Best Places to Visit in Sydney

Published September 27, 2019 · Updated May 19, 2021

History of Sydney dates back to the 18th Century where the British first landed at Botany Bay where a convict settlement was found. To the south of Botany Bay, a colony was found later at Sydney Cove on Port Jackson which is now the Sydney Harbour. Later the territory around acquired the name Sydney after the British Home Secretary who was ruling at that time. Before the 18th Century, the land of Sydney belonged to Aboriginal Tribes indigenous Australians inhabited the land for almost 40,000 years. The rock carvings from mountain ranges and cave spots even now prove the city of Sydney to be one of the oldest in the World. Sydney places to visit have also encouraged tourists to visit this city again and again.

Sydney is the largest and oldest amongst all Australian cities and no wonder it is listed in the top 50 visited cities of the world. This amazing city features everything from wildlife sanctuaries and serene beaches to mystical museums and historical landscapes. If you are planning to visit Australia then Sydney will be definitely on the top of the list. Here we have listed some of the best places to visit in Sydney that will help you to plan a perfect tour to Australia:

Bondi Beach:

Sydney is blessed with several serene beaches and Bondi beach is considered as one of the top tourist attractions in Australia. The pristine waves, golden sands and turquoise waters make it one of the best places to visit in Sydney at night. You can enjoy water sports here along with buzzing nightlife. If you are a foodie then you can discover several restaurants nearby serving mouth-watering cuisine made from local ingredients.

Darling Harbor:

Your journey to Sydney will only complete when you visit Darling Harbor. It is considered as a real love for people of all ages and abilities. Here you can explore exhibitions, galleries, museums, shops and several exciting venues. Every week, the firework show is performed at Darling Harbor which is considered as a key highlight of Sydney. The area is populated with several sightseeing options and you need to have a lot of time to cover all tourist attractions of Sydney.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium:

If you want to enjoy the best of the marine life anywhere in this world then come to Sydney and visit Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. It features more than 13,000 different aquatic animals of 700 different species. It has become one of the highly mesmerizing places to see in Sydney on the virtue of its aquatic environment and freshwater. It will take you only $40 to enjoy all the offerings of this aquarium and it remains open from 9:30 AM to 7 PM.

Sydney Opera House:

It is a multi-venue art center where several unique performances are conducted on an occasional basis. Whenever you search for Sydney tourist attractions, you will find images of the Sydney opera house at the top of the list. It is recognized as a UNESCO heritage site featuring a shell-shaped white roof and granite platform in a vibrant red color. The firework show performed on the eve of New Year is referred as a key attraction here.

The Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney Tower comprises of four-level decks out of which three are dedicated for ‘Tower Dining’. All three dining decks are revolving restaurants where one can sit and relish the Australian gourmet with sweeping views of the city skyline. Level one has ‘360 Bar and Dining’ serving modern Australian dishes with award-winning wines and specially curated cocktails. ‘Sydney Tower Buffet’ is an eclectic self-select buffet restaurant serving a wide range of international delicacies.’STUDIO’ is an event venue and bar located on level three exclusive for cock-tail functions with a capacity of 200+ people. The fourth level is the exciting observation deck giving 360degree panoramic and stunning views of the city day and night. Observing the city from the deck on a New Year’s eve will be astonishing. SkyWalk around the deck ensures a thrilling adventurous experience thereby making it one of the fun places to visit in Sydney.

Luna Amusement Park:

Sydney is packed with lot of buzzing destinations and Luna Amusement Park is considered as a cherry on the cake. It is one of the best places to visit in Sydney for free where you can take your entire family. The entry to the park is free and if you have kids they will enjoy the best time of their life here. If you are also looking for places to visit in Sydney by car then Luna amusement park is an ideal option.

Sydney Harbour Bridge:

One of the World’s largest steel arch bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge is an architectural marvel spanning a total length of 3,770ft. An iconic architecture of Sydney with Opera house and Port Jackson in the backdrop this is perhaps the best view to be cherished. Opened in 1932 the bridge remains a vital link connecting Sydney’s Central Business District and the North Shore. The bridge includes a highway for car transport with approximately 200,000 cars passing every day. Four rail tracks and two pedestrian tracks are other modes of transport. One can walk, cycle, drive or take a train and soak up in the spectacular beauty of the city.

Chinese Garden Of Friendship:

If you are searching for any tranquil tourist attractions in Sydney that will help you to find out ultimate peace of life then come to the Chinese Garden Of Friendship. It is packed with lot of offerings including exotic plants, pathways, pavilions, lakes, waterfalls and much more. If you want to take a break from your every day busy life then this garden will offer you an ideal vacation to rejuvenate your energy.

Drive-away Highlights in Sydney:

Macquarie Street hosts many public historical buildings with varying design styles. Cycle the street to drench in the uniqueness of old heritage. Oxford street packed with bars, cafes, nightclubs, shops and cinemas is great for nightlife. Exclusive restaurants, cafes and designer shops can be explored in Sydney’s Double Bay and Watson Bay. Once a shipping region and now a leisure and recreational center Circular Quay is made up of walkways, parks and restaurants. The Museum of Contemporary Art, an art gallery is in the Quay and it also operates ferries.

Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Sydney Harbour has emerged as a popular arts and entertainment venue. With a short ferry ride from the central business district, it includes heritage accomodation, a waterfront campground, tours for all ages, picnic spots and cafes. Kid’s favorite Luna Park is an amusement park located on the Sydney Harbour overlooking Harbour bridge is a major recreational space with many fun rides. Cafes, Coffee shops and merchandise stores. These are some of the best places to visit in Sydney by car along with your whole family.

What’s next waiting for you?

When you visit Sydney, you will get an opportunity to explore several natural wonders along with manmade sightseeing locations. Whether you are searching for top places to visit in western Sydney or unique places to visit in eastern Sydney, the above list will make tour truly epic. This beautiful city boasts about its diverse offerings that will give you the taste of both modern as well as classic life. So go ahead and plan your journey to such a spectacular destination in Australia.

About Author:

Banupriya Nagarajan – Taking every chance in life

A travel story writer and photographer who believes the World is so huge to explore and experience. Love to travel over new places, learn about a new culture, eat authentic foods, meet new people and get lost in nature. While reaching out to the space outside her inner self always revolves around the tiny world of her three-year-old angel. You can always see her cuddling up with her daughter, reciting rhymes, reading stories, playing barbie games and coloring their living room with crayons.