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Just when you think you have seen it all, Sydney, the glorious capital city of New South Wales surprises you with more gems to explore. This is something I often hear from people visiting this iconic harbour city. I’m lucky enough to call Sydney “home”. There are so many fantastic places to visit and fun things to do when you are in Sydney. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful coastal knockout, you should make the most of your visit.
Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour, home to the iconic Sydney landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, is one of the amazing must-visit destinations on your travel itinerary. The cruises that ply the harbour waters are some of the best in the world. If the word “cruise” seems expensive, I assure you, it is not. You can admire the harbour attractions aboard a Sydney lunch cruise combining an amazing sightseeing experience with restaurant-quality dining. From a premium glass boat to an authentic paddlewheeler and ultra-modern catamaran, there are many vessels to choose from. If you are a night person, you can board a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise and enjoy a spectacular night out that you will remember for a lifetime.
Australian Museum
Located in the Central Business District, the Australian Museum, one of the oldest museums in Australia is an amazing place of interest, especially for history buffs. A place where nature, culture, and science intersect, the Australian Museum is notable for its exhibitions and Indigenous studies. There are over one million cultural objects and scientific specimens in the museum collection. Being a vast space covering three levels, the museum provides a more in-depth insight into Aboriginal narratives, history, and art.
Barangaroo Reserve
Barangaroo Reserve, the newest foreshore park in Sydney, is one of the lesser appreciated attractions, though I feel it is worth taking the time out to visit. Being a magnificent example of urban renewal, the creation of Barangaroo Reserve saw the transformation of one of Sydney’s earliest industrial sites into an expansive space for Sydneysiders and tourists to experience. It was just a desolate concrete container terminal a few years ago, and now it’s a highly welcoming park with more than 10,000 native trees and plants.
The Queen Victoria Building
If you have an eye for design and architecture, you should definitely visit the Queen Victoria Building, popularly referred to as ‘QVB’. This building took almost five years to complete and now it stands as the biggest building in commemoration of the Queen of England. It replaced the original Sydney markets on the same site and transformed into one of the best places in Sydney to do some upscale shopping. You will find plenty of stores to choose from, such as boutique fashion shops, fancy eateries, and so on. You can also check out the two giant mechanical clocks on the upper floors, as well as its elaborate Romanesque architecture.
Hyde Park Barracks
Hyde Park Barracks is a venerable living record of colonial Australia. Being the best remaining example of large-scale convict housing, Hyde Park Barracks has been categorised under one of the 11 Australian Convict Sites protected by UNESCO. The Barracks had been used as an immigration depot and asylum during the colonial expansion of European powers. Today, it houses a modern museum that offers its visitors a highly intriguing and immersive experience with the aid of audio soundbites. You might have been to many museums before, but I assure you, Hyde Park Barracks will be nothing like you have ever experienced before.
These are some of the gems I recommend to add to your ‘Sydney Highlights’—Sydney Harbour, Australian Museum, Barangaroo Reserve, and more.