It is unlikely you will ever visit Sydney without the Sydney Harbour. It is Sydneys postcard image and one of the most fascinating natural harbors in the world. Its scenic views and amazing attractions make the Sydney Harbor the perfect destination for an enriching travel experience. The Harbor blends natural beauty with all the bustle of a modern metropolis.
Even the gambling enthusiasts will be delighted by the local nightclubs and luxury gambling venues. The fans of sports betting on websites like 20Bet login can enjoy sports betting in numerous bars. So, there are several things to see and do in Sydney Harbor besides the relaxing coastal walk. To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up a list of the top attractions to visit around Sydney Harbor.
Sydney Opera House
Our bucket list would be incomplete without this stunning feat of engineering and one of the world’s famous landmarks. Built and designed by the architect Jørn Utzon in 1973, the Sydney Opera House has the iconic sight of Sydney’s Central Business District and Sydney Harbor. The 183-meter-long building with a white-shelled root, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, resembles a huge sailing ship.
What’s more, the Opera House hosts more than 1,000 great performances each year. The Opera House is a home to theaters, performance venues, and exhibition spaces. Here are only a few of the venues and companies located inside: The Concert Hall, the Drama Theatre, and the Joan Sutherland Theatre, You can experience the full grandeur of the Sydney Opera House by taking part in one of the daily guided tours.
Sydney Harbor Bridge
Another of Sydney’s most visited attractions is the Sydney Harbor Bridge, which stands next to the Opera House. Known to locals as “Coathanger” because of this distinct shape, this bridge is one of the world’s longest-spanning arch bridges. It first opened in 1932. Its length is 503 meters and its height is 134 meters. The bridge carries 8 road lanes, 2 railroad lanes, and a path for cyclists. To appreciate the full splendor of the Harbor Bridge, you need to climb to the highest point of the arch. So this entertainment is not for faint-hearted people. But the risk is worth it: You can enjoy incredible views of the city of Sydney and the Opera House.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
If you want to relax from the bustle of the city, you can unwind at the Royal Botanic Garden, in Sydney. Founded in 1816, this spectacular urban park is the oldest Australian botanical garden. It is wedged between the Domain public green space and the Sydney Opera House. The whole territory of the park has different themed zones with benches and fountains.
There are more than 7,500 plant species, including roses, succulents, ferns, and palm groves, which are located in spectacular greenhouses. There is also a pine that dates back more than 150 million years, as well as Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, the seat carved directly into a stone cliff. Spanning over 300 hectares, this free-to-visit garden has a unique and colorful flora and fauna and marvelous views of the Harbor Bridge.
Cockatoo Island
To enjoy a peek into the rich history of Sydney, visit Cockatoo Island in the middle of Sydney Harbor. Once a meeting place for Australian Indigenous People, this UNESCO World Heritage island is also known as Wareamah. A former naval shipyard and convict prison, Cockatoo Island is home to various heritage buildings and historic places. You should definitely take part in a guided tour through the Cockatoo Island’s Convict Site.
Why not delve into the remarkable history of Cockatoo Island while enjoying the Australian sunshine? By the way, Cockatoo Island is featured in the iconic “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (2009) as the terrifying fictional “Three Mile Island” base. Do you remember the epic battle between the Wolverine and the Weapon XI aka Deadpool in the movie?
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
If you are interested in marine life, you should visit the SEA Life Sydney Aquarium. It is home to over 4,000 marine creatures and 300 marine species that can be observed in their natural habitat. There are giant sea turtles, sharks, penguins, dugongs, seahorses, and even giant spiny-tailed stingrays. The Aquarium is broken into various themed habitat zones such as Shark Valley, Dugong Island, Jurassic Seas, and South Coast Shipwreck.
Darling Harbor
This exciting pedestrianed district is home to mentioned above SEA Life Sydney Aquarium, as well as the Madame Tussauds, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, and the Harbourside Shopping Centre. The Darling Harbor is the top-notch central base to explore the Sydney Harbor and its amazing attractions.
Rocks Neighborhood
Last but not least, explore the oldest part of Sydney, the Rocks Neighborhood. When the British first landed in Australia, they settled in the Rocks. This neighborhood has many cobbled lanes, preserved colonial buildings, spectacular churches, charming vintage pubs, art museums, as well as weekend markets. Some neighborhood’s highlights are the Museum of Contemporary Arts and the famous Rocks Market on Saturdays and Sundays.
Taronga Zoo
Do you want to enjoy a close-up view of over 3000 Australian Indigenous animals and animals from around the world? Then head to Australia’s largest zoo, Taronga Zoo, on the harbor’s hillsides. From the unique cable car entry to the tours with animal encounters (you can meet a koala!), the Taronga Zoo has something to offer to all visitors.
Enjoy Sydney Harbor and create lasting memories!
