Been There – Sydney

Starbucks Been There Sydney is a mug for the capital of New South Wales that was established as a British penal colony in 1788. It was named after Thomas Townshend, Lord Sydney, the British Home Secretary who authorized the colony’s establishment. Long before that, the area was home to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, whose connection to the land spans over 60,000 years. Today, remnants of this Indigenous heritage sit alongside colonial landmarks, modern architecture, and global influences. Sydney’s layered past shapes its identity as one of the world’s most iconic harbor cities.

– The front of the mug showcases the skyline of the city with the Opera House’s sails cutting into the sky and the Harbour Bridge arching behind. The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its bold design and location at Bennelong Point. Just beside it, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stretches across the water, connecting the northern and southern shores. The city’s skyline, marked by high-rises and historic towers, rises behind these landmarks. Together, they define Sydney’s harbor as a visual signature recognized worldwide.

– Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most famous stretches of sand, popular with surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers. It’s a short drive from the city center and buzzes with energy year-round. Locals and tourists flock to Bondi for the coastal walk, the ocean pool, and the laid-back beach culture.

– Macquarie Lighthouse, perched on the cliffs of Vaucluse, is Australia’s oldest lighthouse. It was first completed in 1818 and rebuilt in 1883, still standing as an active guide for ships entering Sydney Harbour. The white tower is both a working beacon and a nod to colonial maritime history.

– The smiling sun peeking out from between two towers is the iconic face of Luna Park Sydney. This historic amusement park sits at the foot of the Harbour Bridge on the north side. Opened in 1935, it’s packed with retro rides, carnival games, and old-school charm.