Top 5 Underrated Tourist Attractions in Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia is well-known for its beautiful beaches, infamous Opera House, and BridgeClimb Sydney at Harbour Bridge. But there are plenty of other attractions in Sydney that you may not have heard about, and will want to add to your itinerary. Check out these five lesser-known Sydney attractions.

Watsons Bay

Image via Flickr by Mark Hobson - Multi Xpression Media

Watsons Bay is located on the southern head of the Sydney Harbour entrance, and is flanked by the Harbour as well as the Tasman Sea. It’s not only a wonderful place to get a glorious view of the city, but is also a historical landmark. Watsons Bay was established in 1788, and is Australia’s oldest fishing village. The bay is also home to the original Doyles Restaurant, located on the site where Doyle originally sold his daily catch in 1845. You can still eat at the restaurant, or, if you prefer, grab lunch at the Doyles’ fish and chips outlet.  The Bay also features two walking paths, a park, and a direct route to Bondi Beach.

Paddington

If you enjoy shopping, a day at Paddington is a must. Here you’ll find the best boutique shopping, art galleries, tailors, shoemakers, and milliners in Sydney. You’ll also explore rows of Victorian terraces that house Sydney’s fashion scene. As you travel along Paddington, checking out boutiques, furniture stores, housewares, and fine wines and dining, you’ll spot the terraces decorated with cast-iron lace detailing. It’s a shopping excursion you won’t want to miss.

Manly to Spit Bridge Walk

One of the best ways to explore Sydney’s beaches is to take the 10km Manly to Spit Bridge Walk. The walk begins at the Spit Bridge end, wanders around the shoreline to Fisher Bay, Sandy Bay, and Clontarf Beach, then enters Sydney Harbour National Park at Castle Rock. You’ll head past Middle Head towards Manly via Dobroyd Head. Here, you can take a break, and soak up views of the harbour. Along the way, stop for a quick dip at Reef Beach and Forty Baskets Beach. Once you’ve completed the walk, take the ferry back to the city. This is a great way to check out the beautiful beaches Sydney has to offer. The walk takes about three to four hours to complete. For those less inclined to complete the full walk, you can easily drop out halfway and only do a section.

Hawkesbury River

Hawkesbury River stretches from Windsor to Brooklyn, and offers plenty of dining and accommodations in Sydney hotels. The River is surrounded by steep, forested slopes, with many stunning natural attractions waiting to be explored. Plenty of activities are available, including fishing, water skiing, picnic spots, canoeing, and mountain bike trails. You can even rent a houseboat for a night or two. The region is another piece of Australia’s history, and will make a great addition to your travel plans.

Harry’s Café de Wheels

Don’t miss the infamous Harry’s Café de Wheels during your trip to Sydney and sample Sydney’s Best Pie. The 70-year-old café has maintained its tradition of daily fresh pie deliveries, while updating its menu to accompany today’s consumers.

Be sure to include these five lesser-known attractions on your next trip to Sydney.

Six Must-See Attractions in Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia is filled with a melting pot of cultures. To celebrate this melting pot, there are many different attractions for experiencing the culture of the city. Here are six attractions you don’t want to miss on your vacation to Sydney.

Sydney Opera House

If you’ve seen any pictures of Sydney, you’ll recognize the Sydney Opera House immediately. The unique architectural style makes it Sydney’s most recognizable building. But what’s inside is just as wonderful as what is outside; the building is a national cultural center that has gained widespread recognition and respect as a performing arts center. The Opera House includes a concert hall, Opera Theater, Drama Theater, play house, and studio. Many of the world’s leading artists perform at the Opera House throughout the year. Visit the website for a list of events.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

For the ultimate Sydney experience, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The arch bridge spans across Sydney Harbour and carries traffic between the central business district and the North Shore. Now you can experience what it’s like to climb the world’s highest bridge, going up 134 m. At BridgeClimb, your Climb Leader will show you how to ascend the Bridge step-by-step while you experience magnificent views of Sydney and hear stories about the Bridge’s history.

Sydney Tower

If you’d prefer to see Sydney’s glory from high above without the climb, step aboard the Sydney Tower. At 309 m, it’s Sydney’s tallest free-standing structure. The Tower takes you to the highest point above Sydney where you’ll have a 360 degree view of the city. You can dine in the Tower’s restaurant or grab a drink at the bar. You won’t want to miss the gorgeous views this attraction offers you.

The Rocks

To gain a true sense of Sydney’s history, be sure to visit The Rocks. Described as Sydney’s “outdoor museum,” it’s the foundation place of Sydney and Australia. The old district has been transformed into a tourist area, with shops, restaurants, cafes, and stalls, but kept the area’s old world charm and historic buildings.

Sydney Aquarium

Sydney Aquarium is home to the largest collection of all-Australian aquatic life. There’s an incredible mix of platypus, sharks, stingrays, seahorses, as well as a number of habitats, 60 tanks, and three oceanariums. The Aquarium is located on Darling Harbour in the heart of Sydney. While touring the Aquarium, you’ll be taken to the southern rivers, the vast southern oceans, and the Great Barrier Reef. See sharks up close on glass-bottom boats, and even visit a mermaid lagoon.

Bondi Beach Sydney

If you’re traveling to Sydney in the summer, you won’t want to miss a trip to Bondi Beach. Part of a large moon-shaped bay of white sands and breaking surf, the beach is lined with eateries, shops, tourist outlets, and hotels.

These six attractions should definitely be on your to-see list when you visit Sydney. You can stay close to them by searching for Sydney hotels near all of the attractions. Book your vacation today!

Top 5 Beaches in Sydney, Australia

Many people travel to Sydney for the historical and cultural experience. Sydney is known as a melting pot, made up of several diverse cultures that have accumulated in the city over the past century. The biggest items on travelers’ to-do lists are the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, and the Sydney Tower. But one of Sydney’s best attractions, and perhaps the most overlooked, is its beaches. Here are the top five beaches in Sydney.

Bondi Beach

Image via Flickr by kevgibbo

Bondi Beach is Australia’s most iconic beach. Bondi Beach is more than just sand and surf; it’s also shopping, dining, and events. You have so many activities to choose from, including surfing, yoga, festivals, and public events. Check an events calendar to see what’s happening during your stay. Take a walk along the kilometer-long city beach expanse. It’s located only 10 kilometers from the center of the city, making it easy to plan a day at the beach and then take in some other sights in the night, or easily head back to many Sydney hotels when you’re ready to go.

Manly Beach

There are several incredible northern beaches along the Manly peninsula. Enjoy a ferry ride to Manly Wharf, the harbourside part of Manly Beach. From the harbor, you’re only a short walk away from the main ocean beach, where you can surf, swim, and enjoy Australia’s best-known tourist landmarks. You can explore Manly on foot, rollerblade, or a bike, exploring several pathways and coastal walks along its shores. You can learn to surf or paddleboard, and enjoy waterside dining at Manly’s seaside dining.

Bilgola Beach

Bilgola Beach is Sydney’s own tropical reserve. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing day at the beach, this is the place for you. The beach is quieter than others in the area, with fewer people and more privacy. There are no shops to distract you from the beautiful surf, but there is the convenience of a café. Bilgola Beach is one of Manly’s ocean beaches and will provide you with a great surf.

Bronte Beach

If you’re traveling with kids, Bronte Beach is perfect for you. The grassy reserve is filled with grills, huts, and play spaces for kids. There’s even a little train ride that operates on weekends. There’s plenty of space to kick a ball around, or spread out and listen to music. If a member of your party is looking for a little time-out, the rock pool or more distant sandy areas will provide the much-needed break. This beach is perfect for everyone in your family.

Freshwater Beach

If you’re looking for the infamous blue-green shade of coastal waters, you’ll find it at Freshwater Beach. This protected beach provides great waves, an adjacent park perfect for barbecues, and is one of the most family-friendly beaches. If the waves are too strong, bring your children to rock pool on the northern end. Since the beach is located north of Manly, it’s close to the action you want, but with a bit more intimacy.

These five beaches provide a wonderful spectrum of what Sydney has to offer. Find the perfect one for your trip, or schedule a Sydney beach vacation and experience them all.