The Ultimate Guide to attractions in Sydney
Sydney is an amazing city with many fantastic attractions and we will cover as many as possible in this ultimate guide. If you are visiting Sydney for the first time and you have a group of more than 5 people then the most efficient way to travel is to charter a minibus with a driver.
4 Interesting Museums To Visit In Sydney
Sydney is one of the top visited cities in Australia. In 2010, it had hosted more than seven million local tourists and more than 2.5 million international tourists. Two of the most popular sites in Sydney include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But did you know that Sydney also has a number of interesting museums?
The Australian Museum
The Australian Museum, the oldest museum in the country, contains the country’s most significant animal and anthropological collections. There are numerous displays that cover not only the Pacific Islands but also Asia and the Americas. It has tons of fossils as well as artefacts including Aboriginal toys and tools. Animal lovers would love this museum since it also has a stuffed version display of the various animals in the country.
The Nicholson Museum
If you are interested in archaeology, then you might want to visit the Nicholson Museum. It is considered to have the largest collection of antiques in all of Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. Artefacts do not come from Australia alone. Some has travelled all the way from the Middle East and Europe. One of the most popular displays is a real mummy. The curators and tour guides would be willing to share the stories involving each of their displays.
The Australian National Maritime Museum
If you are interested in the history of Australia then you would definitely be interested in its maritime history. The Australian National Maritime Museum boasts of its fine collection of maritime treasures. It has six gallery spaces as well as preserved maritime vessels. The museum also has a store where you can purchase various books on maritime history as well as gifts and souvenirs. The museum also offers fresh seafood delicacies should your stomach start to grumble while in the museum.
The Powerhouse Museum
If you are into science and technology then you would love the Powerhouse Museum. It is basically a science museum and it features collections from various branches of science. These include space, transportation, communication, media, and computer technology. It even has collections under the area of arts. Probably the most popular display in this museum is the oldest operational rotative steam engine in the world.
There are a lot of museums out there that have not been mentioned in this list. Should you wish to visit them all, you might want to bring some friends and family members with you. Or you can even book a minibus with a driver and organize a school group tour!
History Of The Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sydney. What makes this bridge stand out among all the other bridges in the world is that it carries different kinds of traffic including vehicular, rail, bicycle, and pedestrians.
Early preparations and planning
Proposals for the bridge started in 1815 when Francis Greenway presented the idea of having something that would reflect the glory of the Mother Country. Numerous proposals have been presented after that. Finally, in 1914, a man named J.J.C. Bradflied was put in charge of working on the bridge’s design. Numerous more proposals were submitted after the First World War, but the winning design belonged to Dorman Long and Co Ltd. Australian contractors were then hired to start on the construction.
The bridge project
Construction went underway, and numerous prominent men added their skills so that the bridge can be finished. To make way for the bridge, more than four hundred buildings have been demolished. The foundations were soon laid for the bridge’s heavy arches, tunnels were excavated, and other numerous undertakings were made. Unsafe practices during that time resulted to the death of six men. But soon, the bridge was completed.
The opening of the SHB
In March 1932, two months after the first test train passed through, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened. The opening ceremony was attended my numerous politicians. Other opening celebrations were also held by various groups. It was estimated that about a million people attended the opening ceremonies. The bridge earned the nickname Iron Lung as people realized its economic importance during the Great Depression as it gave people jobs.
Milestones
Indeed, the Sydney Harbour Bridge served well not only as a bridge but also as a popular tourist spot. Constant inspections and maintenance works have to be conducted so that the SHB would keep its strength and beauty. In its 50th anniversary, the public were allowed to walk across the bridge on deck something that has never been done since the opening. In its 75th anniversary, more than 250 thousand people took part in the celebration. Commemorative hats were even given away.
A Sydney tour would never be complete without visiting the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Aside from this, there are still tons of sites Sydney can offer. So go ahead and rent a minibus, invite your friends and family to come with you and see all the sights Sydney has to offer.
Ku-Ring-Gai National Park In Sydney
The Kui-Ring-Gai National Park is one of the most critically acclaimed parks in Sydney. Proof of this is the fact that a large number of people give it a nearly perfect rating after having visited it. This then means that if you ever have time to visit Sydney, you should make a point of popping over to the park and finding out more about it. This is something that you are unlikely to regret. Despite the fact that it’ÂÂs very close to the metropolitan area, it does feel very isolated since it has been preserved to be as natural as possible.
This means that when you visit it, you will be as in touch with nature as is possible. One other reason why visiting it should be on your bucket list is the fact that it is the second oldest park in the country, which gives it some historical credence.
There are many things you can do in Kui-Ring-Gai National Park, but one of the most popular is hiking. There are many hiking trails that have different degrees of difficulty and which expose you to different aspects of the camp. Some of them include:
The Aboriginal Heritage Track
If you are interested in rock art or aboriginal culture, this is a track that you should consider hiking. It gives you the opportunity to see a lot of amazing aboriginal rock art. The track terminates in a picnic site, so you can actually carry some food for the hike if you want. It takes around 45 minutes to complete the track at average pace. It also has an incline of 27 meters and so is not very demanding.
The America Bay Waterfall Track
This is yet another short trail that gives you the opportunity to sample all that the park has to offer in terms of scenic views. Some of the things you can expect to see include a magnificent waterfall as well as spectacular views of the forest. It takes around 45 minutes to complete, and has an incline of 76 meters which is negligible.
The Apple Bay Tree Birrawanna Loop
If you are interested in a quiet hike, this is one of the trails you should consider going on.
This particular route has some steep sections, but is well worth the effort considering the views that you will get to see all the way. There is also a kiosk along the way where you can stop and eat.
The Bobbin Head Boardwalk
This is one of the shortest and most relaxing trails in the park, and can even be taken by people on wheelchairs. It is ideal for the entire family, and should be the trail you should go on if you are interested in having a picnic in the park but also fancy a short, 15-minute walk as well.
If you are interested in indulging in the above trails and many more that are offered by the Kui-Ring-Gai National Park, don’t hesitate to hire a minibus to sort out your logistics to and fro the park!
Visiting Royal Botanic Gardens In Sydney
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney are one of the main attractions of this amazing Australian town and especially if you are visiting with your family members, you simply cannot miss out this glorious place. Here you have the opportunity to admire gorgeous natural landscapes, see astounding views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House and also capture beautiful photos and pictures too. Below you will find a couple of highlights of the Royal Botanic Gardens as well as its location and visiting hours.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour
And they are also so vast and large that they actually cover over 30 hectares of land. The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney attract more than 3 million visitors each and every year and best of all, there is no fee for visiting this mesmerizing place in Sydney.
What to see and do at the Royal Botanic Gardens
If you have never been here before then the best way to start your trip through the Royal Botanic Gardens is to join a free guided walk. These daily walks start at 10:30am and the starting point is near the Visitor Information Counter. During your stroll, you can learn more about this amazing place and admire wildlife and stunning vegetation. Also, you can delight yourself with sandwiches, cakes or ice creams as well. If you want to buy gifts for your loved ones back home, there are also plenty of Australian souvenirs to choose from, sold at the nearby shops and boutiques.
Enrol in Aboriginal heritage tours
If you want to take advantage of a more specialized and tailored tour then you should join an Aboriginal heritage tour which takes place only Fridays at 10am. During this one and a half hour tour you will see a wide variety of plants and artifacts, learn more about the culture and history of the Royal Botanic Gardens and even taste some bush foods as well. The tours depart from the Information Booth and it is mandatory that you get a ticket first.
Your kids will love the giant lily-pads
Your kids will definitely adore a trip through the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, especially if you explore the mesmerizing wildlife here. For example, you and your children can admire giant lily-pads, lizards with a blue tongue, a wide variety of Australian birds, flying foxes and much, much more!
If you are travelling with a large group of people, it is a good idea to book minibus charter that you can get to the Royal Botanic Gardens more quickly and safely.
Why You Should Visit The Sydney Tower
The Sydney Tower
The Sydney Tower has been an important part of the Sydney skyline for the last 30 years. This iconic Sydney landmark is the tallest building in the city and it houses the Southern Hemisphere’s second tallest observation tower. The tower is variously referred to as the Sydney Tower Eye, Centrepoint Tower, Westfield Centrepoint Tower, AMP Tower, or simply Centrepoint. Well, ranked as among the safest buildings in the world, this tower continues to attract hordes of tourists and locals alike.
What to see at Sydney Tower
The observation deck of this tower that is touted as being able to withstand extreme wind conditions and earthquakes is the perfect place to enjoy this amazing view. Stroll around the deck and enjoy the sights from every direction from the Blue Mountains in the west, the Harbor’s shoreline to the north, Sydney Airport and the historic Botany Bay to the south. The east side offers beautiful offerings all the way to the Pacific Ocean. There are many sights to enjoy in every direction.
Events & packages at Sydney Tower
When planning your tour there are many events and packages that will take your breath away. The VIP Skywalk package is an all-inclusive ticket that will get you the best SKYWALK experience. Other packages available include Captain Cook Cruise package, Cloudy Bay Fish Co Dining package, Luna Park package, Swissotel Sydney Hotel package and Jones The Grocer package. Find out what each package involves so that you make the best decision.
Location and opening hours
Sydney Tower Eye is located at the corner of Pitt Street and Market Street in the Westfield Shopping Centre. This is right in the nerve center of Sydney’s retail hub. The Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck is open daily, every day of the year apart from Christmas day, from 9:00am to 10:30pm.The last tickets are sold at 9.30pm every day, which is also time for the last entry. It is a good idea to find out the scheduled closures for the day you intend to visit.
Experience for visitors
A visit to Sydney is not complete without getting the full Tower experience. There is a lot to enjoy including the 4D cinema experience. The evocative theatre effects that include bubbles, wind and fire enhance the engaging movie experience. The photo you take on arrival will help you to carry the memories with you as you document your visit.
Parking facilities and the advantages of using a coach or minibus service
You get full benefits when you hire a coach or minibus because the Sydney Tower offers special discounted rates for parking. Because it is a very popular tourist location, the traffic around this area can be complicated but with a minibus or coach service, you can commute to and fro the Sydney Tower in best comfort at an attractive price.
If you would like to find out more about minibus hire services, please call or send us an email.
Visiting The Sydney IMAX Theater
The Ultimate Movie Experience
For the ultimate movie experience, IMAX is the place to be. You can enjoy crystal clear images at the towering height of eight stories. With the 15,000 watts digital surround sound, you can enjoy an experience like no other. IMAX can transport you to places you have only dreamed of visiting. Feel like an astronaut and experience the weightlessness of being in space or join other climbers in conquering some of the highest peaks in the world. You can even dive under the sea to enjoy the exotic creatures.
Theatre location
IMAX Theatre Sydney is located right in the heart of Darling Harbour. As home to the largest cinema screen in the world, the theatre on 31 Wheat Road offers a wide variety of blockbuster feature films. You can enjoy the selected films in 2D and 3D, and there is something to suit everyone regardless of age or interest whether you are planning a school excursion or an adventure with friends and family.
Group bookings
You can benefit from packages available for group bookings. You can enjoy the IMAX experience with a large group and benefit from the savings you make. There are holiday packages available for school groups, senior groups and even corporate groups. When you book for a group of 10 or more individuals, you benefit from ticket discounts and other special deals. When you hire a minibus or coach to transport the group, you will not have to worry about keeping the whole group together.
School excursion packages
There are great packages available for school groups and traveling to the theatre has never been more convenient. Hire a coach to ensure that you have the best transport for your group. IMAX offers a range educationally themed packages that are cost effective and you can get value-for-money for a full day excursion. The packages available combine film screening plus a visit to an additional venue. With the discounted admission for schools, you can have an outing that everyone will enjoy.
Sessions and prices
Whether you are planning a group viewing for a few people or a large function with 500 guests, you can get the full IMAX experience cost effectively. The cost will depend on many factors including the film you choose, and the type of package. The full-length feature films are digitally enhanced to fit the giant screen and they generally run 60 minutes or more. Documentaries generally run for up to 45 minutes. Special discounts apply when you pre-book for your group and you can end up saving a lot of money.
If you would like to find out more about our minibus hire services, please call or send us an email