Flights from Canberra to Sydney

A Brief History of Sydney

Planning cheap flights to Sydney from Canberra is a great way to experience the history of Australia’s largest city. While the more well-known part of Sydney’s history begins after the arrival of Europeans, the Sydney region was home to 29 different Aboriginal clan groups for about 50,000 years before that. During ancient times, the Sydney region was known as the Eora Nation. The British first visited Sydney when James Cook was charting the east coast of Australia in 1770. In 1778, a large fleet of ships returned to the Sydney area to create a prison area for British convicts.The city was divided into the eastern side, which held the official government buildings and houses of parliament, and the western side of the city, home to the convicts. The west consisted of cottages in the Rocks neighbourhood, which is still a popular destination you can visit when you book flights Canberra to Sydney. Over the following decades, regular Brits made the move to Sydney in addition to convicts. The area slowly formed into the city it is today, and the transportation of convicts officially ended in 1840. In 1851, gold was discovered nearby, influencing more and more people from Europe, America, and China to travel to Sydney and make it their home. Since then, Sydney has been a hub of culture and history with some of Australia’s most iconic sights. While Sydney is a modern metropolitan city, booking flights Canberra to Sydney will still allow you to experience plenty of the area’s history as well.

Landmarks and Monuments You Can’t Miss

The Sydney Opera House

You may be able to spot this impressive landmark from above when your Canberra to Sydney flights are landing at Sydney Airport (SYD). Recognised around the world, the Opera House is one of the most iconic landmarks in Australia. It was constructed with white and cream coloured tiles, causing it to shine in the sunlight. The different portions of roof were constructed into pointed shell shapes, giving the Opera House a unique and beautiful appearance. Located right on the harbour, the building can be seen from a variety of viewpoints, including the Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, and on ferry rides out of Circular Quay. The Opera House officially opened in 1973 and has been holding regular events ever since, including operas, plays, classical music concerts, and comedy shows. When you book Canberra to Sydney flights for your holiday, attending a show at the Opera House will help to make your experience extra special.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Spanning Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is another must-see icon when you book tickets to Sydney from Canberra. The bridge consists of a large steel arch and stretches for about 1.1 kilometres, connecting the CBD and North Sydney. A popular way to experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge is to join in on the official Bridge Climb. This will allow you to make the trek up the arch of the bridge, offering up some stunning views of Sydney and the harbour. The Bridge Climb will set you back about $300, making it a good option for a special occasion. If you have booked cheap flights Canberra to Sydney on a budget, you can always walk along the base of the bridge for free. Even from the lower altitude, the Sydney Harbour Bridge will provide you with some stunning views of the city, Opera House, and harbour.

Bondi Beach

Located in eastern Sydney, Bondi Beach is known for its surfing and vibrant cafe and restaurant scene. Bondi Beach is the perfect place to lay in the sand or try surfing for the first time. Passengers with Canberra to Sydney return flights can also pay a visit to one of the world’s most scenic pools; the famous Bondi Icebergs is an infinity pool perched on the rocks beside Bondi Beach with ocean waves crashing into it. After spending some time enjoying the atmosphere of Bondi Beach, you could also make the trek to some other nearby beaches on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Follow the 6-kilometre (3.7 mile) path alongside cliffs, beaches, and crashing ocean waves for some incredible views. There are plenty of places to take a break along the way as well, including the popular Bronte Beach.

Museum of Contemporary Art

With a central location between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, the MCA is a must-visit for art-lovers with Canberra to Sydney flights. The museum is free to visit, making it a great option for anyone travelling on a budget. Inside the museum, you can view a variety of exhibits that are rotated regularly. Exhibits include photographs, sculptures, and paintings with contemporary designs. If you would like a snack while visiting the museum, head to the rooftop to visit the cafe. While enjoying a coffee, sandwich, or glass of wine, you can sit outside admiring the view of the harbour.

Royal Botanic Gardens

East of Sydney’s CBD, you can pay a visit to the expansive Royal Botanic Gardens. The park opened in 1816 and has been a favourite among both locals and visitors ever since. The gardens cover an area of 30 hectares right on Sydney Harbour. Throughout the Royal Botanic Gardens, there are a variety of beautiful plants and flowers to see. There is flora that’s native to the Sydney area, as well as other parts of Australia and other parts of the world. There are stunning views throughout the gardens, but one spot you can’t miss is Mrs. Macquarie’s Point. Overlooking the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, this spot makes the perfect place for an afternoon picnic or a sunset glass of wine when you have tickets to Sydney from Canberra.

How Much Time to Spend in Sydney

As the largest city in Australia, you could never run out of things to do when you book Canberra to Sydney flights. Even after exploring the city, the options for day trips from Sydney are endless. If you are tight on time, a weekend visit to Sydney will give you the opportunity to visit the city’s hot spots. Spend your first day exploring the city centre and harbour, then spend a day enjoying Sydney’s beaches and coastal neighbourhoods. In order to experience Sydney to the fullest, look into cheap flights to Sydney from Canberra for a week. A weeklong visit will allow you to see Sydney and its surrounds without feeling rushed. Take your time exploring the city and beaches, and plan a day trip or two as well. Some popular day trip options when you book cheap flights Canberra to Sydney include the Blue Mountains, Royal National Park, and the Hunter Valley. Booking flights Canberra to Sydney for a full week will allow you to soak up the atmosphere and culture of the Harbour City.