Top Things to do in Sydney
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The 10 Best Historic Sites in Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney offers plenty of historical and contemporary Australian flavor. The marvelous Sydney Opera House looks like a great origami sailboat, floating peacefully in a harbor. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of The Rocks and then take in a street performance on the Circular Quay before heading into the Museum of Contemporary Art. The views from the Sydney Tower Eye observatory are epic – use this chance to get to know the layout of the city from high above.
Restaurants in Sydney
1. Elizabeth Bay House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
With commanding views over Sydney Harbour, Elizabeth Bay House gleams like a Greek temple. Once surrounded by famous landscaped gardens, it is one of the most splendid private houses ever built in Australia and still arouses our delight and astonishment. Its elegant rooms and fine proportions, sweeping staircase and lavish furnishings reveal the tastes and aspirations of its original owner, Alexander Macleay, after the governor, the most important public official in colonial Sydney. But it was his magnificent gardens which most keenly expressed his tastes and passions, and in the economic downturn of the 1840s pushed him towards ruin. Elizabeth Bay House is an iconic Sydney home, with an iconic Sydney back-story of obsession for property and position stretched beyond means and undone by changing financial times. Explore the house on your own or ask for a guided tour. Note that if you are making a special trip for a guided tour, please call to ensure there is a guide available.
Reviewed By MichaelN779 - Lawson, Australia
The architecture of this building is outstanding and compares well with Vaucluse House although from a slightly different period. The furniture is appropriate for the building and beautifully displayed. There are a series of information plaques on the second floor.The view of the harbour is spectacular and you can only imagine what it must have been like when the house had it's full curtilage. Cheap entry for seniors and the young lady at the counter was very welcoming and helpful. Take the documentation for the self guided tour which gives you time to take in the splendour of the place at your own pace. A real "must see" when you visit Sydney.
2. St. Mary's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,050 reviews
Reviewed By lauraajw - Sydney, Australia
This is actually my local parish. I have always loved this cathedral as its located next to hyde park, a very short walk to both St. James & Museum station, and close walk to Sydneys Westfield, the harbour, and the botanical gardens & domain. Inside is lovely & has a really nice gift shop too. The stain glass windows are my favourite part of this cathedral. Its also very popular for weddings and you can get amazing wedding photos here. Holds mass regularly including the full Latin mass, also had midnight christmas mass!
3. Vaucluse House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Vaucluse House is one of Sydney’s few 19th-century mansions still surrounded by its original gardens and wooded grounds. A visit to Vaucluse House makes for a perfect outing, be it strolling or picnicking in the grounds (accessible free of charge), dining in the tearooms or experiencing the spectacular refurbishment inside the house. Self guided tours are available. Regular opening days are Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Reviewed By Blacksquidie - Brisbane, Australia
I grew up in Sydney but had never been to Vaucluse House ..it was fantastic stepping back into the 1800s and learning the history of the Wentworth family and the times of early Sydney they lived in...the gardens are superb, the guided tour by staff was excellent and very informative, the collection comprises a lot of original Wentworth family furniture , paintings and treasures...well worth a visit
4. Chinese Garden of Friendship
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,042 reviews
Escape from the hustle and bustle to a serene, secluded garden—Darling Harbour’s Chinese Garden of Friendship. The walled Chinese Garden respectfully recreates the philosophy and harmony of a traditional Chinese garden in its waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways...once you’ve discovered this secret garden, you’ll never want to leave! Opening hours 10am – 5pm - Last entry to the Garden 15 minutes prior to closing. The Garden is closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Reviewed By Lvalo
Wow, my first visit but won't be my last It is only the muffled sounds of the surrounding city that break you away from the peace and scerenity , it is hard to imagine that such a pristine environment can exist in the heart of Sydney The gardens are immaculately maintained with water features a prominent centre "the Coy Carp are huge" and lazing about the surrounding rocks you will see countless water monitor lizards This is a must see and well done - my hat goes off to whoever is maintaining the gardens
5. Government House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By f2s - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Only open for a few hours at the weekend. Free entry on production of photo ID. Our guide did a good job, no photos inside. The Victorian decor and furnishings are good. Ongoing garden/fountain works restrict the view from the veranda.
6. Grand Post Office (GPO) Sydney
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Reignonkarma
We had a tour of the GPO Sydney, Margaret was very informative and we learnt about the history of this amazing building. Some may walk past it every day without knowing what a significant part the building played in the history of this city, including even being a filming location for ‘The Matrix’
7. State Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
Reviewed By L6104TDjudithr - Sydney, Australia
I have been to this theatre many times over the years and I always get a thrill out of arriving at the Art Nouveau foyer and finding my seat in the splendour of the auditorium. As the stage area is limited compared to larger newer theatres, the shows here now tend to be for smaller productions or solo performers. Often shows are only on for a few days so be quick if you see something you want to see.
8. Anzac Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 813 reviews
The Anzac Memorial, in Sydney's Hyde Park, is NSW's principal memorial to all Australians who have served in the Defence Force. The Memorial building in both its original and its extended form is a work of art and remarkable piece of architecture. It is a physical expression of the spirit and legend of the Anzacs and a place of comfort for those who have lost loved ones. Exhibition and interpretation spaces allow the Anzac Memorial to illustrate the evolution of Australian military service while focusing on NSW stories. The detailed storytelling within the new Exhibition Gallery complements the quiet spaces and symbols of the original Memorial building. A free virtual tour of the '1945: From Hot War to Cold War' exhibition can be taken by visitors, accessed via the Anzac Memorial's website. The Anzac Memorial has limited opening hours at present, please visit the website for further details. Admission to the Memorial is free.
Reviewed By Michael-4551 - Caloundra, Australia
Visited on Sunday 10th November. It is situated in Hyde Park and a must see when you visit Sydney to honour those who gave their lives for us during the two World Wars.
9. The Rocks Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
The Rocks Discovery Museum is a free, family friendly museum which tells the story of The Rocks area of Sydney from pre-European days to the present. Housed in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse, The Rocks Discovery Museum is home to a unique collection of images and archaeological artefacts found in The Rocks. The exhibits are filled with interactive fun, using touch screens, audio and visual elements to bring the history of the area alive.Learn about the area's traditional custodians, the establishment of the English colony and the time when sailors, whalers and traders made The Rocks their home; through to the 1970s union-led protests which preserved this unique part of Sydney for future generations to explore and enjoy.
Reviewed By K1153GWnicoled
Had this on my list for my first solo trip to Sydney. Well worth a visit in the stunning Rocks area of Sydney. Gives a good display and information of the history of Sydney from the indigenous culture through to current times, and all for free !
10. National Art School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
