Harbour Bridge
One of Sydney's most famous landmarks, the Harbour Bridge (known locally as the 'Coat Hanger') was completed in 1932 after claiming 16 lives during its construction. The bridge spans the 1,600ft gap from the north to the south shore, which was previously only accessible by ferry, and accommodates pedestrian walkways, two railway lines and an eight-lane road. Visitors can experience the bridge in an adventurous way by climbing to the top as part of an organized group for breathtaking views and a feeling of personal achievement. For the less daring 200 steps lead to the Pylon Lookout for equally fantastic views at 285ft above the water, with three levels of exhibits on the way up depicting the history and construction of the bridge.
Address: BridgeClimb starts at 5 Cumberland Street, The Rocks. Entry to the Pylon Lookout is from the pedestrian walkway on the Eastern side of the Bridge from the city; use the Bridge Stairs in Cumberland Street
Telephone: BridgeClimb: (0)2 8274 7777; Pylon Lookout: (0)2 9240 1100
E-mail:admin@bridgeclimb.com
Web site:www.bridgeclimb.com
Opening time: Pylon Lookout: daily 10am to 5pm. BridgeClimb operates daily at 10-minute intervals from early morning to evening
Admission: BridgeClimb: day and night climbs A$165 (adults); Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sunday day climbs are A$185; all twilight climbs are A$245. Prices increase in July and August. Pylon Lookout: A$8.50 (adults), A$3 (children 8-12yrs)
The Rocks
The best place to start exploring Australia's oldest city is at The Rocks, a restored 19th-century village at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was the site of Australia's first European settlement in 1788, and is therefore considered to be the birthplace of the nation of Australia. The area features cobbled streets and squares, gas lamps, craft shops and small restaurants. Here too are several historic buildings, including one of the city's oldest, Cadman's Cottage, built in 1816, and two of Sydney's oldest pubs, the Lord Nelson and the Hero of Waterloo. It is recommended that visitors seek information and a map from The Rocks Visitor's Center (in George Street) in order to make the most of the neighborhood and its many attractions, which include museums, view sites, markets, monuments and buildings. From The Rocks it is also possible to access the Pylon Lookout on the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge for an amazing view of the harbor and beyond.
Telephone: (0)2 9240 8500
E-mail: therocks@shfa.nsw.gov.au
Web site: www.therocks.com
Opening time: Office Hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
Sydney Opera House
It may not be an ancient monument, but the architecturally distinctive Sydney Opera House epitomizes the city as much as does the Great Pyramid in Cairo or the Acropolis in Athens. Situated on Sydney harbor at Bennelong Point, this intriguing white-sailed landmark is no white elephant. It is a fully functional performing arts center in constant use. The complex consists of a massive Concert Hall that seats more than 2,500 people and has the finest acoustics in the world; a smaller Opera Theatre, also used for ballet performances; a Drama Theatre, seating about 500 people; the smaller Playhouse; and the Boardwalk dance and music venue. The building, designed by Joørn Utzon, was completed in 1973 and cost over $100 million, most of which was raised with a series of national lotteries. There was so much controversy involved in its construction that the Danish architect returned home without ever seeing his finished product. 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
Web site: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Transport: Buses, trains and ferries go to Circular Quay, which is a five-minute walk to the Opera House
Opening time: Guided tours daily 9am to 5pm (one hour); Box office for tickets to performances open Monday to Saturday 9am to 8.30pm, on Sundays two hours before the scheduled performance time; Admission: Guided tour: A$23 (adults), concessions A$16
Royal Botanic Gardens
Sydney's 'green lung' is the 30-hectare botanical garden, established in 1816 and containing more than 7,500 species of plants. Australia's very first farm was on the site where the garden now flourishes, southeast of the Opera House. Paths and walks criss-cross the gardens, leading strollers past two sets of ponds, garden sculptures and numerous horticultural areas. Don't miss the Sydney Tropical Centre; the rose, herb and succulent gardens; the First Farm; the Fernery; and the palm grove. Watch out for a young specimen of the rare Wollemi Pine (only 38 adult trees exist in the world) in the Pioneer Garden. The gardens also offer some of the best views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The path that skirts the harbor starting at the Opera House and leading around to Mrs Maquarie's Chair provides magnificent views of the harbor, particularly at sunset. The gardens also have a visitor's center, shop, restaurants and kiosks. Guided walks are offered at 10.30am every day except public holidays, visitors who prefer not to walk can take a scenic train tour. Inside the Gardens you can also admire Government House, formerly the residence of the New South Wales Governor, which sits atop a hillock overlooking the Opera House and Farm Cove. It is open to the public for tours.
Address: Mrs Macquaries Road
Telephone: (02) 9231 8111 or (02) 9231 8125 (weekends)
Web site: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
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