Whilst it is one of the more touristy sites Sydney has to offer, that doesn’t take away from the fact that Sydney Harbour is an iconic #viewpoint that you simply must visit during your time in Sydney. I’m here to show you four spots that aren’t the usual Opera House steps where you can really outdo your fellow travellers in terms of bridge #views. Whilst you’ll walk away with breathtaking memories of the iconic Sydney horizon, what makes these spots even better is that they are located next to high-quality #eats, #drinks and fun!
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Museum of Contemporary Art Cafe
Extravagant #exhibits aren’t the only #views you can pick up at the MCA. It’s one hundred per cent worth dedicating a morning to this gallery, as you can start on the ground floors and work your way up, one pieced at a time. The MCA is an oasis of #Australian and International contemporary #art, regularly rotating through cutting-edge #exhibits, and did I mention you can see a huge chunk of what the #gallery has to offer for free?
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However, there is a hidden, final #exhibit located on top of the #gallery. The MCA Cafe features a pristine #view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, giving you the golden opportunity to have breakfast or lunch basking in between two of Sydney’s most iconic #landmarks. The sights are so beautiful that you feel as though you are in a painting of Sydney yourself! If you happen to be lost in the rush of Circular Quay on a sunny day, I promise that sipping a coffee atop the MCA is the perfect place to start. A slight word of warning, seats near the balcony are coveted by all patrons, so bring patience and persistence with you as you reach the roof to be rewarded with one of MCA’s greatest #exhibits.
Pirrama Park
It’s time to show the western side of the Harbour Bridge some love. While it’s true that this side of the bridge doesn’t light up during VIVID, and seeing the Opera House from this obscured angle proves challenging, experiencing the Harbour Bridge aligned with the skyline of the #CBD makes up for it. In fact, hundreds of Sydney - Siders flock to Pirrama Park every New Year’s Eve for an unobstructed #view of the fireworks.
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Pirrama Park is a top #view point for this angle of the #harbour located in the urban suburb of #Pyrmont. Moreover, you won’t feel the typical gimmicky nature of a Circular Quay, as there are few tourist traps in this residential half of the #harbour. Featuring extensive #parks, smooth walkways and a plethora of #cafes and #restaurants, you will never find yourself bored. It’s defiantly worth renting bikes to explore the wharf-side of #Pyrmont, and stopping for a #picnic in Pirrama Park is the perfect way to make the most out of your trip.
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Opera Bar
A more luxurious approach to the harbour #view can be achieved through a reservation at Opera Bar. This joint labels itself as Australia’s Most Iconic Bar and it’s easy to see why - an extensive alcohol selection paired with fresh #seafood with the dazzling Sydney Harbour surrounding you is what many people dream about when planning a trip to Sydney.
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Established chef Matt Moran has curated Opera Bar’s seasonal menu down to perfection. Even in the frostier months of Sydney, you can still enjoy fresh #seafood and #bites including king crab sliders, kingfish, pan-seared barramundi and more! Try not to get too overwhelmed with Opera Bar’s extensive #drinks menu, featuring the traditional lineup of #spritzes and #wines to more boisterous options including the “Sydney Spritz”, which utilises Hickson Rd Australian gin to stay truly authentic to the motherland. If you’re dying to experience Sydney Harbour at #sunset, you might as well with a plate of rock #oysters and #champagne at Opera Bar.
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Hotel Palisade
Wander through the cobbled laneways of Millers Point long enough and you may stumble upon Hotel Palisade. Constructed all the way back in 1916, this historic #pub will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich #history of The Rocks with a complete #view of the harbour. Hotel Palisade can even offer a room with a view, as you can book a night in one of their #boutique #accommodations.
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The #hotel is split into three sections: Public House, Hotel and Henry Deane. The Public House represents the ground floor of Hotel Palisade, and whilst this sounds like it may interfere with bridge viewing, I can assure you that a pristine bridge #view is still in sight here. If you want a more casual “#pub” feel, then stick to The Public House. The Hotel summarises the boutique suites that occupy the middle floors. Hotel Palisade is perfect for those who want to be in close walking distance to sites such as The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. Finally, the Henry Deane #terrace is the cherry on top of the Hotel Palisade - featuring a refined, modern #cocktail #bar for when you really want to treat yourself after a hard day of #sightseeing. It’s safe to say, Hotel Palisade has a little something for everyone.
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