A country like Australia where the majority of its population speaks the English language is a great place to learn English. In our weekly globe-trotting adventures in search of new English words and phrases, we descend upon Sydney, the capital of New South Wales – one of Australia’s biggest cities and the second most popular city among students. Are you ready to get another stamp on your language passport?

Exploring Sydney’s Waterfront

The first place you have to visit in Sydney is the iconic Sydney Opera House. Sit on the steps of this world-famous building, which has joined the ranks of the ancient Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China to be included in the Unesco World Heritage List, and have your photograph taken. This performing arts venue is home to the Australian Ballet, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and the Sydney Theatre Co amongst others, and if you do get a chance to see a show inside, jump on it! Alternatively, patronize one of the eateries inside for some show-stopping meals.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia’s site for fireworks on New Year’s Eve each year, is visible from the opera house. Be sure to snap some photographs for keepsake. If attempting a bridge walk is your thing, make a separate visit to the Harbour Bridge. For sure, those suffering from acrophobia would be contented admiring the bridge from afar or from below.

From the opera house at Circular Quay, take the ferry to Darling Harbour. You will find many of the popular things to do in Sydney at the Darling Harbour. There’s the Australian National Maritime Museum at the waterfront of the harbour, and also the SEA Life Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Sydney. Take a stroll back in time into the quiet solitude of an ancient oriental garden at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Nestled at the south end of the harbour and a short walk from Chinatown, the garden features waterfalls, lakes, pavilions, sculptures and wildlife such as the water dragon, koi fish and several species of birds.

Best Seafood Party Ever

Do you fancy seafood? Any visit to Sydney will not be complete without an eating trip at the Sydney Fish Market where a galore of fresh seafood awaits your rumbling tummy! From Aussie favourites like prawns, oysters, rock lobster and barramundi to harder to find delicacies such as sea urchin, marron, spanner crab and scampi, you can have them cooked to order. The fish market also has an impressive range of cafes and restaurants offering fish and chips, sashimi, sushi donuts, dim sum, and more.

World-Class Beach at Bondi

From top restaurants, proximity to the Sydney central business district, relatively safe swimming conditions, and white sandy beach, Bondi Beach has earned the reputation as one of Australia’s most popular beaches. Bondi Beach also has two local weekend markets, which are worth visiting. Held at the Bondi Beach Public School, the first is a farmers market held every Saturday. Local producers sell meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. On Sundays, the Bondi Markets offers clothes, furniture, homeware, vinyl records and other treasures.

Words and phrases to know:

majority – the greater number

globe-trotting – travel widely

descend upon – to arrive in an overwhelming way

ancient – belonging to the very distant past

venue – the place where something happens, especially organised events such as concerts

jump on it – to start something early or ahead of others

patronize – frequent as a customer

show-stopping – a particularly arresting thing, especially one that draws attention away from others

visible – able to be seen

keepsake – a memento or souvenir

attempt – make an effort to achieve something difficult

acrophobia – excessive fear of heights

content – feeling or expressing happiness or satisfaction

waterfront – a part of a town that borders the sea, lake or river

solitude – a lonely or uninhabited place

oriental – Eastern

nestled – situated in a half-hidden or sheltered position

galore – in abundance

rumbling tummy – stomach is growling because it is hungry

delicacies – something pleasing to eat that is considered rare or luxurious

cooked to order – food that is cooked to a customer’s directions

proximity – closeness

relatively – quite

reputation – fame, recognition

For over 35 years, ILTI has been at the forefront of coaching students and adults to be proficient in English. Be like the 40,000 others who have mastered the English Language with ILTI. Start learning Cambridge English with us by visiting ilti.edu.my or calling 010-395 3067 today.