Sidney Walk 2, Australia

Another day and another walk in Sidney. 1056

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Sydney Opera House: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Bondi Icebergs Swimming CLUB: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
Saint Mary’s Cathedral: St Marys Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Hyde Park: Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Queen Victoria Building: 455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
The Strand Arcade: 412-414 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
King Street Wharf Darling Harbour: The Promenade, Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Date Picture Taken: March, 2025

This is my second walk in Sydney, beginning at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is a historic sandstone bench carved by convicts in 1810 for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. Located on a scenic point in the Royal Botanic Garden, it offers one of the best panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It’s a popular spot for walking, relaxing, and watching the sunset over the water.

From here, I started to walk a long way to the Sydney Opera House so that I could participate in the Opera House tour.

Inside the Sydney Opera House on the group tour

It was a short 30-minute tour of the Opera House. We visited the performance hall, but since the orchestra was rehearsing, photography was not allowed, so there are no pictures of the auditorium interior.

From the Opera House, we took an Uber and went to Bondi Icebergs Swimming CLUB.

The Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club, established in 1929, is an iconic winter swimming club located at the southern end of Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Originally formed by a group of local lifeguards aiming to maintain their fitness during the winter months, the club has grown into a renowned institution.

It features a 50-meter saltwater pool that is open to the public year-round, offering a unique swimming experience where ocean waves often crash over the pool’s edge. Facilities include a sauna, gym, and a bistro with panoramic views of Bondi Beach.

Pictures of the white waves once more

What fascinated me about this area was how the waves crashed in and covered everything with a blanket of white, foamy bubbles.

This is my third set of photos here—I could have stayed for hours and never gotten bored.

Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most famous beaches, located just 7 kilometers east of Sydney’s city center. Known for its golden sands, rolling surf, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favorite spot for swimmers, surfers, and sunseekers alike.

After Bondi Beach, I came back to the Sydney city center.

St. Mary’s Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church and Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Mother of God, Help of Christians, is a prominent Roman Catholic cathedral located in Sydney, Australia. Serving as the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney, it stands as a significant spiritual and architectural landmark in the city.​

The cathedral’s history dates back to 1821 when the foundation stone for the original church was laid. Unfortunately, this initial structure was destroyed by fire in 1865. The present cathedral’s foundation stone was laid in 1868, and construction continued over several decades, with the nave completed in 1928 and the distinctive spires added in 2000.

Designed by architect William Wardell, St. Mary’s Cathedral showcases the Geometric Decorated Gothic style, reminiscent of late 13th-century English cathedrals.

Situated adjacent to Hyde Park, the cathedral is open to the public daily, offering a serene environment for prayer and reflection. Visitors can also explore its rich history and architectural splendor through guided tours.

Hyde Park, located in the heart of Sydney’s central business district, is Australia’s oldest public park, covering 16.2 hectares. Established in 1810 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, it was named after London’s Hyde Park and has since become a cherished green space for both locals and visitors.

Walking toward the city center from Hyde Park

The city center buildings near Hyde Park housed many stores selling luxury goods.

The Queen Victoria Building

The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a historic and architecturally significant shopping center located in the heart of Sydney’s central business district. Occupying an entire city block bounded by George, Market, York, and Druitt Streets, the QVB was designed by architect George McRae and completed in 1898. Its Romanesque Revival style features a grand central dome, intricate stained-glass windows, and ornate detailing, making it a standout example of late 19th-century architecture.

George Street

Entering Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

Originally conceived as a marketplace, the QVB has undergone various transformations over the years. Today, it houses over 140 high-end fashion boutiques, jewelry shops, specialty stores, cafes, and restaurants across its multiple levels, attracting millions of local and international visitors annually.

Beyond its retail offerings, the QVB is renowned for its historical displays and unique features. Two mechanical clocks—the Royal Clock and the Great Australian Clock—showcase animated scenes from history, captivating shoppers and tourists alike.

A short walk from the Queen Victoria Building is the Strand 1819 Building.

The Strand Arcade, located in Sydney’s central business district between George and Pitt Streets, is a historic Victorian-style shopping arcade that opened on April 1, 1892. Designed by English architect John Spencer, it was the last of the five arcades built in Sydney during the Victorian era and is the only one remaining in its original form today.

The arcade spans 104 meters (approximately 340 feet) in length and stands three stories high. Its architectural features include traditional-styled protruding galleries, cedar staircases, tiled floors, cast iron balusters, and timber-framed shop fronts, all under a prominent, tinted glass roof designed to reduce glare.

After the shopping malls, I came to King Street Wharf Darling Harbour 

The view behind me

King Street Wharf is a vibrant waterfront precinct located on the eastern shore of Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia. Situated just a five-minute walk from the central business district, it offers a diverse array of dining, entertainment, and leisure options, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.