Sydney’s Top Sights - Sydney - page 126

Neighbourhood Top Five
Coming face to face with the number-one visual symbol of the city, the Sydney
Opera House ( CLICK HERE ). On a sunny day it's postcard perfect, its curves and points a
pinnacle of architectural expression.
Strolling the idyllic grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens ( CLICK HERE ), with the
harbour sparkling below.
Being challenged and inspired by edgy offerings at the Museum of Contemporary
Art ( CLICK HERE ).
Gazing on the harbour from amid the heavy metal of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (
CLICK HERE ).
Letting the food and view seduce you at Quay ( CLICK HERE ), or any of the other top
harbourside restaurants.
Explore Circular Quay & The Rocks
At some stage you'll almost certainly end up in this neck of the woods - you haven't
really been to Sydney if you don't. Set aside the best part of a day to see the sights of this
very touristy neighbourhood. Return at night to clink glasses at an upmarket restaurant, to
down a schooner in a historic pub or to catch a show. Nowadays Sydney Cove carries the
weight of Sydney iconography, with the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House abutting
each point of its horseshoe. Sensing photo opportunities, some of Sydney's swankiest ho-
tels and restaurants are also here.
Circular Quay's promenade serves as a backdrop for buskers of mixed merit and locals
disgorging from harbour ferries. The Rocks is unrecognisable from the squalid place it
once was and is now serves as an 'olde worlde' tourist trap. Over the ridge is Millers
Point, a low-key colonial district that makes a calming diversion from the harbourside
tourist fray, and Walsh Bay, a redeveloped maritime precinct.