconic attractions are the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Anzac Bridge.
Set on the picturesque Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre that is arguably Australia’s most iconic structure. It is also one of the 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Anzac Bridge are the two most recognizable bridges in the city. Earning the nickname “coathanger” because of its design, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the world’s largest steel arch bridge, is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Land Down Under.
Bridging the city to its western suburbs, the Anzac Bridge is a renowned landmark that was opened as a memorial to the members of the Austalian and New Zealand Army Corpse who valiantly fought during WWI. The cable-stayed bridge is one of the longest in the world.
3. Sydney is home to sprawling green spaces.
The locals love the outdoors and with good reason, too. They are lucky to live in a charming city that boasts sprawling parklands and green spaces.
An attraction worth visiting is the Royal Botanic Garden, a popular outdoor venue that’s also hugely popular among locals. The Royal Botanic Garden has more than a million plant species for visitors to admire and explore.
Furthermore, those who want a tranquil, relaxing respite from the hectic pace of the bustling city without ever leaving the CBD can head to Hyde Park, Australia’s oldest public park. Featuring expansive lawns, fountains, picnic grounds, leafy trees, and a desirable central location, the park is easily the city’s favourite green space.
4. Sydney has cool child-friendly attractions.
On the northern shore of Sydney Harbour, at the foot of the Harbour Bridge, is Luna Park, one of Sydney’s child-friendly attractions. Established in 1935, it is one of the few parks in the world that are covered by official government legislation.
Another top attraction for children to enjoy while in town is the Taronga Zoo. Housing Australian native animals and exotic wildlife, the zoo is a fascinating attraction to see and explore.
5. Sydney is a seafood lover’s dream come true.
Just like Australian destinations like Adelaide, Perth, and Melbourne, Sydney has a vibrant food culture. And due to its multicultural population, there are many restaurants and eateries specialising in international cuisine in the city.
But if there’s something travellers need to sink their teeth into while visiting, it is the fresh seafood. The city takes seafood very, very seriously. The sheer number of seafood restaurants in Sydney is testament to the city’s love for fresh catch from the sea.
6. Sydney is brimming with historical buildings.
The city is dotted with beautiful old structures and some of them are of great historical significance, examples of which are the Queen Victoria Building, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the Rocks.
On top of your list of historical places to visit in Sydney should be The Rocks, the first European settlement in the country. Check out its collection of well-preserved historical buildings. The attraction also has themed pubs, art spaces, souvenir shops, and a lively weekend market for visitors to enjoy.
Dating back to the Australia’s Victorian-Federation era, the Queen Victoria Building is an elegant structure built in Romanesque Revival architectural style. Featuring a high large dome circled by 20 smaller domes, the Queen Victoria Building is not only famous for its awe-inspiring architecture but for its ornate detailing and craftsmanship as well. The iconic heritage structure was listed in the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2010.
The St. Mary’s Cathedral is another heritage building listed in the New South Wales State Heritage Register. Done in 19th century Gothic Revival architectural style, the minor basilica is also adorned with sculptures, paintings, and devotional objects.
7. Sydney is a gateway to many exciting destinations.
One of the greatest things about this harbour city is its proximity to many tourist attractions and travel destinations. An easy 90-minute drive from Sydney is the Blue Mountains, a world-class day tour option that offers myriad attractions – from unique rock formations to scenic lookouts, waterfalls, picturesque villages, bushwalking trails, ancient caves, towering rainforests, and so much more.
Also a can’t-miss attraction, just 45 minutes South of the city, is the Figure 8 Pools. It is a group of perfectly formed rock pools neatly tucked in a concealed area of the Royal National Park. The natural phenomenon is one of the most popular attractions in North South Wales.
Finally decided to visit Sydney? Add these Sydney tours and day trips to your travel itinerary!
By: Brendelyn Balaga
