Sydney Harbour is one of the most famous and recognisable spots in all the world, with its iconic landmarks, gorgeous views and vibrant and varied shops and restaurants. No one should spend time in Sydney without getting to experience this fantastic location, and indeed people flock from all over the world to take in the sights and sounds on offer.
Here we will take a look at exactly why Sydney Harbour is so famous, and give you a few of the top reasons why you should make it a priority to visit the harbour when you are in Sydney.
Why is Sydney Harbour so famous?
There are a great many reasons why Sydney Harbour is so famous, from the impressive architecture on display to the beautiful waterfront. Millions of people each year take the time to visit this well-known place, and here are a few of the top reasons that they do:
Sydney Opera House
Unsurprisingly, one of the best-known landmarks to be found in Sydney Harbour is the infamous opera house. It is a structural marvel that pretty much everyone in the world could identify on sight, utterly unique and stunning in its design and function.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has become one of the best-known buildings in the world since it opened in 1973, and along with attending performances throughout the year, many visitors take a tour of the structure and consider it one of the highlights of any trip to Australia.
As well as checking out the inside of this incredible place, you can get some fantastic views from the water if you choose to experience Sydney Harbour by boat. Each of the layers of ‘shells’ is truly majestic, and should ideally be viewed from all angles if you can.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Along with the opera house, Sydney Harbour Bridge is another recognisable and famous landmark that brings so many visitors to Sydney Harbour each year. Since it opened in 1932 it has remained the tallest steel arch bridge in the world, though it is only the eighth largest, and it is an impressive and rather elegant-looking structure.
Running from the Central Business District to the North Shore, vehicles and pedestrians alike traverse the harbour day in and day out and experience the stunning views over the water and taking in the glory of the bridge itself. A trip to Sydney absolutely must include making that journey yourself.
The Water
Sydney was very much built on the water, and the harbour is a truly spectacular place to see that in action. From jumping on a ferry to cross to different attractions to taking your time on a boat cruise and absorbing the sights, you won’t want to miss seeing Sydney Harbour from the water.
You can also soak up the beauty and get a different view of the harbour from a kayak, or from any of the smaller islands that you can find there. There are so many ways to experience Sydney Harbour, and ideally, you should try as many of them as you can.
Alongside the water is the waterfront, brimming with bars, restaurants and plenty of places to sit and relax, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the view. You can also head to one of the picturesque beaches that can be found here, as well as many parks and areas of natural beauty.
There is something for everyone
One of the best things about Sydney Harbour is that there really is something here for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer to jump into activities like kayaking or taking the climb over Sydney Harbour Bridge, or prefer to sit back with a glass of wine or a delicious meal at one of the waterfront restaurants, you can find it all in the harbour.
There are plenty of places to go and things to see to suit the whole family, including the zoo, aquarium, plenty of shops and businesses, and of course landmarks like the opera house and bridge. You can take a boat ride, go for a hike, or just wander around and take it all in. In Sydney Harbour, you can see and do so much that you could easily spend much of your trip to Sydney right here.
Is Sydney the largest harbour in the world?
Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour and the surrounding area, is the largest natural harbour in the world. Named by Captain Cook upon his arrival for a member of the British Admiralty, it was the site of the first European Colony and Sydney grew up around it in later years.
Impressive in both size and scenery, Sydney Harbour is as interesting geographically and historically as it is to look at today, and fully deserving of both its fame and the number of visitors that it receives each year.
What celebrities live on Sydney Harbour?
With all that, there is to see and do, and with Sydney Harbour being one of the most well-known and famous places in all of Australia, it is no surprise that many of the most famous Australians have chosen to make their homes there.
Actors including Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman are known to have properties overlooking the waterfront here, and Russell Crowe, though born in New Zealand, spent a great deal of his childhood in Australia and moved to Sydney Harbour as an adult.
Along with its full-time residents, Sydney Harbour tends to be the location of choice for any celebrities visiting Australia to stay in for the duration of their visit. People who have spent time in this gorgeous place include Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts and Sir Elton John, to name just a few.
If you do visit Sydney, the harbour is definitely the place to be to do a little people-watching. As well as taking in all of the famous sights, you may well see a famous person as well.
Final Thoughts
With so much to take in here in Sydney Harbour, it is clear that it fully deserves its fame and recognition around the world. Between Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and all of the other wonderful things to see and do, enjoying a boat trip around the harbour and spending some time here is a must for any visit to both Sydney and Australia at large.