The Australian Bucket List

New South Wales

Sydney HarbourThe iconic sails of the Opera House coupled with the distinctive Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s most famous scenes, welcoming visitors to a city of history, character, and world-class food, wine and entertainment.

Sydney Harbour is like a big blue playground in the heart of the city, alive with ferries, yachts, tugboats and cruise ships. Laze on a chartered yacht moored in a secluded bay or unwind on one of the many cruise vessels that depart from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. Sydney Harbour Islands - Fort Denison, Shark, Clark, Rodd, Goat and Cockatoo - have great cultural and historical significance. Some of the sites resonate with Aboriginal history, while others reflect a European past with convict-built structures and old forts. Cockatoo Island is one of 11 Australian Convict Sites that are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. All the harbour islands are accessible by boat or ferry. Extending over 30 hectares over harbour foreshore, the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney occupies one of Sydney's most spectacular locations. Sydney Harbour National Park includes most of the harbour islands and large amounts of foreshore.

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Things to do

Opera at the Sydney Opera House

Enjoy a seasonal show housed within an Australian icon Sydney Opera House was built for opera. To get the full benefit of this architectural wonder of the world, you need to climb the steps, step inside those iconic sails, and experience an opera performance by Opera Australia that's unlike anywhere else in the world. Prepare for the most impressive night you've ever had. You can dress up, have a glass of champagne looking over the harbour, and enjoy an exciting performance in the Joan Sutherland Theatre. The opera season features the world's most favourite operas from the hit composers like Puccini, Verdi, and Bizet. Great Opera Hits is a 90-minute concert featuring famous arias performed by some of Opera Australia finest singers, accompanied by piano.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. Built-in 1932, this incredible feat of engineering uses almost 53,000 tonnes of steel to connect the Sydney CBD with the northern suburbs. Before its construction, Sydney residents hoping to cross the harbour would either have to board a ferry or undertake a 20-kilometre journey with five separate bridge crossings. Nowadays, pedestrians can walk from one side of Sydney Harbour to the other in just 15 minutes. Although its design was inspired by New York’s Hell Gate Bridge, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is over 50% larger than its American counterpart. Standing 134 metres above the waters of Sydney Harbour, it remains the tallest steel arch bridge in the world today. Those up for an adventure should consider taking on the BridgeClimb; this 1.5–3.5-hour experience will reveal stunning views of Sydney from the top the bridge. For a different perspective, jump on a ferry from Circular Quay to westerly destinations such as Luna Park, Cockatoo Island, or McMahons Point. Gliding directly beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge will give you an awe-inspiring sense of the magnitude—and the importance—of Sydney’s iconic bridge.

Have a drink at the Opera Bar

Situated right by the water's edge, Opera Bar is often described as the best beer garden in the world. Be swept away by the panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, CBD and beautiful Harbour. Whether it’s breakfast, a lazy lunch, a pre-show dinner date or simply a cocktail; Opera Bar is truly perfect for any occasion.

Take a ferry ride on Sydney Harbour

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