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Perhaps the most famous of all Sydney attractions is the Sydney Opera House, an architectural achievement that is nothing short of an icon to world travellers. The next most famous piece of architecture in the city is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a structure that local residents use on a daily basis and that visitors make a point of crossing as part of their exploration of the city itself. It is free to walk or ride a bicycle across the bridge, and for the really adventurous you can actually climb up and over the arch thanks to a tour company called BridgeClimb.
One of the unique aspects of Sydney is the wonderful mix of older architectural structures as well as more modern architectural structures. Sydney Tower is an ultra modern skyscraper in the heart of the city, while numerous Victorian era buildings include the Queen Victoria Building, the Sydney Town Hall, and more. Most of these locations welcome visitors so check in advance to determine what types of tours and open areas are available.
As the host city for the 2000 Summer Olympics, Sydney was thrust onto the world stage and much of that splendour and spectacle remains. The people are incredibly friendly and diverse, and the many buildings and structures from the Olympics have done nothing but add to the unique attributes of Sydney as a city and as a travel destination.
Despite its modern and dynamic features, Sydney is also rich in history both geographic and man made. For instance, some of the earliest settlement sites for the city are extremely well preserved and accessible at The Rocks, and the scenic walk from The Spit to Manly takes you along the coastal stretch of Sydney Harbour where some phenomenal artillery fortifications were built directly into the cliffs back in the 19th century.
Sydney is also a great place to visit if you want to see and experience the native wildlife of Australia. Some of the most popular attractions include Featherdale Wildlife Park, the Koala Park Sanctuary, the Australian Reptile Park, Luna Park, and Taronga Zoo. Whale watching is another extremely interesting way to see nature in its glory, and there are numerous reputable tour operators based in Sydney Harbour.
You can spend several days just exploring Sydney Harbour itself, both on the water and along the shore. Catch one of the many ferries that criss cross the harbour, or visit one of several small islands in the harbour that are accessible for picnics and general enjoyment. One of the most famous of these islands is Fort Denison, originally built as a fortress designed to protect the city from a seaward attack. You can tour the fortress and the rest of island in a self guided way or as part of an organized tour, and even enjoy a terrific brunch out on the island at Cadman's Cottage.
Air travel to and from Sydney is easy and convenient via Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport. There are more than thirty five air carriers providing service to this airport, including international airlines as well as domestic airlines with connecting flights to other parts of Australia. Transportation into the city is also easy and convenient, thanks to the terrific CityRail commuter rail infrastructure, numerous mini bus companies, plenty of taxis, and of course car rentals of all types and sizes. Be sure to check with the hotel where you plan to stay because they may offer a discount on transportation from the airport or even a free courtesy shuttle in some cases.
Sydney is truly a wonderful destination for travel, whether you plan to spend all of your time there or use it as a jumping off point for other parts of Australia. When you go be sure to take your sunscreen, your camera, and your sense of adventure.
Wiki:- Sydney
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