Your guide in visiting Sydney, Australia
How to get to Sydney?
Where to stay in Sydney?
What to do and see in Sydney?
Where to eat in Sydney?
Sydney is the largest city in Australia and its iconic Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognized structure in the world. Yes, Sydney can get touristy at times but if you can find the moment to savor in what this city have to offer, then you will be rewarded with a great experience.
HOW TO GET TO SYDNEY
All major airlines around the world flies to Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport. The airport is only 8km from the city center which makes access to/from the city very convenient. The Sydney Airport Link is a public train service that takes you into the town center. Alternatively, a taxi will cost you about AUD$50 into town. The traffic in Sydney can get pretty bad during rush hours – especially in the morning rush hours when everyone is getting into town for work. The train maybe a better option if your flights lands during the morning hours. Sydney is usually the gateway into Australia but if you are flying in domestically from another Australian city, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar have almost hourly services to Sydney.
WHERE TO STAY IN SYDNEY
A number of major international chains are scattered around the Circular Quay area where Sydney Habour is located. However, I chose to stay at the QT Sydney which is smack in the middle of town with everything around you. Pitt Street which is a pedestrian only shopping street is right across the hotel and the Queen Victoria Building shopping complex is just around the corner. The hotel was opened in 2012 from two completely refurbished historical buildings. You can learn more about the hotel from Design Hotels website and Johnny Jet blog. It is not located at Sydney Harbour but a walk only takes around 20 minutes and a bit of a shorter walk to Darling Harbour. If you want to have the Habour Bridge and Opera House view, I would suggest those high rise major hotel chains around Circular Quay. Alternatively, Park Hyatt Sydney will be my choice if budget allows.
Mobile Phone and Moblie Data
When I visited, Telstra got a great deal where the SIM card only sells for AUD$10 which includes 3GB of data and 200 minutes of local and I believe 20 minutes of international airtime. This is great for a short trip and for me 3GB lasted the whole week for me in conjunction with free WIFI in the hotels I’ve stayed in. There are also other packages from Virgin Mobile. All the SIM cards are sold in the WH Smith bookstore at Sydney Airport’s arrivals hall and there is a Virgin Mobile shop there as well. (2016)
TRANSPORT
Depending on where you stay, most sights in Sydney are within walking distance and the train service is very efficient as well. The main hub for visitors is Circular Quay where all the ferries to all the major sights depart from and the train station is also right beside the Quay.
The tip is to get an Opal Card which is Sydney’s version of their smart card payment system for bus, rail, light rail and public ferry services. There are daily caps with using the Opal card best of which are Sundays where the cap is only AUD$2.50. This means for only AUD$2.50 on Sundays, you can take unlimited bus,train,light rail and ferry rides within Sydney. This is a fantastic deal for visitors who wants to get the most out of their day.
You can get the opal card from the WH Smith bookshop at Sydney Airport’s arrival hall or from the train or ferry terminals. When you buy them, you will need to load them with money or top them up in machines in trains stations or ferry terminals. Transport New South Wales website is very informative and gives you all the schedule and routes for buses, trains and ferries.
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN SYDNE
For those that visit Sydney for the first time, there is usually a list of things that one wants to see because Sydney have so many famous sights like the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach. These are the must do for those who visit Sydney for the first time.
The Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and work began in 1958 through building difficulties and controversies; it was finally finished and opened in 1973. The Sydney Opera House give guided tours and it is a great way to learn about the design, history and inner workings of one of the most iconic building in the world. Of course, you must also experience one of the many events and shows that are shown inside the Opera House.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge comes hand in hand with the Opera House because any photo of one is usually with the other. They are the symbol of Sydney Harbour or maybe one can argue for Australia as well. The iconic bridge is not only a vehicular bridge but it carries rail, bicycle, and also pedestrian traffic between downtown Sydney (Australian’s call their downtown – Central Business District or CBD in short) and the North Shore. It is the sixth longest arch bridge in the world. One of the most famous activity to do in Sydney is the Bridge Climb where you can actually walk/climb (many steps) to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you are in shape and have the budget for it (I personally think is a bit too expensive for such an activity), this is one of those must do experiences in Sydney. As you may tell, I did not because I personally do not think it is worth the price.
The best view of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge – Circular Quay to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair walk and the two Wharfs’ across the harbour
The map above shows the locations where I’ve enjoyed the best view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The Circular Quay to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is a must do on my list because it is a very easy walk and only take an hour to finish depends on how long you stop for photos. The walk is very simple. Start from Circular Quay (the main ferry hub in Sydney) and walk towards the Opera House. While you admire the architecture from the south as you walk towards it, you will start to circle around the Opera House and take the view from the North standing right in front and at the bottom of the Opera House. Continue to walk along the Opera House and you will enter the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens themselves warrants a whole sunny afternoon but this walk will take you along the coast towards Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. There is a small hill where it gives you one of the best view of the harbour together with the Central Business District (CBD).
This is a fantastic place to spend a moment to savor in this city. Take a break and admire the view at one of the benches along the upper level walkway or just sit on the lawn at the tip of the peninsula. This is a fantastic place to have a picnic or enjoy the view. You can spend you time exploring the vast Botanic Gardens or walk back to the Opera House on the same route which will give you a great perspective of the CBD.
Milson’s Point Wharf and Jeffrey Street Wharf
Milsons Point Wharf is another great location for the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House view which is on the other side of the harbour at North Shore. Take the F4 public ferry line from Circular Quay (5 mins) or Darling Harbour (10mins) to Milsons Point. There is an amusement park there called Luna Park which lights up at night. This place will give you a close up view of the Harbour Bridge and a great place to go for night-time photography. Another famous location for the Sydney view is a short walk from Milsons Point to Jeffrey Street. Walk down to the Jeffrey Street Wharf and savor in another amazing view of the Sydney harbour. If you are still full of energy, you have a choice to walk back to Circular Quay or The Rocks area on the Sydney Harbour Bridge (an experience in itself) or take the ferry back to Circular Quay or Darling Harbour from Milsons Point. The ferry timetables can be found on the New South Wales Transport website.
A famous beach in Sydney where a ferry ride from Circular Quay will take approximately 30 minutes. From Manly Wharf you will walk through The Corso – a pedestrian only street that will take you to the beach. The coastal walk from Manly to Shelly Beach is a popular walk which gives you great view of Manly and the coastline along the way. The walk should take no more than an hour for a return trip back to Manly.
This is the most famous beach in Sydney for surfers and non-surfers alike. It is a great place for people watching and to adsorb the atmosphere and vibe that Bondi gives. However, the best thing to do in Bondi for me is the Bondi Beach – Coogee Beach Coastal Walk. This 6 km walk will take you through 5 beaches along the coast; Coogee – Clovelly – Bronte – Tamarama – Bondi. This walk is an easy paved trail with some steps along the way but could easily take you up to 2+ hours. Some people will opt for the shorter walk between Bondi and Bronte but still give you spectacular view of the rugged coastline. This is a must do when you visit Bondi. After the walk, you could have a drink or dine at the Icebergs Dining Room or a more casual experience at the Iceberg Club.
Taronga Zoo
Tarongo Zoo is a short 10 minutes ferry ride from Circular Quay and not only being a great zoo but with great views of Sydney as well. The best photo from the Zoo is where the Giraffes are. You can get great view of the harbour together with the Giraffes. Once you get off the ferry from the Tarongo Zoo Wharf, you can catch the Zoo cable car which will give you great views of Sydney and will take you to the Zoo entrance at the top.
Darling Harbour
A harbour where many newer office buildings are located with a great walk along the pier lined with restaurants. The Australian National Maritime Museum and Sydney Aquarium is all located here. There also have many restaurants at the end of the bay where IMAX Sydney is located as well as along the Darling Harbour public ferry wharf. It is a short 15 minutes ferry ride from Circular Quay or a short walk if you are at the CBD area. It is a great place for lunch where many restaurants have outdoor seating and balcony. The Sydney Fish Market is also close by.
Watsons Bay
I did not have time to go to Watsons Bay but I will for my next visit to Sydney. It seems to be a local favorite as well.
WHERE TO EAT IN SYDNEY
Bennelong – Absolutely fantastic restaurant at the Sydney Opera House. They have a formal restaurant and also a section called Cured & Cultured where the seating is along the open kitchen area. It is fantastic to see how the chefs delicately prepare each dish right in front of you. Lovely view of the Sydney CBD and the architecture inside one of the shells of the Opera House. The restaurant completely occupy one of the shells at the Opera House.
Opera Kitchen – Fantastic outdoor seating with a view to die for. A lovely place for late night drinks as well.
Portobello Caffe – A great place for breakfast at Circular Quay and the Opera House. It is located right by the shore leading up to the Opera House.
Riley Street Garage – Inside a refurbished garage with great cocktails and modern Australian food.
Rockpool Est. 1989 – fine modern cuisine by chef Neil Perry in a lovely galleried dining room.
Rockpool Bar & Grill – a more casual Rockpool outfit for modern Australian cuisine with cocktail bar.
Est. – French fusion cuisine by chef Peter Doyle.
Flying Fish Restaurant & Bar – Asian influenced seafood and meat dishes with a fantastic view of the harbour.
Buffalo Dining Club – For the cheese lovers; pasta and mozzarella-focused dishes from a cheese wheel.
Bar Luca – Breakfast, Brunch, Bistro dishes.
Bills – Popular place for brunch/lunch.
Three Williams – Popular place for brunch/lunch.
Brewtown Newtown – Chic trendy brunch cafe.
The Grounds of Alexandria – Homestyle food and specialty coffee in a former pie factory with brick walls and an organic garden.
Fratelli Paradiso – Great Italian food and wine.
Cho Cho San – Modern Japanese cuisine with a long communal table.
Shiki Japanese Restaurant – Some say one of the best Japanese Restaurant in town.
Sepia Restaurant – Award winning Japanese inspired dishes.
Tetsuya’s Restaurant – French Asian Japanese tasting menus with a Japanese Garden.
Adriano Zumbo – Australian patissier and chef featured in Masterchef Australia. Located in The Star casino complex.
La Renaissance Paitisserie & Cafe – coffee, cakes, pastries at The Rocks area.
Shortstop Coffee and Donunts – Melbourne’s coffee and donuts in Sydney.
Haigh’s chocolates – Not really a restaurant but Australian confectionery with multiple locations in town.
Koko Black – Melbourne based chocolatiers with a shop in the Queen Victoria Building.
Shopping
Queen Victoria Building – The QVB shopping complex housed in late nineteenth century building.
The Strand Arcade – Victorian Style shopping arcade.
Pitt Street – The Pitt Street Mall is the pedestrian only section of Pitt Street which is lined by shops.
