If you are thinking of traveling to Sydney, Australia, you are in the right place. Sydney hosts a unique synthesis of Mediterranean, Anglo-Saxon, Asian and Oceanian cultures; It is Australia’s largest, most populous and most touristic city. Sydney is one of the most important cities of today, with a population of around 4,810,000, spread over an area of 12,367.7 km2. At the same time, the city, which is one of the oldest settlements on the island, was the living space of the Aborigines until the 1700s, but as a result of the discovery of James Cook in 1770 and the settlement of the first British colony in 1788, it started to develop and modernize.
After the settlement of the last British colony, the discovery of gold near the city in 1851 triggered a “gold rush” and caused an explosion in the city population, and the investments made to support this increase were accepted as the basis of Sydney’s current level of development.
Sydney, which Arthur Philip called “the best port in the world, without exception”; It is the capital of the Australian state of New South Wales. The city stretches from the periphery of Port Jackson, the world’s largest natural harbor, to the Blue Mountains in the west. The port, which includes Sydney Harbour, Middle Harbour, North Harbor and Paramatta River, has given the city the distinction of being one of the most important coastal settlements in the world.
Where is Sydney?
Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Sydney. Sydney is the capital of the state of New South Wales, located in the eastern part of Australia. It is located on the shores of the Tasman Sea, which is part of the South Pacific Ocean in the east of the country.
When To Go To Sydney?
Sydney, which has a temperate climate, winks at hot-loving tourists with its hot summers and mild winters. In summer, temperatures average 26 degrees, but in some periods temperatures can reach 40 degrees. During these warm periods, some parks and public areas are closed. In such a situation, announcements are made in the news and at certain points in the city.
In addition, sometimes cold winds from the south bring rain and can lower the air temperature in an instant. In winter, the temperature is around 17 degrees and temperatures below 10 degrees can be seen in winter nights. Although it rains mostly between March and June, the overall precipitation graph is balanced.
Since Australia is located in the Southern hemisphere, Sydney’s hottest and most touristic summer period is from December to February. This period is ideal for travelers who want to surf, sunbathe and swim. In March, the air temperatures are generally high and it is possible to swim in the sea during this period.
Places To Visit In Sydney
There are many places to visit and see in the city, which is home to the ocean and countless ports. Sydney, which offers notable options to travelers with its beaches, bays, shopping centers, museums, historical sites, unique architectural structures and various parks; It is a city that you can’t get enough of with its traces of local tribes from ancient times, historical buildings from the colonial period and regions leading a modern lifestyle.
Sydney Bridge
One of the first two structures you will see in postcards, advertisements or movies about Australia or Sydney is the Sydney Bridge. The structure, which has the distinction of being the widest steel arch bridge in the world, is one of the symbols of the city with its summit reaching 134 meters above the ground. The giant bridge crossing Sydney Harbor connects the CBD with the northern part of the city.
The iron arch of the bridge, which was put into use in 1932, is the heaviest in the world. The construction of the bridge gave some morale to the people of Sydney during the Great Depression. Since its opening, it has been a walking area for Sydney residents. Picnic under the bridge is also a popular activity. If you prefer the pavement on the east side of the bridge, you can also watch the unique view of the Opera House.
Perhaps the most important reason why the bridge is definitely included in the programs of tourists; that you can go up to the top. In the company of guides, you can pass through the piers and passages and climb the stairs to encounter a breathtaking view that is unique in the city. If you want to eliminate one more item from the list of things to do before you die; We strongly recommend you to join the climbing tours, which are divided into three as daytime, evening and night.
Getting there: The closest train station to the bridge from the CBD side is Circular Quay. You can reach the entrance of the bridge from Cumberland Street. Milsons Point is the nearest train station for those wishing to visit the bridge from the north side.
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House, which is one of the symbols of the city together with the Harbor Bridge, occupies a very important place in the city’s silhouette and cultural presence. Located at Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, the building is a comprehensive performing arts center. The building, which houses many stages, is considered one of the largest arts centers in the world, hosting close to 1,500 performances annually.
Construction of the building started in 1959 and its architect is Danish Jørn Utzon. The government allocated a budget of AUD 7 million for the construction of the Opera House, but after the construction started, it was understood that the total amount would cost AUD 102 million. For this reason, the building took so long to complete, and various methods were found to provide financing in the process.
At the end of a long process, Queen II in 1973. The Opera was opened with the participation of Elizabeth. Sydney Opera House, one of the most important modern architectural works of the 20th century, has been added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
Sydney Opera House sections; It consists of a large concert hall where operas are exhibited, a performance hall with a capacity of 1507, a theater hall, and a multi-purpose hall where events such as cocktails are held.
We can say that the Opera House is literally the place where the city sleeps with art and wakes up with art. You can both watch the shows in its wonderful halls and explore this architectural masterpiece more closely with tours organized inside the building.
Sydney Beaches
While the sun is cruising above your head, it is very tempting to look at the wide sea and feel the soft sand crushed under your feet, isn’t it? Sydney is an ocean city that will give you these experiences in abundance. With their clear waters and golden sands, Sydney’s beaches will give you an unforgettable experience.
Bondi Beach; The most famous beach in the city. With its soft sands and clear sea, this is the choice of the majority, regardless of local or tourist. Its popularity has grown so much that it is considered strange to go to Sydney and say that I did not go to Bondi. Another reason why the beach is so preferred is that it is very close to the large settlements in the east.
Coogee Beach; The choice of those who are bored with Bondi’s crowd. Don’t look at what we write like that, Coogee is a beach that gets crowded at certain times, but it can’t compete with Bondi in this regard. In addition, the number of people who think that it is better than Bondi in terms of beach and sea is quite high.
Manly is a famous beach that can be reached after a relaxing half-hour ferry ride from Circular Quay. This beach can be chosen especially for the ferry trip. Let’s not pass without mentioning its sea, which does not fall behind Bondi and Coogee.
Palm Beach is located on a small peninsula with the Pacific Ocean on one side and Pittwater on the other. If the Pacific waters get rough, you can leave immediately and cross the calm waters of Pittwater. The north end can be a bit dangerous for swimming.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Established in 1816, the park is Australia’s oldest botanical park and also the oldest science institute. Located in Sydney Harbor, the Royal Botanic Gardens promise a paradise to its visitors in the center of the city. The excellent harbor view is accompanied by some very well-kept plants that seem to stretch out forever.
If you want a quiet and peaceful stop in the heart of the world’s most active city, without leaving the city or heading to the countryside, do not end your holiday without seeing Sydney’s botanical gardens spread over an area of 30 hectares. The gardens, which are open every day, can be entered without paying any fee.
Having a multi-system structure, the park is divided into four main sections: the Lower Gardens, the Middle Gardens, the Palace Gardens and the Bennelong. There are also sub-units surrounded by tiny wooden fences within these sections. The Palm Grove Center is located in the middle of the park where the four zones intersect. In this area, which is the center of the park, there is a bookstore, cafe and restaurant where you can find many botanical books.
Among the areas in the Palace Gardens part of the park, the rose garden and medicinal plants garden are interesting. In the Bennelong area, the II. Elizabeth Gate. The Government House and its garden are also here.
This botanical park, where hundreds of plants brought from all over the world are grown, is also home to hundreds of bats. There are a total of 3,964 trees, 8,900 plant species and 67,100 plant subspecies in the park. In the park, which also serves as a science institute, various trainings are provided for all age groups.
New South West Art Gallery
Founded in 1871, the New South West Art Gallery, or originally the Art Gallery of NSW, is located near the Botanic Gardens in the city centre. Together with the Canberra National Gallery, they make up the two best art museums in Australia. The best examples of Australian art, which developed under European influence, with artifacts and objects from Aboriginal culture are located here.
The gallery’s main building, the Vernon Building, was phased out in the late 1800s. This building, where later additions were made, was inspired by early Greek architecture.
In the basement of the museum, there is one of the most interesting collections, the section about the Aborigines. In this section called Yiribana Gallery, there are collections from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. On the ground floor, there are paintings from 20th century art. While examining the pictures on this floor, you can suddenly find yourself looking at the harbor view from the huge windows.
The museum, which houses the works of valuable Australian artists from the 19th century to the present, is the right address to understand the art developments of the country. The 44 paintings in the museum were included in the 100 Masterpieces of Australian Painting in 1973. The museum also has Asian Art, Pacific Art, Contemporary Art, Western Art and Photography sections.
The museum, which receives more than one million visitors a year, is free to enter. Various conferences, concerts, seminars and talks with artists are held at the museum throughout the year. At the same time, various trainings are organized in the museum, which aims to make people from all groups, including children, love art.
Darling Harbor
Located in Sydney’s New South Wales region, Darling Harbor is one of the city’s busiest spots. Located in the west of Sydney’s business districts, the port has Chinatown to the north and the pier to the east. Darling Harbor is also part of Sydney’s famous natural harbor, Port Jackson. There are many places to visit along the harbor, from businesses to shops, markets to restaurants.
The port takes its name from Ralph Darling, the manager of the New South Walws area from 1825 to 1831. In fact, the area, which is not a very big port, is suitable for walking around by drawing a circle with the Pyrmont Bridge. A small part of it is open to vehicular traffic and is therefore a very suitable area for walking. In the summer months, those who are overwhelmed can cool off in the fountains lined up along the harbour, as Sydneyians do.
There are many activities to do in the port, which is crowded day and night, especially on weekends. You can find both Sydney’s fine restaurants and take away restaurants here. Many places such as Passello Restaurant, Lindt Chocolat Cafe, Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, Chinta Ria, Blackbird Cafe are suitable for sipping coffee or having a delicious meal while relaxing. You can see people coming to nightclubs and bars, especially on weekends.
In addition, the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussuads in Darling Harbor are also places to visit. Another important point of the port is the fish markets. You can buy many fish and other sea creatures from the ocean at these fish markets.
You can reach the port by taking the 443 bus from Circular Quay and George St. and getting off at the Maritime Museum or Star City Casino. You can also reach here by getting on from the Central stop, which is the starting point of the light train.
Blue Mountains
If you want to get away from the busy air of the city and escape to nature, the Blue Mountains are for you. When you reach the Blue Mountains, which you can reach with a 90-minute journey from the city center, you encounter a natural wonder that can make up for the time spent on the road. With its ever-changing contrasting landscape, colorful vegetation, light blue mist that always hangs on the horizon, and clean mountain air, this is definitely the most important place for nature lovers to visit.
Located 50 kilometers from the city centre, the Blue Mountains draw the western borders of Sydney city. It is included in Sydney’s District of New South Wales. In the mountains, 8 different languages specific to 8 different Aboriginal tribes are also spoken. This region was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000, thanks to its rich biodiversity, home to endangered species and different rock structure.
Its climate is similar to the city of Sydney, and despite its height, snowfall is rare in the mountains in winter. Do not forget to see Wentworth Falls, the Three Sisters rock formation and the Everglades Gardens on a day that will be intertwined with the wild. At the same time, activities such as camping, trekking in the forest, reaching waterfalls, seeing caves are also popular among tourists.
Apart from personal vehicle, it is also possible to reach the mountains by trains departing from the city center and the airport.
Transportation In Sydney
When you travel to Sydney, you should also know how to get there. The importance of the public transportation system is very important in order to support the metropolitan lifestyle. We can say that Sydney is a highly developed city in this area. In order to both respond to the intensity of tourism trips and to alleviate the lives of the city residents, necessary importance has been given to transportation. Buses, rail system and ferry/ferry services can be listed as elements that make up the public transportation network throughout the city.
Opal Card is used as a ticket system in the city. Cards filled at the stations are valid in all public transport vehicles. In addition, only the Opal Single Trip Ticket is used as the only ticket produced in Sydney.
The subway network is not possible in Sydney. Instead, heavy rail system, in other words, suburban trains are used. Although there are underground connection stations, they are not as frequent as in the metro system.
Bus line
The bus network in Sydney is divided into 9 separate districts. Each group of one hundred represents together on expeditions from 100 to 900 readers. Apart from these, various transportation options such as metrobus, express service, limited stop service also diversify intercity road transport.
Railway Line
Sydney’s commuter trains serve a mixed rail network of several integrated lines. These lines, which pass through most of the passengers, are the selective features of the metro station, being as fast as the metro, not making frequent departures and the distances between the stations. According to a 2014 report, Sydney has the worst surrounding train system (after Jakarta, Johannesburg, Nairobi, São Paolo and Istanbul.) and rail system coverage can be listed as total sufficient usage and quite expensive ticket prices.
The short tram line, which was opened in 1997, continues to serve by reaching 13 km today. Continuation of a second tram line in 2014.
Ferry Line
Various ferry services are available on the Paramatta River, which runs through the city, and at Sydney Harbour, located in the city centre. This transportation line is used for touristic purposes as well as a transportation system that city residents frequently use for daily use. In Sydney, which is a port city, Paramatta ferries are preferred by people for pleasure and sightseeing purposes.
Transportation From Airport To City Center:
Sydney Airport is located in Mascot, 8 kilometers south of the city centre, and consists of three terminals. Terminal 1 is the place where international flights are made, located in the northwest part of the station. In the northeastern part, Terminal 2 is located. Local airlines such as Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Regional Express Airlines fly here. Finally, Qantas Airlines’ domestic flights are held at Terminal 3, another terminal in the northeastern part of the charter. Using the train, taxi, bus or shuttle service from the city shuttle service.
By train;
There are many options to reach the city view from the airport. It is possible to reach the train stations at the airport, all the stops in the city center and the central station. You only have to pay a fee for the ticket, as the operation of this place has been transferred to a private company. Another option is the kind that relieves the wallet, even if it is painful for the feet.
Going 1.4km west of Terminal 1, take the train from Wolli Creek station and reach the central station in 13 minutes. If we leave the walking time, you can reach the central station in 12-15 minutes with the rail system.
By Bus;
Buses number 400 pass in front of the airport every twenty minutes. These bus beds pass through train stations located in many settlements. It is possible to face the city by making two vehicles.
Sydney Cuisine
Your trip to Sydney continues, if you can’t decide what to eat, then it’s time to talk about what to eat in Sydney . As a young continent, the cuisine of Australia has been influenced by many cultures with the effect of globalization and has taken on a diverse identity just like the city of Sydney itself. In addition to the preservation of traditional tastes, modern tastes have emerged, especially with the widespread access to organic foods.
The influence of Japanese and Thai cuisine can be seen in the menus. For affordable meals, you can choose dishes from Far East cuisine. Kangaroo meat is also one of the specialties of Australian cuisine. The richness of the seafood in the country draws attention as another detail that adorns the plates. Shellfish in particular is one of the foods that Australians consume hungrily.
Australia is also famous for its red meat consumption. Steak, lamb and barbecue; It is an indispensable part of modern Australian cuisine. Our advice to those who are after more authentic menus is to try the Aboriginal cuisine, which is especially common in the northern regions. The cuisine of the locals is mainly fruit, herb and meat varieties. Especially for those who want to try different flavors, options such as kangaroo, crocodile and lizard meat are available in Aboriginal cuisine.
Sydney is also home to world-renowned luxury restaurants. Visitors who want a luxurious meal prefer restaurants such as Quay, Margue, Pier, ARIA. However, these restaurants usually only accept customers with reservations due to the density. There are many places to eat in the city, especially in areas such as Darling Harbor and King Street.
Restaurant Recommendation:
Farmhouse Kings Cross – Delicious dinner at affordable prices and a side of white wine. Address: 4/40 Bayswater rd Rushcutters Bay, Sydney, New South Wales 2011, Australia
Twenty 8 Acres-Breakfast or a snack lunch. Address: Shop 1, 74-80 Ivy Street | Chippendale-Darlington, Sydney, New South Wales 2008, Australia
The Sardine Room- Delicious seafood products. Address: Shop 2, 31 Challis Ave Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales 2011, Australia
Tip: Some businesses charge a fee as a service fee to the account, if such a fee is not added, you can leave a tip of 10% of the incoming account.
Shopping In Sydney
Wouldn’t you like to beautify your Sydney trip with shopping? Shopping in Sydney, which is an expensive city, is both beautiful and cost-effective. That’s why you need to be careful. You can find yourself caught in the texture of this beautiful city, in multi-storey shopping malls, in the luxury stores of the streets, but don’t think that the city is all about them. There are beautiful shops, souvenir shops and neighborhood markets in the streets.
Do not forget to wander around the neighborhood markets where you can buy souvenirs at affordable prices. Shops across Sydney open at 9 am and close at 6 pm. In Darling Harbor, shops are open until 9 pm.
Especially Queen Victoria Building, Paddy’s Market and Oxford Street are places where you can shop. The Queen Victoria Building is a large 19th-century building located in the center of the city. While the shops on the lower floor of the building are the cheapest shops, the prices in the shops increase as you go to the upper floors.
Available from Sydney:
Huon pine bowls, toys of animals such as kangaroos, sheepskin clothes, Australian hat, jewelery made with precious stones such as sapphire, boomerang, local masks and musical instruments and much more… You can find these souvenirs all over the city. However, Paddy’s Markets in Sydney’s southeast end sells these items at a much more affordable price.
Sydney Nightlife
Colorful Sydney, with its never-ending nightlife, is a city with crowded queues at the doors of the venues in the evenings. The city looks like everyone is out, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. While loud noise and dance lovers fill the nightclubs, you will be able to see people drinking and chatting in pubs and bars, and you will also witness that restaurants and cafes are very crowded.
The entertainment life in Sydney continues without slowing down until the weather clears. You can feel as if this radiant and bright city would never be pitch dark. Ivy on George Street, Marquee on Star Casino and Home Bar on Cockle Cape are popular nightclubs. King’s Cross, Oxford Street, Darling Harbor and the Rocks are the places where bars and nightclubs are concentrated. In the Inner West Region, there are places where university students go heavily. When you travel to Sydney, do not leave without tasting the nightlife!
In addition, those who want to spend a quiet and peaceful night can book an event at Sydney Opera House or join a night yacht tour in Sydney lights.
Bar Suggestion:
Opera Bar – A cocktail to suit your taste with a view. Address: Sydney Opera House, Lower Concourse Level, Bennelong Point | Circular Quay, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
The Camelot Lounge / DJANGO BAR – Pizza with a nice wine + different music. Address: Cnr 103 Railway Pde & 19 Marrickville Rd,Marrickville, Sydney, New South Wales 2204,Australia
The Baxter Inn – Whiskey or koktely + great music. Address: 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney Festivals
- Sydney Festival (January)
- Field Day Festival (January)
- St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival (January-February)
- Soundwave Festival (February)
- Good Vibrations Festival (February)
- Future Music Festival (February)
- Sydney French Film Festival (March)
- Sydney German Film Festival (April)
- Biennale Of Sydney (May)
- Vivid Sydney (May)
- Sydney Film Festival (June)
- Sydney City To Surf (August)
- The Big Exo Day (September)
- Lavazza Italian Film Festival (September)
- Musica Viva Festival (October)
- Manly Festival Of Surfing (November)
- New Year’s Eve (December)
- Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race
Sydney Useful Information
- Police, Fire and Ambulance: 000
- Sydney Hospital Emergency: 9382 7111
- Sydney Kingsford Airport: 2 9667 9893
- Tourist Office: (02) 360 111
Sydney Public Holidays
- January 1 – New Year
- January 6 – Epiphany
- January 26 – Australia Day
- Easter (Changes Every Year)
- April 25 – Anzac Day
- May 1 – Labor Day
- May 24 – National Day
- National Monday – (Changes Every Year)
- June 14 – Religious Feast (Corpus Christi)
- August 15 – National Holiday
- October 26 – National Day
- November 1 – All Saints’ Day
- December 8 – Clean Society Day
- December 25 – Christmas
- December 26 – St. Stephen’s Day
