This is a city that keeps things casual and makes it easy to have a good time. Sydneysiders welcome visitors and will want you to fall in love with their city. So if you’re heading to the University of New South Wales study abroad for a semester or a year, these are some of the local cultural experiences that will help you get to know this sunny city and the people who call it home.
Aboriginal Culture
Sydney is built on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people, who are the custodians of the land and have an ancient cultural heritage. Studying in Sydney, you can learn about local Aboriginal history and culture. A good start is to visit the Australian Museum, which houses thousands of significant artifacts. You can also take an Aboriginal Dreaming tour around Sydney’s harbour and take a trip to the Blue Mountains for a spiritual walkabout tour in nature.
The Sydney Opera House
When you think of Sydney, it’s likely this UNESCO World Heritage Site comes to mind. Since it first opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House has become an iconic cultural landmark and symbol of the city. For photos of the famous white roof, you can walk around Circular Quay, take a Sydney Harbour Ferry and head up to the deck, or visit the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens, which offer some beautiful viewing spots. A great way to see the inside is to attend a performance, so check out the program of events.
Bondi Beach
Sydney is the city with gorgeous beaches, the most famous being Bondi Beach. Millions don their “swimmers” and “sunnies” and head to the white sands and surf waves of Bondi every year. The famous crescent beach is just a few kilometres from central Sydney’s business district and is easy to get to by public transport. To understand why so many Sydneysiders love Sydney, Bondi is the place to go. It’s worth spending at least a few hours here, whether it’s swimming, surfing, eating, enjoying a cocktail, or taking photos of the views. Bondi Beach gives you a taste of Sydney’s surf culture and the famous outdoor lifestyle, too.
Sports Culture
Sydney is known for its outdoor sports and recreational activities. Whether it’s hosting world famous sporting events such as the Australian Open and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race or simply providing the parks and trails for hiking, walking, and cycling. Surfing at the local beaches is also a classic Sydney sport. The Sydney Olympic Park has become a sporting hub since it hosted the 2000 Olympics. Here you can watch lots of live sporting action, including Sydney’s most popular spectator sport, rugby league.
Related Programs
Intercultural Study
UQ English Language Pathway Program
UQ English Language Standalone Program
