Sydney Harbour is considered one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world, and for good reason. Port Jackson is the official name of the body of water containing Sydney Harbour, and it’s played a big role in Sydney’s history and its continuing culture.
We’re known as the harbour city and the name is certainly deserved—not only does much of the city’s identity come from its surrounding waters, but its two biggest attractions—the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge—are located right in the middle of it! Whether you’re taking a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise or simply walking along the foreshore, there are so many things to see and do. Here are just a few highlights of beautiful Sydney Harbour.
Harbour Bridge
Opened in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is not only an icon of Sydney Harbour, but of Australia in general. Due to its shape it is nicknamed ‘the Coathanger’, and it plays a central role to Sydney events (as well as transporting cards and trains from the city to Sydney’s Northern suburbs!) It is the widest long-span bridge in the world and offers dramatic views of the city and harbour. You can experience this bridge by walking, cycling or driving across it, or you can take a more adventurous route and climb to the top in an organised tour.
The Opera House
They say good things come to those who wait, and the Sydney Opera House definitely proves this to be true. Danish architect Jorn Utzon designed the building in 1957, after winning a design competition held by the NSW government to find the perfect plan. The house itself, however, was not opened until 1973, 16 years after it was selected—but most would agree, the final result was well worth the wait! It’s played host to some of the most famous performers in the world and hosts dance, opera, classical and contemporary music and theatre. Even if you’re not all that fussed about catching a show, visit the building to marvel at the one of a kind design and check out the view from the floor to ceiling windows!
Fish Markets
Sydney’s Fish Markets are another city icon, a bustling, thriving collection of seafood shops selling fish that mere hours ago were swimming along, unaware of their impending fate. The freshest seafood in the city can be found there, but its real charm is the functioning chaos that surrounds it, the excited yells of stallholders taking orders and wrapping up prawns, and of course the fish and chips you must enjoy sitting outside on the dock, while trying to scare off the seagulls!
However you decide to experience our spectacular harbour, whether it’s from the water on a Sydney Harbour cruise or in bits and pieces as you make your way around the sites, it is sure to delight and entertain as it winds its way through the heart of the city, connecting Sydney forever to the beauty of the sea.