Sightseeing in Sydney

Hi All,

Can anybody suggest what my hubby and I can do in Sydney, we have from 2pm sun until boarding the next day at approximately 12pm.

We dont really want to do a harbour cruise since we will be on a ship for the next 2 weeks.

We have lots of ideas but limited time puts constraints on these.

Thanks in advance,

Michele:)

My guess is that it would depend on when you arrive in Sydney and have a chance to get over some jet lag and where you are staying. Hopefully some of our Aussie friends will be able to provide more details. If you are staying near the ship's docking point, you will be about to explore The Rocks area, walk over to the Opera House and/or take a ferry to the zoo or any one of many nearby places. Other ideas will be flowing your way soon, I'm sure...

Can anybody suggest what my hubby and I can do in Sydney, we have from 2pm sun until boarding the next day at approximately 12pm.

• The Rocks – historical area, plus some tourist shopping.
• Circular Quay – for views.
• Opera House – do a tour; the backstage tour is the most interesting, but is much less frequent and much more expensive than the standard tourist run. Go to a concert or a show if you can.
• Botanic Gardens and the Domain (parks).
• Darling Harbour – touristy things, including the casino at Star City if you're into that sort of thing.
• Sydney Aquarium (at Darling Harbour).
• Maritime Museum (at Darling Harbour).
• Powerhouse Museum (at Darling Harbour).
• The Australian Museum (in the City).
• Museum of Sydney (in the City).
• Museum of Contemporary Art (Circular Quay – the café is said to be pretty good).
• Bridgeclimb – 3½ hours, but worth it if the weather's good. Not energetic, nor difficult to anyone who has anything other than serious fears of heights. Best to book when you're there and you can gauge what the weather is likely to be. Most popular and expensive climbs are at twilight. Otherwise, a first timer should do a day climb to see where everything is, although night climbs are romantically spectacular. They have a new route which climbs the lower arch, but the standard route is still better for a newcomer.
• Sydney Tower – the tall building thing, also a very ish revolving restaurant.
• Ferry to Manly.
• Manly – long beach on the ocean side, cafes etc. If you can get there, big park at North Head with good harbour and sea views, but is a long walk from Manly itself.
• Taronga Zoo – take the ferry from Circular Quay for this, too.
• Cruise on the harbour - lots of ways of doing this, standard tourist ones from Circular Quay; also a jetboat from there; but my favourite is on a genuine ex-Americas Cup yacht - a cruise ship is nothing like this!
• Watsons Bay – famous for Doyles, seafood restaurant, also good views. Also, go up to South Head (walking distance) from there, for views.
• Queen Victoria Building – possibly the most elegant shopping mall in the world.
• Bondi Beach – if you feel that you really have to do this. Quite close to Watsons Bay.
• Also, between Watsons Bay and the City, there are Double Bay (elegant, expensive shops) and Rose Bay (pretty waterfront).

And that's just the beginning. Will this keep you going for about 24 hours?

Also, Sydney is one of the great eating cities of the world, so there's no shortage of good and/or exotic food.

Plus it also depends on where you're staying and what is within walking distance. I know you said you didn't want to do a harbour cruise but you won't see that much of the harbour on the big ship. I would suggest a ferry to Watsons Bay for lunch/dinner. Or don't even get off, just do the loop trip.

http://www.sydneyferries.info/timetables/watsons-bay.htm

Plus Paddy's Markets

http://www.paddysmarkets.com.au/opening_times.html

But for uniquely Sydney - the Opera House and the Bridge.;)

Globaliser, you forgot a trip to Paddy's market and China town!!

Don't forget the Cross...

We have just returned from four great days spent in Sydney. We were staying at the Shangri-la which is in the Rocks area so everything was within walking distance.

We great weather so we did do quite a bit of walking. One afternoon we caught the ferry to Darling Harbour and then walked back to the Sydney Observatory which is free to look over.

Another morning we caught the ferry to Mosman and walked back to Cremorne on the path around the Harbour. We also caught the ferry later on that day to Watson's Bay and had lunch at Doyles which is something we always do when in Sydney.

Another day we caught the ferry to Parramatta and went over old Government House which was most interesting. We returned back to Sydney by train.

We also went to the markets at the Rocks. They are held on both Saturdays and Sundays. We wanted to walk across the bridge and back but ran out of time. If you haven't done the Bridge Climb then that would be my first priority as it is a fabulous experience. We did it years ago when it was first mooted.

I am sure you will find lots to do up there. There is another great walk that takes you past the Opera House and around to Wooloomooloo. I love just being by or on the harbour.

Jennie

We have just returned from four great days spent in Sydney. We were staying at the Shangri-la which is in the Rocks area so everything was within walking distance.

 

We great weather so we did do quite a bit of walking. One afternoon we caught the ferry to Darling Harbour and then walked back to the Sydney Observatory which is free to look over.

 

Another morning we caught the ferry to Mosman and walked back to Cremorne on the path around the Harbour. We also caught the ferry later on that day to Watson's Bay and had lunch at Doyles which is something we always do when in Sydney.

 

Another day we caught the ferry to Parramatta and went over old Government House which was most interesting. We returned back to Sydney by train.

 

We also went to the markets at the Rocks. They are held on both Saturdays and Sundays. We wanted to walk across the bridge and back but ran out of time. If you haven't done the Bridge Climb then that would be my first priority as it is a fabulous experience. We did it years ago when it was first mooted.

 

I am sure you will find lots to do up there. There is another great walk that takes you past the Opera House and around to Wooloomooloo. I love just being by or on the harbour.

 

Jennie

Jennie, What do you suggest is the better area to stay in...Darling Harbor or Circular Quay? I have a small group and is having a heck of a time settling the issue with my TA. Because of the economic range of my group, I'm trying to meet everyone in the middle so they will feel comfortable. Thanks for your advice. PinkSuit

I would definitely stay in the Rocks area. There are so many restaurants there that cater for different price ranges. You have the cheap Italian bistros, then there are the more expensive restaurants near the waterfront and then there is the most expensive in Australia. eg. Rockpool which is about $250Aud p.p. We didn't go up to Sydney to eat out at top restaurants as we can do that here at home, we went for enjoyment and fun.

We ate out each night and our bill was well under $100AUD each time, a couple of times it was around $70AUD including a 10% tip and wine.

I do love that area around Circular Quay and wouldn't want to stay anywhere else. There is so much to see and do and Darling Harbour is very close on the ferry. We went to Star City there to see the musical "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" which was great fun and good entertainment.

Jennie

I would definitely stay in the Rocks area.

What a GREAT list!! I am printing it to keep for our hopefully second visit some day. We did a "few" of your suggestions and would have liked to have done more but for time constraints. Thank you.

What we did on boarding day was drop off the bags at Circular Quay about 11.30, walk 5 minutes up the road to the BridgeClimb, did the BridgeClimb which we had prebooked on line (brilliant, what a view and not scary...honest!), walked out of the BridgeClimb place at 4pm, got to Cruise Terminal at 4.05pm and were on the ship at 4.10pm as there was no queue at all! We had the choice of 10 Immigration officials and about 20 Princess people. Thats the way to do it, and to top it all, all our bags were waiting for us in our room! Have fun!

Simon

Hi All,

Thank you for all your sugggestions guys, I would like to do the bridge climb but Richard not keen, we are staying at the Four Seasons at Darling Harbour, so we will look about there the day of boarding, still undecided about the day prior though, probably will just play it by ear.

We were in sydney in January for 2 days prior to sailing on the sapphire, staying in the rocks, which was fabulous, so have seen a little bit. The markets sound good.

Thanks again,

Michele:)

Hi All,

Thank you for all your sugggestions guys, I would like to do the bridge climb but Richard not keen, we are staying at the Four Seasons at Darling Harbour, so we will look about there the day of boarding, still undecided about the day prior though, probably will just play it by ear.

We were in sydney in January for 2 days prior to sailing on the sapphire, staying in the rocks, which was fabulous, so have seen a little bit. The markets sound good.

Thanks again,

Michele:)

If the Bridgeclimb is daunting or to pricey for your budget, the Pylon Lookout is a nice alternative. It is at the top of the closest harbour bridge pylon to the OPT cruise terminal. Webpage link is in my signature. I agree with earlier comments of Darling Harbour, I find it a bit touristy. The one exception from the list is Powerhouse Museum, which is just outside the glitzy area and worth a look (if you like museums). A lap of the monorail loop is quick and inexpensive. Chinatown, as mentioned earlier, is a must for an inexpensive meal.

Cheers,

Hi All,

Thank you for all your sugggestions guys, I would like to do the bridge climb but Richard not keen, we are staying at the Four Seasons at Darling Harbour, so we will look about there the day of boarding, still undecided about the day prior though, probably will just play it by ear.

Michele:)

Michele,

You had better make sure which hotel you are staying at as the Four Seasons which is a 5 star hotel and my pick of all the hotels is at the Rocks whereas Four Points by Sheraton a 4 star is in Darling Harbour. Just in case you catch a cab and tell the driver the wrong hotel and end up paying more than you bargained for. :)

Jennie

If the Bridgeclimb is daunting or to pricey for your budget, the Pylon Lookout is a nice alternative. It is at the top of the closest harbour bridge pylon to the OPT cruise terminal. Webpage link is in my signature. I agree with earlier comments of Darling Harbour, I find it a bit touristy. The one exception from the list is Powerhouse Museum, which is just outside the glitzy area and worth a look (if you like museums). A lap of the monorail loop is quick and inexpensive. Chinatown, as mentioned earlier, is a must for an inexpensive meal.

Cheers,

You know I've lived in Sydney my whole adult life and didn't know about the Pylon lookout except by coming to Cruise Critic. We've got a lot of visitors coming for my daughter's wedding in October, so might take them there.

It takes a good part of the day, but a train ride to the Blue Mountains is worth the time.

You know I've lived in Sydney my whole adult life and didn't know about the Pylon lookout except by coming to Cruise Critic. We've got a lot of visitors coming for my daughter's wedding in October, so might take them there.

Same here, except I only visit a couple of times a year!

Read it first on this board on a post by honeymoon cruisers "aloha y'all". Promptly added it to my signature. The other plus is that you can take your camera and do it at a flexible time & pace.

Cheers

Geoff

Same here, except I only visit a couple of times a year!

Read it first on this board on a post by honeymoon cruisers "aloha y'all". Promptly added it to my signature. The other plus is that you can take your camera and do it at a flexible time & pace.

 

Cheers

Geoff

Thats so freaky. Thats where I saw it first too. They had great photos of Sydney.

Michele,

 

You had better make sure which hotel you are staying at as the Four Seasons which is a 5 star hotel and my pick of all the hotels is at the Rocks whereas Four Points by Sheraton a 4 star is in Darling Harbour. Just in case you catch a cab and tell the driver the wrong hotel and end up paying more than you bargained for. :)

 

Jennie

Hi Jennie,

I had to giggle when I read your reply, you are right, we are staying at the Four Points by Sheraton, not the Four seasons!

I asked Richard because I couldn't be bothered getting off the couch to check, and I just believed him!:D Hanging head in shame!

Michele:)

You know I've lived in Sydney my whole adult life and didn't know about the Pylon lookout except by coming to Cruise Critic. We've got a lot of visitors coming for my daughter's wedding in October, so might take them there.[/quote

 

went maybe three times, twice on school excursions from Sutherland Primary School, and dad took us once - back in the ealy seventies

 

can still remember how amazing it was to look down on to the cars

 

also, re Melbourne Zoo v Taronga Park. There isn't a more scenic zoo in the world than Taronga. The views are fabulous, the displays pretty good and the new aquarium should be open now as well. But then I love aquariums and oceanariums and zoos and make sure I go to Taronga every time I visit Sydney.

• Bondi Beach – if you feel that you really have to do this. Quite close to Watsons Bay.

Curiosity compels me to ask. Why the disclaimer regarding Bondi Beach?

 

 

You cannot compare Melbourne Zoo to Taronga as Taronga is really an old fashioned zoo with wonderful views, probably the best in the world but it is on a small amount of land and there is not a lot that can be improved there.

 

Melbourne Zoo's real name is the Zoological Gardens and it is set on 55 acres of land. The animals are not in cages but are in areas that resemble their native lands and it is a lovely place to visit with the gardens and the animals. In fact, you can sleep overnight there and experience all the weird sounds of the jungle. You also do get great views of our city from there.

 

Here is a link: http://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/

 

The zoo is only 4kms from the city centre and is worthy of a visit.

 

Jennie

A great way to get around and see the sights of Sydney is on the hop on hop off bus Bondi Explorer.

http://www.sydneypass.info/bondiexplorer/

Curiosity compels me to ask. Why the disclaimer regarding Bondi Beach?

My guess is that this is a reference to the fact that Bondi Beach's reputation may be greater than the beach itself delivers.

Personally, I love Bondi. Just like the Cross it has gone through major transformations over the past few decades which reflect a lot of the changes in Sydney and Sydney tourism. Still a great place for casual dining, people watching and still a damn good beach, even if there are many more picturesque and not so over-developed beaches in Sydney.

Fish and chips on the grass area above the beach is quintessential Sydney to me. (Along with the beer garden at the Watsons Bay Hotel.)

Curiosity compels me to ask. Why the disclaimer regarding Bondi Beach?

I think its just a bit of a cliche - to go to Bondi Beach. Its quite a nice beach but probably no nicer than many of the other Sydney beaches. But for some reason its a must see for tourists. I guess its not that far from the city which makes it quite popular. But if you want to see a beach in Sydney, I think taking the ferry to Manly is the way to go. Its a great way to see both the harbour and go to the beach and there are plenty of cafes and pubs in Manly as well.