Attractions
Harbour Bridge
The bridge spans a 1,600-foot gap between the north and south shore and was completed in 1932. Eight lanes of traffic, two railway lines and pedestrian walkways run across the bridge, but you can also join a tour group to climb across the top of the bridge. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the city. If the height is too much for you, try climbing the 200 steps to the view from the Pylon Lookout.
Address: BridgeClimb starts at 3 Cumberland St., The Rocks. Enter the Pylon Lookout from the eastern pedestrian walkway. Use the “Bridge Stairs” in Cumberland Street.
Telephone: BridgeClimb (0)2 8274 7777. Pylon Lookout: (0)2 9240 1100.
Email:admin@bridgeclimb.com.
Website:www.bridgeclimb.com.
Hours of operation: Pylon Lookout: Daily, 10am–5pm. BridgeClimb: Daily, at ten-minute intervals from early morning to evening.
Admission: BridgeClimb: Prices vary according to climb type and time of day. Pylon Lookout: Adults – A$11, Children (ages 5 to 12) – A$4.
The Rocks
This is best place to start exploring Australia's oldest city. The Rocks is a restored 19th-century village at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It's the site of Australia's first European settlement in 1788 and considered to be the birthplace of the nation. Cobblestone streets and squares, gas lamps, craft shops and small restaurants - it's charming. Here, too, are several historic buildings, including Cadman's Cottage, built in 1816, and two of Sydney's oldest pubs, the Lord Nelson and the Hero of Waterloo. Visitors should pick up a map from The Rocks Visitor's Centre (on George Street) to make the most of the area and its many attractions, which include museums, markets, monuments, and scenic points(including the spectacular Pylon Lookout on Sydney Harbour Bridge).
Telephone: (0)2 9240 8500
E-mail:therocks@shfa.nsw.gov.au
Website:www.therocks.com
Opening time: Office Hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
Sydney Opera House
As easily Australia’s the most recognizable architectural achievement, one simply cannot visit Sydney and not come here. Built beside Sydney harbour at Bennelong Point and opened in 1973, this intriguing white-sailed landmark is one of the busiest performing art venues in the world. The complex consists of a massive Concert Hall that seats more than 2,500 people and has perhaps the finest acoustics in the world; a smaller Opera Theatre, also used for ballet performances; a Drama Theatre, seating about 500 people; the smaller Playhouse; and the Boardwalk dance and music venue. Most notably for travellers, free performances of various types are given outside on the boardwalks around the Opera House on Sunday afternoons.
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney Harbour
Telephone: (02) 9250 7111 (general information)
E-mail:infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com
Website:www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Transport: Buses, trains and ferries go to Circular Quay, which is a five-minute walk to the Opera House
Opening time: Guided tours daily 9am to 5pm (one hour); Box office for tickets to performances open Monday to Saturday 9am to 8.30pm, on Sundays two hours before the scheduled performance time.
Admission: Guided tour: A$23 (adults), concessions A$16
Royal Botanic Gardens
Established in 1816 and containing more than 7,500 species of plants, this sprawling 70-plus acre site is the heart of flower and fauna. Australia's very first farm was on the site where the garden now flourishes, southeast of the Opera House. Paths and walks crisscross the gardens, leading visitors past myriad ponds, garden sculptures and horticultural displays. Don't miss the Sydney Tropical Centre; the rose, herb and succulent gardens; the First Farm; the Fernery; and the palm grove. Watch out for a young specimen of the rare Wollemi Pine (only 38 adult trees exist in the world) in the Pioneer Garden. The path that skirts the harbour starting at the Opera House and leading around to Mrs Maquarie's Chair provides magnificent views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House, particularly at sunset. Guided walks are offered at 10.30am every day except public holidays, visitors who prefer not to walk can take a scenic train tour. Inside the Gardens you can also admire Government House, formerly the residence of the New South Wales Governor, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Opera House and Farm Cove.
Address: Mrs Macquaries Road
Telephone: (02) 9231 8111 or (02) 9231 8125 (weekends)
Website:www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
