10 Melbourne and Sydney Tourist Attractions
Melbourne and Sydney Tourist Attractions
Traditional snacks are some of the most sought-after Australian souvenirs. The beloved Tim-Tam biscuits, smooth Haigh’s chocolate, Vegemite and macadamias are among the most popular take-home treats. But Australian craft beer, spirits and wine are souvenirs that will take you back to your holiday in a matter of moments, as the distinct flavours make you recall your visit to an Australian winery, distillery or brewery.Haigh’s
Australia has a number of world-class wine regions, so while you are here, pick up a bottle or two of your favourite drops. Beers, lagers and ciders such as the iconic James Squire and Young Henrys are famously made in Australia. If you have a taste for spirits, you must try well-known labels such as Archie Rose, Four Pillars and Bundaberg Rum.
10 Sydney Tourist Attractions
10 Best Souvenirs from Australia
1. Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is more than just an architectural marvel set on beautiful Sydney Harbour, it’s also a world-class working opera house. The iconic sails host more than 1,600 performances a year – everything from classical ballet performances, innovative theatre and symphony music to contemporary dance and, of course, stunning opera productions.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed building offers daily guided tours, available in English, Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. Meanwhile, Opera Bar has the best view in town, letting you sip cocktails as you marvel at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll treasure the same views dining alfresco at the adjacent House Canteen.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. Not only is it the largest steel arch bridge on the planet, but it also spans one of the globe’s finest natural harbours. Affectionately named the ‘Coathanger’ by locals, it’s an intrinsic part of the city; you can walk or cycle across it and even climb to its peak for incredible views.
3. Bondi Beach
Sparkling blue ocean, funky eateries and a laid-back beach lifestyle sum up the world-famous Bondi. Go for a swim in an iconic ocean pool at Icebergs, sip a fruity cocktail at a beachside bar like Hotel Ravesis, learn to ride the waves with the experts at Let’s Go Surfing or peruse the Saturday farmer’s markets.
Of course, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a memorable way to appreciate the beauty of the area. The picturesque 6km track is carved into sandstone cliffs and offers uninterrupted views of the ocean, passing Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach, before finishing in beautiful Coogee. Throughout October and November, you will also be able to view the world’s biggest annual free outdoor sculpture exhibition – Sculpture by the Sea – along the route.
Sydney Tourist Attractions
4. Royal Botanic Garden
An oasis of 30 hectares in the heart of the city, the Royal Botanic Garden occupies one of Sydney’s most spectacular positions: wrapping around the harbour and sitting adjacent to the Sydney Opera House. With a long history dating back to 1816, it is home to an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas.
Enjoy a stroll, pack a picnic lunch, join a free guided tour (the Aboriginal Heritage Tour is a highlight) or come for one of the many memorable events held in the lush antipodean-accented parklands.
5. Art Gallery of New South Wales
With more than 40 exhibitions annually and vast collections of Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, European and Asian art, there is always something new to discover at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The gallery is only a 15min walk from the city centre and admission is free, as are the daily guided tours. Stop for lunch or a coffee at the on-site restaurant, or visit on a Wednesday evening until 10pm for Art After Hours for celebrity talks, music, performances and other special events.
6. Museum of Contemporary Art
Housed in the former Maritime Services in Circular Quay, the MCA is Australia’s leading museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art. Featuring more than 4,000 works by homegrown artists, including a strong emphasis on works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the gallery also hosts a continually changing range of exhibitions. Free guided tours are conducted each day and, once you are finished getting an arts and culture fix, the rooftop MCA Cafe and Sculpture Terrace offers modern Australian fare alongside incredible views of Sydney Harbour.
7. The Rocks
The Rocks is the birthplace of modern Sydney. With the arrival of European settlers in 1788, it was here that the convicts first set up house and shop. The best way to discover the area’s rich colonial history is on foot as you amble along cobbled streets and follow little laneways that house everything from markets to museums and galleries. Join The Rocks Walking Tours, which start at 6pm outside Cadman’s Cottage, before relaxing in one of the many historic pubs in the area such as The Fortune of War or The Glenmore.
8. Sydney Tower Eye
The 309-metre-tall Sydney Tower Eye takes you to the highest point above Sydney for breathtaking 360-degree views. On a clear day, the vistas stretch from the golden beaches of the Eastern Suburbs to the distant Blue Mountains. Starting with the 4D experience – a short film giving you a bird’s-eye view of the city – the visit then takes you to the observation deck, 250 metres above ground. Adrenaline junkies should opt for the guided Skywalk – which circumnavigates the tower along an outside ledge – and those interested in a tipple with an unrivalled panorama should head to Bar 83.
9. Taronga Zoo
Just 12mins from the city by ferry, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals. Open 365 days a year, admission includes daily keeper talks and shows. For a unique stay like no other, book into the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, an eco-retreat nestled within the zoo.
10. Chinatown
Sydney isn’t the only global city with a Chinatown, but this one is bigger, better and boasts more than most thanks to the Chinese immigrants that started arriving in the 1800s. You can find everything here, from small specialist stores and sprawling Asian grocers to noodle bars in hidden food halls and tucked-away fine-dining restaurants. Not to mention lively markets and late-night karaoke. Must-visits include the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Paddys Markets, and foodie hotspots Mamak and Gumshara.
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10 Melbourne Tourist Attractions
The city of Melbourne, is a coastal metropole with a cosmopolitan vibe. It is considered to the be the cultural capital of Australia, and it is easy to see why. Melbourne is home to galleries, gardens, museums and nature reserves. There is an abundance of interesting architecture ranging from Victorian structures to contemporary designs. With great food, nightlife, shopping and sports, Melbourne is a clear winner for an Australian getaway. An overview of the best attractions in Melbourne:
10. Royal Exhibition Building
Make your way to the district of Carlton in order to visit the magnificent Royal Exhibition Building. Constructed in 1880, the structure served as the meeting place for the very first Australian Federal Parliament. While parts of the building are gone thanks to fires, the main hall still stands, topped by an incredible domed ceiling. The Royal Exhibition Building is a common place for local events and conventions, but you can walk right in during open hours for a self-guided tour. Explore the incredible galleries, the beautiful furnishings and the impressive designs of the original architect, Joseph Reed.
9. Fitzroy Gardens
Just on the edge of the CBD, or Central Business District, is Fitzroy Gardens. The gardens date back to 1848, when they were set aside as a public space. At the time, the establishment of a beautiful public park was rare, so it is an important reminder of Melbourne’s role as the people’s city and as the garden city. Since Fitzroy Gardens is more than 160 years old, it boasts a number of older, tall trees. Blue gums, willows and elm trees were all popular during the 19th century. Today, you can tour the Victorian landscapes, but you can all see an ornamental lake and even the cottage where James Cook’s parents once lived, which was brought all the way from England to Melbourne.
8. Hosier Lane
Inject some local flavor into your trip to Melbourne by exploring Hosier Lane. Just a short walk from the banks of the Yarra River, Hosier Lane is ground zero for local street art and culture. The stone pathway is lined with walls that serve as canvases, and each is decorated with a variety of pieces. You can admire hastily drawn sketches next to murals using bold, bright colors. Grab a camera and walk up and down the lane on your own, or take part in a guided tour. Since you’re in the area, keep walking until you hit Rutledge, a less known but equally impressive gallery street in the area.
7. Melbourne Zoo
In the Parkville district of the city, you’ll find the Melbourne Zoo. This zoo is special because the animals live in natural settings, their habitats designed for animal comfort rather than visitor views. While the Melbourne Zoo boasts plenty of local animals, you’ll find some less common species as well. Don’t miss the Wild Sea Exhibit, where you can see penguins and seals up close. Also noteworthy is the baboon lookout, a spectacular spot where you can look for the members of a large baboon family. There’s also a 19th century English carousel in the zoo that kids will definitely want to ride.
6. Federation Square
If you want to get to the heart and soul of Melbourne, make your way to Federation Square. This is a central meeting place where lots of locals gather, and it is the ultimate spot for people watching. It’s also a place you’ll almost certainly pass through at some point, since it is a major transport hub and the site of the city’s Visitor Centre. Federation Square is where you’ll find the Australian section of the National Gallery of Victoria as well as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Come for the attractions but linger at the sidewalk cafes and bars to experience some of the local flavor.
5. National Gallery of Victoria
Australia’s biggest, oldest and most impressive art museum is located right in the city. The National Gallery of Victoria, known to locals as NGV, boasts an incredible collection of important works of art. The NGV is actually made up of two parts. The first, located in St. Kilda, is called the NGV International. This is where you’ll find art from Europe, Asia and the Americas. At The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, works come indigenous people, early colonial settlers and contemporary Australian artists. The two NGC branches are home to pieces by Rembrandt, Monet and Tom Roberts, just to name a few.
4. Melbourne Cricket Ground
The largest cricket stadium in the country, and one of the largest in the world, is the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Located in Yarra Park, the stadium is known to locals as simply The G. Built in the middle of the 19th century, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is virtually always going through some sort of renewal or remodel. Even if you’re not able to attend a cricket game while you’re visiting, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is worth a visit. You’re free to check it out while exploring the National Sports Museum, which is located on the grounds.
3. Eureka Tower
Smack dab in the city center is Eureka Tower, the tallest observation deck in all of Melbourne. If you want panoramic views over the city, this is the only spot worth visiting. When you visit, you’ll head to one of the twin elevators. In under 40 seconds, you’ll be whisked all the way from the ground level to the 88th floor. If you’re feeling bold, you can exchange the views of the Skydeck for the thrills of The Edge. The Edge is a glass square where even the floor is clear, providing unparalleled views from every single angle.
2. Queen Victoria Market
One of the must-see attractions in Melbourne is the Queen Victoria Market. It’s a huge open-air market, one of the largest in the world, and it dates back to the 19th century. Locals call is the Queen Vic or just Vic Market, and the name comes not from the Queen but from the location at the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets. The best way to experience the market is on foot, browsing the stalls and vendors selling everything from fresh farm veggies to handmade jewelry to specialty clothing items. Grab something tasty to eat, or pick up a refreshing beverage, and spend the day in this relaxed, exciting environment in the heart of the city.
1. Royal Botanic Gardens
In the high-end neighborhood of South Yarra, you’ll find the Royal Botanic Gardens. This is a lush, green oasis just steps from the heart of Melbourne, but it feels a million miles away. Within the Royal Botanic Gardens, you can stroll along the Australian Forest Walk, admiring local species and plant life along the way. Breathe in deeply while in the Rose Collection, a colorful array of blooms with a very romantic atmosphere. For a special treat, head to Ornamental Lake. On the shore, you can join a brief guided tour from a punt, a small boat that lets you see the garden from a new perspective.
