Sydney's Top Tourist Attractions

Sydney Opera House, Observation Tower, Bridge Climb, & Harbor Cruise

Oct 25, 2008 Michael Streich

Sydney's premier attractions showcase a metropolis that prides itself on the unique and the adventurous. Four Sydney experiences highlight this spirit and vision.

If Australia lies beneath the Southern Cross, then Sydney must be its brightest star. Among the many Sydney attractions, four stand out as “must experience” sites that will give the visitor a taste of the city and showcase the many faces of Australia’s most cosmopolitan city. The iconic Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Skywalk, and a harbor cruise will give the visitor a multifaceted look at why this city is one of the most beautiful and enchanting destinations.

Sydney Opera House

Opened in 1973, the Opera House functions as the chief reservoir of artistic achievement, featuring concerts, plays, and operas. An architectural work of art designed by Jorn Utzon, the Opera House conducts over 3000 events each year and boasts an annual audience of 2 million people. Daily tours of the Opera House take the visitor through the entire structure. Visitors are often permitted to sit in on rehearsals and are encouraged to purchase tickets for performances. The Opera House is adjacent to Circular Quay and across from the Rocks, an area that features restaurants, museums, shops, and hotels.

The Observation Tower, Skywalk, and OzTrek

Located in the center of the commercial district, visitors can begin their Australian introduction by experiencing OzTrek, a “virtual reality” ride that highlights the diverse geography and cultural history of the massive continent. This exciting and educational attraction caters to all age groups. Visitors then board an elevator taking them 820 feet to the Observation platform from which they can view the entire city. For those that prefer no glass barrier, Skywalk allows visitors to view the city from an outdoor platform.

Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb

The Bridge Climb is Sydney’s most popular attraction. From $179 to $295, depending on the day of the week and time of day, the adventurous visitor can book a climb to the top of the bridge. Climbs take several hours and should be booked well in advance. Upon reaching the summit, the views of Sydney are spectacular and worth every step to the top. The best tours to book are either at sunrise or at twilight.

Sydney Harbor Cruises

One of the best way to see Sydney is by boarding a ferry or booking a cruise with a private operator. Ferries are government run and offer the most inexpensive way to see the city, taking passengers to all of Sydney’s major points including Bondi Beach and Darling Harbor. Private operators have set itineraries geared toward tourists and provide on-board commentary about the sites encountered during the cruise. There are also dinner and jazz cruises, cabaret cruises, and the Sydney Harbor Explorer cruises that allow visitors to disembark at key stops to explore on their own. Visitors should research the varied cruises offered before arriving in Sydney and book well ahead of arrival.

Most cruises stop at Darling Harbor, a cove surrounded by some of Sydney’s best restaurants, shopping malls, and attractions. The Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, and National Maritime Museum are located at Darling Harbor. Visitors can board a replica of Captain James Cook’s vessel or explore other ships, including a submarine and destroyer. World class hotels dot the harbor which is also accessed by Sydney’s monorail system. Sydney’s China Town is within walking distance of Darling Harbor.

Visitors can walk the streets of Sydney at any hour and feel secure. A world-class city, Sydney is comparatively young yet boasts an enviable community representative of the free spirited nature of its citizens. No visit to Australia is complete without spending several days in this glittering metropolis.

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