Exploring Australia
Is exploring Australia on your bucket list? It was on my list! Recently, I got to live my dream and visit my sixth continent and a few destinations within Australia. It was a whirlwind adventure, and I enjoyed every moment. Let me tell you more about exploring Australia.
Getting There
Flying to Australia begins the journey. Our flights and tours were booked through Go Ahead Tours. We flew from Chicago to Dallas on American Airlines and then from Dallas to Sydney on Qantas Airlines. As the plane crossed the international date line, I saw the sky split between moonlight and sunrise. It was a spectacular sight.
After 16.5 hours in the sky, we landed in Sydney, Australia. We left Chicago on December 27th and landed in Australia on December 29th. The time difference was 16 hours, but the jet lag did not hit me immediately. Perhaps I was too excited to notice that I was exhausted. After going through customs, we met our tour director, Ben, and several of our tour mates. We boarded our bus and headed to the hotel.
Click here to book your flights to Sydney, Australia.
Go Ahead Tours
Our tour group comprised 32 people from various parts of the United States. There were groups within the larger groups consisting of families or friends traveling together. Also, we had couples and single travelers on the trip. My group consisted of six family members and friends within the 32 persons. The group’s ages ranged from people in their 20s to 70s. Ability levels were diverse, too. However, our tour director, Ben, handled all the logistics and accommodations. Also, the tour group members stepped up to help and support when needed.
Exploring Sydney
After checking in at the hotel, we rested for about an hour, but our stomachs growled. So, we walked a few blocks from the hotel to a restaurant for breakfast. We returned to the hotel to meet more members of our tour. Afterward, we needed to rest and nap. Later, the entire group was having a welcome dinner with Ben.
We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel the next day before leaving for sightseeing in Sydney. The city was bustling and preparing for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration, but we had several tourist spots to see, so it would be a busy day.
Pass Darling Harbor
Our first stop was Pass Darling Harbor. There, we viewed and walked under the Sydney Harbor Bridge. A short distance away, we could see the iconic Sydney Opera House. I was excited to see two famous architectural marvels I had only seen in photographs or on television. Immediately, my photography brain thought of all the beautiful shots to take. Finally, I could marvel at the opera house and Sydney Harbor Bridge with my own eyes.
Bondi Beach
We continued our tour of Sydney, and our next stop was Bondi Beach and the Gap in Watsons Bay. Bondi Beach is a gathering spot for Sydney residents and tourists. The temperature was hot, and the beach was packed with swimmers, sunbathers, families, walkers, and tourists. There are shops, a bakery, a restaurant, and a cafe. Bring a suit and use the changing rooms if you want to swim. A few people from our group did take a swim. Others enjoyed the ambiance and explored the shops.
We also toured the The Rocks, a historical precinct in Sydney. We strolled around The Rocks, saw cobblestone streets, discovered heritage homes, and caught a gorgeous view of the Harbour Bridge.
National Opal Collection
Did you know that Australia is known for mining opals? About 95% of opals are mined in Australia. We learned more about Australia’s opal mining industry at the National Opal Collection, a museum dedicated to showcasing Australia’s national gemstone.
Sydney Opera House
Next, we returned to the Sydney Opera House for a guided tour. The opera house is a UNESCO Heritage Site and is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. Construction began on March 1, 1959, and was completed in 1973. Interestingly, the architect, Jorn Utzon, designed the structure but never saw the finished product. The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most popular visitor attractions.
Our guided tour lasted approximately 90 minutes. It was an opportunity to learn more about the Sydney Opera House’s innovative design and architectural significance. The Opera House, which sits on the harbor, resembles wind sails. It is an Australian icon.
Queen Street
The following day, we explored Sydney on our own. My cousin and I walked from our hotel along Queen Street. Our walk covered Chinatown, the city’s center, the Queen Victoria Building and mall, arcades, shops, hotels, and more. It was New Year’s Eve, and the city was preparing for the spectacular fireworks display. Seeing how every detail was well planned for the event was fantastic, as well as how well the city communicated street closures, where to view the fireworks best, transportation detours, and scheduled events. Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebration attracts over a million people yearly.
Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is an oasis in the heart of Sydney. The botanic garden is wrapped around Sydney Harbour and adjacent to the Sydney Opera House. Its location is ideally situated in the city. If you love nature like I do, the Royal Botanic Garden is one of Sydney’s most beautiful attractions to enjoy the natural beauty.
Chinatown
Our hotel was two or three blocks from Chinatown. We explored by walking and visiting shops and food halls. One evening, we had dinner at a well-known Chinese restaurant. A few times during the meal, there was a language barrier, but the service was terrific, and the food was delicious and plentiful. A great thing about Chinatown is the variety of Asian food, from Malaysian to Thai. I wish that we had more time to explore.
Food in Sydney
If you love delicious food, Sydney is a place to visit. I learned that Sydney is a city that loves to eat. Fine-dining restaurants are plentiful, and cheap eats and street food are available for budget-friendly diners. Australia is known for beef, and I had one of the best cowboy steaks I’ve ever tasted. We were served steak, seafood, and various dishes during a New Year’s Eve celebration. Everything was delicious! Also, don’t forget to sip some Australian wine.
Other Sydney Attractions
Below are more top Sydney tourist attractions. Unfortunately, I did not visit them due to a lack of time. However, you can add these destinations to your list as you plan your trip to Sydney.
Click to reserve your Sydney tours with Viator.
What to Wear in Sydney
If you are exploring Australia in January, expect warmer weather. It is summer, and the average temperature is 27C or 79F. Some days, it felt hotter, but I live in the cold Midwest. So, what should you pack for your trip to Sydney? I packed light clothing, swimwear, and a sun hat. I also packed sunglasses and sunscreen! I had comfortable walking shoes, such as gym shoes or sandals.
Here’s a quick checklist of packable items.
- Light and breathable fabrics: Opt for cotton, linen, and other materials that keep you cool in the heat.
- Shorts, skirts, and dresses are perfect for warm weather, and cargo pants are great for everyday wear.
- Swimwear: If you plan to visit the beach or pool, pack your swimsuit.
- T-shirts and tops: You’ll want plenty of these for everyday wear.
- A light jacket or sweater: Evenings can get cooler, so a light layer is a good idea. I always carry a pashmina or a large scarf to wrap around my shoulders if needed.
Accessories
- Hat: Protect yourself from the intense sun with a hat.
- Sunglasses: Essential for protecting your eyes from the sun.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget to pack sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk a lot, so pack comfortable shoes like sneakers or sandals. Also, take water shoes for the beach.
Other Essentials
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle.
- Small backpack or day bag: To carry essentials like sunscreen, water, and snacks.
- Umbrella or rain jacket: While Sydney is generally sunny in January, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected showers.
Click here to purchase travel items at the Sustah-Girl Chronicles Amazon Store.
Getting Around Sydney
Sydney has an excellent transportation system. It is easy for tourists to get around, and many options exist. I can attest that Sydney is a walkable city. My cousin and I walked miles from our hotel to explore the city. Some tour mates took the light rail system from the hotel to the Taronga Zoo. They said the system was simple and easy to figure out.
Other public transportation options are buses, trains, and ferries. You can purchase an Opal Card, a smartcard ticket that you can buy to use for buses, trains, and ferries.
Public Transportation is available. Here are a few other options to get around Sydney. Taxis are available; you can hail on the street or book in advance. Uber, a ride-sharing service, is available, cost-effective, and convenient. If you’re a cyclist, Sydney has a network of bike paths and cycle lanes. So, options are plentiful for moving about in Sydney.
Conclusion
Exploring Australia began with time in Sydney. The days spent there were a learning and cultural experience. I hope to return one day to visit more attractions and eat more steaks. The cowboy steak is still on my mind.
Travel to Sydney is easy with connecting flights from most major cities in the United States. Start planning your next trip and book a stay in Sydney.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link, a small commission may be paid.
Thank you for painting a wonderful picture of Sydney and taking me on your journey via your post. Maybe I will get there one day.!
I saw the timeline while flying to London, and it was a mesmerizing sight.
I clicked on the link to learn what to pack and found it helpful. I loved the windbreaker!!! I can’t wait to hear about your next leg of the trip.