How Should I Explore Sydney on My First Visit? —How to Experience it All

Sydney will not disappoint, and you will find that the place is everything and more you envisioned the city to be. With so many attractions and experiences on offer, it can be quite overwhelming for a first-time visitor to explore Sydney. Not to worry though, this article on how I should explore Sydney on my first visit will act as the ultimate guide and help you to plan the perfect holiday.

Decide to Soak Up Some History

Sydney has a vibrant past as one of the places chosen by the first settlers who arrived from England. The Rocks is the oldest neighbourhood there and a must-visit for all culture buffs. Discover a wealth of history as you descend the stairs to arrive at The Rocks. The place is a maze of zig-zagging old lanes, sandstone buildings, vintage churches, and some of the oldest pubs in the city. 

This neighbourhood was established in 1788 with the arrival of the first fleet of ships seeking out new beginnings in the land down under. Here are some iconic activities that every first-time visitor to Sydney must strive to experience.

• .Visit Susannah Place, which is home to four vintage houses built in the 1840s by Irish settlers. Also, make sure to explore Cadman’s Cottage, which, having been constructed in 1816, is the oldest preserved building in Sydney. 
• Explore The Rocks Discovery Museum; the place is a treasure trove of artefacts and displays that promise to stun and offer an insight into Sydney’s beginnings.
• The Rocks Market is the place for shopaholics to explore. Held over the weekends from 10 am to 5 pm, this market is both exciting and a great place to snag a bargain or two. The stalls are a fascinating collection of people selling handcrafted jewellery, fashion items, artisan creations and plenty of food stalls to enjoy local flavours.
• Head out to The Rocks on a Friday to be a part of the iconic food market, which is a virtual foodies' haven.

If you are staying at the PARKROYAL Parramatta or any other popular hotel in Sydney, you can plan a day’s excursion to The Rocks, which is less than an hour from the hotel. Some of the best Sydney hotel suites are located at these resorts and offer extremely comfortable accommodations as well as the convenience of getting to attractions easily.

Go on a Ferry Ride

Enjoy a Ferry ride on Sydney Harbour, New South Wales | Image via unsplash

Head over to Circular Quay and you can hop aboard a ferry bound for Manly Beach – a suburb of Sydney that’s equally popular to Bondi boasting surfing allures, a soft sand beach to relax on, and plenty of holiday vibes to enjoy. The ferry ride is ideal to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and gives you a thirty-minute respite to sit back and enjoy the refreshing sea breezes and expansive views of Sydney Harbour.

Plan a Walk Along Sydney Harbour

Iconic Sydney Harbour is not to be missed if you want to establish yourself as a seasoned Sydney explorer. The bridge was commissioned during the great depression as a project to involve government employees and was opened to the public as far back as 1932. It has taken almost ten years to construct the bridge; once done, it was the largest arch bridge constructed from steel at the time. 

If you are up for some daredevil adventures, take on the climb to the top of the bridge or play it safe and choose the walking track. Sights of the bridge can be enjoyed from the water too; the ferry, or while 

kayaking or sailing beneath the bridge.

If you can spare more time to explore further, check out Blue Mountain, one of the nation’s most impressive natural locations rich in Aborigine heritage and rugged surroundings. Likewise, Hunter Valley will have a huge appeal to wine lovers as the area is Sydney’s official wine country.


Enjoy your first visit to Sydney!