As one of Australia’s most popular cultural festivals, the Sydney Festival is a must see if you are visiting the city in January. The festival was first held in 1977, and has since grown to include performances in music, theatre and dance, and also showcases the visual arts. Over the course of the three week festival, over one million people will attend shows and performances. In addition to such celebrities as Philip Glass and Ian McKellen, the festival showcases native Australian talent and provides an excellent forum for the arts in such a vibrant city.
The Sydney Festival’s opening night is a huge outdoor party with a wide range of activities occurring in many different venues. Families are important to the festival, and opening night includes a family friendly event just for kids. Family theatre is also showcased throughout the festival with innovative water shows occurring on Darling Harbour. Arrive early to get a good seat. The outdoor movie screenings are also a popular attraction for families.
A vast array of musical styles are represented in performances, and the festival often attracts artists known throughout the world as well as traditional Australian artists. For those who enjoy dance, shows ranging from the traditional to the contemporary are available for very reasonable ticket prices. Innovation is the key to this festival, and this is no more evident than in the visual arts presentations, where technology is fused with old time storytelling to create a wondrous experience for visitors. If you enjoy meeting the artists and discussing what you’ve seen with others, then you’ll want to join in on the free conversations offered at the Mint.
If you plan on visiting the festival, tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person. Every box office will release a small number of $25 tickets on the day of the event, however be aware that restrictions are in place of only two tickets per person, and the tickets must be purchased in person at the Tix for Nix box office.
This restored heritage district is absolutely a must see for all visitors to Sydney. In 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip established an outpost here on the western side of Sydney Cove. Captain Phillip had over 1400 men, women and children with him, with over half this number convicts. His outpost became the farthest in the British Empire. Today, the Rocks district has been exquisitely restored and offers visitors an experience they aren’t soon to forget. With old buildings and cobbled streets combined with excellent tourist amenities such as shopping, dining, hotels and attractions, this area is sure to please everyone.
The Rocks is home to one of the oldest buildings in Australia, Cadman’s Cottage. Built in roughly 1816 as barracks, the building is now run by the Parks Service and is a great place to get more information on local parks. Garrison Church was built in 1840 to provide a place for soldiers to attend religious services. The area also boasts many of Australia’s oldest pubs, including the Lord Nelson and the Hero of Waterloo, both built in the 1840s. Susannah Place Museum is located in terracehouses also built in the 1840s, and showcases a 19th century corner store.
For those with a taste towards things more modern, how about a walking tour of the Sydney Harbour Bridge? BridgeClimb takes visitors on a walking tour along the steel supports of the bridge. Be sure to book early as this is a popular attraction! The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sydney Observatory are also located in the Rocks, and the Sydney Opera House is but a short walk from the area. If you visit the Rocks on the weekend, plan to spend some time at the Rocks Market, a fabulous outdoor market. Try taking the train or the ferry to the area, as parking is difficult on busy days.
Created in 1879, Royal National Park is the world’s second oldest national park. The sixteen thousand hectare park is located just thirty-two kilometers south of Sydney, making it a perfect day trip for those tired of Sydney’s urban excitement.
One of the most popular places in the park is Audley, a remnant of the Victorian era when picnicking and carriage rides in the park were popular. The grassy parklands located on the riverside are full of beautiful willow trees, and are the perfect place to relax and picnic. Different types of boats can be rented and taken out onto the water, a fabulous way to enjoy this area of the park. Also at Audley are the dance hall and the picnic pavilion, both Victorian-era buildings that have been lovingly restored. One of the original carriage tracks, the Lady Carrington Drive is a popular place for walkers and cyclists.
Fishing is another popular activity, with fishing available along the coastline and in the Hacking River estuary. Be sure to obtain a valid fishing license prior to your arrival. Surfing and swimming are also enjoyed in the park, just be sure to check with Harbourwatch to ensure pollution levels are safe. For those looking for a more private, secluded beach, take the Werrong Beach Track to the park’s only nude sunbathing area.
The Dharawal people were the first to inhabit the area now protected as the Royal National Park, and for those wanting to know more about the Dharawal’s history and culture, Discovery tours are available that explore the ways that the Dharawal people survived off the land. Tours of Dharawal rock engravings are also available at Jibbon Point.
Camping is available in many places in the park, and the park service also rents out a unique three bedroom cabin located right on the Hacking River. Day passes are required for park use and cost $11 per vehicle.
