A visit to Sydney Harbour shows you why it’s considered one of the most beautiful harbors on earth. With over 240 kilometers (150 miles) of coastline, you’re treated to stunning views of unspoiled beaches, unique landmarks, and picturesque gardens. Some of Sydney Harbour’s sought-after spots include Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo Sydney, Bradley’s Head Amphitheatre, Sydney Harbour National Park, and Manly Beach. The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge that you might have seen in movies and pictures is also located in this region. To add to the harbour’s charm, it’s clean and easily walkable. Apart from walking, you can explore the attraction aboard a modern ferry. As you move around, you will notice nice eateries offering a wide range of food and drinks. For more tips and tricks, here’s a guide to Sydney Harbour.
Things to do
As Sydney Harbour is home to amazing tourist sites, you’ll always have plenty of things to engage in. Below are some of the activities.
Sail away on a ferry
Hop on a ferry and cruise along this Australian coastline. It’s an affordable way to see the extensive region. On your trip, you’ll get to see popular attractions such as Sidney Aquarium and Cockle Bay. The best thing about the ferry rides is that they take place both day and night.
See wild animals at Taronga Zoo Sydney
Taronga Zoo Sydney prides itself on having over 4000 animals. These animals include giraffes, tigers, and elephants. A tour around the zoo is both fun and educative at the same time. Apart from that, there’s a café in the facility where you can hang out and enjoy a snack.
Swim at Manly Beach
During a hot afternoon, head over to Manly Beach and take a dip in its clean and calm waters. The beach is one of the best in Sydney. Also, the beach’s large stretch is perfect for taking much-needed evening strolls.
Take leisurely walks around Chowder Bay Road
If walking around a travel destination is your thing, then you’ll love Chowder Bay Road. A leisurely stroll around it exposes you to a clean and well-maintained location that’s frequented by both locals and tourists. Furthermore, it has plenty of shade from the numerous trees around it.
Take pictures
A good way of capturing fun moments and beautiful destinations is by taking pictures. As Sydney Harbour is a picturesque location, it’s worth taking a picture to remember.
What to eat
Good food has a way of remaining on a tourist’s mind for a long period of time. Food joint owners in Sydney Harbour are aware of that and that’s why they go out of their way to offer a variety of delicious meals. Read below for a rundown of popular flavorful dishes.
Beef ribs at RASHAYS – Darling Harbour
This restaurant is famous for its halal barbecue meat. Try out their beef ribs to experience top-notch culinary skills. The ribs are not only tender but also prepared using fresh ingredients. Besides that, the food joint is clean and has great customer service.
Fish and chips at Blue Fish
Enjoy a mouthwatering plate of fish and chips at Blue Fish, a modern restaurant with a serene ambience. Food in the joint is served in generous portions and at pocket-friendly prices. To add to the restaurant’s charm, the perfectly cooked fish is crunchy, and it melts in your mouth.
Seafood platter at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant
Visit Nick’s Seafood Restaurant for tasty seafood that’s prepared with customers in mind. Indulge your taste buds by sampling their fillet steak and grilled prawns. What’s more, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surroundings from the establishment. You’ll also be served by welcoming and helpful staff.
Pork belly at Café Sydney
One must-try dish in Sydney Harbour is pork belly. Fortunately, Café Sydney serves this meal to the best of their ability. Besides, since this establishment is on the rooftop, you’re treated to uninterrupted harbour views.
Things to buy
Emu Oil
This oil is used to reduce inflammation. It’s, therefore, vital in curing skin disorders such as scars, rashes, and bug stings. Head over to Dixon Street to buy this natural product.
Opal jewelry
Buy creatively made opal jewellery at George Street and add them to your ornament collection. As they’re produced in large quantities, you’ll have a wide range of rare gemstones to choose from. Additionally, they are sold at affordable prices.
Akubra hats
Another good way of remembering Sydney Harbour is by taking home an Akubra hat. The hats come in different shapes and sizes and are made from rabbit fur. Akubra is the company that manufactures the headgear. The Rocks on George Street is one place you’ll find these headpieces being sold.
Penfolds Grange Wine
Australia being home to some of the oldest wineries in the world, you can be sure of getting mouthwatering wine. Grab yourself a bottle of Penfolds Grange Wine to enjoy in the future or as a gift. Check out Oxford Street vintage cellars as they stock a variety of Australian wines.
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Travelers tips
Walkable destination
You can walk around the harbour and its environs if you wish to do so. Instead of using a car, bicycle, or motorcycle to move around, you’re free to walk from one point to another.
Adhere to smoking rules and regulations
You’re not allowed to smoke in public places like a restaurant or a bus station. There are designated smoking zones that have been put up for smokers.
Sydney Tour Guide
Jo Henwood
Jo Henwood has been a Tour Guide since 1998, working primarily as a site Guide and Education Officer in many heritage sites around Sydney, building a rich understanding of Sydney’s history and culture, particularly around the Harbour. Jo is passionate about sharing stories about Sydney’s history, leading her own walking tours in Windsor and Liverpool, and women’s history tours of Sydney. Jo is an Accredited Storyteller with Australian Storytellers, an accredited Professional Guide with the Institute of Australian Tour Guides, and a member of Interpretation Australia and the Australian Folklore Network. She coordinates the Australian Fairy Tale Society. Jo’s qualifications include BA (Library Science), Tour Guiding Cert III, Grad Dip Museum Studies, Grad Cert Gifted Ed, and M. Cultural Heritage.
Tours by Jo
How to get there
Getting to Sydney Harbour shouldn’t be a hassle. Tourists access this destination using different modes of transport, including air, water, and land. If you’re using air, you alight at Sydney Airport then take a taxi or train to Sydney Harbour. There is also a good bus network with buses that transport people to the attraction and back. Other public means of transportation are ferries. They carry people around the harbour to destinations that are nestled on the shoreline. You can also hire a car and move around as you please.
Information section (from USD 34.0)
Sydney Harbour
Department of tourism: Sydney
Sydney Harbour Story Cruise
Duration: 2 hour
History
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