Sydney’s Tourist Traps | Locations Best Avoided on Your Sydney Vacation

Ordinarily we tell you about all of Sydney’s most beautiful and entertaining landmarks and tourist attractions. But that’s not the case today. Consider this list a warning. Just like any tourist centre, New South Wales’ capital has its share of overhyped spots that are best avoided.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour (map) was built as a hub for tourists, but frankly it fails dismally. If you want to see the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, or a movie on the big IMAX screen by all means, visit. But it’s not the best place to spend a day. While the harbour location is pretty enough, Walsh Bay and Circular Quay are better spots to enjoy this clear waterway. The restaurants are just as good, if not better at these coastal spots too, and they’re often less expensive. If it’s shopping you’re after, the Harbourside mall is likely to disappoint. It’s fairly small, and filled with tacky souvenir shops and uninspiring fashions. You’ll do much better hitting the Queen Victoria Building, the streets of Paddington, or the new city Westfield.

Pubs by the beach are as Australian as ice cold beer, but some of these famous watering holes are best avoided by tourists. They’re always crowded, and especially on a Friday or Saturday night the punters can get a bit rowdy. If you feel like a few quiet cold ones look to some of the hotel bars. With the comfort of guests the first priority, you’ll find the security is a bit tighter.

Speaking of the beaches, unless you’re a really strong swimmer you might want to avoid those too. The lure of iconic breaks like Bondi and Tamarama is undeniable, but the strong rips and waves can be enough to put novices off. Ocean pools like Wylie’s Baths at Coogee, or the sheltered Balmoral Beach, are much better options if you want to cool off this summer.

Image source: Ross2085 @ Flickr