Sydney
Sydney: the iconic Australian city, dazzling white Opera House, lively harbour, this is the definitively grand city of a traveler's dreams. While I was perfectly content studying abroad in Melbourne, I knew sooner or later I'd have to make my way to Sydney. The city is only slightly larger than Melbourne in terms of population, but there's a lot that feels 'grand' about it: the Opera House and Bridge, the Harbour, the beaches, the markets, and lots more. Yet at the same time, there's a certain serenity from the city that gives it a calm and peace that's unusual. Although I only spent a very limited time in Sydney, it was a time I absolutely loved, and I've been dying to go back ever since.
Highlights
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Info
Known For-
THE OPERA HOUSE
THE BEACHES
THE NIGHT LIFE
The Best Of Sydney-
Food
Sydney's got a lot of great food, but dessert is where it's at. Gelato, chocolate, pastries... hell, you can have sweets for breakfast if you want!
On the other end of the food spectrum, Sydney is also where I tried vegemite. It was... unique.
Sydney Harbour
*Watch the hundreds of boats sailing the gorgeous blues of Sydney Harbor,
*Admire the iconic architecture of the Opera House and Bridge
*Explore the attractions around Darling Harbor.
*Search for ice cream, snacks, and drinks
Night Life
Sydney's got plenty of night life opportunities- some much more wild than I'm willing to partake in- but whether you're looking for a simple drink at the bar/pub, or a night of clubbing in Darlinghurst or Surry Hills, this city's got you covered.
Outside the City
Beyond the city, immerse yourself in beaches galore- bustling Bondi, majestic Manly, clear Coogee... the options for sand and surf are near endless.
Further out, a huge variety of National Parks, the aptly named Figure 8 Pools and the iconic Blue Mountains looming large.
Wildlife
Taronga Zoo is the place to go for any animal lover, and they've got hundreds of animals to admire in beautiful exhibits.
Inside the city, be on the look for the infamous 'bin chicken', Australia's giant and terrifying mix between a pigeon and a seagull.
A Day in the Park
The Royal Botanic Garden offers a quiet and peaceful spot to relax in the heart of the CBD. Enjoy strolling through charming old gardens, past antiquated historic buildings, and take it easy with a no worries mindset.
The Views
*Stroll along the coastal path from Circular Quay through the Royal Botanical Gardens
*Walk under, across, or on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
*Cruise on a ferry ride across the harbour
Bucket List
Have Done: Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Want to Do: Visit the Blue Mountains
Memories
01.
Walk to the Figure 8 Pools
Australia is full of noteworthy nature spots, but one of the most spectacular was the journey in Royal National Park to the famed Figure 8 pools. Start by trekking through gorgeous eucalypt forests, full of exotic trees you've never seen at home. As you down steep ravines and to the beach, you'll encounter beautiful views with every step. With the rocks and cliffs battering next to you, the trek is dangerous, every step perilous, until you finally reach the pools... with about three hundred tourists. Even if the final destination was a let down (I didn't even get a good picture of the pools), the other 90% of the trip- absolutely fantastic.
03.
Crossing the "Coat Hanger"
Sydney knows a thing or two about photo spots, with just about every time of day and every step offering a new beautiful angle. But while sunrise and sunset provide perhaps the more 'classic' photography scenes, night time in Sydney is something unique. Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge while relishing the views is the perfect way to see the city in its glory, and as spectacular as the photos may be, cameras can only do such a good job capturing the vivid display of lights you'll encounter.
02.
The Early Morning Stroll
When your friends can't get enough of the beach -and surely, Sydney has much to offer there-, you may think to yourself that there's got to be so much more that they're missing. And, as it turns out, you're right. So, breaking off from the group and doing your own thing, you get to see a new, calmer side of the city in the early morning. Grab a bite and do some shopping in trendy Surry Hills, then take a leisurely stroll through The Rocks, admiring the beautiful mix of historic and modern architecture throughout the city. And of course, a visit to Sydney is incomplete without visiting its infamous Harbour.
