Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales in Australia, has a good mix of urban charm and coastal fun. It is home to many landmarks, including the famous Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and of course, Bondi Beach.
For many holidaymakers, a four- to five-day stay is enough to get a good feel of the city. It gives you ample time to explore the main attractions, and enjoy a few different neighbourhoods and sights along the way.
Starting July 1, you can fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney via Batik Air.
Sydney Opera House
One of the city’s most recognisable sights is the Sydney Opera House. Its design, described by Unesco as, “three groups of interlocking vaulted shells”, is definitely one of a kind. It is also one of Australia’s most photographed buildings.
But the Opera House is more than just an architectural icon. It is also the city’s busiest performing arts venue, with many theatre, opera, musical and dance shows taking place throughout the year.
Private events are also held at the place from time to time.
The only way for visitors to check out the interior, however, is to catch a show, so check their website to see if there are any performances being held at the same time as your holiday.
If you’re not interested in seeing the interior, they you can also go on a leisurely stroll along the promenade around it.
To get a good photographic shot of the venue, head to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, where you can frame the Opera House and Harbour Bridge standing side-by-side against the water.
Bondi Beach
Beach culture is a big part of the state’s identity, and this is ever more evident in Sydney.
There are many beaches around the city, but Bondi is perhaps the most accessible to tourists. The beach is a favourite spot among fans of sea sports, especially surfers.
Plan your visit carefully as Bondi can get very crowded, especially on weekends. Come early in the morning or late afternoon if you prefer a less-crowded experience.
While you are here, challenge yourself to take on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. The 6km trail takes roughly two to three hours to finish, and along the way you can feast your eyes on sweeping ocean views, rugged cliffs and small beaches.
Taronga Zoo Sydney
Aside from Sydney’s famous harbour and beaches, Taronga Zoo is another must-visit in the state.
Thousands of animals from Australia and around the world call this place home. Besides the native koalas and kangaroos, you may also spot less-commonly seen species like the Andean condor from South America, Aldabra giant tortoises from the Seychelles and echidnas from New Guinea.
The zoo has guides who can tell you stories about the animals, their natural habitats and more. There are even interactive experiences where you can feed some of the animals.
The zoo’s hillside location overlooking Sydney Harbour is part of what makes it so special. As you explore, you also get to see the city skyline.
Not many zoos in the world have a backdrop like this.
Getting there is part of the experience, too. Instead of a typical car or bus ride, you can take a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.
Royal Botanic Garden
Head to the Royal Botanic Garden for some peace and quiet. Set right by the harbour, this sprawling green space is one of the best places in Sydney for a relaxing stroll.
The garden has been around for more than 200 years and boasts thousands of plant species from Australia and around the world.
You will find everything here including towering palms and delicate rare orchids to native Australian plants like acacia, and other species across its many themed gardens.
And with the harbour just a stone’s throw away, the views add to the garden’s appeal. From here, you can enjoy the view of the Sydney Opera House and the harbour.
The Rocks
Step into old-world Sydney at The Rocks, the city’s oldest neighbourhood.
Tucked along the western side of Sydney Cove (but still within Circular Quay), this historic precinct dates back to 1788, when it became part of Australia’s first European settlement, where many of the earliest convicts lived.
As you wander through the area, you will see traces of its past, from cobblestone streets to colonial buildings that still stand today.
For a better glimpse of the area, join a walking tour, where you will hear stories behind the streets and buildings.
A mandatory visit for every trip here is the market. At The Rocks Market, you will find plenty of food stalls selling titbits and street fare.
Make your way up to Observatory Hill if you want a nice picture of the city. It is a popular photo spot, thanks to its clear view of the bridge.
And while you are here, you can also stop by the Fortune of War, said to be one of Australia’s oldest pubs – a nice way to end your tour with a drink.
