Mention Sydney Australia and most people think of the Sydney Opera House shaped like huge shells or billowing sails. This famous building on Sydney’s Bennelong Point graces the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and is one of the world’s greatest architectural icons. Designed by Danish architect Yarn Woodson this heritage-listed building is Australia’s most famous landmark. A 2004 renovation added walls of glass to the reception hall offering visitors views of the harbor. In addition to the 1500 seat opera house, the center features a concert hall and three other theaters as well as multiple bars and restaurants. The Sydney Opera House welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
The iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge is both the main method of crossing the harbor and the travel destination for adventurous visitors. Rising 134m above the harbor the bridge spans 500m connecting Sydney’s North Shore to Central Business District. It was built in 1932, 40 years before Sydney’s Opera House. Affectionately called the “coat hanger” this impressive feat of construction is one of the largest steel arc bridges in the world. One of the top things to do in Sydney is a guided ascent to the top of the bridge where you can enjoy the spectacular views over the harbor and the city.
Blue Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World’s Heritage site that lies 81 kilometers west of Sydney and is a popular day trip from the city. Named from the blue haze emanating from the many eucalyptus trees, this stunning park protects more than 664,000 acres of wilderness and encompasses dramatic gorges of waterfalls, Aboriginal rock paintings and 140 kilometers of hiking trails. The famous attractions in the park are the towering sandstone rock formation called the three sisters. Hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular things to do in the park.
For first-timers, Sydney can feel like a maze of beaches, headlands, bays, and coves. The quickest way to find the bearing is to make the trip to the top of the Sydney Tower. From over 800 ft. up the observation deck offers a 360-degree spectacular view of the entire city. Other famous attractions include the Sydney Domain, Government House, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Pyrmont Bridge, Sydney Sealife Aquarium, Wildlife Sydney Natural Park, and Luna Park.