Welcome, you’ve just arrived in Sydney – Australia’s largest city and the one most people around the world are likely to name-check. From the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to the shopping mecca of Pitt Street Mall, to the sun and sand of Bondi, Sydney is a globally renowned city for a reason. There’s a lot to see and even more to do.
So pop in and hire a car from the convenient Hertz CBD location (you’ll need one, given the infamous state of Sydney’s public transport), and get started on your adventure. You’re going to enjoy it here.
A global city with a beachside culture
If you want to start your trip by soaking in the beautiful scenery the city has to offer, the various harbour outlooks and the array of stunning shoreline lookout spots give visitors access to painting-like settings around every corner. And with all that soaking in of scenery out of the way, it will definitely be time to hit the beach.
The northern beaches, including Manly and Shelly beaches, are famous for their ideal surfing and snorkelling conditions. They’re popular, they’re easily accessible, and they won’t let you down. Meanwhile, beaches such as Balmoral and Chinamans are less frequented by the everyday tourist, so better for those who want to have every bit as much fun in the surf and sand, but have to step over fewer people to do it. And if you get bored lying on the beach with a good book (to each their own, we suppose) the Spit to Manly walk will take you along the coastline of these beaches for a challenging 10K trek to get the blood pumping and offering the opportunity to take in yet more stunning scenery.
On the south side of the bridge perch the popular beaches of the eastern suburbs. Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, and Coogee (just to name a few) are the main strip of beaches. Bondi, easily the most famous of all the Sydney Beaches, offers the advantage of endless tourist delights right on the water-front, from bars to restaurants to shops and everything in between. Plus, the Bondi to Coogee walk winds you across the coast on an easy one-hour journey, where you’ll adventure through various beaches and coves (including the four previously mentioned). The waters are blue, and the waves aplenty.
Shopping, eating and experiencing Sydney’s finest
For a taste of the creative part of the city, head to Newtown. There, you’ll find a plethora of unique shops, eclectic restaurants, and an abundance of street art. Thai, Mediterranean, Italian, you name it – this enclave has you covered.
Of course, how could you forget to spend time in Circular Quay and The Rocks? This is where the world-famous Sydney Opera House perches in its glory, overlooking the Harbour Bridge and surrounding waterfront. In an effervescent hub full of restaurants, shops, and bars, don’t miss calamari at the Opera Bar or a trip to The Rocks markets on the weekends. If you are a thrill seeker looking for the best vantage point, the Harbour Bridge’s ‘BridgeClimb’ or Sydney Tower’s Skywalk will give you the panoramic views of the city you’re after.
The downtown districts of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills boast heaps of fashionable shops, quaint pubs, intimate cocktail bars, and delicious restaurants, appeasing your desire for an evening out on the town. Bars such as Shady Pines, Oxford Art Factory, or This Must Be the Place won’t disappoint. This area is also known for its expressionism – think live music, vintage stores, art galleries, and the centre of the LGBTQI community.
So much to see and do in Australia’s largest city
Other must-dos: take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden to be swept into a different (and greener) world, also home to the Governor of New South Wales and various historic tributes. Watsons Bay sits on the south side of the Harbour Bridge, but is tucked away in the northeast corner. The views of the open ocean are striking, with beaches, parks, and trails open for exploration. Next door, Double Bay is also a happening spot for a night out or for exploring swanky boutique shops.
Of course, with so much to see and do in this city it can be hard to drag yourself away. But really it is worth taking full advantage of that rental car you’ve picked up and getting out of town into the surrounding countryside as well. Just outside of Sydney you’ll find the Blue Mountains, which boast some of Australia’s most stunning natural beauty and truly unique townships where the locals will treat you to hospitality to rival anywhere on the planet.
Drive around in NSW while you’re here – you won’t regret it.
