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Sydney Opera House

I suggest checking out the Opera House at sunrise. I went around 6 AM, and the views were unbelievable without the usual crowd.

My advice is to book tickets for any shows in advance. I waited too long and missed out on a great performance because it sold out.

I think the best way to explore is to join a guided tour—it gives you all the insider stories about the building's history and architecture!

Planning to take photos? I recommend visiting around sunset. The lighting makes the structure look even more magical!
Sydney Harbour Bridge
National Gallery of Victoria

I recommend downloading the gallery’s app before you visit. It’s a lifesaver! You can map out what you want to see and avoid aimless wandering. Trust me, it made my visit much smoother!

Take a moment to appreciate the building itself. I didn’t think much about the architecture beforehand, but it’s stunning and adds to the whole experience. Definitely stop and look up!

Check out the cafe on the ground floor; I had the best scone there. But, my advice is to grab a coffee stand outside if the line is long – it gets super packed during lunch hours.
Debod

I think visiting based on the tide schedule is key. High tide makes the surrounding beaches stunning, so look it up before you go!
Queen Victoria Building
Australian War Memorial

I recommend taking note of the special exhibitions when you arrive; some are temporary and really worth seeing, so don’t miss out

If you're on a budget, check out the café for lunch instead of the restaurant. You can get delicious options at a fraction of the price!

I found the interactive exhibits super engaging, so take your time with those. You might skip the video rooms if you're short on time—they can be a bit long!

Download the Australian War Memorial app before your visit. It has a great audio guide that you can use for free, plus additional info on the exhibits.
Museum of Contemporary Art

Download the Museum’s app for an interactive experience—super helpful for getting detailed info on the exhibits and artists.

Plan your visit for a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon; it’s less crowded then, and you'll have more room to appreciate the art.

If you're looking for souvenirs, skip the museum shop and check out local art markets nearby; you might snag a unique piece for your home.
Melbourne Museum
The Hordern Pavilion

Make sure to bring some cash for the food stalls inside; they can be pricey with card fees. I learned this the hard way when I was stuck trying to find an ATM.
Australian War Memorial

Wear comfy shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and you want to be able to take your time looking at everything without aching feet.

Check the schedule for special exhibitions beforehand. I stumbled upon a fantastic one, but it was only later in the day and I wish I had planned for it earlier.

I suggest visiting early in the morning, around 9 AM, to avoid the crowds. The place gets busy, and it’s way more enjoyable when you can explore in peace.
My advice is to take your time in the galleries. I rushed through initially, but those exhibits really deserve a closer look and some reflection.