Every new year starts with a spectacular fireworks display from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This great show is watched all over the world. Sydney in the southeastern Pacific region is this country’s most popular tourist destination. It is the capital of New South Wales. This is a unique island nation and continent in the southern hemisphere. The city attracts 9.3 million international tourists each year on average. It boasts several iconic structures and places to visit.
Way back in the 19th century, Sydney was a convict settlement. It formed a remote exile location for convicts and developed as a British colony. The Europeans built their first settlement here in Australia. Have you heard of the original inhabitants as Australian aboriginals? Sydney has deep roots in its past and a lot to show around.
Read further to know about 12 must-visit tourist attractions of this renowned city.
- The Sydney Opera House – These are the most distinctive tourist attractions in Sydney. The Sydney Opera house is an iconic and most-photographed structure in the world. Your visit to Sydney cannot be complete without venturing into this multi-cultural performing arts venue. The white shell-shaped roof of the building is a unique architecture of the 20th century. Click memorable pics of the building on your harbour cruise.
- Harbour Bridge Close on the heels of the Opera House is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is an arch-shaped steel bridge that covers the entire harbour area. You can explore this attraction in many ways. Drive through it, go by train, take a cruise in the waters and climb up the bridge. Catch the breathtaking views of the entire harbour area atop 135 meters.
- Watsons Bay- Watson’s Bay is a little away from the Harbour Bridge. It is the oldest fishing village in Sydney. There are some beautiful 19th-century buildings here that are worth a visit. Catch a ferry from the Circular Quay and enjoy the ride to Watson’s Bay. On the way see the spectacular view of the Sydney skyline. At Watson’s Bay, you can spend a relaxed time in the numerous restaurants along the coast.
- Darling harbour- This is a thriving tourist hub in the western side of Sydney. Spend a day here for the long list of entertainment it offers. There are shops, restaurants, museums, an aquarium and the family entertainer Madam Tussaud’s right here.
- Australian National Maritime Museum-The museum is maintained by the federal government and is in Darling harbour. Explore the Australian National Maritime Museum through its seven galleries. It showcases the relationship of the aboriginals with the sea. Tourists can venture into submarines, peep into tall naval ships of the 18th century and explore how the navy functions through war and peace.
The Australian National Maritime Museum is an adventure-laden trip for those who love stories of battle and explorers. Learn some more about how waves of migrants came to this land and settled.
- Sydney Tower- Climb atop 309 meters above ground in the Sydney Tower in the CBD and catch breathtaking views of Sydney. This is the second tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. It has an observation deck at 820 ft called the Sydney Tower Eye. A skywalk in the open air with glass floor viewing is an unmistakable attraction. Here tourists can see the skyline view from 879 ft above ground.
- The Rocks- Venture into a bit of the history of Sydney in the Rocks. It lies on an outcrop of the Sydney Harbour. It is a Gadigal aboriginal settlement. Later developed into the first European settlement. The place acquired its name from the rocky nature of the coast on the west. Here you can learn about the transformation of the place from the Rocks Discovery Museum. Take a peek into the Cadman’s Cottage, one of the oldest cottages that stand to date. Take a casual stroll and pick aboriginal art items from the nearby souvenir shops.
- Luna park Sydney- This is a one-of it’s kind amusement park attraction for tourists. Luna Park Sydney has had a long history since the 1930s. It is on Milson’s point a suburb on the harbourside in New South Wales. The fantasy theme here is the art deco style of the 1930s. There are fun rides here and is a complete family entertainer. The Luna Park Sydney has rides such as Coney Island, Dodgem City, Hair Raiser, Wild Mouse and Tumble Bug. Immerse yourself in the mirror maze, pass through gaps and bump into opponents, rise above 15 meters and you’re tossed into the air in a fun and frolic way.
- Australian Museum- Australia is biodiverse. Explore this amazing area and know more about the culture and animals in the continent by the Pacific. This museum preserves the natural history in the form of exhibits and giant skeletons of strange animals of this country. It has about 400 species of animals to showcase. Know about the aborigins with stories on them in this museum.
- Queen Victoria Building- This is an old-world charm shopping destination on George Street. Venture here for fashion boutiques and jewellery shopping places.
- Sea Life Sydney Aquarium- Explore the underwater world of Australia in the Sea Life Aquarium. It has about 700 species of creatures that are found in the waters around the continent. The aquarium has 14 zones. Some of them are Jurrasic, Rockpool, and Shark walk among others.
- Taronga zoo This is a much-loved place for animal lovers. Visit this zoo and the wildlife native to the place. Indulge in activities such as zipline and wild rope walks and feel the excitement. There are interesting bird and seal shows too for wholesome family entertainment.
Sydney is mesmerizing and amazes visitors with its unique culture. Its rich history, biodiversity and the story of its transformation into a modern city are worth your time and effort. It has many things to explore for tourists. Visit some of the iconic places here to fill the pages of your travel book.
