The Best of Sydney to Enjoy in One Day!

The Land Down Under, the ‘Straya, or whatever you like to call it, Australia will give you sunshine, happiness and unending landscapes for days. This is only a part of why a lot of travellers spend a good part of their savings to come out here. But the question most people have in common once they plan their trip is where to start. The answer for most people, even for me when I first travelled to Australia was the capital city of New South Wales, Sydney. This drop-dead gorgeous city is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen and it has enough attractions to keep you busy for months.

But what if you’re tight on time? What if you're on a budget or in the city for just one night? The city is pretty much your oyster and luckily for you, we have put our heads together to make a list of must-see areas if you only have a day in the Emerald City.

Lunch Cruise to Start your Day

Sydney Harbour is one of the major attractions of the city offering numerous eventful experiences. Why a cruise? I ventured out on a lunch cruise on the harbour and to my surprise I enjoyed most of the attractions on the waterfront in a short amount of time. And by enjoying I mean a good look at some of its iconic attractions like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison and more! Yep, there is no better way to start your day than on this iconic harbour cruise offering lunch and roving views of the city skyline! Not to mention, the food and drinks on these cruises are just as good as the views! It’s an experience you'll talk about for years and years to come!

Indigenous History

The Aboriginal Heritage of the city is a thing not to be forgotten. The harbour city was built by the Europeans upon 40,000 years of aboriginal culture. There are a number of tours and guided experiences that will let you explore the city in the perspective of aboriginals. The Dreamtime Experience in The Rocks is a highly recommended tour which opens your eyes to the Aborignal culture and their connection to Earth. The experienced guides will bring life to the culture and will offer knowledge and a better understanding of the true essence of the indigenous people. The Art Gallery of NSW and Australian Museum are also few highlights of the city, offering you a better insight into the lives of these rightful owners of the land.

Mrs Macquaire’s Chair

The golden hours of Sydney are truly a sight to behold. Take your time wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens, enjoying the thriving flora and fauna, before heading to the best vantage point in the city. Mrs Macquaire’s Chair offers one of the most epic views of the city, including the Opera House, the Bridge and some glimpses of the harbour precinct across to Taronga.

Darling Harbour and Circular Quay

After enjoying the sweeping sunset views, you can head to Darling Harbour to enjoy the ultimate nightlife experience. The area is a popular pedestrian precinct, especially at night when the city lights start to come on. There are many luxury dining experiences, pubs, speakeasy bars and other attractions, offering you a chance to mingle with Sydneysiders and fellow backpackers. Circular Quay is also a busy tourist destination where you can enjoy the best of Sydney. Ferries and cruises depart here on the regular, with street performers catching rhythm with their unusual instruments, and if you're lucky you might even catch a festival here!

I am a traveller, an artist who love to explore various places, art and food.