A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the foundation stones for St Mary's Cathedral were laid by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1821. After a series of architects and religious figures suggested their own versions of the cathedral, the building finally opened in 1900, although work continued until 1928. Wardell's original design had two spires that were never built. After ten years' debate and political fund-raising, the twin spires were finally completed in 2000. Today, St. Mary's Cathedral is heralded as one of the most beautiful buildings in Sydney. Visitors to the cathedral can wander around the beautiful interior, which is lit by ornate stained glass windows. Treasures located in the cathedral include the moving and beautifully sculpted Grave of the Unknown Soldier, a marble replica of Michelangelo's Pieta and many gorgeous religious paintings from the late 19th-Century.
Darling Harbour is een en al vertier en vermaak. Dit gebied, dat ooit een bloeiend havenkwartier was, werd in 1988 herontwikkeld om samen te vallen met de 200e verjaardag van Europese nederzettingen in Australië. Er werd begonnen met de bouw van een groot tentoonstellings- en conferentiecentrum, aangevuld met winkels, restaurants en andere attracties. Het enorme toeristenpark aan de waterkant is een groot pretpark met de nadruk op vermaak voor de hele familie. Onder de hoogtepunten zijn Sydney Aquarium, het Australian National Maritime Museum, Sega World, de Chinese Tuin, Star City Casino, het enorme IMAX Bioscoop en het Powerhouse Museum. Darling Harbour gonst het hele jaar door van de activiteiten, met evenementen voor de hele familie, in de winter, de lente, de zomer en de herfst.
Government House is a sophisticated Gothic Revival building was designed in England by an architect who never visited Sydney. Edmund Blore may have seen paintings of the site, but he was totally unfamiliar with the prevailing climatic conditions and neglected to provide a front porch! Constructed between 1837 and 1845, the building has housed countless governors of New South Wales and is now open to the general public. Viewing is by guided tours only, which depart on the hour and half hour, and can be accessed through the Gatehouse. The museum grounds remain open from 10a to 4p. Admission is free.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, a veritable oasis of greenery, boast breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the city's skyline. The gardens were the first area of land cultivated by Europeans on the Australian continent, though the gardens themselves were not opened to the public until 1816. Visitors can explore the Herb Garden, the Fernery, the Rose Garden, a walled Succulent Garden and the HSBC Oriental Garden. The main pond in the lower garden offers a splendid view of the harbor. Keep an eye out for ibis or cockatoos that call this place home.
Part of the Sydney Olympic Park, the Bicentennial Park was built in 1988 in honor of Australia's Bicentenary. Spread over 40 hectares (98 acres) of greenery, this park plays host to festivals, art and craft fairs, community events and nature walks that are organized regularly. The park offers a diverse landscape to explore from the Badu Mangroves to the lakeside meadows and rolling hills. A great place for a day out with the family, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy like picnicking by Lake Belvedere, barbecue evenings, visit to the Treillage Tower and the Peace Monument. This is one of the best places to spend a relaxed day out and for great panoramic views of the verdant landscape and waterfront.