Walk the Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are instantly recognisable around the world. For some students, they will become the backdrop to their daily journeys while others will see them at regular intervals while in Sydney. Either way, at some point you should make the time to walk across the legendary bridge.
Discover Australia’s history
As Australia’s first city, Sydney is packed full of amazing architecture and insights into the nation’s past. One of the best places to gain an understanding of this history is at the Australian Museum in Sydney. Expect to spend the best part of a day here, wandering through the many exhibitions on offer.
Explore amazing national parks
Just out of Sydney are some of Australia’s most stunning bushland and mountain ranges. In the north, there’s the Hawkesbury River and further north the Nymboi-Binderay National Park where you can white-water raft or bushwalk. To the south, there are both marine parks where you can scuba-dive and national parks where you can experience the stunning rainforest and classic Australian bush. To the west are the amazing Blue Mountains.
Shop ‘til you drop
From local boutiques to high-end designer fashion, you will discover a vast array of quality shopping. Across Sydney’s city centre, outer suburbs and New South Wales regional centres are various shopping hubs. The city’s biggest ‘strip’ for shopping can be found at Pitt Street Mall, right in the centre of the CBD. Those with more upmarket tastes can find the highest fashions and designer labels on Oxford Street in Paddington, Double Bay and Rozelle. With its great weather, New South Wales also boasts an impressive market culture, with weekly craft, fashion and food markets.
Attend huge events
Throughout the year New South Wales plays host to massive festivals, musical events, sporting events and much more. You will never be short of something to do in this bustling state. With a broad mix of cultures, you can develop an understanding of various peoples and have the opportunity to celebrate your own culture. Sydney is also emerging as a world-class city for artistic expression, with a Biennale of Sydney, Sydney Fringe and Sydney Comedy Festival. Outside of Sydney, you can enjoy the Bathurst 1000, Iron Man in Port Macquarie and Bluesfest in Byron Bay.
Go caving in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are spectacular, with world-famous breathtaking views. The main town to check out in the region is Katoomba. While you’re there, check out the Jenolan Caves, a massive system of underground caves at the heart of the Blue Mountains. There are eleven caves that you can take a guided tour of or you can wander parts for yourself.
