1. Darling Harbour - Just 10-15 minutes walk from Wynyard Park (where my office is located). Sites which are open all day and night include Tumbalong Park, Cockle Bay Wharf, Pyrmont Bridge, Darling Park, Sydney Aquarium (closes at 8:00pm). There is also a ferris wheel infront of the Chinese Garden of Friendship (no, didn't have the courage to ride it alone). Entrance is free (as for the ferris wheel ride, I don't think so).
Darling Harbour at night
Pyrmont Bridge
Liverpool corner Sussex Streets
The ferris wheel infront of the Chinese Garden of Friendship
2. Sydney Aquarium - Also located in Darling Harbour. I would say the highlight of the park is what they call the Sydney Aquarium Experience which features the vegetarian Dugongs (Pig and Wuru) and the scary Sharks (in separate aquariums I suppose). Entrance Fee: Adult=A$34.99/Child=A$17.99.*
Shark aquarium
The Dugongs eating their veggies
Upside down jellyfish
Confirmed: There are sharks in Sydney's beaches
3. Sydney Tower - Closes at 10:30pm although I think it's better to visit the place during the day. It's the tallest building in Sydney at 880 feet. At the Observation Deck, you get a 360 degree view of Sydney. The other attractions are the Skywalk (a breathtaking outdoor tour on the roof top) and the OzTrek ride. Entrance Fee: Adult=A$24.99/Child=A$14.99.*
Sydney Tower from below
Darling Harbour from the tower
4. Sydney Opera House - A visit to Sydney will never be complete without visiting the iconic Opera House. Incidentally, Oprah visited Sydney while I was there. She was always on the top of the news (I Love Oprah shirts were sold at A$29.00. A$34.00 on the shooting day itself -- it was that crazy). Entrance is free but the guided tour will cost you A$35.00.
The Opera House from the Harbour Bay. The small box on the right was the stage used for the Oprah show.
The Opera House from the Royal Botanic Gardens
Almost near the Opera Bar
5. Royal Botanic Gardens - Just beside the Opera House. A beautiful garden overlooking the harbour. They say Mrs. Macquarie's Chair is the best spot to photograph or view the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. I regret not reaching that area of the Garden but it's at the top of my list when I visit Sydney again. Entrance is free.
Sydney Tropical Centre Pyramid
The Royal Botanic Gardens from the stairs of the Opera House
6. Kmart / Coles / Woolworths - Open daily and closes as late as midnight (better to check their website against your location). My "feel good" stores :)
7. Sydney Town Hall - Located farther down George Street (near Queen Victoria Building) and atop the busy Town Hall Station. Must visit at night when it's colorfully lit (or was it just because it was Christmas season?).
8. Bondi Beach - About 40 minutes bus ride from Circular Quay. Australia's world famous beach, although some say it's better to go to the other beaches in Sydney because its getting to be too "touristy." Note to self: Should do the Bondi to Cogee Walk next time.
9. Chinatown - At the southern end of Darling Harbour, near the Entertainment Center. This is the best place to buy cheap souvenirs. Some shops are open until 9:00pm. The Chinatown Night Market is only every Friday on Dixon Street until 11:00pm.
10. Ride the Ferry, the Bus, and the Trains - No worries, they all have websites. Ferry to Taronga Zoo. Free Bus rides on George. Trains to the Suburbs.
Things to do or Places to visit next time:
11. Take a ride on the Sydney Monorail - Round and round Sydney central business district for as low as A$9.50 (Monorail Day Pass).
12. Take a ride on the Sydney Lightrail - Will take you from Central to Lilyfield in 25 minutes. A$4.80 for a return ticket. Think "joyride" for both rails without the adrenalin rush.
13. Sydney Observatory - Open for night visits. "Bookings are necessary for night sessions." Night charges for telescope/3D theatre sessions is A$17.00.
14. Art Gallery of New South Wales - Closes at 5:00pm everyday, except Wednesdays when they close at 9:00pm.
15. Archibald Fountain - Located at the center of Hyde Park near Elizabeth Avenue. The statue is actually of Apollo and not J.F. Archibald, the owner of the Australian magazine, The Bulletin (my bad). Missed this in my walking tour of Sydney.
16. Hyde Park Obelisk - Located also in Hyde Park at the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst.
17. Sydney Harbour Night Cruise - Should do it next time.
18. Harbour Bridge Climb (Night Climb) - Need I say more.
Take advantage of the Thursday Sho-pping day where most shops are open until 9pm.
Also, avail of the Explore 4 Combo Pass for the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, Sydney Wildlife World and Oceanworld Manly (A$49.99).
If you have an iPhone or an iPod Touch, download the City Walks - Sydney (developed by GPSmyCity.com) for suggested walking tours and maps (from iTunes US$4.99). More pictures to be posted soon of other sites I visited together with my notes on my trip.
Cheers!
