Vicky is a guest-blogger at Flytrippers. Follow her on Instagram and read her bio at the bottom of this page.
This week, Australia reopened its borders to international travelers after the popular country was completely closed for over 700 days. After since I’ve spent over 4 months in the beautiful city of Sydney in the past, I figured I was in a good position to write up a little bucket list to inspire you.
I’m happy to share this list with you today, which might be useful for your next visit to the Australian metropolis if you eventually take advantage of a good price to Sydney on Flytrippers’ cheap flight deals page.
The best part is that even though the cost of living in Sydney is expensive, most of the things on this list are either free or affordable.
So here are 12 must-dos in and around Sydney.
1. Stroll along Sydney Harbour
One of the two most famous harbors in the city. Sydney Harbour is a must-see. This is where you will find the famous Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
With its famous restaurants and stores, Circular Quay offers a great atmosphere. The perfect place to go for a drink or an ice cream on a sunny day.
2. Explore The Rocks
Just a few minutes’ walk from Sydney Harbour is the city’s oldest neighborhood.
The Rocks is a great place to learn more about where the first Europeans settled in Australia. If you visit on the weekend, you’ll also find craft markets.
3. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
After walking for miles around Sydney, you can take a few minutes to relax in the Royal Botanic Garden, which is located right in the city center.
You can even indulge in the famous Australian tradition and have a BBQ while watching the sunset with a spectacular view of the Harbour Bridge at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
4. Relax on Bondi Beach
In my opinion, one of the greatest assets of the city and what gives Sydney its charm are of course the splendid beaches that are only a few minutes from the city center by bus.
Bondi Beach is one of the most famous in Australia.
5. Walk along the coast from Bondi Beach to Coogee beach
This 6 km walk guides you from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach while giving you a splendid panorama on the cliffs and the ocean.
This is the place where many Australians go for their morning jog.
6. Spend a day in the Blue Mountains
Only 1 hour by train from downtown Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park offers you a multitude of hiking trails to explore the Australian fauna and flora. You can also swim in waterfalls, take a picture with a kangaroo and admire the landscape from the top of a cable car.
Quick tip: Every Sunday, public transportation in the city is priced to suit budget travelers, whether it’s to go to Bondi Beach, the Blue Mountains, or Manly Beach. It will only cost you AUD 2.60 (≈C$2.40). You’d be crazy not to take advantage of it!
7. Eat a fish’n chip at Watsons Bay
How about going to eat one of the best fish’n chips in town with a view of the bay? There are several restaurants waiting for you including the famous Doyles On The Beach.
After enjoying your fish and French fries, Watsons Bay also has trails that will take you to Hornby Lighthouse which is located at the end of the peninsula passing by some beaches and cliffs.
8. Have a drink on a terrace in Darling Harbour
After a long day of sightseeing, cozy up to one of the many bars and restaurants in Cockle Bay at Darling Harbour.
You could top off the day with a view of the Saturday night fireworks.
9. Take the ferry to Manly
The 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay will give you a spectacular view of the city’s skyline.
Once you’re in Manly, you can spend the day surfing on the beach, shopping, or walking along the coast to North Head.
10. Visit the Newtown area
Known for its somewhat hipster style, the Newtown Neighborhood is one of my favorites.
I love to spend a day or an evening with friends there, whether it’s to go for a coffee, browse the many thrift stores, or go to a restaurant.
11. Discover the Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is located 1 hour south of Sydney by train. You can jump into the famous natural swimming pool in the shape of 8 to cool down.
In the same national park, you’ll find even more wonderful places like this one, such as the Wedding Cake Rocks and the Sea Cliff Bridge.
12. Party at the Ivy Pool Club
Of course, Sydney’s nightlife is an attraction in and of itself. There’s plenty to keep you up every night of the week.
The Ivy Pool Club is one of the destinations that made the biggest impression on me. It is one of the biggest nightclubs in the country. It is THE place to go if you want to party. This 4-story club even has a pool on the terrace!
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Summary
Sydney is obviously a must-see when it comes to traveling in Australia. No matter what type of traveler you are, there is something for everyone.
What would you like to know about this destination? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Sydney Opera House (photo credit: Dan Freeman)
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