Everyone visits the Opera House when they go to Sydney; everyone spends time at the harbour. But there’s more to Sydney than these popular tourist traps. It’s a vast, modern metropolis that never sleeps and always has something new to discover. So, the next time you’re in Sydney, be sure to check out these top attractions and landmarks.
1. Star Sydney Casino
The Star Sydney is the second-biggest casino in Australia and features everything you need for a night of gambling and entertainment. There is a 2,000-seat theatre, two massive gaming floors loaded with slot machines and table games, and 351 hotel rooms.
It’s a self-contained holiday destination that has a little bit of everything. You can play some slots while sipping a beer before heading to one of the restaurants for a seafood buffet or a slice of pizza, and then finish the day with some live entertainment.
2. The Rocks
Named for the rocky coast, this cultural and historic hotspot was home to some of the first European settlers. The Rocks Discover Museum, along with regular guided tours, will teach you about the history of the region and show you around the city’s oldest house, known as Cadman’s Cottage.
Wander around the cobbled streets, pick up some mementoes from the gift shops, and sample some local art in the galleries.
3. The Royal Botanic Garden
Escape the chaos and the noise of the big city and spend some time in a tranquil oasis at the Royal Botanic Garden. Established back in 1816, the gardens span several dozen hectares and provide the perfect bucolic escape.
There are hop-on tours to take your around the gardens and you’ll find everything from rose gardens to cafes and picnic areas. You’ll also have a beautiful view of Sydney Harbour and Government House.
If you’re visiting the city with your family, take a football and a picnic along, as there are plenty of places to grab some shade and a bite to eat, as well as lots of open spaces to have a kick-around.
Stretching more than 300 metres tall, the Sydney Tower Eye is one of the city’s best landmarks, as well as the tallest. The spire-topped tower is built on the Centrepoint Mall and you can ascend to the top for one of the best views around.
There’s a revolving restaurant at the top of the tower and for the more daring among you, there’s also a skywalk, which takes you onto an open-top glass-bottom platform for some heart-stopping views.
5. Sydney’s Beaches
When you think of Sydney, you picture the Opera House and Harbour. You think of night-time entertainment and towering buildings. But it’s also on the coast and it’s where you’ll find many of the country’s best beaches, including the famous Bondi Beach, which is just a short drive away from the city. Take your swimsuit and have a splash around in the calm and clear waters. For something a little more adventurous, you can rent a stand-up paddle board, surfboard, or jet ski.