Nicknamed the “Coathanger,” the Sydney Harbour Bridge is featured in virtually every Sydney traveller’s photos. Made from almost 53,000 tonnes of steel, it’s one of the world’s most impressive steel bridges. 

A great place to snap a souvenir shot  is at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This “bench” located by the Royal Botanic Gardens was carved out of sandstone for Elizabeth Macquarie—the wife of Lachlan Macquarie, an early governor of New South Wales. It was said to be her favourite spot to gaze upon the harbour, and is particularly scenic at sunset. (Other places to photograph the bridge include Milson’s Point, Hickson Road Reserve, and Wendy’s Secret Garden.)

For a truly memorable experience and photo opportunity, scale the harbour bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney, which has been voted by visitors as one of the best things to do in Sydney.

The grand dame of Sydney—the Sydney Opera House—has also graced countless Sydney photos, and no wonder, for she is effortlessly photogenic. To take a perfect shot of the Sydney Opera House, head to the Overseas Passenger Terminal located next to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. But don’t forget to pay a visit to the opera house too; within the walls of this iconic cultural institution, gripping tales await an audience. Join the Backstage Tour to learn about the dramas and scandals that have raged on behind the scenes. And if you need your moment in the spotlight, contact Opera Australia to secure a silent walk-on role in an upcoming stage production.

A green sanctuary and one of the best photography spots to capture Sydney’s CBD, the Royal Botanic Garden is one attraction you shouldn’t miss. Visit early in the morning—just after sunrise, if possible—and you will be mesmerised as the city comes to life, bathed in a picturesque golden light. 

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Some consider the Art Gallery of New South Wales to be Sydney’s premier cultural institution—a testament to the gallery’s success in opening its visitors’ hearts and minds to the wonder, richness, and sheer pleasure of art. The five genres of art represented in this comprehensive museum are aboriginal art, Asian art, Western art, contemporary art, and photography. Admission is free for the permanent galleries and most events.

This is a historic attraction worth visiting, as The Rocks is just a short stroll from the city's two most famous landmarks—the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Here, you’ll find cobbled walkways, and some of Australia’s oldest pubs. It’s also a place with a raucous history, as The Rocks was once the stomping ground for convicts, sailors, and street gangs. 

Visit The Rocks Discovery Museum to hear the full story of how The Rocks came to be. You’ll learn about the area’s traditional custodians, how it changed when Australia was established as an English colony, as well as how sailors, whalers, and traders built a life for themselves here. And finally, feel the fury of union-led protests in the 1970s, without which, The Rocks might not have continued to thrive today.

Boasting sharks, seals, and two of only a handful of dugongs in captivity in the Southern Hemisphere, the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a must-see destination. Home to over 6,000 marine creatures, this aquatic playground offers guests an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the dazzling world of water-dwellers.

For the fearless, the Sydney Aquarium is also the place to participate in Sydney’s only cageless shark dive experience. This enticing invitation to swim alongside grey nurse sharks is open to participants aged 14 and above. No prior diving experience is required, but participants will have to attend a training session.

“Bondi is one of the world’s great beaches,” says the Manager at PARKROYAL Darling Harbour. “It’s the closest ocean beach to the city centre (8km away), has consistently good—though crowded—waves, and is great for a rough-and-tumble swim.”

Looking for calmer waters? Try the child-friendly saltwater sea baths at either end of the beach. To enjoy warmer sea temperatures, the best time to visit Bondi Beach is during the summer, from December to March. 

To spend a day at Bondi, begin with a morning or midday swim, and cool off at the Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, where celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and model Alexa Chung have been spotted. Post-lunch, you can shop along the nearby Gould Street, where you can find international labels as well as homegrown designer fashions.

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