Sydney is the capital of New South Wales, the state of Australia located on the south-east coast. It’s known for its famous opera house, great beaches, and nightlife. Here are some things you can see and do in this incredible city:
Sydney Harbor Bridge
This steel arch bridge is an iconic image of Sydney. Its nickname is “the Coathanger” due to its arch-based and material design. Trains, cars, bikes, and people all cross this bridge regularly. You can even book a climbing excursion on the bridge.
Sydney Opera House
Definitely the most recognizable structure in Sydney, this opera house has an interesting history. We recommend to check it out at sunset! While you’re there, you can grab a drink and maybe some pizza at the Opera Bar. From the Opera house, you can take the ferry from Circular Quay (pronounced key) over to…
Manly Beach
This is a wonderful place to walk along the shore, shop, and grab a bite to eat. Back in 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip named the beach after the indigenous people and their “confidence and manly behavior” living there.
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach gets its name from the word bondi which is derived from the Aboriginal language Dharawal. The word originates from the term for a loud thud, such as the sound of the waves breaking over rocks. The walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach is one of the most stunning walks in Australia. Be sure to experience it!
Palm Beach
This beautiful beach is on a peninsula and is the northernmost beach in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan area. It is home to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, a few reservoirs, and many Cabbage Tree palms, for which the beach got its name.
Darling Harbor
This area is just near the city center of Sydney and has tons of major attractions. Some of these include: Paddy’s Markets, the IMAX Sydney theater, the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Aboriginal Centre, and more.
Port Jackson Bay (aka Sydney Harbor)
Commonly known as Sydney Harbor, this key part of Sydney is technically named Port Jackson. There are many islands within the harbor and you can even kayak around the many boats parked there.
Taronga Zoo Sydney
This zoo is over 100 years old and is home to a variety of animals including native Australian species such as emus, kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas, as well as a large aviary, ocean life, plenty of amphibians and reptiles, and African animals.
Top of Sydney Tower
Sydney Tower, also known as Westfield Tower, is the tallest structure in Sydney. Standing at 309 meters (1,014 feet), it functions as an observation and telecommunications tower.
Sydney City Bus Tour
A Sydney bus tour not only gets you from A to Z for all the highlights of the city, but it also gives the best photo opportunities for iconic landmarks. Plus, with buses coming every half hour or so, you can hop on and off and see the sites at your leisure.
Royal Botanical Gardens
As the oldest scientific institution in Australia, this incredible garden opened in 1816. It is one of the most important historic botanical centers in the world. The Botanic Garden and the adjacent Domain are open every day of the year and are free to the public.
Hyde Park
This park is located in downtown Sydney and features a giant chess board (see above photo), multiple fountains, statues, cafes, and large open spaces. It’s a great place for walking, relaxing, and seeing local Australian activities.
Queen Victoria Building
Interestingly, this unique building fills an entire city block in downtown Sydney. George McRae, a Scottish architect who emigrated to Australia in 1884 designed the building. You can go inside and check out the four main shopping floors, two large clocks, stained glass dome, and more.
Sydney Fish Market
This market has shops selling seafood, deli items, baked goods, wine, and restaurants as well. The market is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day (except Christmas) which makes it an ideal place to stop, look around, and eat.
Jervis Bay
This bay is located just 2.5 hours south of Sydney and worth a weekend getaway. If you can time it, you can see the incredible glowing algae here at night. This is because the bay has calm, shallow waters and minimal light pollution. Known as bioluminescence, this occurs when the dinoflagellate (tinky plankton) in the bay are disturbed by the small waves breaking on the rocks. This results in the emission of light and looks like a glowing blue color. Sadly this only happens about a few times per year in Jervis Bay. The best time to see the bioluminescence here is between late summer and early autumn (February through April). The warmer water and the increase in nutrients after rainfall during these months create ideal conditions for dinoflagellate blooms. You’ll want to go out on a dark, moonless night since even a small amount of light pollution can minimize its visibility. Head to the beach after sunset and cross your fingers!
Hyams Beach
Also located on the shores of Jervis Bay, this seaside village and beach is a beautiful place. It is famous for its turquoise and aqua-colored waters and beautiful white sand made of pure quartz.
Green Patch Beach
Also within Jervis Bay and part of the Booderee National Park, this beach is very safe for kids and families. Around the rocks, you can spot octopus, squid, and fish. You might also see other animals such as wallabies, colorful lorikeets and parrots, as well as echidnas (spiny anteaters).
Greenfield Beach
This beach is a short beach inside Jervis Bay. It is known for its white sand beaches. You can go for the day and enjoy the BBQ area or birdwatch in the bushland behind the beach.
Blue Mountains
You can stay here on a weekend or just visit for the day. This beautiful mountain range area is known for its dramatic scenery, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls, gardens, and steep cliffs. There are many adorable villages in this area as well. Here you can explore bushwalking trails, take a bus tour, mountain bike, and even go canyoning.
If you’re still on the fence about living in Australia, apply today to see if you’re accepted. We have flexible program dates and dozens of wonderful host families waiting for YOU!
