Attractions of Sydney (Australia) – photo and description, map, what to see in Sydney

Sydney is Australia's largest city and the capital of New South Wales. Sydney is an unusual metropolis, in which the highest skyscrapers look harmoniously with small Mediterranean-style houses, pristine beaches and parks. Everyone will like this city: young people will be able to plunge into the cheerful and active nightlife of the city, more mature people will be happy to visit theaters and operas, lovers of silence will easily find a secluded place for themselves, and active tourists will be delighted with extreme walks. Life is seething in this city and to be here means to be in the center of all modernity. Many people think that Sydney is a very expensive city, but contrary to this opinion, our life hack will tell you how you can relax and what to see without spending a single cent.

Sydney Opera House (Sydney Opera House)

The main attraction of the city is the Sydney Opera House, outwardly everyone knows it, even those who have never been to Sydney. The Sydney Opera is not only the hallmark of the city, but of the whole of Australia. Of course, to get into the opera it is worth buying a ticket, but many are ready to spend. Inside, the opera looks much more restrained and modest than outside, so tourists and guests of the city often enjoy its romantic view from the outside and take pictures against its background.

Harbor Bridge

Next in line is the steel Harbor Bridge, an imposing bridge in Sydney and one of the largest arched bridges in the world. The length of the bridge reaches 1,149 m, the width is 49 m, and the weight of the bridge is 52,800 tons. Having delved into these figures, it may seem ridiculous and unfair that the locals, jokingly, called this bridge the “hanger”. The Harbor Bridge connects the central and business parts of the city. It is open to traffic for cars and trains, but very often you can meet residents walking around. On New Year's Eve, the bridge is the main pyrotechnic element, it is decorated with fireworks, and people begin to gather in the afternoon not to miss this fantastic show. In total, about 70 thousand people can gather on the bridge.

Also in January, street parades under the open sky, carnivals, military marches are held in Sydney. Everyone can take part in such a cultural program, thereby getting acquainted with Australian traditions. Such events are always fun, incendiary and unforgettable.

Sydney Tower

In the center of Sydney stands the Sydney Tower, the tower is the second tallest in Australia – 305 m. Gradually climbing the tower, tourists will be presented with souvenir shops, an observation deck and a restaurant. To get inside the tower, you should sign up for a special tour, but everyone can see it from the outside.

The most favorite holiday destination not only for tourists, but also for Sydneysiders are free film screenings of Movies by the Boulevard in nature, in the open air in the Sydney Olympic Park. Those who want to watch a movie come here as if on a picnic, armed with pillows, blankets, baskets of sandwiches and, of course, popcorn. Such luxury is available throughout January, because in Austria this is the middle of summer. Well, if you didn't get here in January, don’t despair, because there is a Selinas bar in Sydney, where free film screenings are also available on Thursdays.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is considered to be the largest park in Sydney; it is located on as much as 16 hectares. About 580 trees grow in this park, among which there are palms, figs and fig trees. The park is divided by alleys, along which local residents and guests of the city walk with pleasure, here you can also have a bite to eat on the grass and get aesthetic pleasure from the numerous monuments located in the park.

Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

The Royal Botanic Gardens welcomes visitors all year round absolutely free of charge. It is located in the heart of Sydney opposite the Opera House. The first zoo in Sydney was opened here and about 4,770 trees grow, herbarium collections include 1.2 million plants and, of course, a huge number of animals and birds live, such as, for example, yellow-crested cockatoos, fox-like possums and white Australian ibis. The entire park area is free to walk and explore.

Absolutely free entrance to the Government House, oddly enough. It maintains the interior and atmosphere of past years, massive paintings and antique furniture. From 10:00 am to 03:00 pm, you can visit the Government House and enjoy a magnificent collection of paintings, and the rest of the time it is the residence of the governor.

Cathedral of the Virgin Mary (St. Mary's Cathedral)

To travel back to the medieval Gothic world, just look at the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, which is located in the central part of downtown Sydney. The construction of the cathedral began in 1821, and the last spiers were erected in our time in 2000. The main attraction of the cathedral are its stained glass windows. Every Saturday and Sunday you can attend a solemn mass (in the morning at 10:30, in the evening at 18:00).

Areas of interest

The oldest district of Sydney is the Rocks District, having visited here, everyone will easily be transported at a time when Sydney was just growing as a city. Now this is a very expensive area, real estate here is available only to very wealthy people.

The most famous area of ​​Sydney is Darling Harbour. Despite the fact that there are offices and various offices literally on top of each other, this is where residents tend to spend the weekend to relax. In general, this is due to the excellent views and the opportunity to watch the mooring or departing ships in the bay.

Ship SS Ayrfield

Off the coast of the Olympic Village in Sydney, you can see the SS Ayrfield – this is a real ship that has served faithfully since 1911, but in 1972 it was sent to eternal parking. Over the years, the ship has been covered in rust, moss, and trees. That is why the inhabitants often call it the “Floating Forest“.

Another unusual monument is Mrs. Macquarie's chair, which is a historical landmark of the city. This bench was made of rock, by order of Elizabeth Macquarie, who was the wife of Major General Lachlan Macquarie, governor of NSW. Today it is a popular place for recreation, picnics and a place of unity with nature.

Sydney beaches

The cleanest beaches of Sydney are very popular, these are: Palm Beach, Maroubra Beach, Manly Beach. But the most popular is Bondi Beach, it reaches a length of 1 kilometer. On the beach you can not only relax and enjoy the sea air, but also admire the many ferries.

For lovers of hiking and new acquaintances, Sydney provides unpaid daily excursions Peek Tours and I'm Free Tours. They are held by the Sydney people themselves, who love their city and know all the sights. I'm Free Tours run 2 walks per day: a 3-hour tour of the main sights of the city and a leisurely evening walk through the old English settlement of The Rocks. And Peek Tours conducts a 3-hour walk around the city. Do not think that these excursions are just a boring story of the history of the city, they are not. Guides conduct excursions to unusual places of entertainment and recreation.

For young people, Sydney presents a couple of great bars, nightclubs and concert halls where you can enjoy live music and get in them absolutely free. So, for example, in The World Bar you can enjoy jazz every Monday evening, on other days of the week beginners, but very talented musical groups and DJs perform here. You can also call the Rock Lily bar, there is always free live music on weekdays. And lovers of dancing will like the GoodGod club, admission is free at night.

Sydney is a modern city, but at the same time it remembers and preserves its history. But do not forget that in order to enter you need to apply for an Australian visa. How to do it yourself, read our life hack.