Sydney, the capital City of New South Wales, Australia is one of the most bustling cosmopolitan cities in the world.
Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales, Australia is one of the most bustling cosmopolitan cities in the world. It exudes both modern and old-world charm, making it an ideal destination for many travelers.
Sydney’s 10 must-see iconic landmarks with your kids
Also read: 5 leisurely things to do in Liechtenstein
Sydney boasts of beautiful beaches and charming parks. Combined with its humid subtropical climate, Sydney is perfect for outdoor activities. The list of things to do is endless so it can be quite overwhelming for some people.
Sydney may seem pretty small for those who are uninitiated but it's really packed with places to see and explore. In fact, what I do recommend is to allot a 3-day itinerary to fully explore Sydney.
After exploring Sydney and if you are looking to travel to other cities in Australia or even New Zealand with your kids, you don't need to worry about bringing your family car with you because you can easily find great deals on Sydney Airport Parking online.
However, if you do not know where to begin or simply want to take things slow and easy, you might want to check out Sydney’s 10 must-see iconic landmarks below:
Trip map created using Wanderlog, for itineraries
However, if you do not know where to begin or simply want to take things slow and easy, you might want to check out Sydney’s 10 must-see iconic landmarks below:
1. Sydney Opera House
Perhaps the most recognizable architectural wonder in the city is the Sydney Opera House. Its charming location beside the harbor plus an excellent lineup of events and performances make it a must-visit destination.
The Sydney Opera House features a roof shaped like ten sails. This roof is made out of over one million tiles that reflect the sunlight during sunset and at dawn.
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| Sydney Opera House |
The Sydney Opera House features a roof shaped like ten sails. This roof is made out of over one million tiles that reflect the sunlight during sunset and at dawn.
Other features of the Sydney Opera House include the Concert Hall, Opera Theater, Drama Theater, Playhouse, The Studio, Forecourt and Monumental Steps, Northern Foyers, and Bars and Restaurants. Also not to be missed is the High Tea, an opera recital by famous opera singers in which world-class cuisine is served to guests.
The Sydney Opera House’s construction began in the 1950s headed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon. The Sydney Opera House was eventually opened in 1973 after some delays and much controversy, including the resignation of Jorn Utzon as project architect.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the longest spanning arch bridge and the tallest steel arch bridge in the world. Listed as a heritage site and considered an engineering triumph, Sydney Harbour Bridge was constructed on July 28, 1923, and was opened on March 19, 1932.
Sydney Harbour Bridge features a BridgeClimb, Pylon Lookout and Museum, pedestrian and cycle paths, Bradfield Park, Dawes Point (Australia’s first observatory), and a memorial.
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| Sydney Harbour Bridge |
Sydney Harbour Bridge features a BridgeClimb, Pylon Lookout and Museum, pedestrian and cycle paths, Bradfield Park, Dawes Point (Australia’s first observatory), and a memorial.
3. Sydney Harbour
Considered one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, Sydney Harbour is an expanse of magnificent blue waters fringed by immaculate beaches, docks, and urban development.
Some of the top spots to see around Sydney Harbour are the Sydney Harbour National Park, Harbour Beaches such as Shark Beach, Manly Cove, Parsley Bay, Camp Cove, and Lady Bay; the Heads (marking the entrance to the harbor), and the Islands.
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| Sydney Harbour |
Some of the top spots to see around Sydney Harbour are the Sydney Harbour National Park, Harbour Beaches such as Shark Beach, Manly Cove, Parsley Bay, Camp Cove, and Lady Bay; the Heads (marking the entrance to the harbor), and the Islands.
For those who are looking for leisurely activities, you may try the Harbourside Walks, Harbourside Parks, Harbour Wildlife, the Australian National Maritime Museum, take a stroll around the Harbourside Mansions and Penthouses, or take a ferry ride and explore Sydney Harbour.
4. Powerhouse Museum
Perhaps Sydney’s most popular culture and heritage institution in the Powerhouse Museum with its collection of peculiar items.
It features interesting exhibits such as the following:
- Experimentations, featuring scientific and technological breakthroughs
- Inspired! Design Across Time which is a collection of both local and international arts and design
- Ecologic that explores the use of sustainable materials for building houses
- Cyberworlds which takes visitors a look into robotics and computers
- Hargrave’s Box Kites
- The small art-deco Kings Cinema which still shows classics
- Space exhibition
- The Steam Revolution featuring steam engines used in the past
- Success & Innovation exhibit that features innovations and inventions from Australia
- Transport that features railway exhibits
5. The Rocks & Circular Quay
The Rocks & Circular Quay was used as a precinct in the olden days. Nowadays, it’s a famous historic destination and lively transport hub in Sydney. Take a stroll around the area and marvel at the quaint beauty of the buildings and other structures in the district.
Among the sights that you should not miss when you are here are the Circular Quay, Customs House, Tank Stream, George Street (Australia’s oldest street), Cadmans Cottage (Sydney’s oldest surviving dwelling), Museum of Contemporary Art, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Garrison Church (Australia’s first military church), and Sydney Observatory.
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| The Rocks |
Among the sights that you should not miss when you are here are the Circular Quay, Customs House, Tank Stream, George Street (Australia’s oldest street), Cadmans Cottage (Sydney’s oldest surviving dwelling), Museum of Contemporary Art, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Garrison Church (Australia’s first military church), and Sydney Observatory.
6. Royal Botanic Garden & The Domain
If you want a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, then head over to the Royal Botanic Garden & The Domain where you can have a quick run or simply enjoy one of the best walks in Sydney amidst lush greeneries. After this, you can also grab a snack and drink as you unwind.
Furthermore, there are a host of attractions that you must see when at the Royal Botanic Garden & The Domain. These are Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone bench carved for the governor’s wife; the Andrew “Boy” Charlton Pool, named after a 16-year-old Olympic winner; Wollemi Pine, Cadi Jam Ora: First Encounters, a presentation about the original people of the land; Palm House, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Tropical Center, Conservatorium of Music, Government House, and guided walks and tours.
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| A flower at the Royal Botanic Garden |
Furthermore, there are a host of attractions that you must see when at the Royal Botanic Garden & The Domain. These are Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone bench carved for the governor’s wife; the Andrew “Boy” Charlton Pool, named after a 16-year-old Olympic winner; Wollemi Pine, Cadi Jam Ora: First Encounters, a presentation about the original people of the land; Palm House, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Tropical Center, Conservatorium of Music, Government House, and guided walks and tours.
7. Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Art Gallery of New South Wales, which was established in 1871, boasts of an extensive collection of international and local art. Its collection is displayed in wide and well-illuminated spaces to provide a highlight to each and every artwork.
Furthermore, visitors may look forward to several exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales throughout the year. What’s the best thing about the Art Gallery of New South Wales? Admission is totally free, including in the exhibits.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is divided into several sections such as the Southern Galleries, Yiribana Gallery, New Asian Galleries, Australian Art Collection, and Photography Collection. There is also a café and restaurant in case you want to grab a few bites.
8. Darling Harbour
Adjacent to the Sydney city center, Darling Harbour features a large recreational space occupied by cafes, museums, bars, and tourist attractions.
Some of the most recommended attractions to see at Darling Harbour are the Australian National Maritime Museum, Pyrmont Bridge, Cockle Bay, King St. Wharves, Sydney Aquarium, Chinese Garden, Chinatown, Capitol Theater, Paddy’s Market, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Wildlife World.
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| Darling Harbour |
Some of the most recommended attractions to see at Darling Harbour are the Australian National Maritime Museum, Pyrmont Bridge, Cockle Bay, King St. Wharves, Sydney Aquarium, Chinese Garden, Chinatown, Capitol Theater, Paddy’s Market, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Wildlife World.
9. Taronga Zoo
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| Taronga Zoo |
Taronga Zoo is Australia’s largest zoo, spanning an area of 28 hectares. It is home to around 4,000 animals of 350 species. Taronga Zoo is home to various wild animals from Asia, Africa, and South America, just to name a few.
References:
- Top 10 Sydney by DK Eyewitness Travel
- Sydney and Sydney Harbour courtesy of Wikipedia
- Art Gallery NSW
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I'd love to go to any of these places. I've always wanted to visit Australia. It looks like a cool area.
ReplyDeleteMy last boss was a world traveler and this was his favorite trip of all of them. I hope some day I can go
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous city. These photos make me want to travel there.
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely love to go to Sydney one day it seems like such a vibrant city with so much to do there.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to visit Sydney. Now I want to even more!
ReplyDeleteThe Sydney Opera House is a must-see and anyone who has ever visited Sydney has to take that mandatory photo with the opera house on the background. I would love to visit Bondi beach! Oh and the Royal Botanic Garden is definitely on my list too.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to visit Australia. The Opera House and Bondi Beach make me very interest me after I've seen them on different social media. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've always dreamed about living there in Australia. You're right it's kinda overwhelming when you knew how beautiful the place is.
ReplyDeleteWe were supposed to go in 2022 but since the borders won't open until Jan of 2022, we were afraid to risk it. Hopefully another year.
ReplyDeleteI would like to visit Sydney Opera House. It's the most famous Australian symbol. But there are so many other beautiful places to visit in Australia!
ReplyDeleteThose look like some amazing places to visit. I'd love to go to any of these someday. I've always wanted to go to Sydney.
ReplyDeleteAustralia is very much on my bucket list. I'd love to visit all the places highlighted including a few wineries. I hope to visit sometime soon. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteAustralia is in my wish list I would love to visit someday. Thanks for sharing these famous area to visit.
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Have a nice trip Ahead.