There are two different areas where cruise ships can dock in the Australian city of Sydney. If you’re extremely lucky, and dock at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, you will be treated to unforgettable views of Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

You will be able to step off the ship and straight into the Central Business District of the city. If you’ve never visited Sydney before then what could be better than arriving straight into the heart of the city.

From the CBD, many of Sydney’s attractions are within comfortable walking distance. Circular Quay itself has many cafés, bars and restaurants which offer views of the Harbour Bridge on one side, and the Opera House on the other, making it the perfect place to relax and take in your surroundings.

The Oldest Part of Sydney

The Rocks, the oldest part of Sydney, is close to the CBD and can be reached on foot within a couple of minutes. At the weekend there is a market in The Rocks which is perfect for buying Aussie souvenirs and gifts for those at home.

The city sightseeing buses which circle the city can be a great way to see as much as possible within a short time. There are two different routes- one for the city, and one which goes to the world famous Bondi Beach. Bondi is a major surfing hub, and boarders from all over the world come here to enjoy the waves and relax on the white sandy beach.

The Harbour Bridge is undoubtedly one of Sydney’s most famous attractions. The bridge can be climbed as part of a group and takes around 2-3 hours.

However, if you don’t fancy being able to see cars, trains and buses passing below you as you climb, the top of the towers at either side of the bridge can also be accessed. With 200 steps between you and the top, it’s something of a challenge, especially in the roasting Australian summer heat, but definitely worth it for views over the harbour.

Tours of the Opera House

Tours of the Opera House are also popular with visitors to the city. With over 1000 rooms inside and using as much electricity as a town of 250,000 people, it’s a fascinating building to explore. The Opera Bar on the lower level of the harbour structure is perfect if you simply want to have a spot of lunch, dinner or a few drinks overlooking the Harbour Bridge in the shadow of the Opera House.

With so much do to and see in Sydney it’s an exciting city to explore. If you’re lucky enough to begin or end your cruise holiday in the city, then I highly recommend you extend your holiday and enjoy as much of the city as possible.

Thanks Emma