Sydney Tourist Attractions

Sydney Tourist Attractions

Sydney is the best known and loved city in Australia in addition to being the continent’s largest. Each year, more than 22 million Australians and nearly 3 million tourists from around the world visit Sydney. The city is world-renown for its Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, both stunning architectural and engineering marvels. But Sydney is also known for its booming nightlife and for its picturesque beaches. Not far inland from the beauty of the coast are numerous parks and reserves, dedicated to wildlife and nature preservation.

The Sydney Opera House was built in 1973, requiring almost fourteen years of construction to complete. The building is one of the most remarkable designed in the twentieth century in terms of its unique appearance, which has become a trademark of the city of Sydney. The Opera House was featured during the route of the Olympic Torch in 2000. In 2007, the Sydney Opera House became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cementing its international importance for generations to come.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel archway bridge that has spanned the harbor since 1932, carrying pedestrians, cars, and railway traffic from one side to the other. The southern half of the bridge is available for tours to climb through the organization BridgeClimb. The bridge is also used during celebrations, mostly famously New Year’s Eve. At this time the bridge features a complex light display to compliment fireworks over the harbor.

The most well-known beach in Australia is Sydney’s Bondi Beach, located a short distance east of Sydney. The beach is a traditional Christmas Day destination for tourists from England and Ireland. During the 2000 Olympic Games, the beach volleyball competition took place here. Whales, dolphins, and fairy penguins are sometimes seen close to shore during their migratory seasons.

The Blue Mountains National Park, one of the most popular in Australia, is located west of Sydney where the mountain range begins. Tourists come here to enjoy short walks to view the picturesque cliffs and waterfalls or longer hikes to remote areas. Other activities are also available, including canyoning and mountain biking.