Sydney Travel Guide

Sydney, one of the best places to visit in the southern hemisphere, has something for everyone. Although a laid-back place, there are a few things that can shock a visitor i.e. their sarcasm and vulgar language. But if you can look beyond it, you will find Aussies friendly, frank and easy to get along with. As a former British colony, the traffic keeps to the left and the lingua franca is English with a sprinkling of “fair dinkum”, “g’day” and “I reckon” thrown in.

Sydney Harbor Bridge is the largest single span steel bridge in the world and known as the ‘Coathanger” by the locals; the bridge authorities have regular bridge climb tours. This climb/walk over the arch can take 2 to 4 hours and offers stunning views of the city but with a price tag of Aus$137, some find it too pricey. A better way to photograph it is to take the Sydney Harbor Ferry or go to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. Get an Opal Card for $15; this entitles you to all public transport in Sydney, including the ferries.

Sydney Harbor is one of the best natural harbors in the world. With a shoreline of 150 miles, it encloses 30 square miles of water. Both the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens are on its shore, while the Sydney Harbor Bridge soars above it. To view it, you can follow the shore or take the ferry but the best views are from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair.

Mrs. Macquarie's Chair: In 1810, Governor Lachlan Macquarie had the convicts (Australia was a convict colony until 1840) carve a seat out of a sandstone rock for his wife. The place can get crowded at times but the views of the harbor are the best from here.

The Rocks: Close to the Opera House and the Bridge, The Rocks is an area that has cobblestone streets and quaint old houses. It’s popular with the tourists and has galleries, pubs, and restaurants. On Fridays there’s a food market and an arts and crafts market is held here on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bondi Beach is a surfer’s paradise but non-surfers can find plenty of attractions too. It can get crowded at times, so arrive early to grab a good spot. Topless bathing is permitted but only in areas where children are not permitted.

Darling Harbor: This is a great place for families, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Every Saturdays at 9.30 pm, there is a fireworks display open to all.

Hyde Park Barracks Museum: Convicted men and boys were sent here from Britain up until 1840. Later it served as a hostel for Irish girls fleeing the potato famine. The museum has interactive exhibits and children friendly activities too, where kids can dress up as convicts, all in period dress and shackles.

Down under its winter so pack accordingly. Get your tickets and reservation done as early as possible so as to get early bird discounts and avoid higher tariffs. For all your travel expenses, carry a EbixCash World Money multicurrency forex card which is the most convenient way to carry forex. The card can be used at ATMs and is secured with built-in pin/chip security. Get your travel insurance as well. Visit www.buyforex.com to know more.