Brash, bold and instantly recognisable, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Sydney. Subtlety may not be its strong point but it has a thrilling, multicultural, city atmosphere, and the palpable excitement of a city that always has something new and interesting going on is highly contagious. Home to the famous Sydney Tower, Royal Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park – alongside other world famous landmarks – there is plenty to see. The best of the city can be found around the glittering waterfront, where tourists and locals alike congregate on the beaches for a lazy afternoon within easy reach of all the city’s comforts.
Sydney Harbour
The harbour is home to two of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, as well as some of the nicest spaces in the city. The scenic Circular Quay is the starting place for popular harbour cruises – a brilliant way to explore the city – and the Rocks – home to Sydney’s oldest house – are just a stone’s throw away. Of course it goes without saying that the main attractions are the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, which is free to walk along.
Queen Victoria Building
As Australia’s most populous city it is no surprise that Sydney is home to some of the best shopping destinations in the world, and there is nowhere better than the Queen Victoria Building. Designed and built in the 19th Century, the grand exterior hides nearly 200 of the best shops in Sydney. Even if you choose not to splash any cash the Queen Victoria Building is still well worth a visit for the exquisite architecture, beautiful original features and old-world atmosphere.
Blue Mountains
For all of Sydney’s excitement – and partly because of it – it can be nice to escape the city and spend a day in the fresh mountain air. The rugged Blue Mountains are only 90 minutes from refined Sydney and could not be more different; dramatic sandstone cliffs replace sleek glass buildings dominating the skyline here. With over 140km of hiking trails you could easily spend an entire week in the mountains discovering the hidden corners amidst the tourist hotspots like Jenolan Caves.
