Stroll along Sydney’s West Circular Quay on what is called the “Writers Walk.” Famous writer’s names and biographies are engraved on metal plaques along the walkway. Australian writers, as well as writers who lived or visited the area, such as Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling and D.H. Lawrence are featured on the walk.
Plan your first adventure at The Rocks, which was the location of the area’s first settlement in 1788. Located in the Circular Quay, it’s Sydney’s oldest historical colonial district. This outdoor museum includes a small village that is full of pubs, shops and restaurants. If you become hungry while strolling around, try the Italian Village Restaurant in The Rocks district. Ask for a window seat for a wonderful view while you feast on superb cuisine.
Visiting the Sydney Opera House must be done before you leave the city. It may be the one Australian structure everyone recognizes when they see it. The sail roof is the distinct feature. It covers seven separate main buildings, within the opera house, where events such as operas, ballet, concerts and theater take place. Tours are conducted daily, every thirty minutes between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The tour takes approximately one hour. Tickets can be purchased in advance. Back stage tours are also available at a slightly higher cost. These are limited to eight people per tour.
Walk southeast of the opera house to reach the Royal Botanic Gardens, right next to Sydney’s business district. This is the site of Australia’s first farm and is now home to 7500 species of plants. The paths of the gardens crisscross each other with some leading to ponds or garden shops. While still other paths lead to restaurants, kiosks and sculptures. You can go it on your own or join a guided walk which starts at 10:30 a.m. each day. If walking is difficult, there is a trackless train tour that will take you through the gardens for a small fee.
Fill your eyes with some of the most beautiful contemporary art in the world at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s located in West Circular Quay, close enough to walk from the Botanical Gardens. It holds works from Australian artists as well as those from around the world. If you visit Sydney at a later date, you’ll want to drop in again as the exhibitions are constantly changing. There is no entrance charge, making this an appealing Sydney destination.
Celebrate at the Cabramatta Moon Festival if you will be visiting Sydney during the vernal equinox, usually during September. It’s the time of year when the daylight hours are equal to the nighttime hours. In celebration of the Asian culture of Sydney, this festival will fill your day with moon cakes, red lanterns, street dancers, traditional music and parades. It is held in Cabramatta’s John Street and Freedom Plaza. It’s a 40-minute train ride from the city center or the Circular Quay.
Curl your toes in the white sands of Sydney beaches. Between September to May the weather is optimal beach season in Australia. In most parts of Sydney you are a half hour or less away from the shoreline. Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s most popular beaches. This is the one you see on all the post cards and TV travel shows. For easiest access take the bus from the central business district. The biggest event held at this beach is the Festival of the Winds. Every September hundreds of kits, all different sizes and shapes, take to the sky in a colorful menagerie. For a smaller, intimate beach, Coogee Beach is a good choice except in summer when it can be quite crowded. If you like it well enough to stay, there are hotels and restaurants close by. It’s very entertaining to watch the weekend swimming contests in the beach pools.
Shopping is not to be forgotten in Sydney. Start with a trip to the Queen Victoria building in the city center. Besides a premier shopping destination, it is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Sydney. This is high end shopping with designs by Ralph Lauren and Gianni Versace. For some real fun try some bohemian shopping at King Street Newtown. Barefoot shoppers are picking up vintage garments, Asian house wares and used books. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to stop for a break and have lunch or a snack.
