A Brief Tourist Guide to Sydney, Home to GIS Sydney

With five million residents, Sydney is Australia’s most populous city and home to GIS Sydney, attracting over 13 million tourists every year. So, what makes people want to visit? 

One of the main attractions is the city’s wealth of world-famous landmarks. A prime example is the Sydney Opera House, where you could easily spend an entire day. A great way to start your visit is with a meal at Bennelong, the luxury restaurant inside the Opera House, offering spectacular views of the city. Afterward, you can catch a show in the elegant Concert Hall, hosting everything from comedy and musical theatre to, of course, opera! If you’re keen to be part of the action, the venue even offers walk-on roles where you can play a part during one of the magical shows.

Another iconic landmark is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Whether you’ve seen it on postcards or in a movie, the world’s largest steel-arch bridge is as majestic as you’d imagine. Spanning 503 meters, there are several ways to explore the bridge. The easiest is by walking or cycling across, enjoying the city views from above. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the BridgeClimb experience offers the chance to climb to the highest point of the structure with an entertaining and informative guide.

If heights aren’t your thing, you can explore Sydney from the water. Cruises around the harbour offer fantastic food and drinks, all while you take in breathtaking views. Speaking of food and drink, the Hunter Valley, just a couple of hours north of Sydney, is renowned for its wine-tasting tours. With some vines planted in 1924, the Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region.

For a taste of the Sydney lifestyle, head to the iconic Bondi Beach. Enjoy the atmosphere from one of the many cafés and restaurants along the promenade, offering a perfect spot to experience the heart of the city. By nightfall, Bondi stays vibrant with bars and clubs offering live music and a chance to mingle with locals and tourists alike.

Though Sydney is lively all year round, you might be lucky enough to be there for New Year’s Eve. As one of the first major cities to ring in the New Year, around 1.5 million people—more than double the turnout in London—gather to celebrate as the clock strikes midnight. The city hosts one of the best light shows in the world, using 4,500 kilograms of fireworks in a spectacular display that is one of the world’s most technically advanced.

Heading west, and as mentioned in our GIS guide to Australia, the Blue Mountains are also a must-see during your stay. A UNESCO World Heritage Area since 2000, the mountains are home to over 400 animal species and more than 2,000 plant species, making it a perfect way to round off the holiday of a lifetime.

The best part? You can experience all of these sights while studying. Whether you choose a Master’s in International Sports Business, Sports Analytics, or a combined degree on-campus at the brand-new GIS Sydney campus, you’ll also have access to sessions at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground. Alternatively, you can opt for one of our online sports Master’s degrees.

Click here to find out more. 

Article by Zak Anani