I lived/dossed in Sydney for the best part of 3 months between 2006 and 2007. In that time I think I got to know the place pretty well and would quite often just wander around the city, taking in the atmosphere whilst slowley cooking in my embarrassingly pale English skin. There’s so many awesome things to see that I cannot recall getting bored of seeing any of those sites that I’ve included.
How the map works:
As the flags are set in a loop you can obviously start anywhere on the map. but I’ve highlighted Central Station as a good area to start in due to the transport links, its the marker closest to the bottom of the map. By clicking on each flags in the ciruit you’ll bring up some information about that area.
As mentioned, the flags are set out in a circuit and are easily walkable. In total the walk would probably take 2-3 hours including stops of meals and picture taking. There are no great hills to climb so its an easy walk. Just enjoy it.
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View Sydney in a day in a larger map
Breakdown:
1. Central Station – Starting place – Central Station, where Pitt St and Georges St meet
2. Paddys Market – The place to grab all your stereotypical gifts at low prices. Boomerangs and t-shirts galore.
3. Darling Harbour fountains – After walking through China town to reach the fountains area, take the weight off of your feet and lay down on the grass. At times, a huge TV screen will be errected on the green so that major sporting events such as the ashes can be shown.
4. Darling Harbour waterfront – Stop for a drink, or a bite to eat, visit the aquarium, or jump in a speed boat and blast around the harbour.
5. The Rocks – Considered a trendy spot, head to the rocks for a well earned drink, maybe take in a museum on the way.
6. Circular Quay – Great views of the harbour bridge and the the gateway to Manly beach or Olympic park.
7. Sydney Opera House – Camera’s at the ready, its the big one
8. Mrs Macquaries Chair – Round 2, even more camera action from this spot. Great backdrop.
9. Botanical Gardens – Spend some time chilling on the grass and take in the natural beauty of the gardens.
10. St Marys Cathedral – Another great photo spot, just as you emerge from the Botanical Gardens.
11. Hyde Park – Take a walk through the bat infested park. They’re quite spectacular at night time when they fly in packs.
12. ANZAC Memorial – A place to reflect.
Summary:
There’s definitely more to Sydney than what I’ve highlighted on this map, but it’d probably take you more than just 1 day to discover it. Within this post I’ve simply tried to highlight a route around what I would consider Sydneys ‘major’ attractions within its core. Obvious others to check out would be the Olympic Park, Kings Cross, and the beaches Manly, Coogee and Bondi. If you have anymore suggestions please just feel free to suggest them below and help some fellow backpackers out.
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Cool. And all within walking distance! We have about 4-5 days in Sydney, so we’ll make use of this route.
@Gerard Glad to hear it, such an amazing city, i’m sure you’ll love it.
I would suggest getting to Mac’s chair for sunset as its a glorious place to watch it. And has two very distinct backdrops (Opera House and Harbour Bridge on one side. And the towering skyline on the other). Though you miss out on the rest, but you can re-work this about to end there at sundown.
@Trent – Thanks for the suggestion Trent. It doesnt take tpp long to walk from the station to the harbour so everything on the map and your suggestion a definitely doable in one day.