A Quick Spin Around Sydney Harbour

There are so much to explore in Sydney.

The city of Sydney is a vibrant and dynamic urban center – I like treasure hunting in markets and boutique shops in Paddington, sipping coffee in local bakeries, admiring the modern architecture, catching a show, and going to an event… The entire city is filled with friendly people and a relaxing vibe.

Sydney Harbor is one of the largest natural harbors in the world, and the city thrives on it. There are lots of amazing spots a traveler would explore! As I was flipping through my photos during my BridgeClimb experience, I thought I would give myself a reminder of some of the favorite places around the harbor.

Sydney Harbor Bridge… & it’s Climb

The Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb is, to me, one of the best ways to have a great panoramic view of the Harbor and all its glory. The bridge is technically one of the tallest structure in the city – nothing escapes your eyes when you are standing on the top of the bridge, in the middle of the harbor. The climb is actually pleasant and safe.

Manly Beach Ferry & Sydney Opera House

There are two iconic structures in Sydney that known to almost everyone in the world. The Sydney Bridge is one, and the Sydney Opera House is, of course, the other. The opera house is one of the most recognizable architecture that no one would be mistaken and it can’t be replaced. While visitors could get up close and personal, or have a fun night out in the Opera bar, one way to have a good look at the architecture at the front is to take a ferry. The opera house is located in the Circular Quay, and there are a number (F1 to F7) of ferry lines servicing the city and the ferry to Manly (F1) are my favorite.

First of all, the ferry ride is everything but boring. The historic ferries were in service since 1959 and the view on the route is breathtaking. For around $15 two-way, the ferry is a great way to get a good look of the two iconic architectures from all angles, as well as the eastern part of the harbor at a lower price.

The ferry ride reaches the Manly Wharf in about 30 minutes one way, and Manly is a beachside suburb of northern Sydney. The Corso is the commercial area that leads to the Manly Beach from the Wharf. It’s what Manly is all about: leisurely walk along the pedestrian street, grab some fish and chips and then enjoy it sitting on the beach. Beware of seagulls attack though! The Manly beach is also a famous surfing spot, if you are into surfing, you might even consider staying by the beach for 1 to 2 days. There are surfing supplies available in the shops around the beach.

Darling Harbor & Fish Market

Daring Harbor is open to the public. The curvy coastal line offers a long waterfront promenade, with food, shops, and entertainment. The Wild Life Sydney Zoo and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium allow travelers to visit the cute animals without getting out from the heart of the city. The Koala Breakfast is an incredible and unique experience. It’s an opportunity to meet the adorable koalas while enjoying a hot or cold breakfast buffet in a bush garden setting. Remember to make a reservation because seats are limited and they are filled up pretty fast.

I visited the zoo and the aquarium with a combo ticket offer and it has a lot to see. They have a collection of koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, crocodiles, and other reptiles, birds and fish that opened my eyes.

Australian National Maritime Museum is on the other side of the harbor and the museum showcases the maritime history and the discovery history of Australia. The great thing about visiting these places is that they are so close to the city center. Once I got out and I could go right back to the hustle and bustle nightlife in the evening.

One more thing, if you are into seafood, don’t forget to take the Light Rail and visit the Sydney Fish Market! The Light Rail takes off from the Central Station at Haymarket and it goes around the Darling Harbor. The Fish Market offers an array of seafood – buy the food that you like and the shops will make them the way you like it. I had a giant plate of oysters, prawns, and mussels and I could barely eat anything more for a price of under $15. I saw the diners at the next table were having a giant crab and the claws are the size of a 16-ounce steak…?!