Kaplan City Guide: Sydney

Danielle Penny

08 March, 2017

Located in one of the world's most stunning harbors, and home to beautiful beaches, iconic buildings, and historic landmarks, it's no wonder that Sydney is the most famous and iconic city in Australia. Known for it's sandy beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back outdoor lifestyle, Sydney attracts over 8 million visitors per year, and truly offers something for everyone.

We talked to some of our students studying English at Kaplan Sydney and learned what they love most about studying in this amazing city. Take a look!

Explore Sydney's amazing beaches

“Visit the beach – each one has its own unique beauty.”

Tip provided by:

Mayara Morelli, Brazil

With it’s beautiful weather and hot climate, one of the best things to do while studying in Sydney is to spend time at the beach. One of the most popular and notable beaches in Sydney is the infamous Bondi Beach, which is located just 10km from the city center.

Home to clean white sand and bright blue waters, Bondi attracts people who are keen to watch the sunset, surf the waves, or enjoy the views during the breath-taking coastal walk linking Bondi to Coogee. Featured on postcards and numerous films and TV shows, the iconic beach attracts visitors from all over the world to experience the laid back Aussie lifestyle.

Bondi Beach Sydney — Catch some sun in this beautiful and relaxing environment

Take a selfie at the Sydney Opera House

“Visit the Sydney Opera House for amazing views.”

Tip provided by:

Ladislay Wolf, Japan

As one of the most famous landmarks in the world, no visit to Sydney is complete without a visit to the Sydney Opera House. Located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House is a performing arts center which hosts over 1,500 performances per year and attracts over 8 million visitors annually. Whether you want to see a concert, take a tour of the building, or even take a selfie outside in the harbor, a visit to the Opera House is not to be missed.

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Visit the animals at Taronga Zoo

“Hold a koala at Taronga Zoo.”

Tip provided by:

Kei Nakazawa, Japan

For Japanese student Kei, one of the best things to do while studying in Sydney is to visit the Taronga Zoo. Boasting over 4,000 species and 350 animals, the zoo is home to a wide range of furry creatures, including native Australian animals such as koalas, wombats, and dingos. Unlike other zoos, Taronga Zoo isn’t just a home for animals – it also offers its visitors the chance to enjoy guided tours, go rock climbing, tackle rope challenges, and even camp overnight in safari style tents.

Sydney zoo — Who wouldn't want to experience one of these cuddly creatures up close?

Go swimming at Bondi Icebergs

"Go for a dip at Bondi Icebergs."

Tip provided by:

Akiko Li, Japan

Located on the coastal walk between Bondi and Coogee, Bondi Icebergs is an Olympic sized swimming pool resting above the ocean. Built in 1929 and used as the training pool for the Bondi Icebergs swim team, the pool is predominantly filled with seawater from the ocean. The water temperature changes naturally and provides a refreshing break from the sun during the hot summer months.

Sydney Bondi Icebergs — Enjoy the ocean and the experience of a pristine pool – all in the same place!

Check out the scenery at the Blue Mountains

“The Blue Mountains are beautiful.”

Tip provided by:

Andreina Breito, Venezuela

For those that want to escape the city, hop on a train and head over to the Blue Mountains National Park. Located just 2 hours outside of Sydney, visitors can spend their time rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking in the beautiful park made up of mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and valleys. For those who aren’t scared of heights, the journey to the national park is also memorable, as it involves riding the world’s steepest railway up the mountain, 270 km high. Once you’ve arrived at the top, you then get the opportunity to jump into the skyway – a glass bottom box that dangles you over the cliff top.

Alternatively if you’d like to keep your feet on the ground then head over to Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. Located 2 hours outside of Sydney, Hunter Valley boasts over 150 wineries and offers a selection of vineyard tours, scenic drives and horse and carriage rides.