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Hello from Down Under! I am at my halfway point here in Sydney, Australia, which means I am more than halfway done with my study abroad experience for this spring. With warm weather and much to see, I want to share what I have loved doing in Sydney!
Just like when I was in Cape Town, I have found activities and locations that I like best. From beaches to the Opera House, my bucket list is getting checked off one by one. If Sydney, Australia is on your bucket list, here are some of my favorite things to do!
Blue Mountains
Because I love to hike and explore nature, the Blue Mountains were a must-see on my list when I got here. While you can see the mountains during a day trip, I highly recommend spending a few days or a weekend at the mountains. There are many hiking trails, lookout points, restaurants, and incredible views!
During my weekend trip to the Blue Mountains, I was with a large group of CIEE students where we stayed in a hostel. As a group, we toured a walking path that led to a small waterfall. We learned about the diversity of the plants and about the famous three sisters, a formation in the mountains. Exploring more lookout points of the vast, green, land, we hiked down the “Giant Stairway” which is over 800 stone steps that were built in 1909.
The Days at the Blue Mountains were ones full of beautiful colors. While at the peak of the mountain, way up in the sky, take the tourist route via the steepest passenger train to descend into the rainforest of the Blue Mountains. The train is surrounded by deep green leaves and blue skies. After the train ride, make sure to explore one of the many hiking paths around the floor of the mountains. To get back up, enjoy a scenic cable ride. Exploring the mountains from top to bottom was such an incredible experience. However, even in the two days I was there, I found myself wishing for more time.
Other sights to see located in the mountains include Jenolan Caves, Wentworth Waterfall, and Mayfield! The Blue Mountains are a great place for anyone who loves the outdoors, loves to hike, or loves to see the world from above!
Near the Blue Mountains, our group made a stop at the Featherdale Wildlife Park. Here, I fed kangaroos and got to hang out with a koala! We were only at the zoo for a short amount of time, but we saw animals like the Tasmanian devil and dingos, which are native to the region. Hopefully, in the next three weeks, I can go to another wildlife park!
Beaches
Similar to Cape Town, Australia has incredible beaches. Because the weather is still warm, going to explore a new beach is one of my favorite things to do. So far, I have been to Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and Maroubra Beach! Each beach is unique, but no matter where you go, you will see surfers.
Bondi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sydney. There are surfing lessons being taught almost every day and the waves are perfect for beginners. At this beach, there are the Bondi Icebergs, which are pools located right on the ocean water. It is a beautiful location to take a walk up and down breaks of the waves.
Manly Beach is one of my favorites so far. It is one of the bucket list items for many people. To get there, you have to get on a short ferry ride that takes you past the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you are anything like myself, I would recommend taking motion sickness medication if you get seasick! Though the ride is short, the waters can get rough. Once you arrive at Manly Beach, there are shops and restaurants on both sides of the strip of road. Explore, shop, and head to the beach for a relaxing day!
Tara’s Travel Tip: The water in the Australian Ocean is extremely refreshing in the hot heat. Be on the lookout for intense waves and always be conscious of surfers around you!
Sydney Opera House
The famous Sydney Opera House is located on Sydney Harbour and looks over the water, and it is as gorgeous as everyone says it is. Whether you are walking along Darling Harbour, taking a ride on the Manly Ferry, or walking through the city, there will always be a view of the Opera House.
Though I have not been to a show in the Opera House, I have explored the area and admired its beauty. If you have the chance, visit the Opera House and catch a show!
Darling Harbour
One of my favorite things to do on my day off is to take a walk along Darling Harbour. With shops, restaurants, and many activities right along the water, it is the perfect place to get lost during the day. Getting gelato and sitting on the steps of the Opera House, while facing the water is a weekly occurrence for me. At night, you can watch the city light up and embrace the Sydney nightlife. Darling Harbour is a wonderful place to spend the day because of all of the places you can visit. In the mood to shop? There are a handful of stores along the water! Wanting a quick bite to eat? Choose from a variety of restaurants from rooftop, outdoor or indoor. Darling Harbour is always busy with tours, runners, and music. Who knows? Maybe you will also watch a cruise ship pull into the dock!
The Royal Botanic Gardens
One of my bucket list items is the Royal Botanic Gardens! This weekend, I walked around a rose garden and among Australian native plants and international plants. It was eighty degrees and a perfect day to walk around a colorful garden. In front of each tree, fern, or flower, there is a description explaining where the plant has come from. One of my favorite sights to see was the wishing tree. It was planted in Sydney in 1818 and is still blooming and alive today. The tree is one of the most popular spots in the Royal Botanic Gardens and serves as a place to find lots of figs!
Tara’s Travel Tip: If you find yourself hiding from the Australian sun in the shade beneath the wishing tree, watch your head. Fig nuts will be falling!
Here in Sydney, the month of March celebrates World Pride. Therefore, no matter where you end up in the garden, pride events and concerts are popular to go to! On most days, there are events happening all across the gardens. From weddings to business meetings, the Royal Botanic Gardens are a beautiful place to spend the day and enjoy the incredible views. I was very happy to cross this off my bucket list!
Accor Stadium and Olympic Park
If you can, I would highly recommend seeing a concert or a game at the famous Accor Stadium. This past weekend, I saw Harry Styles perform in the stadium that not only holds up to 80,000 people, but was also built for the 2001 Olympic Games. And around the area, you can also explore the entire Olympic Park that includes the Aquatic Centre, Tennis Centre, Hockey Centre, and so much more!
The Olympic Park recognizes all of the locations and years of the Olympics with a pathway leading to Accor Stadium. It is incredible to see the decorations around the park celebrating the victories of the Olympians. If you are into sports or simply love the Olympics, this is the perfect place for you!
Each of these places that I have been to in Sydney has been memorable. With just one week left, I hope to cross off more bucket list items and continue to have amazing adventures. This weekend I will be going to the Great Barrier Reef! A few other bucket list items include seeing the sunrise, completing the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk, and watching all of the city lights turn on. Stay tuned for my next blog, I am so happy you are here!
Hi friends! My name is Tara Roumes and I am a junior here at URI. With a double major in journalism and English, you can always find me writing! When a pen isn’t in my hand, a fresh cup of coffee and a book often replace it. My love for books can be found on Instagram, @taras_littlelibrary, where I post reviews and connect with other avid readers. If I am not reading or writing, I am definitely claiming a front-row seat at any athletic event on campus, playing with my two dogs, or listening to Harry Styles. This is my second semester blogging for Inside Rec and I am so excited to share my experiences, thoughts, and opinions with you! Right now I am studying abroad in Cape Town then I head to Sydney and Rome!