Planning a trip to sunny Sydney? From all the gorgeous beaches, shopping, nature and wildlife, here are our top 5 places you should visit on your journey down under:
Bondi Beach
Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach is where you’re bound to find every tourist from all over the world at, and for good reason. Gorgeous blue waters, white sands, weekend farmers markets, some of the best health cafes, restaurants and bars, a Ferris wheel and even ice skating rank in the Winter months.
A drink at Bondi Icebergs overlooking the ice pool and ocean is always a favourite. A coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte is equally beautiful especially if you’re there when Sculptures by the Sea is on in October.
Sydney Harbour + Opera House
Hop off the train at Circular Quay to truly feel like you’re standing in the middle of a postcard of Sydney. The harbour has an array of restaurants and bars with a view of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
If you’re feeling adventurous you can do a bridge climb or catch a late night show at the Opera House. Late May is also when Sydney holds Vivid, a spectacular light, art and music show where the city, bridge and Opera house truly come alive.
Taronga Zoo
Hop on a ferry to the other side of the harbour where you’ll find all of Australia’s favourite animals and wildlife with a jaw-dropping backdrop of Sydney. Home to over 340 separate species from koala’s, kangaroos and emu’s, to snakes and giraffes. While you’re over that side, lunch at Balmoral Beach or Manly Beach is always a hot spot.
Royal Botanical Gardens + Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
If you’re up for a big walk, go no further than Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone bench carved by convicts in 1811 for the then-governor’s wife, which offers nothing but greenery and harbour views. Follow the track around until you reach the Royal Botanic Gardens, a harbour-side haven for city wildlife with a rose garden, fernery and ‘Jurassi Jungle’ for kids. Keep walking and you will reach Sydney CBD’s main park, Hyde Park, bordered by high-towered buildings and filled with statues of famous Australians.
Manly Beach
Manly is one of Sydney's most popular beach spots and sits at the start of the Northern Beaches district of Sydney. It has great places to eat, drink and shop. Best of all, you can get a ferry there directly from Circular Quay, which is also a great (and cheap way) to get an awesome trip through the harbour.
Palm Beach
If you’re up for a drive north, then you have to go to Palm Beach. It’s home to the filming of popular Australian TV soapie, Home & Away, and has an array of lookouts and lunch spots including The Boathouse. It’s a great place to get away for the day or weekend where you can beach and dine your life away.
