Travel > Travel Guides > Sydney

Sydney Harbour Photo: Tourism Wollongong 2000. Courtesy Tourism New South Wales

An Introduction to Sydney

By Cindy Lee

Sydney is undeniably one of the most beautiful modern cities in the world. Sweeping harbour views, attractive and interesting architecture combined with year round mild weather makes Sydney a great place to visit at any time.

Whether your interest is sightseeing, culture or sports there is something for everyone.

Whilst there are many delights in Sydney, no trip would be complete without a visit to Circular Quay to see the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you only have one day, I suggest spending it on our beautiful harbour, and its surrounds.

Begin your morning by visiting our Sydney Harbour Bridge which provides a practical yet picturesque link between the heart of Sydney and Sydney’s north. For people wishing to “experience” the icon, rather than just looking at it, there are a few options available. The free public walkway allows visitors to walk across the bridge, whilst a Pylon tour is available for people wishing to find out more information on the icon. On the other end of the scale is the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb giving people a chance to climb the bridge and be treated to spectacular views a top it.

Next, wander thru the streets of the Rocks and enjoy the art galleries and shops. Fill up on anything from ‘pub grub’ to ‘Mod Oz’ cuisine. Wander through the Contemporary Museum of Art before hitting Circular Quay.

Walk around the harbour until you reach the Sydney Opera House (designed by the Danish architect Jorn Urtzon and inspired by Ship’s sails). This versatile performance centre has several restaurants and performance halls where Operas, Ballets, Orchestral Recitals and Plays can be enjoyed. Take photos and enjoy the harbour foreshore. If you go on a Sunday, market stalls lining the path can be browsed through as well.

Continue walking around the harbour, through the Botanic Gardens to Lady Macquarie’s chair. See the famous Fort Denison and enjoy the quiet ambience. Keep on walking around to Woolloomooloo where you can enjoy a famous pie or hot dog from Harry’s Café (a famous caravan operated food joint which is open 24 hours and where many a celebrity has gone).

From there, wander into Potts Point / Kings Cross where night time entertainment and food delights await.

Fast Facts:

• Sydney is home to over 4 million people
• Sydney is Australia’s first settlement – settled on the 26th of January 1788
• Sydney reaches over 1580 square kilometres making it the same size as London, and double that of New York.
• Sydney’s time zone is UTC/GMT +10 hours, and is subject to Daylight saving. Daylight Saving time ended on Sunday, 27 March 2005 at 3:00am local daylight time, and will resume on Sunday, 30 October 2005 at 2:00am local standard time