I’m no authority in what places are the must-dos. But I can tell you which are the ones I went to. I’ll sprinkle in some basic information along the way and tell you about my experience. Your trip will be different than mine. But I thought I’d share what I saw.

Sydney is not the capital of Australia. Nor does it have the largest land area in the country. But many, like myself, see the city as those two things. 

Sydney is a clash of competing forces. There are modern skyscrapers standing beside nature and water. This is the place where intense and busy meet chill and relax. The contrasts make Sydney almost perfect for people like me who want everything. The big drawback is the distance it has with all the other continents.

This is my third time to Oceania’s most visited. But I cannot get enough of the place.

Side note: For a story from Sydney, you can visit this link.

Here are five places I visited in Sydney:

The Sydney Opera House

Let me begin with the Sydney Opera House. This is the most iconic and recognisable structure to come from Australia, and some would argue, the world.

The place is an architectural masterpiece. The structure was designed by a Dane. And the construction took 14 years before reaching its completion. The sail-shaped roof stands out. And the maritime-themed design is a concept it shares with Singapore’s own icon, the Marina Bay Sands. 

I got to enjoy the sight of it from the Opera Bar twice, in a water cruise once, in a water taxi once, and from crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge twice. Yet, I never got tired of seeing the Sydney Opera House in all its glory. 

I was tempted to watch a show. But the tickets were costly. And someone I knew said the acoustics are decent but nothing spectacular. Plus, the offerings at the time weren’t exactly my cup of tea. 

Despite not catching a performance, I felt like I didn’t miss out on anything. But that’s my humble opinion. 

The Sydney Harbour Bridge

If the Sydney Opera House represented a sail, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a coat hanger. And whether that holds any significance, I don’t think so.

The bridge is one of the largest steel arch bridges in the world. And it was built in the 1930s. At the time, this was highly associated with Australia’s booming development and blossoming identity. 

The bridge is functional – used by cars, bikes, and pedestrians, to get from the Central Business District to the North Shore, and vice versa. The views are magnificent and is an experience for both tourists and locals. 

If you’re seeking an adventure and some thrill, visitors can climb to the top of the bridge. Apparently, a better panorama of the city and the harbour awaits. I was tempted to do the activity myself. But I got so weak in the knees looking at the height and the available support that I immediately crossed it off my mind. 

The Coogee to Bondi Walk

Bondi is one of the most famous beaches in the world. It is home to many cafes and restaurants, and a gorgeous beach that sounds and looks as great as people hype it to be. 

And what better way to enjoy the experience than to multiply it by five. My friends and I started from Coogee and walked to Bondi. That brought us to five beaches in total (Coogee, Clovelly, Bronte, Tamarama, and Bondi). And all of them have their own distinct characteristics and charm.

The length of the stroll is approximately six kilometres. But given the breath-taking views, and the company I had at the time, the entire distance felt shorter.

During the trip, the Waverley Cemetery can be seen. It is a burial site on top of a hill overlooking the ocean. It is a unique opportunity to be in awe of a resting place, while paying respect to those who have departed. For others, they look away as the thought of admiring a cemetery is a bit morbid and/or creepy.

Hyde Park

Being in the central business district has its downsides. The hustle and bustle of the city can get overwhelming. But the biggest park in the area, approximately 16 hectares, provides a sense of calm and serenity. 

Hyde Park is a green haven in a city filled with modernity. And people run, go on picnic, meditate or just take a breath of fresh air while roaming around. 

Many would say that the Archibald Fountain is the highlight. Apollo’s bronze sculpture surrounded by mythical figures attract many passers by.

The ANZAC Memorial is my favourite. The place gave insight into the country Australia during the First World War. What I appreciate is the fact that the museum neither glamorises nor diminishes the roles people played in the events. As one exhibits put it, this is a celebration of the “nobler attributes of human nature – courage, endurance, and sacrifice.”

St Mary’s Cathedral

After moving to Europe two years ago, my fascination for cathedrals has waned. Not because the buildings aren’t impressive. But the simple abundance of religious structures had me losing interest. 

But St Mary’s Cathedral is so massive and imposing that it’s difficult ignore. Yet, the place is accessible in the literal and figurative sense.

For fans of architecture, the style is Gothic. And according to the Internet, that means there are soaring spires, intricate stonework, and colourful stained glass windows. And in huge quantities.

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The trip to Sydney happened from April to May 2023.