Your first route in the city
Greater Sydney from the sky
Impressive natural scenery, relaxed atmosphere, world famous architectural essays, point of attraction for all the cultures present in Australia, the city of Sydney is simply superb and exceptional to discover.
Our suggested activity: Private Helicopter Flight Over Sydney Harbor Highlights
Built on the sea, in an urban organization that permanently integrates water, green spaces and modern buildings, the first landing place of English settlers remains one of the most beautiful and liveliest places in Australia.
In this article, we offer you a discovery itinerary that allows you to see some of Sydney's great attractions, trying not to miss the best viewpoints to discover them the first time.
« Mrs. Macquarie’s Point » et la baie de Sydney Cove
View of Sydney from Mrs Macquarie's Point
The start of this route begins in the northwest of Sydney in the city's botanic gardens.
The northern tip of the city, at “Mrs. Macquarie's Point” is the best place to catch a glimpse of Sydney Harbor for the first time, as the “Opera House” is right in front of you with the “Harbour Bridge” in the background.
It is also an excellent vantage point at dawn and dusk.
You can then follow in the footsteps of the "Sydneysiders" and come and jog every morning while admiring the view.
The City and the Opera
The name of this place, "Mrs. Macquarie point", comes from a habit of Governor Macquarie's wife.
Every day from 1810 to 1821, when her husband was Governor of New South Wales, she came to scan the sea and wait for the ship from England, laden with food and news for the colony. At the time, she unfortunately could not admire, like you, the bridge and the Opera of the city or the residential districts of the shores of Sydney Cove!
Sydney Botanical Gardens and Opera House
View of the CBD from the Botanic garden
The 'Botanic Gardens' then stretch out in front of you, along the bay, to the esplanade of the 'Opera House' and the start of Sydney's famous central 'Circular Quay'.
Originally designed to be the continent's first cultivated land, settlers soon realized the barrenness of the sandy land around Sydney.
The “Farm” of the botanical gardens was therefore transferred to Paramatta and, since that day, the various royal gardeners have been toiling to grow on the “Domain” all the vegetation of Australia and England!
In the center of the garden is also the “Government House” built in 1843 as the residential quarters of the Governor of New South Wales and which you can visit.
Arrival at the Opera House
Through the gardens, the arrival on the "Opera House" of Sydney opens the view on "Circular quay" and the rest of the business district of the city.
You can take advantage of the guided tours organized every day to visit the interior of the Opera and its audacious architecture.
But rather take advantage of your visit to buy, at the last minute, the best supersaver seats that become available for the evening opera (the ticket offices are in the main building).
You will be able to admire the interior of the room for a very low price while enjoying an excellent show.
The view of the CBD and the business district
From "Circular Quay", several routes are available to you!
You can continue ahead west of the city and visit the beautiful Rocks area.
You can also decide to take one of the many shuttle boats that serve Sydney's huge residential suburbs on either side of the bay.
An excursion to Manly is, for example, an excellent option, as it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful boat trips in Sydney.
On the way back, the sun sets just behind the "Harbour Bridge" and the Opera!
Finally you can also decide to go down south and go for a walk in the city center.
La City
downtown architectural mix
Sydney's city center is a permanent mix of all the architectural styles that have succeeded each other in Australia.
The huge office towers are interspersed with small 30s buildings with a slightly New York style or historic buildings, such as the “Sydney Town Hall”, the “Queen Victoria Building” or the “Strand Arcade”.
Do not miss a stroll in the city center which allows you to realize the relaxed atmosphere and the quality of life when you are lucky enough to live in Sydney all year round.
view from the revolving bar
Finally, to end your day, nothing better than having a drink at the top of one of Sydney's tallest towers, right in the city centre.
A revolving bar, the "Orbit Lounge Bar", is indeed installed on the 47th floor of the tower and allows you to enjoy an incredible 360° view of the city, day and night.
The rates are not prohibitive and the experience is truly fun and unforgettable.
Useful information
Wimdu: Apartment rentals in the capital
The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney: information, visit, events
The Sydney Opera House company: to check the show you want to see and the times
Public transport in Sydney: for all your trips by bus, train, metro, ferry in Sydney
Sydney Ferry: Ferry service from Circular Quay Ferry Terminal to all SYdney beaches and suburbs
The "Orbit Lounge Bar": revolving bar for a 360° view of the city!
Summit Restaurant and Orbit Lounge Bar, Level 47, Australia Square, Sydney.
