For a city with such recognisable landmarks, it’s not hard to guess what the most popular attractions might be. The Sydney skyline and coast can be identified in an instant even on an international scale, but the truth is the best attractions run deeper than the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and will allow you to experience the depth of culture and arts appreciation the city has to offer.
If you’re going to Circular Quay for the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, that’s fair enough—they're popular for a reason. Although most people use it just for the photo op, there are performances running practically every night of the week that would only add to your appreciation of the architectural marvel. Ballet and classical music dominate, but if you’re not into that, a film at the Playhouse is a unique experience to tick off the bucket list. The Harbour Bridge, or as the locals call it, the Coathanger, is another landmark most only view from a distance that’s even better up close. Climbing to its peak is the best spot to view the harbour from.
Circular Quay is packed full of other attractions, both directly in the precinct and in the streets just beyond. The Royal Botanic Gardens are Australia’s oldest, and the walk will tire you out just enough to make a drink at Opera Bar or House Canteen the ultimate respite. Art and history lovers have something to spur them on too, with the Museum of Contemporary Art on the west side of the Quay, and the surprisingly interesting Justice and Police Museum on the east side. The ferry leaves from the Quay, and is the most scenic route to Taronga Zoo across the harbour. Even the giraffes have an Opera House view!
The Rocks are often referred to as Sydney’s heartland due to its colonial history, with Circular Quay at its doorstep. A walking tour would cover the most bases when exploring the area, but if you’re guided by yourself, you’ll stumble into an awesome brewery, restaurant or pub in no time. Some of the best food and drink spots are found in this historic neighbourhood, and the weekend markets showcase the best of the local crafts, homemade goods and street foods.
Sydney’s background as a cultural melting pot makes for amazing dining experiences coupled with history. As a foodie, I wouldn’t miss Sydney’s Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns, dating back to the 1800s. Grocers, takeaway spots, street vendors and sit-down restaurants meet karaoke and markets. Dixon and Campbell Street in Haymarket are the gold standard for dining precincts in Sydney. Venturing into the Darling Harbour, you can explore the Chinese Garden of Friendship, where fifth century Chinese gardens reside within Sydney’s bustling streets.
Sydney’s landscape is a clear draw, and ignoring the beaches would be disingenuous. People flock from all over the world to see Sydney’s iconic beaches. Bondi is the most famous, although so crowded you might be fighting for a spot in the sand. Gordon’s Bay is not much quieter in the summer, but the 500m underwater nature trail more than makes up for it. From Circular Quay you can ferry up to Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Manly being a hotspot with several different beaches to explore, and a strong arts and dining scene to accompany your day in the sun.