As a local, I always get asked by friends and relatives from overseas about the best things to do to experience Sydney city first hand. If you have never been to Sydney - perhaps from interstate or from overseas - and want adventure and excitement (without trekking in the bush), then this is your guide to Sydney.
The rite of passage for any primary (elementary) school child in Sydney is going to Sydney Aquarium. It is a huge underwater aquarium where you get to experience unique freshwater and marine environments and discover an incredible 13,000 animals from 700 different species - including the world's largest variety of sharks and rays. This is great if you can't or don't like swimming and want to see sharks up close.
From the freshwater rivers of the south to the tropical waters of the north, including the world's biggest and most impressive Great Barrier Reef exhibit, a trip to Sydney Aquarium takes you around Australia's coastline, into its oceans and up into its waterways - all without leaving the city.
Location: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours: Open 365 days a year - 9am to 8pm. Last entries are STRICTLY 7pm.
How to get there: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/visitor-info/location/
Website & tickets: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/tickets/
Other than the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, unique Australian animals would be on the to see list of any tourist's schedule. Whether you're a kid at heart or arriving with kids, you'll love Wildlife Sydney Zoo, where you'll get a close encounter with iconic Australian animals: kangaroos and wallabies, koalas and kookaburras to possums to wombats.
If you're not into fluffy animals, they have reptiles and bugs too, where you get to view some of the deadliest Australian insects (behind glass of course). So whether your into cuddly cuteness or creepy crawlies, you are sure to be pleased.
Location: 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, Sydney 2000 Australia
Opening hours: Open daily from 9am - 6pm (last entry STRICTLY 5pm)
How to get there: http://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/visitor-info/location/
Website & tickets: http://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/tickets/#single-visit
For the ultimate view of the city of Sydney, you can't go past The Sydney Tower Eye (formally known as the Sydney Centre Point Tower). With a range of tours and walks available, they have packages to suit those of the not so faint hearted to people afraid of heights (but still want to see all of Sydney).
Skywalk Tour
You'll be walking on air 268 metres above stunning Sydney, with the city streets directly beneath your feet. Look down through the glass floor viewing platform for a bird's-eye perspective of the bustling city below, as part of a 45 minute guided tour around the outside of the iconic golden turret of Sydney Tower.
Location: Corner of Pitt Street & Market Streets, Sydney 2000 Australia
Opening hours: Open 364 days a year from 9am to 10:30pm (last entry STRICTLY 9pm)
How to get there: http://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/visitor-info/location/
Website & tickets: http://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/tickets/#single-visit
Location: 3 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000 Australia
Opening hours: Depends on the booking - please check with operator
How to get there: http://www.bridgeclimb.com/Where/Map/
Website & tickets: http://www.bridgeclimb.com/Price/standard-price/
Last but not least, one of the most well known representations of Australia has to be the Opera House. A unique architecture by Jørn Utzon, it epitomises Sydney and its wonderful shape of peaking crests are recognised all over the world. If you come to Sydney, this is a must visit place. The great thing about the Opera House is, you don't have to go inside or attend any events to tour the area. Feel free to walk about the premises and take pictures. If you want to go inside the Opera House, they do offer tours and musical or theatrical events for the public.
Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours: Depends on tour & events - please check with operator
How to get there: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Visit/Transport.aspx
Website & tickets: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/soh_tour_english_2013.aspx
So there you have it, a feast for the eyes and senses. Be sure to try out the huge range of Australian cuisines on offer at restaurants around the city. We have some of the world's tastiest restaurants on offer. Our multicultural cuisines are combined with Australia's freshest produce to make them one of the best in the world.
If you're looking for accommodation close to all these major attractions around Sydney and aren't sure where to stay, Metro Hotels offer affordable and comfortable hotel rooms and apartments around Sydney city districts that will keep you close these venues and major public transport hubs.
- Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
- Metro Hotel Sydney Central
- Metro Hotel on Pitt
- Metro Apartments on King
Each hotel or self-serviced apartment is close to major train stations, buses or ferries. Because all four are situated in the city, there are also plenty of taxis available to catch on the street. Our city also offers a free bus service (it's a completely green bus) that loops around the main streets of Sydney. Many of the attractions can be reached by foot from our hotels. Nearby there are also supermarkets, shops, restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs and public toilets all within walking distance.
If you'd like to arrange a stay in a Metro Hotel or Apartment, here are some specials available for booking: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special
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