What Makes Sydney Harbour So Unique?

I’m pretty proud of being a Sydneysider. Why you may ask? To name a few reasons, it’s Australia’s largest financial centre and a major tourist destination. And most importantly, it is built around Sydney Harbour, leading to the nickname “The Harbour City”

I have always been drawn to this beauty, “The Sydney Harbour.”  There’s so much to do, view and understand about this harbour. I’m sure the feeling is mutual for many. For first time visitors, or those planning to visit Sydney, let’s dig further into what makes Sydney Harbour so unique. 

A natural beauty 

The harbour is as natural as it gets. Also known as Port Jackson, it is actually a drowned-valley estuary that includes two harbours North Harbour and Middle Harbour. It’s a natural waterscape and landscape that extends out to Darling Harbour and the Parramatta River in the West. Moreover the islands, foreshore, flora, fauna and aboriginal culture around Sydney Harbour are protected by Sydney Harbour National Park. 

A harbour of islands

This natural harbour also contains a lot of islands namely, Shark Island, Rodd Island, Clark Island, Goat Island, Cockatoo Island, Garden Island and Fort Denison. These islands are added highlights to various locations in the harbour that ships, yachts and ferries cruise by. For instance, Fort Denison lets you in on direct views across the Opera House, Shark Island is ideal for picnics and Cockatoo Island offers a lot more like - heritage accommodation, BBQ as well as picnic areas. Treat yourself to magnificent views that each island lets you experience. 

Serene waters to cruise

Talking about magnificent views, Sydney Harbour lets you experience uninterrupted views of the city’s icons in all its glory. That is made possible right on the waters with a kayak or better still a boat or a yacht for a Sydney dinner cruise or lunch cruise. Relish an onboard dining experience as you cruise on the calm waters with incredible views of Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, Kirribilli House and more. The harbour, is least impacted by the severe heat and has the lowest summer temperature. So, cruising around the harbour is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. 

A captivating backdrop for events 

Whether it's Australia Day, Vivid Sydney festival, Christmas, Boxing Day or New Year’s Eve, Sydney Harbour turns into a jaw-dropping beauty. Sydneysiders flock to various vantage points to witness the breathtaking fireworks display over the harbour and from the Harbour Bridge. The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is something to look out for on Boxing Day. It kicks off in Sydney Harbour and finishes a few days later in Hobart. The best part, it doesn’t get limited to this! This mesmerising backdrop can be utilized for your private event celebrations as well. So if you want to make your special days grand, why choose any other place other than the harbour? 

Aquatic playground 

For those who don’t know, the harbour encompasses more species below the water’s surface than any other harbour.  Even more than the Mediterranean Sea. It also has a rich fish fauna. Other than fishes you will find molluscs like mussels and octopuses, crustaceans like Mud Crab and Eastern Rock Lobster, echinoderms like sea urchins and species like polychaetes also known as marine worms. Whales, seals, dolphins, turtles and invertebrates like sponges and corals also  inhabit the waters. If you are coming down to Sydney between the months of May and November, luck favours you! You can subject yourself to a unique whale-watching experience onboard one of the whale watching cruises from the Harbour. 

I’m sure by now you are tempted to visit the Sydney Harbour, whenever you think of visiting the “Harbour City”. Being home to attractions like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more should be a reason in itself. If my blog has grabbed your interest, please do comment below.