Australia is a beautiful country known for its endless beaches, coral reefs, favorable weather and abundance of kangaroos. Sydney, one of the largest cities in Australia, attracts more than 10 million tourists each year. Although we were all disappointed to hear that P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney is not a real address and is in fact just a fictional destination fabricated by the creators of "Finding Nemo," there are several other attractions you won't want to miss when visiting the land down under.
The Rocks
The Rocks, full of rich history and architecture, is the piece of land where the Europeans first docked their ships and started settling. Convicts from Europe were brought over to this new land not to be imprisoned in a jail, but to simply be left on the island to colonize. The Rocks have remained a historical landmark ever since. The architecture has been preserved over the years, and there are laws to protect this land from ever being demolished or altered. Walking tours are led each day by guides, and is the perfect way to start off your Australian adventure.
Explore King Street
King Street is one of the most popular streets in the area, filled with countless popular restaurants and bars.
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
For those of you with a sweet tooth, the Max Brenner Chocolate Bar is the place to be. Although the company headquarters is in New York City, the majority of the stores are in Australia. Indulge in a wide selection of chocolate treats from truffles to milkshakes, pastries, cookies, fondue, and much more.
The Sydney Tower
The Sydney Tower is the tallest structure in Sydney and the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere. There are four sections to the tower, three of which are occupied by restaurants and the fourth being an observation deck with a 360-degree view of the city.
Darling Harbour
Spend the day exploring Darling Harbour where you will find many restaurants, bars and attractions for the whole family. Darling Harbour is home to Madame Tussauds Sydney, the Sydney Wild Life Zoo and Aquarium, and the world’s largest IMAX theater. You can also catch a boat from the harbor and tour the surrounding area with a group and a guide on the water.
Taronga Zoo
The Taronga Zoo is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year. The Taronga Zoo is home to 350 different species of animals and allows visitors to get up close and personal with several of these animals, such as the koalas, giraffes, reptiles, penguins and owls during scheduled animal encounter sessions. The Taronga Zoo specializes in wildlife conservation and continues to rehabilitate animals in need of care.
Koala Encounter
It’s no secret that Australia is home to the beloved koala. Although it is illegal in most parts of Australia to touch koalas, the Sydney Wild Life Zoo and the Toranga Zoo allow you to get pretty close to these furry creatures. The koala encounter allows visitors to pay to join the koalas in their enclosure, take professional pictures with the koalas, and learn about their habitat and their daily routine from expert zoo staff.
Manly Beach
Australia is known for their beautiful beaches, and Manly Beach is one you don’t want to miss. Manly is one of Australia’s most popular surfing beaches and has a selection of shops and restaurants in the surrounding area that attract tourists.
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is the most iconic attraction in the entire country and one that you won’t want to miss. The Sydney Opera House has multiple stages and performance venues. The opera house hosts a wide range of shows, so it is important to do your research and find a show that fits both your interests and your price range. Some shows cost as little as 25 AUD, so there is something out there for everyone. If you don't have time to see a show during your visit, at least go to the opera house and walk around or sign up for a scheduled tour.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
This is arguably the most breathtaking experience you could possibly have during your stay in Sydney. Tourists are able to buy a ticket and choose the time of day they would like to do the climb. Each climber is then instructed to put on a jumpsuit provided by the company and go through a brief training before being strapped onto the structure and embarking on the climb to the top. From the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you will have the best view of the city and the harbour. For more details check out the bridge climb website.
