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Good to know about Sydney

Sydney is a vibrant and beautiful city with plenty to offer for the traveler looking for a unique and memorable experience. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. From the best things to do and see to where to eat and stay, we've got all the tips and tricks to ensure your next visit to Sydney is unforgettable.

History  

Sydney got its name after Lord Sydney. He was a British home secretary who arrived with the First Fleet, and Captain Arthur Phillip landed in January 1788. Phillip described the Sydney Cove colony as "the most secure harbor in the world.

Aboriginal people also have a long relationship with the harbor. This connection dates back at most 50,000 years before Phillip established Sydney Cove as Australia's first penal colony. The foreshore was home to more than 1,500 Aborigines at the time.

The colony's initial years were hard. First, four governors were appointed, and the colony was subject to a rebellion known as The Rum Rebellion. Governor Lachlan Macquarie was then put in charge. He restored order and charted a new path for NSW, Australia's first state as a free society.

In 1840, the transportation of convicts from Britain to America was stopped. The 1850s saw gold fever. Edward Hammond Hargraves discovered the first paid goldfields near Bathurst in Country NSW in February 1851. Besides, Australia's population had more than tripled by 1870.

Sydney is now one of the most multicultural cities in the world due to its immigration. It is home to more than 180 nationalities. Museums, heritage, and cultural tours. Not to mention the State Library of NSW on Macquarie Street. These will allow you to explore Sydney's past.

Best time to visit  

Sydney's best seasons are September-November and February-May when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowd isn't at its peak. So, because of Sydney's winter season, the best time to visit is June-August.

Things to do and Places to Visit  

There are many things to do and places to visit in Sydney. Below are just a few. 

Sydney Harbour Bridge  

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was constructed as a government employment project during World War II. It took close to 10 years for the project to be completed. It was the most significant steel arch bridge in that era. Today, it is the 8th-longest span-arch bridge in the entire world. It is also 1,149 meters high above the water. This architectural achievement is quite impressive.

Sydney Harbour: Beyond the Opera House

Sydney Harbour is stunning from all angles. First, you can visit Mrs. Macquarie's Chair to view the Sydney Opera House and Walsh Bay. After that, swing by for a tour backstage. Besides, you can easily reach the Harbour Bridge. Daredevils can climb to the top or ride on Luna Park's rides. 

Try Circular Quay or the historic Rocks for more walking adventures. You can even go on the water to explore the many creeks that run from Camp Cove to Darling Harbour. Then, you can camp the night on Cockatoo Island.

The Blue Mountains  

Over the millennia, this park's ancient sandstone has been weathered into gorges separated by narrow ridges. Moreover, it is free to visit this area. The train takes approximately two hours. Enjoy the Three Sisters rock formation, especially at sunset and in the evening floodlights.

It is worth a day of hiking along the trails that offer stunning views of the valley and its sheer rock walls, tumble waterfalls, and beautiful forests. You might also consider the Grand Canyon Track, Six Foot Track, and Katoomba Falls.

Royal National Park

You can find the Nasho, a refuge for some bushwalking or rainforest, south of Sydney. You can also enjoy Australia's diverse fauna and flora by visiting the park's incredible scenery along its shoreline. Besides, find your fix in Port Jackson at Taronga Zoo and Royal Botanical Gardens.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

The museum has five floors full of impressive collections. It is in extensive parklands that overlook Sydney Harbour. Besides, its art is equally iconic. The well-deserved platform is given to contemporary Australian and Aboriginal art, which hangs among the old European masters.

It is a must-see destination for all visitors worldwide, as it celebrates international art at every level. Moreover, tourists can take a ferry to the area for an unforgettable day.

Queen Victoria Building

The building was initially constructed as a marketplace in 19th-century Sydney. It covers an entire block of central Sydney. This mall houses more than 200 specialty shops and high-end retail. Moreover, the mall sparkles from head to toe with mosaic-tiled floors and stained-glass windows. Its exterior design is also an impressive feat of design. 

Hunter Valley

Australia's oldest wine-growing region is home to some of the finest wines in the world. The Hunter Valley is home to some of the most exquisite wines, restaurants like Muse or Bistro Molines, and golf courses. Besides, balloon Aloft hot-air balloons take you to breathtaking sunrises.

Culture and Customs  

Sydneysiders are open to tourists and immigrants from around the world today. Besides, the diversity of this city in the Down Under has made it a hub for music, arts, and cuisine.

However, despite its size, Australia's largest city is famous for being friendly and laid back. Aussies are well-known for their sarcasm and their open-mindedness. However, it is possible to navigate the city of Sydney without learning any foreign language. Be sure to brush up on your Aussie slang before you go. The key phrases to remember are "fair dinkum," which means genuine, "g'day," which means hello, and "I reckon." Also, keep an eye on your possessions.

Furthermore, remember Australia's driving culture. As in other former British colonies like South Africa and Guyana, Aussies go on one side of the road. As such, pedestrians must look to the left, right, and left again before crossing the street. It is also important to note that tips are not required for taxi passengers. Taxi drivers are known to try to get customers to tip them. However, you should not give a gratuity to a driver if you're using taxis for transportation.

What to Eat  

There are large numbers of Asian and European immigrants to Sydney, so it is not surprising that Sydney's food has elements from other cultures. And Medusa Greek Taverna and Fortune Village Chinese Restaurant are some of the best restaurants in the area that offer international food. You will also find many ethnic-specific neighborhoods like Haymarket's Chinatown, Leichhardt (an Italian-centric district), and Little Saigon at Cabramatta.

Besides, it may be challenging to find something Australian if you would rather not eat the region's diverse cuisine. Other cultures heavily influence modern Australian cuisine. As such, you will not find many dishes not affected by these different cultures. But meat is an integral part of Aussie food. Also, Sydney's location on the seaside means that seafood is a significant part of the Sydneysiders' diet.

Local delicacies include meat pie, damper, and Vegemite. However, some Sydneysiders may also prefer something sweeter such as ANZAC biscuits, Tim Tams, and lamingtons.

You can also find top-quality food at seasonal food festivals here. For example, check out Sydney's Night Noodle Markets if you visit in October. These markets feature 50 Asian food stands near Hyde Park. Besides, the taste of Sydney, which features more than 60 different tasting dishes, live entertainment, and a three-day festival, is available in November.

Where to Stay  

We have highlighted the top areas in Sydney to help you make the most out of your stay. Many boutique hotels offer elegant rooms and suites along with a rooftop pool or infinity pool. 

Circular Quay and the Rocks  

The Rocks and Circular Quay meet at the Harbour Bridge. The city's northern end is where you will find the bus stop, train station, and ferry terminal. The Rocks has cobblestone streets with elegant restaurants, trendy bars, charming shops, and historic buildings. Besides, you can always see the iconic Harbour Bridge or Opera House. Just a few steps away, you will find the Royal Botanical Gardens, Darling Harbour's shopping precinct, and the city center.

Kings Cross  

The majority of theaters are in the city center. The Rocks offer old-fashioned but stylish pubs with live music, outdoor seats, and stunning views. Kings Cross is also home to bars, cheap eats, and gambling areas. Because so many places are open 24 hours, it is often more crowded at midnight than at midday. 

Surry Hills

Surry Hills is in the southeast corner of Sydney's Central Business District. It has long been known as one of the most fashionable areas in Sydney. It is also a great place to shop until you drop. However, the appeal of this area goes far beyond just shopping. There are many unique and creative dining options. Moreover, many warehouses have been turned into art galleries or beautiful homes. It is an excellent place for foodies, young people, and anyone who wants to see Oxford Street.

Coogee

This area is ideal for those who enjoy a relaxed beach vibe without all the chaos of Bondi Beach. You can reach this area from Sydney's eastern suburbs in under 30 minutes. Besides, Coogee offers a family-friendly, youthful feel. So this is an excellent choice if you want lots of beach time. Moreover, the Wylie Baths, which are fantastic rock pools perfect for swimming, are close to Gordons Bay.

Darling Harbour

This is the area that families love. It is very popular with tourists because of the many attractions that line the waterfront. You can also find all types of dining, the Sydney Aquarium, and IMAX. In addition, there are lots of shops and nightclubs in this area. Besides, consider Darling Harbour if you are traveling with kids.

Central Business District

The CBD of Sydney is the center of it all. It is home to skyscrapers, banks, commerce, and more. This is not only for men in suits and ties. The area is home to many attractions, such as the Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden, and other notable sites. Also, this is where you'll find the best food and the most stylish hotels. While you won't find many unique shops, vintage treasures, or flea markets in the city, you can still experience the excitement of big-city living.

How to Get Around  

Sydney Trains are the best way around Sydney. All of Sydney's rail routes are simple for new users, but the City Circle Line is ideal for tourists who wish to explore the city's most popular attractions. There are also many routes on the bus system that run through the city. But you will be subject to traffic jams. For driving in the town, renting a car is recommended. Also, while walking is an excellent way to see any city's sights, Sydney is far too large to explore on foot. For stunning views, a ferry trip is a must.

How to Stay Safe  

While there isn't much information about criminal acts against tourists in Sydney, visitors must be aware of potential dangers. Gang violence and illegal activities are all problems everywhere. However, Sydney has a safety rating of 80%, which makes it one of the most secure cities in the world.

In Sydney, transportation, such as taxis, is safe. These facts aside, tourists should be cautious and stay on the train and bus stations with many people. Also, it is always best to hire licensed taxis. Moreover, be aware that there are sometimes extreme weather conditions in Sydney. Too much sunbathing could be dangerous for your skin.