Things to do in Sydney - Sight-seeing, Beach-hopping, Opera

One of the friendliest cities we have been to, Sydney kept us on our foot all the 3 days that we were there…there is just so much to see, soak and savour…! There is much you to do, see. First, there’s the within the city sight-seeing that is best done on foot, and then you have the option of exploring its stunning beaches that are close by, especially Manly beach and Bondi beach (Read — Beach-hopping around Sydney, Australia). Both the beaches take about half a day each. And since it doesn’t make sense to go to two beaches in one day (plus, for Manly beach you need to take a steamer, while for Bondi, you need to take the train!), suggest you keep beach-hopping for part of the day, Sidney city sight-seeing for the remaining half.

Sight-seeing within Sydney city: We were in Sydney for 3 days, and thus, swept both through the city as well as its beaches.

Darling harbour: We started with the Darling Harbour. We had reached in the morning of new year’s eve, and so, found it to be bustling when we reached here around 9am what with wuite a few tourists even at that early hour, plus local authorities and staff gearing up for the New Year fireworks viewing. We merely strolled by the harbour to savour in our first hours in Australia. Surrounded by hotels and offices of multinational organisations, the harbour area is rather starkly concrete. It has a maritime museum, seaworld, the millennium bridge to stroll on and many high-profile eateries.

Sydney Harbour Bridge: Did you know that you can climb right to the top of Australia’s famous bridge? We strolled from the Darling harbour to the Harbour Bridge area, walked up a narrow road that takes you to the stairs of the bridge and then walked across the bridge that gives you stunning views of the city and harbour down under, especially of the Opera House. Walk up to the end and walk back or take the metro back. We are scared of heights, and so, didn’t go right to the top.

Opera House: The next day, we hit the Opera House premises first thing in the morning. Idea was to look around, soak in the beauty of the place and take pictures. We were booked for an opera anyway in the evening.
Royal Botanic Garden: Walk up to the Royal Botanic Garden from the Opera House, and be mesmerised by the lush green park maintained so well. You must walk up to the Mrs Macquarie’s point – this point offers a fantastic view of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. A photograph here is a must for your Australia album. Can’t blame you if you tend to stop by every flower bed to click pictures. The setting is really stunning. The park has well maintained toilets and drinking water dispensers.

The Rocks: We walked out of the Royal Botanic Garden from the Rocks end. Another of Sydney’s most happening and frequented places, it is here that Europeans had first settled when they came to Australia.
St Mary’s Cathedral: Once past the rocks, we headed towards St Mary’s Cathedral. Remember, Australia doesn’t have as many ornate churches, buildings as Europe has. However, all of its historical buildings have a deep European, neo-Gothic touch. St Mary’s Cathedral is exactly that. And very beautiful….it being the first Catholic church of Australia..

Hyde’s Park: Don’t they all sound like you are in London? Well, yes. Most of the names of Australia’s historical sights have a strong colonial hangover. Which is why the King’s Street, Hyde’s Park…etc. The Hyde’s Park here, is not as big as in London, but makes a pretty sight on a sunny day with its beautifully laid flower beds and St Mary’s Cathedral across the road…

George’s Street: Walk past this street to see the romanesque Queen Victoria building, St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Town Hall. A short walk will also take you to the Sydney Tower. You can actually see it from any of the lanes there. Simply look up for the Eye…

Watch an Opera at the Opera House: Frankly, if in Sydney and if a performing arts lover, an Opera at the Opera House is something you ought to gift yourself. We caught the staging of the popular The Merry Widow on evening. Paid a bomb for it, but well, the show, the ambience and the experience was worth every penny. Make sure you go dressed in your evening formals.