Australia had long been on my bucket list and I was super excited to finally be able experience Sydney and all it’s magnificance. I traveled to Australia in mid June, summer in the United States, but the start of the Australian winter. The climate felt like fall in the Southwest, chill in the morning, warm during the day, chilly, needing a jacket or sweater in the evening.
I confirm, as you may have heard before, Australia is one of the friendliest countries you will ever visit! Seriously, Sydney is a city with a great vibe, people are friendly, active, the food is delicious and there is no shortage of things to do. Finding a hotel close to the Sydney Harbor is ideal if you are not renting a car. You’ll have many restaurant options and it will have you within walking distance of the most popular attractions, food and shopping.
Among the many things to do in Sydney you can’t miss the world-renowned Opera House. It is open each day for visitors to walk around and explore the building. They have a small history museum inside, as well as a gift shop to carry away a few souvenirs. I also could not pass up catching a show during the evening at the famous opera house. They have a variety of shows throughout the week, operas, musicals, and musical performances to choose from. You can easily research shows, dates, times and purchase tickets on their website.
Another great thing to do while visiting Sydney is to book a whale watching tour. Many tours are available for booking in and around the harbor and offer a variety of tours all throughout the day light hours. I must tell you, the whale watching tours do not disappoint. Not only do you get amazing views of the city as you sail off into the horizon but you’ll catch plenty of whales along your journey. And boy, do they put on a show! Calling out for each other, blowing water out of their blow holes, jumping out of the water and flopping back in, slapping the water as if they are “waving.” It is truly spectacular to watch and an experience you will not forget.
Sydney is also home to one of the world’s most amazing zoo’s, the Taronga Zoological Park. If staying close the harbor the zoo is only a short uber ride away and is located in a cute and different area of town where you might enjoy grabbing a bite and exploring the neighborhoods to get a sense of how Sydney natives live. The Taronga Zoo, unlike any other I’ve ever seen, allows you the opportunity to pet and visit with a Koala, as well as, joining animals, such as Kangaroos, in their cages, I might add, as they hop around freely. It’s a zoo like I have never experienced. Sydney is also home to a great botanical garden with many plants and free roaming parrots. It also is a large major city and you will not be short-handed when it comes to shopping. Most all popular department stores can be found a mile or two from the harbor. This is also convenient if you forget to pack something for your trip, you will have no problem finding it easily in the city.
Another attraction you should try to catch on your visit to Sydney is one of it amazing beaches and certainly Bondi Beach if possible. Regardless of the time of year, you will find people out at the beach enjoying the water. During the winter months the water is cold if you want to try to get it in but it did not stop me from enjoying a warm coffee and enjoying the waves one afternoon.
Lastly, one of the best experiences during my trip to Syndey was the Vivid Light Tour (post to follow.) This amazing light festival is held during the winter each year in Syndey and is undescribable! The entire city lights up with images and lights projected onto building throughout the city, including the world famous Syndey Opera House. Not only is this an amazing site to see but it is free! You don’t need tickets but only have to visit the harbor in the evening during the festival to experience this amazing attraction.
Sydney is an amazing city and definetly goes on my list as one of my favorite cities I’ve ever visited!
