Experience Sydney’s top attractions from sea on a harbor cruise or take a river ferry ride from Circular Quay and discover its historic cobbled streets of The Rocks district.
Discover Sydney’s history and present through its top museums. Enjoy classical and contemporary art, Aboriginal artifacts and scientific specimens on display. This and so much more is easily available through Cathay Pacific with routes like Taipei to Sydney.
The Rocks
The Rocks is one of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods, comprising of an atmospheric maze of atmospheric sandstone warehouses, peaceful courtyards, and cobbled alleyways on the western side of Circular Quay where in 1788 British colonists and convicts first set foot – now home to heritage pubs, restaurants, boutique stores, cafes and much more!
Visit The Rocks alone or join a guided tour led by locals for an in-depth history lesson. These tours feature many major attractions – like Cadman’s Cottage – the oldest surviving dwelling in Australia as well as local shops, bars and restaurants – offering a fantastic opportunity to get acquainted with this vibrant neighborhood. These daily guided tours provide the ideal way to gain a deeper insight into this vibrant part of Sydney!
To discover The Rocks on your own, you can take either a bus or ferry from Sydney CBD and walk a few blocks northwest. The neighborhood is small and compact enough to be easily navigated; its streets and alleyways boast historic buildings, hidden bars and cafes as well as many shops and boutiques – the Rocks is truly an unparalleled place for experiencing Australian culture and history!
The Rocks offers numerous dining options, from fine dining restaurants and cafes to local shops selling fashion, accessories, linen and homewares, unique gifts as well as antiques. Additionally, The Rocks Markets are held every weekend, where art enthusiasts can shop.
One of the top things to do in The Rocks is visit its iconic sandstone houses that once housed convicts and sailors. There are also archaeological sites offering insight into Sydney’s past.
The Rocks is one of the most visited areas in Sydney, but can become very touristy quickly. While souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants can be found here, if you keep your eyes open you may also discover authentic experiences as well.
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo in Mosman is an exceptional way to spot animals in Sydney, located on an idyllic stretch of harbor-side land and home to over 2,500 animals from all around the globe. While some popular species like giraffes and monkeys may be easy to spot, be sure to explore any exhibits showcasing rare or endangered animals for maximum animal viewing pleasure!
The city skyline and Opera House provide a breathtaking backdrop, making the zoo an idyllic location to take photographs of iconic Australian wildlife like giraffes. However, animal encounters make the zoo even more special: for an additional fee you can feed or hold giraffes to get up close and personal with these wonderful animals! Or become a zookeeper for a day and experience first-hand all that amazing life-forms have to offer at this incredible zoo.
Taronga Zoo boasts both traditional exhibits and new habitats, from walk-through enclosures with kangaroos and wallabies, reptile, nocturnal marsupial houses that will delight kids, dingo pups frolicking between your legs and Koalas wandering freely through its forest canopy – not forgetting an African Savannah!
Circular Quay provides easy access to Taronga Zoo by ferry from Circular Quay. One-way tickets typically cost AU$10 for adults and AU$7.5 for children; combination tickets like Klook’sTaronga Zoo ferry and entry package may offer savings by including round-trip ferry ride on Captain Cook Cruises’ ferry and an admission ticket into one package, eliminating the need to purchase separate ferry rides and tickets when you reach the zoo.
George Street
George Street in Sydney is its main shopping street and home to many of the city’s premier restaurants, bars, and attractions. Renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful streetscape, George Street makes an excellent place to spend the day exploring. For optimal weather walking conditions between September to November and February to May (the best times for exploring).
George Street offers numerous shops and restaurants catering to every budget. Additionally, its proximity to notable attractions such as Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House make it easily accessible via public transportation such as buses or even Sydney Metro; for drivers preferring driving their vehicle can park nearby in one of many parking options available nearby.
Railway Square is located at the southern end of George Street and boasts Sydney Central train station and bus terminal, hotels, small retail establishments, as well as being home to Sydney Institute of TAFE’s campus.
Circular Quay at the northern end of George Street is an immensely popular tourist and local hangout, known for its breathtaking architecture such as Sydney Town Hall, Queen Victoria Building shopping centre, Strand Arcade and St Andrew’s Cathedral.
While you’re in the area, be sure to visit Martin Place – it is an enchanting square and a favorite gathering point for both locals and visitors, particularly during lunchtime on working weekdays. Additionally, this hub of activity hosts festivals and other special events that make Martin Place truly remarkable!
Sydney Harbour Bridge was completed in 1932 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II – it stands as one of Sydney’s iconic structures, and is worth seeing just for its historical and aesthetic value alone. To experience more of Sydney’s culture, stop by The Rocks where there are souvenir shops and trendy eateries as well as The Sydney Aquarium & Zoo for a cruise tour or visit Madame Tussauds wax museum!
The Blue Mountains
Location: To the west of Sydney lies New South Wales nature at its finest – The Blue Mountains provide a breathtaking display. Famous for their towering sandstone ridges covered with eucalyptus trees and rugged wilderness, Blue Mountains National Park makes an essential day trip from Sydney. Explore ancient Aboriginal rock art, stroll through charming mountain towns or embark on an impressive three-day hike!
At the Blue Mountains, one of the must-do experiences is visiting the Three Sisters rock formation. A striking sandstone pillar towering high above Jamison Valley and illuminated at night by floodlights for an unforgettable viewing experience against a dark night sky.
Hiking is an enjoyable way to explore the Blue Mountains, with over 140 kilometers of trails catering to hikers of all abilities ranging from easy paths to steep climbs that provide stunning views of verdant gorges, waterfalls and rugged escarpments.
Your experience will also allow you to spot local wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies; with any luck, you might even catch sight of one of the rare Tasmanian Devils living nearby!
Blue Mountains restaurants and cafes provide ample dining opportunities, from hearty breakfast options like The Grumpy Baker in Bilpin with delicious baked eggs to more relaxed options like Megalong Valley Tearooms with their diverse menu and mouthwatering scones!
If you’re seeking some thrills and spills, why not abseil in the Blue Mountains? This activity is perfect for beginners, with options starting as low as five metres! To take it even further, opt for a full-day abseil tour and build up to 60 meters!
Luxury lovers will delight in spending an afternoon relaxing at one of the Blue Mountains most beloved historic hotels, The Hydro Majestic. While enjoying high tea while taking in breathtaking views of Megalong Valley, this experience will remain with you long after.