CENTRAL SYDNEY
When most of us think of Sydney, we instantly think of the Harbour ‘coathanger’ Bridge, the Opera House, and shots of ferries departing and landing at Circular Quay - and it’s for good reason too. Sydney Cove (Warrane) was the first settlement of Europeans in Australia in 1788, and the area is a melting pot of culture, urbanisation, entertainment, and the beating heart of the city.
To truly catch a glimpse into the colonial past of Sydney, taking a stroll through The Rocks will ensure you are surrounded by the sandstone foundations of the country and the dizzying, narrow cobbled alleyways will take you to some of Australia’s oldest establishments. Tours of The Rocks and other historical establishments such as The Hyde Park Barracks can be booked online but you can always rock up to explore yourself.
Whilst a beautiful ode to the past, the centre of Sydney harbour is also home to a number of flagship events that bring in visitors from all over the country and the world. From New Year's Eve fireworks which compete with the likes of Times Square to an annual light show which sees the Opera House illuminated with local artists, Circular Quay is the renowned gateway to the harbour for a reason. Our goal will be to provide you with as much coverage on upcoming and worthy events at the heart of Sydney so you never miss out!
DISCOVER
Of course, there is more to Central Sydney than Circular Quay, as it is also built up of some of the most diverse and interesting suburbs in the city such as Barangaroo, Millers Point, Pyrmont, CBD (Central Business District), Woolloomooloo, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Haymarket, and Ultimo. As you can gather from the list, there’s a lot to see within this one region of the city - which is why it is so popular for living, working, and exploring.
Due to Central Sydney’s connection to these lively inner-city suburbs, a night out here is bound to take you on all sorts of adventures as you can begin your night at one of Surry Hill’s hip bars and end up living it up at The Ivy on George Street, which is only a short light rail ride away. Be sure to also get a taste of Central Sydney’s diverse cultural influence through the various food precincts in the area. From weekly stalls in China Town to hole-in-the-wall establishments down Spice Alley, you can be sure to find some of the best Asian food in Australia down here.
Furthermore, Central Sydney is a hub for local and international students alike due to the close proximity of The University of Sydney, The University of Technology and other campuses. This accounts for a large amount of focus on Central Sydney having a plethora of student hangouts and deals for young people to gather and meet each other. If you’ve come down to Australia to study, Central Sydney will be a regular destination for you!
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Head down to the Opera House via the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden
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Potter around The Rocks markets and check out The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel - one of Sydney’s oldest establishments
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Hop on a Ferry to Manly and see the city from the water
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Head to Observatory Hill for an incredible sunset and view of the Harbour Bridge
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Explore Sydney's Chinatown - the largest of its kind in Australia, and finish with some drinks in one of Surry Hill’s many incredible bars
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Hit up The Powerhouse Museum, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Sydney, and more dotted around Central
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Enjoy some of Paddington’s finest markets and eateries
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Experience some of the local nightlife, and Sydney’s LGBTQ+ scene on Oxford Street
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Take a quiet stroll through Barangaroo Reserve, an oasis in the heart of the city
OUR HIGHLIGHTS
Being so centrally located has its perks, and Central is by far the best-connected area within the city; accessible by bus, train, light rail and boat. The majority of Sydney-siders use Opal Cards to pay for public transport around the area. These handy cards allow you to top up a set amount of cash on your account so you can ‘tap on’ to any public transport in Sydney and not worry about calculating the exact fare. You can also use your physical debit card or Apple Pay to tap on to transport now too.
Train:
Central Station is Sydney’s largest transport hub, acting as a meeting point for Sydney’s city and suburban rail lines. When travelling through Central Sydney, it is extremely likely you will use the train to arrive at Town Hall or Circular Quay if you are staying out of the city. Like most public transport in Sydney, trains are a safe and mostly reliable form of transport minus the odd train strike however, the Service NSW app and other transport sites will have all delays and timetables updated regularly.
Bus:
Buses can be caught from almost anywhere in Central Sydney. Like trains, Central Station hosts a wide range of bus stops that can get you almost anywhere in the city and beyond, however Town Hall is another major hub for buses. Different numbered buses will get you to Central Suburbs, for example, the 431 will take you from Elizabeth St in the CBD to Glebe Point Road in around 15 minutes. Buses are therefore a great alternative to getting into those pesky urban suburbs that aren’t on a train line.
Light Rail:
The main bulk of George St has been converted into lightrail tracks for the new city lightrail service. Stretching from Circular Quay to Randwick, the Light Rail is a great way to get to Surry Hills. Simply enjoy the smooth ride whilst watching skyscrapers recede into townhouses and you will find yourself at the hip suburb in around 10 minutes.
Ferry:
Experience the charm of Sydney's ferry system as you journey from various picturesque locations to Central Sydney. From the golden shores of Manly, catch a ferry at Manly Wharf and enjoy a leisurely cruise across Sydney Harbour, soaking in breathtaking views of North Head and the Sydney Heads before arriving at Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. For a coastal adventure, head to Watsons Bay Wharf and embark on a ferry ride offering stunning vistas of the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, arriving in Central Sydney after a scenic 20-30 minute journey. Alternatively, from Taronga Zoo Wharf, marvel at the iconic landmarks of the cityscape as you sail across Sydney Harbour, arriving at Circular Quay or Darling Harbour in just 15-20 minutes. Whether you're seeking coastal panoramas or iconic city views, the ferry offers a delightful way to reach Central Sydney while immersing yourself in the beauty of Sydney Harbour.