Sydney - One day sightseeing (Part 2)

Queen Victoria Building

Some history of the QVB Building

The Queen Victoria Building, now affectionately known as the QVB, was designed by George McRae and completed in 1898, replacing the original Sydney markets on the site. Built as a monument to the long reigning monarch, construction took place in dire times, as Sydney was in a severe recession. The elaborate Romanesque architecture was specially planned for the grand building so the Government could employ many out-of-work craftsmen – stonemasons, plasterers, and stained window artists - in a worthwhile project. Originally, a concert hall, coffee shops, offices, showrooms, warehouses and a wide variety of tradespeople, such as tailors, mercers, hairdressers and florists, were accommodated.

Over many decades, change saw the concert hall become the city library, offices proliferate and more tenants move in, including piano tuners, palmists and clairvoyants. Drastic 'remodelling' occurred during the austere 1930s and the main occupant was the Sydney City Council. As recently as 1959 the Queen Victoria Building was threatened with demolition. As it stands now, in all its glory, it is testimony to the original vision for the building and the superb craftsmanship of the artisans who put it all back together again

Impressive dome at the center of the building (above). Inside the mall (Below).

Darling Harbour

After visiting the QVB, I just walked like 10 minutes to Darling Harbour. It's a nice place to take pictures, relax and chill out. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby. Many kids will be playing with water at the area below. From the picture, you can see Sydney tower at the far end too.

Sydney - One day sightseeing (Part 1)

I'm at Sydney now. It's only 5:30pm on Sunday and I have no idea what to do.. Guess it's the best time to update my blog. I have lots of entries to catch up but I'll just leave those later. I'll talk about Sydney first.

This is my 2nd trip to Sydney. I came here before when I was 13. That was along time ago huh.. So I think I'll have to do the sightseeing once again. My initial plan was to cover the city in 2 days but I managed to do all of that just in 1 day.

Harbour Bridge

This is one of the iconic place in sydney. Many people just take pictures of the bridge from afar. What you should do is to actually walk across the bridge. I did not drive down to the city but took the train instead. I got out at Milson Point's station and walk across this bridge towards the Opera house following the walking path called ' Cahill Walk'.


Along the walk, you'll be able to see the bridge up-close and of course the opera house from afar. It's good to take this walk in the evening. I did this in the afternoon at about 12. It's so hot and the sun is burning.. Can get dark easily..




The Rocks @ Weekend market


After completing the bridge walk, you'll reach The Rocks. It's in between the bridge and the Opera house. During weekends, you'll find a weekend market there. Lotsa interesting items for sale. Got some souvenirs here.

Sydney Opera House

After walking around the market, next stop. The opera house. Along the way to the opera house, you will pass by Circular Quay. The interchange station for buses, trains & ferries.

From Circular Quay, you'll be able to catch a good view of the harbour bridge. So time for some camwhoring.