If you’re writing your bucket list for city breaks, you’re in the right place for a little inspiration. We think Sydney should definitely feature, and here’s why… golden stretches of sand, the weather to match, and a harbour that will take your breath away. The culture is laidback and the lifestyle outdoors. And we haven’t even mentioned the food and coffee scene yet...
But as much as we can tell you all the reasons why you should visit, we think a picture tells a thousand words, as the saying goes.
Here are 5 beautiful pictures to inspire you to visit Sydney:
Sydney Harbour Bridge
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Red Route, Stop: Sydney Harbour Bridge
Possibly the most famous Australian landmark of them all, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is nicknamed the ‘coat hanger’ due to its unique shape. This steel arch has completed the harbour landscape perfectly since 1932. Its grand opening day is a story now part of Australian folklore. While the New South Wales Premier was given the honour to cut the ribbon, Captain Francis of the Para-military group beat them to it by slashing it with his sword. Today the bridge is in full use, with as many as 15,000 vehicles crossing in 1 hour. Fancy climbing it? That can be arranged too. The structure is designed to keep climbers safe from injury, so it’s a great activity for all fitness levels. Reach the top and you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree stunning views of the Sydney skyline.
Bondi Beach
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Blue Route, Stop: Bondi Beach
If a 1 kilometre golden stretch of sand surrounded by lush greenery sounds like your thing, Bondi Beach is the only reason you need to visit Sydney. You’ll quickly notice it’s a surfers paradise as the current is perfect for this Aussie activity. And when it’s time to find some shade, there’s lots of trendy bars and cafes, markets and boutique street stalls in the area to keep you fed, watered and entertained.
Bondi Beach is a hive of activity. Bordered by sandstone headlands, it’s a great place for walking, golfing and even wale watching from the shore. Beat the crowds and get up for an early morning stroll or a refreshing swim before breakfast. Or go a little further and enjoy the six kilometre Bondi to Coogee Beach coastal walk, stopping plenty for those photo opportunities.
Whale watching
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Sydney has two distinct whale watching seasons. Between May and August, humpback whales head north towards warmer waters for the mating season. Then in winter, thousands of them migrate along the New South Wales coastline, making them easy to spot from the shore. Grab your binoculars and head to one of the many lookout points in Sydney to see them in action. There’s Barrenjoey Lighthouse, part of the Ku-ring-gai National Park, which sits on the most northern part of the Palm Beach peninsula, and is free to enter on foot. Then the Gap, an ocean cliff on the South Head peninsula, giving a different perspective from above. And Cape Solander, located in the Kurnell section of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, which displays information about the whales at its lookout points. Here you might get as close as 200m to these wondrous creatures. While the humpback is the star species in Sydney, you might also see orcas and minke whales too.
Blue Mountains
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The Blue Mountains region in Sydney is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a visit here quickly tells you why it earned this status. This idyllic National Park boasts rugged sandstone, vast valleys and eucalyptus forests that tower over you. It’s a daytrip away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hop aboard an explorer bus and tick off its iconic sights, such a Echo Point, the Three Sisters, the Leura Cascades and Honeymoon Lookout. You can hop on and off as many times as you wish, at any of the stops that take your fancy. Spend some time enjoying some of the best short bushwalks Australia has to offer, and while you’re at it try to spot native wildlife such as kangaroos, wombats and koalas along the way. Then when it’s time to relax, head to one of the nearby towns for a pit stop at one of the local tea shops.
Blue Mountains Explorer Bus Tickets
Asian Cuisine
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You’ll find Asian food in abundance in Sydney. With Australia sitting so close to this continent, it’s no wonder the cuisine has influenced the food scene. From honest street food to the more sophisticated fine dining, the taste is authentic but the choice a little difficult to navigate. Let us try to help you with that… For Chinese food, head to the spot where chefs feed up themselves, Golden Century, and order the stir-fried mixed bits. For pad Thai, street food style, swing by Muum Maam. If a bowl of steaming pho is what you fancy, Pho Tau Bay’s is hard to beat. Feeling adventurous? There’s chicken feet on offer at Palace Chinese. And we haven’t even discussed desert yet… pandan waffles at Green Peppercorn and taro snowflakes from LNC Dessert House…full yet?
Feeling inspired to book your ticket yet? Sydney is an impressive city that combines impressive architecture, buzzing city life and laidback beach vibes. Definitely a city to tick off your travel bucket list. And the best bit is, if you hop on a Big Bus tour, we can take you to see all of these sights. You’ll have the flexibility to hop off and explore more, then when you’re ready, simply re-join the tour.
