sydney
Helen and I haven’t visited Sydney for over 30 years (where did the time go?), and we now wonder why we left it so long? Don’t forget that anything highlighted in bold (except this one) will take you to a handy link.
Sydney is the largest city in Australia, located on the country’s east coast and is the capital of New South Wales. Built around one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours, Sydney has countless bays, inlets, and famous beaches such as Bondi (technically not inside the harbour), Manly and Watson’s Bay. Iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are instantly recognised. While ferries are a part of daily life and offer a scenic way to get around. The city has a mild climate, a diverse population, and is a major centre for business, culture, and tourism.
It’s a melting pot of cultures, with a strong Asian influence, especially in cuisine, from Thai and Vietnamese to Chinese dumplings and Japanese sushi.
It’s also famous for outdoor living, great food, and scenic coastal walks such as the invigorating Bondi to Coogee cliff top walk, or national parks such as the Blue Mountains offering epic hikes and lush scenery.
The Sydney Opera House is more than just Australia’s most iconic building, it’s a global symbol of creativity and design. With its soaring sail-like architecture perched on the edge of sparkling Sydney Harbour, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a feast for the eyes and the soul. Step inside to experience world-class performances, take a behind-the-scenes tour, or simply sit at a nearby cafe and soak in sweeping views of the harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Affectionately nicknamed “The Coathanger”, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an engineering wonder and a beloved city landmark. Stretching across the harbour, it’s not just for admiring from afar, walk, cycle, or take the adrenaline-pumping Bridge Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the skyline, Opera House, and beyond.
Sun, surf, and sand, Bondi Beach is the beating heart of Sydney’s beach culture. Just a short hop from the city, Bondi dazzles with golden sands, world-class waves, and a relaxed, coastal vibe. Whether you’re catching a wave, lounging under the sun, or walking the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Trail, it’s a slice of Sydney life you don’t want to miss. I suggest taking the 333 North Bondi bus from Circular Quay rather than taking the train to Bondi Junction and then taking the same 333 bus which will now be packed.
Tucked beside the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden is a lush, tranquil retreat right in the city centre. Wander among exotic blooms, sprawl out on the lawns, or snap the perfect photo from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, offering one of the best views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The gardens are the oldest in Australia, dating back to 1816, you can still find the original farm garden if you look hard enough.
Step back in time in The Rocks, the historic cradle of Sydney. With its cobblestone lanes, colonial buildings, and lively markets, this is a captivating blend of old and new. Browse through the Museum of Contemporary Art, sip a drink in a heritage pub such as The Fortune of War (Sydney’s oldest), or dive into Sydney’s early convict and settler stories at one of the local museums, see The Rocks Discovery Museum.
For a wildlife adventure with a view, head to Taronga Zoo. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, this world-class zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, from Aussie icons like koalas and kangaroos to exotic creatures from around the globe. For an unforgettable experience, try an overnight stay among the animals with the Roar and Snore experience. Also, take a look at this option with Captain Cook Cruises that includes entry and return ferries to and from Circular Quay.
Nestled near the Royal Botanic Garden, the Art Gallery of NSW showcases a rich collection of Australian and international works, spanning centuries and styles.
Buzzing with life day and night, Darling Harbour is Sydney’s playground. With waterfront restaurants, shops, and attractions like SEA LIFE Aquarium and directly across the pedestrian Pyrmont Bridge, the excellent and free Australian National Maritime Museum, there’s something for everyone. It’s an ideal spot for friends and family where you can just sit and watch the world go by with a gelato in hand. Highly recommend Baia The Italian for, you’ve guessed it, great Italian food!
A true seafood lover’s paradise, the Sydney Fish Market is a feast for the senses. As the largest market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s where the ocean’s freshest catch meets culinary adventure. Watch the daily seafood auction in action, grab a plate of freshly shucked oysters, or indulge in a sashimi platter right by the waterfront. Whether you're a foodie on the hunt for premium ingredients or just craving some crispy fish and chips with a view, this bustling market delivers an unforgettable taste of Sydney.
Hop on the ferry from Circular Quay for a scenic ride to Manly Beach, a charming seaside escape with a laid-back vibe. From the ferry terminal walk down the pedestrian shopping strip known as The Corso to the ocean beach; if you’re there on a Sunday check out the market. Here, surf culture meets coastal beauty, and the Manly Scenic Walkway invites you to explore rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and sweeping ocean views.
Also, don’t forget to to hop on the ferry to lovely Watson’s Bay for some beautiful secluded coves which are perfect for beach walks, swimming, delicious seafood and a chance to see how the other half live.
Vibrant, flavourful, and full of energy, Sydney’s Chinatown (Thai town and Korea town are close by) is a sensory celebration. Stroll through lantern-lit streets, savour mouthwatering Asian cuisine, and browse bustling markets. During Chinese New Year, the whole area bursts into colour with dragon dances, fireworks, and lots of food!
For some retail therapy with style check out the Queen Victoria Building, and for the coolest inner-city suburb Paddington is the place to go for cools bars, trendy boutiques, and a very cool vibe.
Getting around Sydney is pretty straightforward, there’s a good mix of public transport, walking-friendly areas, and other options depending on your fitness and schedule. Check out this website for all transport information in both Sydney and New South Wales.
You can use an Opal card or tap on/off with a credit/debit card or phone for all public transport. You can purchase your card directly at the airport or from outlets in the city, even from Coles supermarkets. Remember to keep your card topped up with credit, and remember to tap on and off after each journey.
Train: Great for getting to/from suburbs, airport, Blue Mountains, etc.
Bus: Covers areas trains don’t including beach routes (like Bondi).
Ferry: Scenic and super handy, try the fantastic Circular Quay to Manly ride.
Light Rail (Tram): Connects Central Station to places like Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and the Inner West.
Airport Train: Super fast, goes directly to Central Station and beyond.
Our flight was with Jetstar who you can either book with direct or via Skyscanner. We stayed at the Meriton Suites World Tower who you can book directly with or via booking.com, alternatively check out Luxury Escapes for some great Sydney deals.
The Blue Mountains
Located just west of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia, is a stunning region renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and unique biodiversity. The area is part of the Great Dividing Range and is named for the blue mist that often shrouds the mountains. This distinctive blue haze comes from the oils released by the vast eucalyptus forests that dominate the region. The misty, atmospheric landscape is further characterised by rugged cliffs, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and expansive vistas, making it a favourite destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers.
The mountains’ dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations, such as the iconic Three Sisters, hold deep spiritual significance for the local Indigenous communities. European settlers arrived in the region in the early 19th century, and the mountains became a popular retreat due to their cool climate and scenic beauty.
Today, the Blue Mountains National Park covers much of the region, offering a wide range of outdoor activities, from bushwalking and rock climbing to birdwatching and canyoning. The region also boasts charming towns such as Katoomba and Leura, where visitors can explore local galleries, cafes, and heritage sites. Whether it’s a peaceful getaway or an adventurous escape into nature, the Blue Mountains provide an unforgettable experience for those who venture into its majestic landscape. Make sure to check out The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba for a glimpse of yesteryear, maybe stay a night or at least visit their onsite brewery.
The Three Sisters, Echo Point, Katoomba
This iconic rock formation is one of the most photographed spots in Australia. The Three Sisters are an ancient rock formation standing tall above the Jamison Valley. Local Aboriginal legends surround the formation, adding to its cultural significance.
Scenic World, Katoomba
Scenic World offers a range of experiences that showcase the stunning views of the Blue Mountains. Either purchase online or join the queue. Visitors can ride the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger railway, or take the Scenic Skyway for panoramic views of the Jamison Valley. The Scenic Cableway in Katoomba is one of the most popular attractions in the Blue Mountains, Australia. It’s located in the heart of Katoomba, offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness, including the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.
The cableway itself is the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, descending almost 500 meters into the Jamison Valley, giving visitors an amazing aerial view of the lush rainforest below. The ride is smooth and provides panoramic views, making it a fantastic way to appreciate the beauty of the Blue Mountains from a different perspective.
At the bottom, there’s a Scenic Walkway that lets you explore the rainforest with boardwalks and lookout points, giving you an up-close experience with the unique flora and fauna of the area.
If you intend to enjoy everything Scenic World has to offer then start this first and as early as possible, the queues can be horrendous by the afternoon. And as for food, if you haven’t brought your own lunch then the cafe at Scenic World is recommend compared to the poor choice offered at Echo Point. We made this mistake, so you don’t have to.
The NSW TrainLink Blue Mountains Line offers regular services from Sydney Central Station to Katoomba. Trains run approximately every 30 minutes during peak times, with journey durations ranging from 1 hour 52 minutes to 2 hours 6 minutes, depending on the service.
Fares start at $6, and you can use an Opal card or contactless payment methods. For the most accurate and up-to-date schedules, consider using the Transport NSW Trip Planner.
Upon arrival in Katoomba, several local transport options are available: Bus 686: A loop service connecting Katoomba Station with major attractions like Echo Point and Scenic World. Blue Mountains Explorer Bus: A hop-on, hop-off service covering key sites from Scenic World (including day pass to all the sites) to Leura.
You may decided to take an all inclusive organised tour from Sydney including pickup, return and lunch (click here for details).
Both GetYourGuide and Viator offer a variety of tours and experiences in and around Sydney. See Tripadvisor or all of the above and including restaurant, hotel, flights and rental cars. Check out Lonely Planet for guidebooks.
