EXPLORING SYDNEY’S CENTRAL BUISNESS DISTRICT (CBD) from Circular Quay – HALF DAY

Before you start exploring Sydney you should purchase an Opal Card – you can read my Getting Around in Sydney blog here with full details of the card.

Beautiful buildings & fabulous shops!

Sydney’s CBD is a bustling commercial hub with historical architecture, stunning shopping experiences, iconic landmarks, a frequent tram system and lots more!

Hop on a tram at Circular Quay, either L2 or L3 both take you down George Street.

George Street is home to many iconic buildings & shopping experiences!

Alight at Wynyard, Walk a few steps and you will see Martin Place on your left where you will find the magnificent old General Post office (GPO) building which occupies No 1 Martin Place. The building dates to 1866, stretches for 100 metres along Martin Place and boasts a 73-metre-high clock tower.
Although it is now a 5-star hotel there is still a Post Shop occupying a corner of the building with the original magnificence of the building is intact.

The Cenotaph depicting an ‘altar stone’ stands in front of the GPO with two bronze figures in the form of a soldier and a sailor standing guard at either end.

Walk further along Martin Place with the GPO on your right and you will see the Lloyd Rees Fountain in the form of a circular cascade.

Turn Right onto Pitt Street, cross King Street, walk on a short distance and you will find yourself in the trendy & buzzing pedestrianised retail hub of Pitt Street Mall which lies between King Street and Market Street.

With over 500 shops, Myers 5 level department store which is part of Australia largest chain and the Westfield shopping centre the area is a shopper’s paradise!

Sydney Tower, the second largest observation tower in the southern hemisphere is well worth a visit. The best way to find it is to walk down Pitt Street, turn left onto Market Street and use this entrance to the Westfield building. Take the lift to level 5, on leaving the lift take 2 lefts turns, walk to the end of the corridor to the admissions desk.

There is a gift shop, 4D cinema, observation deck and a Skywalk for the braver visitor!

The 360° views are spectacular, from the city to beaches to the Blue Mountains!

In the direction of George Street walk back along Market Street stopping to admire the State Theatre (No 47-51), if you think the exterior looks impressive, don’t miss the opportunity to peek inside to the foyer which is simply stunning!

Turn right onto George Street and make your way to No 412–414 where you will find the Strand Arcade, opened in 1892 and faithfully restored following a fire in 1976 it retains its Victorian splendour.

An eclectic mix of independent retailers, niche shops and elegant tea rooms over three levels add to the majestic grandeur of the Strand.

Retracing your steps back along George Street about 500 metres you will arrive at the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), you can’t miss it as it occupies an entire block on George Street and boasts a 20-metre copper dome!

Built in 1898 the QVB has been refurbished several times but in 2008 a 48m AUD refurbishment commenced restoring it to the magnificent heritage listed building you can see today.

The QVB is rich in history and provides a stunning atrium style shopping experience over five levels of mainly high-end shops, cafes and restaurants.

A grand staircase, ornate stained-glass windows, a stunning arched glass domed ceiling and elegant shop fronts add to the beauty of the Victorian splendour.

Clocks – there are two magnificent clocks in the QVB, the Royal Clock suspended at the Southern end of the building displays scenes of English Royalty.

The other is the Great Australian Clock suspended at the
Northern end, an astronomical clock displaying 33 scenes of Australia’s Aboriginal & European history, 10 metres tall and weighing 4 tonnes.

They both have to be seen to be believed!

The QVB exudes elegance, style and grandeur. Even if shopping is not your thing, if you are exploring Sydney’s CBD you absolutely must take time to walk around this iconic building!

QVB tram stop is right outside the building, hop on here and take the L2 or L3 tram back to Circular Quay. Running frequently, they are well signed.

Once in Circular Quay (don’t forget to tap off) you may be ready for some refreshment, if you walk through to the wharfs from the tram and turn left, walk along to Wharf 6 and follow the pedestrian area round to the right. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) will be on your left, the entrance is towards the right-hand end of the building, take the lift to the level 4 where you will find a roof top café / bar with amazing views of the harbour serving lovely food and a range of drinks.

The MCA café is open 10am – 3.30pm daily (closed Monday) and Friday 10am – 8pm.

Alternatively, walk through from the tram & turn right, keep walking past Wharf 1 following the pedestrian area round to the left & along to the Opera House. The Opera Bar offers drinks and amazing food whilst giving stunning views of the Harbour Bridge & the Opera House!

This is the first of my blogs on exploring Sydney, look out for more coming soon