Few days after Melbourne, we headed back to Sydney to see what Sydney has got for us. There are alot of things to do around the city. The best way, and the cheapest way to see Sydney is on foot. Quite a few of Sydney’s highlights can be taken in for free or cheap simply by walking around.
Hyde Park is the oldest park in Australia. On the southern part you can find ANZAC Memorial. The building acts as a remembrance for Australian and New Zealander who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. It is observed on 25th April every year to honour the members of Australian and New Zealander Corps who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during world war 1.
Oxford St is not that far from Hyde Park and has a lot of of night clubs, bars, restaurants, fashion boutiques and other retail activities. It starts in the eastern part of Hyde Park and runs through Darlinghurst, Taylor Square and on to Paddington. You can use the train station at Museum to enter Oxford Street from the Hyde Park end. This station is just near the start of Oxford Street.
(Oxford St) I wonder if those are Tabebuia tress Lol.
Westfield reminded me of my trip to London back in 2014. I just knew that Westfield group is actually originated from Australia! And they operate the shopping centre across Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA.
QVB. Not far from Westfield Shopping Mall, you can find one of the Sydney's Highlights, the beautiful Queen Victoria Building, which was built in 1898. The best way to enjoy it is to simply have a cup of coffee and take it all in. Inside, you can find a lot of branded stores, cafes, restaurant and interesting 1890s (?) architecture and interior design. And what's cool is that you can try their fully operational vintage elevator. Located on the upper southern part of the building is the Royal Clock which chimes on the hour from 9am to 9pm.
(QVM) Sucha beautiful stained glass, isnt it?
If you are in QVB, dont forget to visit The Grounds of The City Coffee Roastery! The place looks awesome, the moment you get inside, you will be blown away with the 1920's atmosphere. We tried their cake and coffee. Both were delicious!
(QVB) Their take away window. Pretty convenient as it's always packed with people!
(QVB) Excellent coffee and cake. Worth the wait!
(QVB) Sometimes you have to wait at least 30-40 minutes to be seated.
Market City is where you can find those cheap souvenirs to bring home. If you are around, then there's no harm popping by for a visit. Otherwise there is really no need to make the trouble to visit. Lots of shops but nothing much worth a browse at.
(Market City) Too bad it is not up to my expectation. Huhu
Circular Quay is another Sydney's highlight that is packed with tourists. This is where you will find the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Off course it is a must visit for any tourists! Circular Quay is not that far from Town Hall Station and Central Station. If you are too lazy to walk, you can alternatively jump on a train from anywhere in the city centre and get off at Circular Quay station to avoid the walk.
The Royal Botanical gardens are just few minutes walk from Circular Quay. It's worth a walk around and is almost as large as Sydney’s inner city.
From Circular Quay, you can take a 30 minutes ferry ride to go to Manly. The ride ain't that bad. The view is unbeatable. Ferries pass right between the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, where tourists can get an up-close look at the famed architecture from all angles. Even those who aren’t interested in seeing Manly Beach may still want to hop on a ferry, as they offer the same sightseeing opportunities as the touristy harbour boats for a much lower price.
(Circular Quay) Nice chilly breezy spring season to walk around.
The Rock Markets. If you're in Sydney and the weekend is coming, do not hesitate and put the Rocks markets on your list. Even if you think you don't want to buy anything, trust me, when you get there, you'll suddenly realize you have to buy this and that, or even more!
The Rocks markets is the best selling spot in Sydney. You can find entertainment, eateries, different kind of souvenirs, clothes, or interesting handcrafted gifts all over in the market premises.
We walked from The Rocks Markets towards Sydney Harbour Bridge. At the top of the market under the bridge are food stands for cheap eats and seating, good for a rest but if you prefer a proper one to relax, there are cafes and restaurants everywhere here. Afterwards, you can then either walk back to Circular Quay or cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
(The Rocks Markets) Crocodile meat anyone? Or Kangaroos meat perhaps? All gluten free! Healthy right?
Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are two Australia's most prominent attractions. It is possibly the first sight that comes to your mind when thinking of Sydney. Both are superbly impressive in their own way. Everywhere you turn, it is impossible to avoid seeing this amazing architecture.
(Circular Quay) How i wished i had more money to take the cruise!
(Sydney Harbour Bridge) Me crossing the bridge.
(Sydney Opera House) Right in front of the Opera House!
(Sydney Opera House) A different view from a different angle.
Bondi Beach. Apart from Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Bondi Beach is definitely one of my favourite tourist destinations in Sydney. On the day we visited Bondi beach, there were not a lot of people on the beach as the weather was quite chilly that day. I am pretty sure it would have been packed with people if it was summer.
We walked for few kilometers to reach Bondi Beach from Bondi Junction. It was sucha long walk as we got lost in direction but definitely worth it!
(Bondi Beach) The beach would have been packed with people if only it was summer.
Bondi Junction Westfield. From Bondi Beach we took a bus ride back to the junction as we were quite exhausted to walk back. Lol. We stopped by Westfield Mall (AGAIN!) and spent quite sometime just to rest our feet after a very long walk from one end to the other end of the beach.
(Bondi Junction Westfield) Tadaa! Got my self a pair of Apple Airpods! Wohoo!
Sydney Fish Market. If you are a big fan of seafood, then grab a chance! It's a must visit for you! A very popular tourist destination, especially for tourists who loves to eat fresh seafood.
Inside the main building, you can find fresh seafood retail sections and eateries where you can order fresh seafood and have them cooked on the spot, deep fried, grilled, fried or sashimi style. They have a big variety of seafood to choose from. Cold platters, hot platters, raw oysters? You name it.
Order your food and find a table outside as there's limited seating inside the main building. But bear in mind, plenty of seagulls and other birds would come to you and steal your food directly from your plate! That's the only things you have to endure if you want to sit outside and enjoy the view.
So if you want to visit Sydney Fish Market, just catch the Metro Light Rail from Central Station, Haymarket or Darling Harbour to the Fish Market stop which is located across the road from the Market. The opening hours is from 7am – 4pm.
(Sydney Fish Market) Seating area with the background of ANZAC Bridge.
Manly Beach is located on the northern part of Sydney. This is a beautiful beach that you can take a 30 minutes ferry ride to get to. Lots of cafes and restaurants so you can definitely spend a wonderful day here. Have some fish and chips and sit on the beach or wharf and relax. There are also lots of shopping outlets along the promenade.
(Manly Beach) In front of the Promenade.
(Manly Beach) People enjoying the sun.
Cental Park Mall. No one will miss this building and shopping mall when you are in Sydney CBD. Even from afar, you will be able to spot it because of its unique external appearance - lots of green plants being hung around the entire building. Eco-friendly I supposed.
Great architecture eh. But shopping wise, hmm don't expect those boutique shops that you can find in Westfield. Lol
(Chippendale) Tuk Tuk anyone?
(Chippendale) Craving for Pho? Maybe you can try it here.
Powerhouse Museum. You must visit this museum, situated just right next to Darling Harbour. The permanent displays are fantastic, including steam engines, different kind of old design planes, as well as the icons which include coins, furniture and textiles. Children will love the Experimentation display as they have a lot of interesting scientific experiments to play around with.
"This is a voice" art exhibition was still on going when we went there. By blending science, technology, art and performance, This is a Voice is an exhibition that reveals the power of the voice before and beyond words. (Click here for more info)
(Powerhouse Museum) This is a voice Art Exhibition.
Elizabeth Bay is very close to Kings Cross but not really worth visiting. It's basically just a bit of greenery against the water. A few benches. A spot to relax yourself if you like a quiet place as there are not many people around.
(Elizabeth Bay) A very quiet park compared tot he others.
Kings Cross. We went to explore Kings Cross and the surrounding area on our last day in Australia. There really isn't much to write about. It was just an entrance or exit to the local train station. And if you are into nightlife entertainment, then this place might be the right one for you. Lots of bars, clubs and eating place around here.
(Kings Cross) Perhaps you want to take a picture of the big neon signboard of Coca Cola?
(Kings Cross) George Hall Art Gallery & Pop up design store.
After morning walk around Kingscross area, we headed straight to the airport to catch our flight back to Brunei. What an amazing journey it has been after 10 days of exploring Australia particularly Melbourne and Sydney.
(Kingsford Smith International Airport) Think Sydney, think me! LoL
(Singapore Airlines) SYD - SIN - BWN
(Australia airspace) Birds eye view of Sydney Tower. Gonna miss you dear Sydney!
All in all, it's a nice country to be visited. Expensive though but you can always choose to travel cheap or the other way round. Think wise, do a lot of researches and read a lot of reviews before you go. It definitely helps you to get going smoothly. Enjoy!