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Our first ever family holiday was to Sydney with a toddler back in 2010. Lewis was only 20 months old.
We easily explored and enjoyed sightseeing Sydney Harbour just pushing him around in his pram with a packed day bag. It really was not an effort and we would have seen and done the same things without a child.
Sydney Harbour officially known as Port Jackson is where the first European settlers landed at Botany Bay in 1788 and is home to the state of New South Wales capital Sydney.
On our first day, we walk to Circular Quay the hub of Sydney’s foreshore and where you can get your first true views of that famous bridge.
After taking loads of photos in front of the largest steel arched bridge in the world on our way toward the Opera House I find a spot in the shade that Lewis is at least is a bit happier to have a picture taken.
Then we walk around to the other side to get a better perspective of the Opera House.
Along the foreshore, we see pretty parklands everywhere.
One of the things I find when travelling with young children is that they can be amused by simple things – like going for a ferry ride. We take a few of them during our stay as Lewis loves them so much and it gives us the opportunity to see Sydney from the water.
And enjoy the Opera House.
Get the full view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Appreciate the structure that supports the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
View both of them together.
But it is not until you board a ferry and get out on the water that you can really sense how vast this harbour is and appreciate the status of it being the largest natural harbour in the world.
Have you been sightseeing on Sydney Harbour?
I admit that I like ferry rides as well. Istanbul is a great place to catch the ferry as it is surrounded by water. It is an easy, comfortable and cheap way to see the sights. I love the Manly ferry in Sydney too 🙂
The Manly ferry was great and really cheap if you chose to visit on Sunday with the public transport Sunday Family Fun day pass.
Hi There, I have visited Sydney but never made that trip across the harbor on the ferry. I have been curious about it since you can see Luna Park lit up at night. And people sometimes go on top of that bridge (CRAZY!)
We didn’t get on the harbour at night Lana but I bet it would be beautiful. Next time.
I haven’t been to Sydney in almost 20 years, can’t believe it. I bet a lot has changed. Looks like you had a great time- ferry trips are exciting for kids.
I have to say Natalie, I enjoyed the ferry trip to – a great way to see the harbour
We don’t know when we’ll get a chance to go to Sydney so this was a great photo tour for us!! The harbour looks like an amazing place to visit!
Glad you enjoyed the virtual tour Carolann and Macrae
What an absolutely gorgeous place! I am going to have to convince the husband to start multiple vacation funds because there are so many places that I *need* to go!
Thank you for joining us again this week at Photo Friday!
Oh I hear you Jen!!!
I too am having a bit of a flashback to Sydney (I visited last in 2010) but it looks like I’m going back again for work in November. Super excited… Thanks for sharing your memories.
Try not to work too hard Jennifer and take time for a ferry ride on the harbour.
Visiting Sydney Harbour was a dream come true for me. We visited during the summer holidays, and there were so many activities at the Opera House aimed at kids. We even took in a puppet show in one of the smaller theatres. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
Isn’t it fantastic how they cater for the family market as well Michele.
I went to Sydney for my 50th birthday and loved it. I did many of the same things, only with teens. Like your toddler we were all amused by the ferry ride, as we had great views of the Opera house without spending a fortune.
Aren’t the ferry rides a great inexpensive way to view the Harbour Rhonda
Amazing how they go in the same spots as the commercial boats, but for so much less money.
Yes, I have found this in a few cities around the world use the public transport ferry for the same experience as a commercial one.
I think the best deal I have ever found was the Staten Island Ferry, which is free and passes right in front of the Statue of liberty.
Wow that sounds amazing Rhonda!
Wow! Looks like an amazing place! Love the photo journal. 🙂
Glad you like the pics Alison it’s my new series of posts. – Photo Flashbacks focusing on one aspect of our travels
I’ve never been to Australia, but Sydney has been on my list for a very long time now. Beautiful pictures!
Thank you Anda
This post made me miss Australia even more, if that’s possible! Such a great place, and we had so much fun in Sydney and the rest of the places we saw in the land down under.
So glad to hear that Australia put on a great show for you Monica.
What can I say. I love Sydney, it is an amazingly beautiful city and one we never tire of.
You are very lucky to live there Paula.
I’d love to visit Sydney, heck, I’d love to visit Australia! Looks amazing
You will have to increase that summer bucket list Em
very fun photo tour of Sydney!
Glad you enjoyed them Eilen.
Sydney Harbor is such a beautiful, fun place to visit. I think one of our favorite spots was Lady Macquarie’s Chair!
We didn’t find that Crysta, now we will have to go back 🙂
Really lovely sights around Sydney Harbour bridge. Brings back memories for me when I was there studying in Sydney when I was in college.
Glad to help rekindle some happy memories Dominique.
I really love this post. It reminds me of the time I used to live in Sydney and how I would always go down to the Harbour and Rocks and just walk around marvelling at it all. You’re so right, kids can be amused by the simplest of things, which is why they are great travel companions. Thanks for bringing back lovely memories #MondayEscapes
Yes travelling with kids is surprising you don’t need the big bells and whistles to make it exciting.
Wonderful views of Sydney! I love the shots of the harbor, bridge and the famous Opera House. Awesome photos, have a happy week!
Thank you Eileen, I’m glad you enjoyed the virtual tour.
I loved Sydney – so lucky to have spent 6 months there. Those views of hte Harbour Bridge and the Opera House never get old! I love your Blog name too… adorable. #citytripping
Thank you so much Lillian. What were you doing in Sydney for 6 months?
I did a semester abroad at University of Sydney. I lived in Newtown and then traveled around part of Australia before heading back home to Canada to finish my degree 🙂
What a fantastic experience Lillian.
A great way to see Sydney – and clearly gives some great photo opportunities. I didn’t do this on my visits to Sydney which I am a bit gutted about. Thanks for linking to #citytripping
Thank you Elizabeth, what ashame you didn’t try the public transport ferries, they offer a very economic way to see a city.
I’ve been to Sydney Harbour, but not with the kids. I’ve been wanting to bring the kids there to check out the aquarium and all, but as usual, the husband-who-is-not-a-fan-of-Oz objects. First, I need to persuade him to go to WA. I think that is still my highest priority. #CityTripping
What is it that your husband has against Australia Lin? Maybe I can help persuade him of all the good things Aus has to offer.
This is great to see as our lo will be 20 months when we go to Sydney in January – v useful
Ps I run #fearlessfamtrav a family travel linky currently open, which runs from 1-7th each month! This post would be perfect for it if you would like to join
Thanks Wandermust Mummy, I will pop over and link up.
I am a co-host for #TheWeeklyPostcard that runs each weekend. If you would like an email reminder to link up this is the link to the subscription: https://toddlersontour.com.au/home/theweeklypostcard/.
Hope you have a great time in Sydney, my then 20mnth old loved walking down George Street watching all the buses and taking rides on the ferry.