The area between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House is known as The Rocks and Circular Quay. The quay is where the first fleet landed in January 1788, carrying convicts, soldiers and officials, thus bringing forth the British colony of New South Wales. Nowadays, locals gather at the quay for civic or national celebrations, and to catch ferries to destinations across the harbour, such as Taronga Park Zoo.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The single-span arch bridge that was finished in 1932 and today supports the crossing of more than 150,000 vehicles daily, features a steel arch that spans 503 metres over Sydney Harbour. Thrill seekers may climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, while fastened to a harness, and take in bird’s eye views of the harbour and skyline.
Sydney Opera House
The complex of halls and theatres is likely Sydney’s most popular tourist attractions. The distinctive looking performing arts centre, with roofs that resemble sails of a ship, boasts an aboriginal mural in its foyer, views of the harbour from its interior, and public walkways around the exterior of the building. Tours of the interior are available.
Attractions Along Sydney's Harbourfront Include Writers' Walk
Writers' Walk, on Circular Quay, consists of plaques set in the brownish-pink brick pavement, featuring quotations by famous Australian writers, such as Peter Carey and Miles Franklin, and brief biographies. Words of notable literary visitors, such as authors Mark Twain and Joseph Conrad, are included on the walk, as well.
Sydney Museums Include the Justice and Police Museum
Seeing as Australia was once a penal colony, it seems only appropriate there is a Justice and Police Museum. The museum provides visitors with a look at the world of quayside crime, with recreations of legal and criminal history. Displays include devices used to punish criminals, including bludgeons and knuckledusters, artifacts and prison uniforms.
Night Sky Viewings at Sydney Observatory
The Sydney Observatory is a bronze-domed building on Watson Road, that was a research and astronomical observation centre for about 125 years. Today, though, it’s an astronomy museum, featuring with interactive games and displays. The observatory offers night sky viewings, but these need to be booked in advance.
Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art
The museum can be spotted by its rectangular shape and art-deco style tan façade on Circular Quay West. Inside, works by Hockney, Warhol, Christo and Lichtenstein can be viewed, as well as any exhibitions spotlighting the works of local and international artists. A shop within the museum sells products by Australian designers.
Where to Find the Sydney Visitors' Centre
A rather basic white building on George Street, Sailors' Home was once essentially just that — lodgings for visiting sailors. Since 1994, it has housed the Sydney Visitors’ Centre, where tourists can obtain visitors’ information and book tours. The third floor of the building contains a re-creation of a sparse 19th-century sleeping cubicle.
A visit to Sydney, Australia’s The Rock and Circular Quay area has plenty on offer for explorers: The Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Writer’s Walk, the Justice and Police Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Sydney Observatory, and to top it all off, a visitors’ centre set in Sailor’s Home, for those who want more. These attractions, and more, are all set against the magnificent backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
 |
 |
