Joanna James
With its idyllic beaches, a breathtaking harbour, national parks, and the mélange of trendy restaurants, Sydney hardly needs more to attract tourists – but, it indeed has them, and more; apart from the iconic Sydney Opera House, one can also visit a number of other cultural sites and festivals.
Built around the remnants of the first Government House of Australia, Museum of Sydney is a place, which celebrates the historical events and important people from the past that have shed their sweat in order to shape the soul of the city. Located approximately 2.7 kilometres from Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites via Market Street, this museum still showcases its ancient archaeological relics as well. Edge of the Trees is an award-winning art installation on the museum premises, which was created by the artists called Foley and Laurence.
Once an Aboriginal fishing ground, Cockatoo Island is the largest and the most celebrated of Sydney's islands. It also housed a shipyard, a girls' reform school, and even a prison! Nowadays, it offers its visitors a range of exciting things to see and do – from splendid walking tours to several events per year. The back-home journey by ferry is an attraction in itself as it entails the breathtaking sunset views, watching which, visitors may feel as if they are inside an ethereal world.
Centrally located with easy access to some of the best Sydney hotels is Australian Museum – the first of its kind in the country. It brings you some of the most fascinating species belonging to the country's natural history, which started as a small compilation of curiosities that has grown to a vast collection of over 18 million objects with time. Opened in 1827, Australian Museum was initially known as the Sydney Museum or Colonial Museum and was later renamed to Australian Museum.
One of Australia's premier art museums, Art Gallery of New South Fales boasts of almost 19,000 artworks including a variety of pop art, modern photography, screen-printing, and decorative arts. With over 40 exhibitions held annually, this space is quite popular for its pieces from across the globe, inspiring its visitors to engage with art. The Yiribana Gallery in particular is focused on the works of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork in the world. The Museum is known for its Wednesdays when the gallery hosts Art After Hours, with engaging workshops, inspiring talks, and other live entertainment that continues close to midnight.
When speaking about cultural attractions in Sydney, the Sydney Opera House really shouldn't be left out. This masterpiece, which was designed by Jørn Utzon, a Danish architect, was completed in 1973 after 16-20 years of construction. The same innovative thinking that resulted in this majestic sculpture still hovers in its atmosphere as in the form of mindblowing opera performances, theatre, dance, and contemporary music. Here, one may also find the Opera Bar and Bennelong Restaurant where it is possible to treat oneself to pavlova shaped just like the opera house.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
