Popular Sydney Destinations

A gateway to Australia, Sydney offers many scenic getaways, tourist attractions, and fun activities which lure visitors worldwide. The quaint stops within the city and the fantastic destinations nearby mark a lasting impression and a uniquely Australian experience. One of the world’s most famous cities, this New South Wales capital boasts tourism, a significant contributor to its economy.

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Touring the city of Sydney

The city is home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, among the most visited scenic spots. Nearby is the beautiful Harbour Bridge in Darling Harbour. The Circular Quay Port also attracts visitors to the city.

Very close to Darling Harbour lay the historic Rocks. The Queen Victoria Building, a Romanesque-style building, is an elegant shopping center. The 309-meter-high Sydney Tower Eye lets you view the city’s landscape and skyscrapers. There’s a glass floor that serves as a viewing platform.

Sydney’s beaches offer idyllic, peaceful, and calm scenery. Bondi Beach is iconic. Other fabulous beaches are Cronulla Beach, Bronte Beach, Maroubra Beach, and Tamarama Beach. Collaroy Beach is the place to go if you want some fun on the surf. You can also try the surf beaches of Narrabeen and Dee Why.

Sydney Touring

Going aquatic to Port Stephens

Outside Sydney, there is more to explore. One of the popular regions nearby is the Hunter Region. The region is famous for its world-class wines and beautiful landscapes. And you can also enjoy its pristine beaches and turquoise waters rich in marine life.

Hunter Region’s Port Stephens offers aqua-marine adventures you sure won’t forget. Its blue waters are home to a diverse marine and estuarine life. Take a dip in the calm shallows of One Mile Beach, Nelson Bay Beach, or Stockton Beach. They’re among the best beaches in the region.

Scuba diving in the 98,000-hectare marine park is also fun if you prefer an underwater adventure. View life underwater and explore the coral reefs that host different fish species.

Ride onboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruise for dolphin and whale viewing on Nelson Bay. The friendly dolphins and whales are fun to watch.
The dunes of Stockton Beach offer a lot of fun activities. Go sandboarding is like tobogganing, not on the snow but on the sand. You can also traverse the 32-kilometer stretch of sand on horseback or camel, by bike, or on a 4WD. If you can, take the challenge of walking or running from one end to the other. Or better yet, enjoy the sand, sea, and sun.

Port Stephens is a beach paradise.

Port Stephens

Boozing in Hunter Valley

Another Hunter Region destination is the Hunter Valley. It is the pioneering and the oldest wine region of Australia.

Hunter Valley is known for its Semillon which has become the region’s iconic wine variety. The region also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and other traditional wine varieties.

Touring around its wineries both known and unknown is a popular tourist activity. There are big winery names to choose from in Audrey Wilkinson, Bimbadgen, and Gartelmann. Other big names include Oakvale, Pepper Tree, Tempus Two, and Scarborough.

Aside from wine, there are also other spirits brewed in the region. Try the different mixes of vodka, schnapps, and liqueurs of Hunter Distillery. Or the craft beers of Hunter Beer Co, Lovedale Brewery or Hope Estate Brewery.

You sure have enough of alcoholic beverages and liquors for your dose of booze.

To clear your mind and to calm your spirit, visit the 60-acre Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin. The themed gardens boast of an impressive and spectacular floral display. Or you could relax and have a picnic with your family at Lake St. Clair. The serene and idyllic environs of the lake will sure calm your senses.

You may also choose to view the entire Hunter Region from up above on a helicopter or a hot air balloon. It is going to be a romantic tour with the impressive landscapes at the backdrop.

Other fun things to do in Hunter Valley include hitting a birdie at The Vintage and catching the annual outdoor jazz festival.

Hunter Valley

Exploring nature in the Blue Mountains

Explore more about nature: mountains, forests, rock formations, caves, lakes, and waterfalls. Travel to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains located about 50 kilometres from Sydney.

The azure hue of the mountain ranges created a mystical feel, enhancing its charm and allure. The blue haze that covered the Blue Mountains is phenomenal. Eucalyptus forests and Australia’s scorching sun made it possible.

There’s a lot to explore in the Blue Mountains. You can climb the cliffs, ridges, and gorges. Or enjoy the serenity of the place.

In the tourist town of Katoomba head straight to Echo Point, a lookout on an escarpment. From the vantage point, you can see the iconic Three Sisters, a unique sandstone formation. You can also have a wonderful view of Mount Solitary as well as the Narrow Neck Plateau and the Jamison Valley. Nearby is the magnificent Katoomba Falls.

Hit the bush trail to reach Wentworth Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in New South Wales. Or visit the charming town of Blackheath to see the breathtaking Govetts Leap Falls.

For more fun activities on the Blue Mountains, check out Scenic World. The tourist complex operates Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, Scenic Railway, and Scenic Walkway. To get a panoramic view of the Blue Mountains region try Scenic Skyway and Scenic Cableway. If you want to have fun with the world’s steepest funicular railway, then ride the Scenic Railway.

If you have some more time to spend, then you may want to explore the Jenolan Caves. Located close to the town of Oberon, it is one of the world’s oldest cave systems. It comprises a network of limestone formations and underground rivers. The formation of the cave system dates back over 340 million years ago. The largest of the caves in the site is Lucas Cave.

Autopia Tours offers Sydney tours packages to Port Stephens, Hunter Valley, and the Blue Mountains.

Blue Mountains

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