A Trip to Circular Quay Sydney

A Trip to Circular Quay Sydney

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales Australia, is a city where I landed first at the end of 2011. I asked my local friends and everyone said "Go to Darling Harbour that will capture your heart as everyone from all over the world goes there first thing."

I agree Sydney with its iconic landmarks, stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, offers an unforgettable experience to visitors and I was tempted to visit the place. I was living in the Paramatta area at that time and had no car so I decided to go there by ferry on a weekend which was almost free as Australian local transport offers a nominal fair policy on weekends to all with an Opel Card.

I am thankful to my workmates who said "Whether you want to see the great outdoors, enjoy world cuisine or spend your time in the local culture, Sydney has something for everyone especially if you are visiting the city for the first time, Darling Harbour has some things you won’t want to miss!"

Of course I didn't miss a thing!

I knew about the Sydney Opera House and also that no trip is complete without visiting the world-famous Sydney Opera House.

Sydney Opera House

I captured this architectural masterpiece with my camera from different angles you might or might not have seen which is not only a symbol of the city but is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I did not go inside during my first visit but I have attended a few programs here on other occasions.

I walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to get the breathtaking views of the city's

Sydney Harbour Bridge connects the city’s northern waterfront to the central business district and offers many ways to enjoy it. We took a stroll along the pedestrian path until my wife said we should watch other places.

Sydney's famous center of attraction Darling Harbour is legendary and famous for its aboriginal art display on weekends that draws both locals and tourists which offers spectacular views of the cafes and shops, perfect for a meal or shopping.

Later we explored "The Rocks" located near Circular Quay as this area is rich in history and culture, several heritage buildings and fascinating museums.

We visited "The Rocks Discovery Museum" and learned about the region's Indigenous heritage and colonial past which is available through various visual and other sources. The Rocks are also home to weekend markets, where we saw unique souvenirs, local art and delicious street food.

Darling Harbour is a bustling waterfront area filled with attractions and entertainment options. We visited the "Sea Life Sydney Aquarium" for a close-up view of marine life, and the "Australian National Maritime Museum" while strolling along the harbor.

I feel Darling Harbour in Sydney is a must-visit place to get a panoramic view of the place. Incidentally, this ship was anchored there when I visited.

Darling Harbour also has a great foodie scene, with many restaurants offering seaside views. It is a great place for dinner or evening drinks at sunset. And it's a lot of fun when you watch local artists playing strange musical instruments and collecting money.

Later we walked to "Royal Botanic Gardens" which is a quiet place for a walk but I will let you know about that area in a separate post. This green space is located right next to the Sydney Opera House and offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful gardens, walking paths and beautiful views of the harbor.

On our first trip, we visited the Art Gallery but from outside as we wanted to see as many places as we could on a later occasion we visited the "Art Gallery of New South Wales" one of Australia's premier art museums.

The gallery houses an extensive collection of Australian, European and Asian art as well as contemporary exhibitions.

Oh yes, as it was free, we took a ferry ride from Circular Quay to nearby places by several ferries as these rides here offer spectacular views of the Harbor and once we reached the Parramatta River, we found a charming, unforgettable view of the city that left us awestruck.

We took several ferries from Circular Quay and just came back to the starting point without even going out of the ferry stations. Finally, we left Darling Harbour and came back to Parramatta by an express ferry as we decided to call it a day.

Admission is free, although you have to pay for certain sections. Transportation is almost free on every government transport on weekends.