Sydney Harbour Helicopter Tour photo courtesy kyletaylor on Flickr

Sydney is Australia’s most iconic city. With well-known landmarks such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Rocks, Taronga Zoo and the golden beaches, it’s easy to follow in the footsteps of previous visitors to the city. For a unique view of Sydney, try something a little different: take a helicopter tour.

Click here to read more about helicopter tours in Sydney.

Helicopter Tours in Sydney from Sydney Things to Do

Sydney was Australia’s first settlement

Botany Bay – to the south of the city – was the first place that settlers landed in Australia, but it was soon deemed unsuitable for habitation. When searching for the site of the country’s first settlement, Arthur Philip and his fellow officers found a freshwater inlet at Sydney Cove and the First Fleet established Sydney on the 26^th January 1788. These days, that original fresh water source is covered by the city above it, but twice a year a tour runs to this highly significant part of Sydney’s history.

Sydney is home to Australia’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibit

Every year in late October, the Bondi to Tamarama coastline comes alive. Sculpture by the Sea is a sculptural exhibition that aims to create a major free public arts event for Sydney and artists worldwide apply for their work to be exhibited. With sculptures like giant flowers made out of rubbish, oversized sunglasses, abstract glasswork and more it’s a shame the exhibit isn’t seen by more visitors.

Sculpture by the Sea (Shell Bridge). Photo courtesy of penreyes via Flickr.

The famous ‘Coathanger’ design of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was decided by a competition

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is arguably the most well-known landmark of Sydney, but did you know that the design was decided upon after a worldwide competition? Designs including cantilever bridges, and even a three-pronged bridge were submitted for the competition that ran three times before construction of the bridge began.

A fifth of the entire population of Australia lives in Sydney

The city and its surrounds contain around 4.6 million of the continent’s 22.6 million people. Only Melbourne comes close to holding as much of the population, though the populace in Sydney city is far denser. The greater Sydney area covers 12,145km² from Campbelltown to Brooklyn at the Hawkesbury River and Penrith in the west.

Not all artwork in Sydney is in museums

Wendy’s Secret Garden is cared for by the wife of Australian artist Brett Whitely, and is often referred to as an artwork in itself. What was a derelict land beside the railway line in Lavender Bay is now a beautiful array of flowers, trees and the occasional sculpture. Since Wendy began cultivating it 18 years ago the garden has blossomed, attracting new bird populations and becoming a popular spot with locals.

Sydney Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair photo courtesy of avilasal on Flickr

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair offers the best view of the harbour in all of Sydney

Obviously there are countless vantage points in Sydney, but the chair on Mrs Macquarie’s Point is little-known and offers stunning views of both the Bridge and the Opera House. It’s also not well-known that the chair was carved from the native sandstone by convicts under the orders of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. It’s said she used to sit on the bench and watch for ships bearing news from England.

Sydney is a multicultural center

A diverse range of ethnicities and cultures call Sydney home. More than 30% of Sydney’s inhabitants were born overseas, ranking it 7th in the world for people born elsewhere. The majority come from the United Kingdom, followed by China, New Zealand, Lebanon, Vietnam and Italy and 30% of the population of Sydney speak a language other than English at home.

Sydney used to be the home of Australia’s organized crime

Most of us know about Sydney’s present, and something about its origins as Australia’s earliest settlement, but what about the bits that happened in between? In the 1920s, Sydney became the foremost location for organized crime in Australia, and inspired 4 of the 5 Underbelly seasons. For the rest of the 20th Century Sydney was home to gangster wars, mysteries, robberies, crimes, scandals – the city saw it all. Though our infamous past is now behind us, walking tours of Sydney take visitors to the sites where it all went down.

Luna Park Sydney photo courtesy Sarah Ackerman via Flickr

Luna Park Sydney was almost shut down several times in the 78 years it’s been open

The wide-eyed grin of the entrance to Sydney’s Luna Park is instantly recognizable as an icon of Sydney Harbour, but the amusement park almost didn’t make it to the present day. The park held its grand opening in October 1935 to immediate success. Since then, the park has reopened 3 times and been on the brink of permanent closure several more. Luna Park is now protected by government legislation and is one of Sydney Harbour’s most iconic sights. With the slogan ‘Just for Fun!,’ Luna Park is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Sydney.

Sydney used to have a train especially for transporting bodies

Catch a train into Central Station and you might notice an impossibly ornate structure covering an abandoned line. This is the Regent Street Station, originally named as the Mortuary Station. As the cemeteries in Sydney began to fill (including one next to what is now Central Station), the city dedicated a new cemetery outside the city. From 1869 to 1938, the Mortuary Train left from its station near Central and carried coffins and mourners to an almost identical station at Rookwood Cemetery. After the train to the cemetery stopped running, the station name was changed to Regent Street.

- Lindsey Hodder

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Sydney from Sydney Things to Do

Sydney by Helicopter

Sydney is arguably the most visited city in Australia. With so many tourists visiting from both domestic and international locations every year, it’s hard to find a unique experience to really make your time in the city special – especially on your honeymoon. We’ve put together a list our most recommended things to do on your honeymoon in Sydney.

Take a Private Helicopter Flight

For a grand introduction to the city – whether it’s your first visit or not – the breathtaking sight of Sydney from above is an unforgettable experience. A private helicopter flight over Sydney city lets you take in all the sights with a birds’ eye view, and includes lunch on the waterfront at Peter Doyle @ the Quay.

Experience the Opera House at Its Best

It’s Sydney’s most beautiful building, but there’s more to the Sydney Opera House than its famous white sails. Regular performances grace the halls inside, and what better experience for your honeymoon than seeing something you might normally pass up? The Sydney Opera House website lists current operas, ballets and theatre events. There’s something truly magical about seeing a world-class production come to life in elaborate theatres.

Go on a Whale Watching Cruise

Continuing the theme of unforgettable experiences, turn your sights to the path of migrating whales. Whilst not unique wildlife to Sydney, our coastline is one of the best places in the world to witness humpback, southern wright wales, schools of orca or possibly the elusive giant blue whale. The whale watching season typically runs from May through to the beginning of November and many cruise providers offer a sighting guarantee. Make sure to bring your camera!

Spend a Day in Luxury at the Hunter Valley Wineries

Imagine being picked up at your hotel and driven in style through the gorgeous Sydney bushland before pausing at a winery. You glide from the car to the cellar door and partake in tasting some of Australia’s most celebrated wines before being whisked off for more sightseeing and then it’s time to stop at another winery – this time for a tasting and a lavish lunch overlooking a sweeping vineyard. A private tour of wineries in the Hunter Valley can make this dream a reality.

 - Lindsey Hodder

Things to Do on Your Honeymoon in Sydney from Sydney Things to Do

Skiing at Thredbo – photo by avlxyz via Flickr

Believe it or not, winter snow skiing opportunities are but a hop, skip and a jump from Sydney city. Just head to the Snowy Mountains, about a half day’s drive to the south, and find yourself gliding down the slopes in no time.

The main Snowy Mountains destinations are Thredbo and Perisher ski resorts, and those that venture to ski at Perisher generally find accommodation in the town of Jindabyne. Thredbo on the other hand is considered the more popular destination for ski enthusiasts as it is also laden with hotels and motels and various additional activities beyond skiing. Alternatively, Cooma makes for a lovely mountain town stay from where it is possible to leave early in the morning for the slopes each day.

The Thredbo ski area guarantees snow given it owns a large snow-making facility. Another great perk would be the claim that it takes visitors up to the highest lifted point in all of Australia. Combined with slopes to please beginners to the well-practiced, a snowboarding park and long runs, no wonder many of Australians and visitors alike choose Thredbo.

For those that don’t own their own ski equipment, several locations in the ski resorts rent them out. Another place to look for gear is the Snowy Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne.

Choose from 3 or 6 day trips to the Snowy Mountains through a couple tours offered at Viator. These tours include transport from Sydney or Canberra, 3 or 6 nights accommodation, transport to the slopes, daily breakfast and a 1-2 dinners depending on the package. It seems like a great way to have less stress when planning a trip to the snow.

Read more: 7 Reasons to Visit Sydney in Winter

-Brooke Schoenman

Skiing Around Sydney from Sydney Things to Do

Sydney Cruise Ship – photo by 4nitsirk via Flickr

Sydney remains a coveted destination for cruise ship visitors, and the popularity of a port stopover continues to grow. The year of 2013 will see 265 cruise ship visits to the port at beautiful Sydney Harbour where travelers then get the opportunity to explore the city’s top attractions. Timing varies by cruise ship itinerary, so sometimes travelers must keep track of how long they have for their shore excursions. The best options are to visit the attractions closest to the harbor, or to sign up for a guided shore excursion.

The Overseas Passenger Terminal where large cruise ships dock is located just around the corner from Circular Quay at the lower section of the Rocks district. For short-term visitors to Sydney, this couldn’t be in a better location. Within minutes, one can visit Darling Harbour, walk across or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, wander through the Rocks, explore the Sydney Opera House or head to the top of the Sydney Tower.

However, for those that wish to be taken from point to point without the worry of checking the time every other minute, guided shore excursions make a better option. Viator also has several Sydney shore excursions on offer, including the Sydney BridgeClimb, boat tours and more.

To make the most of a shore excursion, planning ahead is key. Choose the top attractions that interest you about a city and plan a shore itinerary. Cruise ships are an incredible experience on their own, but there is something to be said for getting onto land, trying out restaurants that aren’t the same as on the boat and running into locals instead of bumping into other cruise ship passengers night after night. Make the most of your time on-land in the beautiful city of Sydney.

-Brooke Schoenman

Sydney for Cruise Visitors from Sydney Things to Do

Sydney ferry at Circular Quay.

As a day to day form of transportation, the ferry would not rank high in usefulness for most travelers in Sydney. However, for certain destinations, as well as a feeling of being on the waters of Sydney Harbour, the ferry definitely ranks high.

Often listed as one of our budget-friendly things to do in Sydney, hopping on a ferry offers a somewhat similar version of a Sydney Harbour cruise for a fraction of the cost.

From Sydney city, the ferry terminal is located at Circular Quay, which is also right next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Rocks district and the Sydney Opera House.

Twenty-eight vessels complete the Sydney ferry fleet, and destinations include:

• Taronga Zoo
• Double Bay
• Darling Harbour
• Mosman
• Manly
• Cockatoo Island
• Parramatta

When looking for a ticket for the ferry, you will need to choose between MyFerry1 and MyFerry2 tickets. MyFerry1 tickets are useful for rides under 9km in length and cost $5.80 for one way, while the MyFerry2 tickets are used for rides over 9km in length and cost $7.20. However, 20% discounts are included in the MyFerry10 tickets when used for single rides.

An extremely popular ferry route is from Circular Quay to Manly, which is a 30 minute route and includes free wifi for those on board. A visit to Manly beach makes a great alternative to the crowded beaches of Sydney’s east and especially Bondi.

Cronulla ferries, which are separate to the official city ferry service, operates Cronulla to Bundeena ferry services, with Bundeena being right on the shores of the Royal National Park. An adult ticket, each way, costs $6.50 with last service running between 6-7pm depending on the day of the week and the direction.

Read more about how to get around Sydney

-Brooke Schoenman

Ferries in Sydney from Sydney Things to Do

Vivid Sydney Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of Snapper’s Pics via Flickr.

Sydney’s Vivid Festival brings the city to life (and into light) every year, and it promises to do the same starting May 24, 2013.

“Colouring the city with creativity and inspiration,” says the Vivid Sydney website.

Vivid Sydney highlights include mesmerising light installations that cover some of Sydney’s most well-known and largest buildings and monuments, local and international musicians, and talks and public forums from those that lead in creative thinking. The majority of the festival takes Sydneysiders outdoors and is said to attract around 500,000 people each year.

Events that should not be missed:

• The Lighting of the Sails – A highlight of Vivid Sydney each year is the lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails with colorful projected artwork. Each evening, from 6pm to midnight, the sails are lit, making it even more amazing an icon to photograph.
• Vivid Light Walk – Also occurring every night of the event is the Vivid Light Walk along the Sydney Harbour foreshore. Follow the light displays and interactive light art sculptures all the way from Sydney Opera House to Walsh Bay.
• VIVID Behind the Scenes tour of the Opera House - Go behind-the-scenes at VIVID LIVE, entering through the stage door and going backstage, into the theaters and the green room to the stars of VIVID LIVE.

For more information, and booking into ticketed events, go to www.vividsydney.com.

-Brooke Schoenman

Lights, Music and Ideas at Vivid Sydney from Sydney Things to Do

Discover some hidden beaches in Sydney.

Sydney’s beaches are a top attraction. Locals know it, visitors know it, and many of the most well-known beaches can see dozens of thousands of people in a single day. If that sounds crowded, then you might be a person on the lookout for those hidden and secret beaches instead. Although we understand that sharing secret and hidden beaches means they will no longer be as such to the public, the area is blessed with mile after mile of coastline meaning hidden beaches in Sydney are really a dime a dozen.

Milk Beach

Milk Beach in Vaucluse may be small in size, but its pristine surrounds make up for that fact. Made of sandy beach, and located in the Sydney Harbour National Park, this beach makes the perfect location for weekend or lunchtime picnics. Paths along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk pass through this area as well.

Obelisk Beach

Obelisk Beach is an interesting addition to this list, but because of its lower attendance, seclusion and location on the harbor, we feel it deserves a mention. Just be warned that Obelisk is a clothing optional beach, so it might not be family friendly in that case. Located off Mosman, the beach provides a great lookout onto the harbor and without the traditional crowd one might find at somewhere like Bondi.

Lady Martins Beach

Lady Martins is little known to most of Sydney, probably because it is located next to the most expensive suburbs – Point Piper. Find this beach in Felix Bay, past the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club.

Other hidden beaches worth exploring

• Little Congwong Beach – in Botany Bay National Park
• Shelly Beach – near Manly
• Jibbon Beach – in the Royal National Park
• Resolute Beach – in West Head

-Brooke Schoenman

Best Hidden Beaches in Sydney from Sydney Things to Do

Seeing a show at Sydney Opera House

Ballets, musicals, comedy shows and concerts fill event calendars in Sydney, so the possibility of booking into a night out or two during your stay is extremely high. The most coveted destination for a show in Sydney would be at the world famous Sydney Opera House, right on the stunning Sydney Harbour, as it had been constructed inside to produce and carry the richest, warmest sound. Other popular show locations include the ANZ Stadium, the State Theatre, and the Allphones Arena.

As a visitor to Sydney, we at Viator would highly recommend a show at the Sydney Opera House for a real Sydney experience. You can easily book a ticket for the show on its own and make a night of it by exploring the luxurious world of Sydney dining, plus a drink at Opera Bar in advance. All three items are recommended in our one day in Sydney itinerary.

Or, you can book a combined show pass. Several options are available on Viator that include a ticket to an opera or other show and a tour of the Opera House itself. For the best value for your money, why not go for the larger package that includes dinner as well.

Depending on the type of show, bookings may be hard to get if you wait too long. This will be common with big name concerts and opening days for musicals.

Always plan ahead is the motto for travel in general, and that also applies to Sydney shows.

-Brooke Schoenman

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Sydney tours and things to do, Sydney attractions, and Sydney travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in Sydney for a customized tour!

Seeing a Show in Sydney from Sydney Things to Do

How to spend one day in Sydney.

Planning the perfect day in Sydney could go every which way depending on your personal travel style. With beaches galore, big city comforts, a glorious harbor, food of international flare, mountains and rainforest filled national park… one has to pick and choose wisely in order to create the perfect day. We’ve been racking our brains at Viator, so here’s what we recommend if you have to cram in one last brilliant day in Sydney city.

Start your morning with a stop at a Sydney cafe.
Sydneysiders love a good coffee, so why not grab a solid brew and brekky to start the day off right. You have a lot of day ahead of you! Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Bondi are all great locations with cafe strips. If you choose the latter, you can easily follow that up with a nice walk along the beach.

Walk off breakfast on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
A simple path connects the coastal beaches from Bondi down to Coogee, so it makes a great way to spend a couple of hours exercising and catching picture-perfect views of Sydney’s east coast. The walk takes a couple of hours depending on your speed.

>> As an alternative, start your day with a morning surf lesson on Bondi Beach followed by breakfast.

Explore the Rocks.
The Rocks district is where Sydney all started, and the cobblestone streets speak of its age. It is here that you can hit up small shops, cafes and bars, and if you’re lucky, the weekend markets will entertain.

See Sydney from above.
In the later afternoon, we suggest heading up to get a better view of Sydney. How about the world famous BridgeClimb? If that’s not an option, try the Pylon Lookout. Have a look at this list of options for grabbing a view in Sydney.

Grab sunset drinks at Opera Bar.
We hope you packed a good day bag because tossing on a nicer top and heading to Opera Bar, right next to the opera house on the harbor, is the perfect place to ring in the evening.

Plan some dinner and evening entertainment.
While we suggest a high class dining menu for your perfect evening, Sydney is home to a wide selection of restaurants that would make the casual eater happy. Choose from pub grub, Asian food in Chinatown, or a gourmet affair in Surry Hills. Afterwards, grab a show, relax in a trendy small bar, or live it up on Oxford Street.

-Brooke Schoenman

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Sydney tours and things to do, Sydney attractions, and Sydney travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in Sydney for a customized tour!

How to Spend One Day in Sydney from Sydney Things to Do