One of the great harbour cities of the world, Sydney is best experienced by those lucky people who travel by sea.
Few sights can compare with Sydney Harbour as it unfolds around the Heads upon arrival, and few ports can offer the chance to berth within sight of its best tourist attractions.
The Harbour is the frame for the city, providing the picturesque setting around which everything else is formed, the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, The Rocks and the central business district.
Within walking distance of either one of Sydney's two modern purpose-built passenger terminals are sites such as the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Darling Harbour and the National Maritime Museum.
A visit to Taronga Zoo on the harbour shore at Mosman, the best duty-free and fashion shopping, or a ferry trip to the beach at Manly are among the range of diverse experiences possible from the Sydney cruise base.
Sydney is a destination in itself, and a great starting point to visit many places of interest. The Blue Mountains are within 1.5 hours of the centre of the city, with coastal resorts to the north and south. Those looking for a rural experience can find it within an easy 2 hour drive, with the Hunter Valley wine-growing district also a 2 hours away.
Sightseeing Opportunities (Half Day)
- Sydney Opera House : Bennelong Point - walk or taxi;
- Royal Botanic Gardens : Macquarie Street - walk or taxi;
- Taronga Zoo, Mosman : by ferry, 15 minutes;
- Olympic Site : Homebush Bay;
- Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout : walk or taxi or take a guided tour over the bridge span;
- Darling Harbour : Sydneyメs Entertainment precinct, 10 minutes by taxi;
- The Rocks : the historic site of Sydney's first European Settlement - walking distance from port;
- Hay Day City Sights Tour : departs from passenger terminal.
Sightseeing Opportunities (Full Day)
- The Blue Mountains features breathtaking scenery. They can be visited on a day tour, but it is recommended that visitors allow time for an overnight stay;
- Hunter Valley wineries;
- Port Stephens;
- Southern Highlands;
- Wollongong and the south coast.
Dining (Best Restaurants for Lunch and Dinner)
Seafood is a particular specialty of the Harbour City.
- The Rocks : food ranging from casual pizza restaurants and pub counter meals to the fine dining provided by famous restaurants such as The Rockpool and Bel Mondo;
- Darling Harbour : close to Darling Harbour Passenger Terminal is another of Sydney's famous entertainment districts, including a mix of cafes and restaurants;
- City Centre : located approximately 1 kilometre from the port, the Central Business District has several fine dining restaurants offering spectacular 360 degree views of the city and surrounds. Restaurants include Sydney Tower Restaurant, The Summit and Level Forty One.
Evening Entertainment
Sydney is a cosmopolitan centre that attracts the best in Australian and international performances. From musical theatre and drama to opera and the symphonies, there are programs of activities in Sydney to suit all tastes.
- Sydney Opera House;
- Sydney Theatre Company;
- Sydney Symphony Orchestra;
- Evening Dinner Harbour Cruise;
- Darling Harbour.
Best Hotels
- ANA Hotel Sydney;
- Observatory Hotel;
- Quay West Apartments;
- Renaissance Sydney Hotel;
- Sydney Hilton;
- Sheraton on the Park;
- Park Hyatt;
- The Regent of Sydney;
- Hotel InterContinental.
Best Beaches
- Bondi Beach : 4 km;
- Manly Beach : 5 km or 25 minutes by ferry;
- Balmoral Beach : 7 km;
Golf
- The Australian Golf Club;
- Woollahra Golf Club Ltd;
- Royal Sydney Golf Club.
Tennis
- Inner City Tennis;
- Kent Street Tennis Courts;
- North Sydney Tennis Centre.
Other Sporting Activities
- Scenic Walks on the harbour foreshore.
Best Shopping Areas
- Queen Victoria Building : 1.5 km from port;
- Pitt Street Mall : 1 km from port;
- The Rocks : 1 km from port;
- Oxford Street : Paddington 3 km from port;
- Central Business District : 1 km from port;
- Double Bay : 5 km from port;
- Mosman : 10 km from port.
Best Shopping Buys
- Opals;
- Pearls;
- Aboriginal art;
- Contemporary Australian art;
- Local and international fashion;
- Duty free;
- Australian contemporary designs.