Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbor Bridge is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks and one of the city’s most thrilling attractions. The bridge spans a 1,600-foot gap between the north and south shore and was completed in 1932. Eight lanes of traffic, two railway lines and pedestrian walkways run across the bridge, but you can also join a tour group to climb across the top of the bridge. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the city. If the height is too much for you, try climbing the 200 steps to the view from the Pylon Lookout.
Address: BridgeClimb starts at 3 Cumberland St., The Rocks. Enter the Pylon Lookout from the eastern pedestrian walkway. Use the “Bridge Stairs” in Cumberland Street.
Telephone: BridgeClimb (0)2 8274 7777. Pylon Lookout: (0)2 9240 1100.
Email:admin@bridgeclimb.com.
Website:www.bridgeclimb.com.
Hours of operation: Pylon Lookout: Daily, 10am – 5pm. BridgeClimb: Daily, at 10-minute intervals from early morning to evening.
Admission: BridgeClimb: Prices vary according to climb type and time of day. Pylon Lookout: Adults – A$11, Children (ages 5 to 12) – A$4.
The Rocks
Located at the end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this is the site of Australia's first European settlement, founded in 1788. Historical buildings, small craft shops and restaurants line the cobblestone streets and squares. Considered to be the birthplace of Australia, and there is a spectacular view of the Sydney Harbour at Pylon Lookout.
Telephone: (0)2 9240 8500
E-mail: therocks@shfa.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.therocks.com
Hours of operation: Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm
Sydney Opera House
The most famous opera house in the world is also Australia’s most recognizable architectural achievement; one simply cannot visit Sydney and not come here. The visually arresting white-sail design looms over a concert hall that seats more than 2,500 people and boasts world-class acoustics. And there are several other smaller performance spaces as well, and the entire complex is a constant hub of artistic activity of all types. Travelers take note: Free performances of various types are given outside on the boardwalks around the Opera House on Sunday afternoons.
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney Harbour
Telephone: (02) 9250 7111 (general information)
E-mail: infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com
Website: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Transport: Buses, trains and ferries go to Circular Quay, which is a five-minute walk to the Opera House.
Hours of operation: Guided tours daily, 9am-5pm (one hour); Box office for tickets to performances open Mon-Sat, 9am to 8:30pm, and on Sundays two hours before the scheduled performance time; Admission: Guided tour: A$23 (adults), concessions A$16
Royal Botanic Gardens
Originally the site of Australia’s first farm, this sprawling 70-plus acre collection of gardens is the heart of Australian horticulture. A network of paths and walkways lead visitors through a diverse collection of flower, fauna, ponds, and garden sculptures, and one path runs alongside Sydney Harbour, offering a beautiful view of the harbor and the Sydney Opera House.
Address: Mrs Macquaries Road
Telephone: (02) 9231 8111 or (02) 9231 8125 (weekends)
Website: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
Hours of operation: Hours vary by season, and rates (starting at free) depend on which parts of the gardens you want to see. Visit the website or call for more details.
