Travel to Sydney

The largest as well as the oldest city in Australia and the capital city of New South Wales, Sydney is an acclaimed international tourist destination, situated in a coastal basin in the south-eastern part of the country. Sydney is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Blue Mountains to the west, the Hawkesbury River to the north, and the plateau of Woronora to the south. No matter it is for a romantic escape, or to celebrate your honeymoon, or just for a leisurely travel, Sydney is a great destination to enjoy all. Acknowledged as the 'International Gateway to the Country,' Sydney is home to the world's largest natural harbor, namely, Port Jackson, most popularly referred to as the Sydney Harbor. Perhaps for this reason, Sydney is sometimes called the Harbor City.

Things to see in Sydney are truly endless, ranging from mind blowing scenery and astounding beaches to marvelous attractions covering interesting monuments, museums, art galleries, and fun attractions. In short, Sydney has everything to make your vacation truly memorable as well as enjoyable. Probably, the greatest of all attractions in Sydney would be the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House, both of which are located within the Sydney Harbor. Designed by the renowned architect Jorn Utzon and inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A view of this amazing monument, set against the backdrop of one of the world's most beautiful harbor and the wonderful bridge, from either ferry or air, would be really unforgettable.

The Opera House is as representative of the country as the Queen Elizabeth II and the Pyramids of Egypt. Opened in 1932, the Sydney Harbor Bridge is the largest bridge in the world, with its top rising up to about 135 meters above the harbor. In addition, the bridge is the world's fourth longest arch bridge. Sometimes, the bridge is nicknamed as the Coathanger due to its arch-shaped design. A visit to Sydney would be incomplete without taking a tour to an array of interesting museums in the region. Among which most popular are Australian Museum, which has on display the artifacts related to the natural history as well as the culture of the aboriginal people in the country; Bradman Museum, which is dedicated to Sir Donald Bradman who is regarded as the best cricketer that the world has ever seen.

Harris Street Motor Museum, where more than 150 classic motor cars are exhibited; Justice and Police Museum, which holds displays in the form of magistrates court, remand cell, and police charge room; Museum of Sydney, which has artifacts that throw light on the history of the city; Powerhouse Museum, the largest museum in the country with more than 350,000 exhibits; and Sydney Jewish Museum, with items that depict the life of Jewish in the country. Equally fabulous is the art galleries in the city, such as, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which is the largest of its kind in the country; Hogarth Galleries Aboriginal Art Centre, with a large selection of items related to aboriginal art; and S.H. Ervin Gallery, featuring a wonderful selection of historical art.

Apart from these, Sydney is also much famed for its splendid natural wonders. For instance, it boasts of some of the finest beaches in the country, such as, the Bondi Beach, the Cronolla Beach, Balmoral Beach and the Coogee Beach, all of which offers breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. In addition, these beaches form base for an array of water sport activities including cruising, surfing, diving, boating, and windsurfing. Likewise, the nature lovers are recommended to take a tour to such destinations in the city as the Blue Mountains, where you can enjoy the spectacular views, and the Echo Point offering the splendid views of the Three Sisters and Jamieson Valley.

Additionally, for wildlife lovers, some best options are available in the form of the Waratah Park Earth Sanctuary, Featherdale Wildlife Park and Australian Wildlife Park, each of which is bestowed with rich as well as rare flora and fauna. Other not to miss attractions in the city are Circular Quay, Convention Centre, Government House, Strand Arcade, Sydney Aquarium, and Sydney Tower.

When comes to nightlife, it has a vibrant scene, with a plethora of active pubs, nightclubs, and dance clubs. Above all, incredible is the gastronomy of the city, where almost all types of cuisines such as the Indian, Japanese, Lebanese, and Greek can be savored. In fact, Sydney has everything to spend a romantic as well as leisurely vacation. Hence, there is no exception in the case of accommodation. From boutique hotels for budget conscious to high-end hotels and resorts for well-heeled, Sydney caters to all budget and preferences.

Sydney is a diverse and multicultural city located on the southeast coast of Australia. It was here that the first British colony was created in 1788. From this small beginning has grown one of the world's most interesting countries. For many, Australia is synonymous with Steve Irwin and crocodile hunting.

For any traveler seeking a destination with diverse offerings, Sydney is hard to beat. Sydney's tourism product runs the gamut from high class hotels to world famous beaches and a vibrant nightlife. The city, unlike so many travel destinations really does offer something for everyone, from the business traveler to the vacationer on a budget. To visit Sydney is to explore much of Australia's history, coupled with modern conveniences and attractions. As a vacation experience it is hard to beat.

A Vacation for the Family

If the entire family wants to travel together, there is no need to create a list of possible destinations. If you've never been to Sydney, you will find it to be the ideal place to make great memories. Given that Australia is known for its wildlife, it should come as no surprise that Sydney features fantastic wildlife parks and zoos. Kids will also be happy to know that Sydney is home to the popular entertainers "The Wiggles." There are also specialized tours just for children, enabling them to learn more about Sydney's culture and history.

The Beaches

Sydney's beaches offer more than just the typical sun and sand. You can take a ferry from Palm Beach and visit the isolated bays. Another option is to take a ride on a seaplane from Rose Bay to Whale Beach followed by a fantastic lunch. Surfing enthusiasts will also find many ideal spots along the coast. If you're interested in something a bit more laid back, take a walk along the coast while you soak up the amazing scenery.

Things to See in Sydney

In a city so rich with history, it's not surprising that there are many places worth visiting as part of your Sydney experience. Aboriginal rock carvings can be seen on the Bondi Golf Course, which is close to Bondi Beach. While the Sydney Botanical Gardens should be on your itinerary, be sure to check out the Government House as well. It was designed in 1835 and features fine examples of 19th century furniture. Government House is now open to the public.

The Sydney Harbor Bridge is another site of historical value. Opened in 1932, it took nine years to complete. The Bridge accommodates both vehicular traffic and trains and has a walkway for pedestrians. Great views of the bridge can be had from any of the ferries in Circular Quay. Sydney also has world class art galleries, such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Gaval Aboriginal Art Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Sydney's Nightlife

Like any major cosmopolitan area, Sydney offers many activities for anyone who likes to be out late. If you are interested in visiting the local bars and pubs or the hottest nightspots, there will be something to your liking. The rotating restaurant/bar, Orbit Bar, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offers fantastic 360 degree views. Other popular spots include The Victoria Room, Hemmesphere and Bayswater Brasserie. Club Parada, The World Bar, Slip Inn & Chinese Laundry and the Tank Nightclub are all highly rated.

The Sydney Opera House

One of, if not the most famous of Sydney's attractions, the Sydney Opera House is admired around the world for its architecture. It was designed by Jorn Utzon of Denmark in 1957 when his design was chosen in a competition. Utzon was involved in the construction of the venue at the beginning. In 1966 after a falling out with government officials, he left the project. The name does not depict the whole picture of this magnificent structure. Aside from the Opera Theater, it also houses a Concert Hall that seats 2,679, a Drama Theater with 1,507 seats and the open air Forecourt, which can be used for any number of purposes. Fittingly it also holds the Utzon room, the only section in the interior designed by Utzon, which seats 210.

Sadly, Utzon never returned to Australia to see the completion of his finest work. The Sydney Opera House represented his first design outside of his home country. In the 1970s he and his wife Lis built a home on the island of Majorca. Nearly 20 years after, they built and moved to another home there, partially for health reasons on his part. Utzon passed away on November 29, 2008.

The Sydney Opera House remains not only one the world's most distinctive structures, but a symbol of Australia. Its design is hailed as a masterpiece of modern architecture.

Sydney is Australia's premier holiday destination and the first port of call for many international visitors. The good news is that many of its major attractions are free and with the Australian dollar at bargain basement, most are amazingly cheap.

Here are 7 suggestions to help you get the most out of your visit to Australia's largest city:

1. Circular Quay.

Circular Quay is the heart of Sydney and your introduction to the beautiful harbour. It is a great place to start your exploration and you will be fascinated by the excitement and buzz of this area. All ferries leave from this focal point and you are within walking distance of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. It is great place to relax, enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or stroll around and enjoy the ambience.

2. The Rocks.

Nestled alongside the south portal of the bridge is one of the first settled areas of Sydney known as "The Rocks" This historical and fascinating area filled with old buildings, pubs and shops is a great place to visit for souvenirs, a meal or a drink. Weekend markets are very popular for those looking for a bargain.

3. Walk over the bridge.

The entrance to the walkway over the bridge is just behind The Rocks and best of all it's free. This amazing walk will provide you with some of the most breathtaking views in Australia as you look down on the Opera House, yachts and ferries in the harbor and in the distance, the entrance to the Pacific Ocean.

4. Ferry to Toronga Park Zoo.

Toronga Park Zoo is one of the finest in Australia. You will be able to view all the Australian native wildlife including the elusive platypus. It is worth spending a day here and its location on the north shore of the harbor allows spectacular views of the Sydney skyline. Take the ferry from Circular Quay.

5. Ferry to Manly.

No visit to Sydney would be complete without taking a ferry from Circular Quay to the oceanside resort of Manly. The ferry ride is one of the most popular trips for visitors to Sydney and allows spectacular harbor views. I particularly love Manly. Its main beach on the Pacific Ocean is a mecca for surfers, swimmers and sunbathers and the main street is a popular place to enjoy a meal, go shopping or just soak up the ambience of the area.

Here's a suggestion. Try to time your return ferry trip to Sydney to leave Manly just before sunset. You will be rewarded with the golden glow of the late afternoon sun shining on the sails of the Opera House and the setting sun highlighting the black silhouette of the bridge. A magic holiday moment.

6. Take a tour of the Opera House.

Tours of the Opera House take place regularly during the day and this is the only way for you to experience the true beauty of this iconic Sydney landmark. Better still, enjoy a live performance in the main concert hall. It will be a holiday memory I promise you will never forget.

7. Take a harbor walk.

Sydney has many wonderful harbor walks, but my favorite is a walk from the Opera House to Kings Cross. It requires only a moderate level of fitness and there are plenty of places to stop and admire the views of the busy harbor as well as parks and gardens. Kings Cross is a perfect place to finish your walk. It is the city's nightlife and restaurant mecca, but late at night can be a seedy and sometimes unsafe area. During the day however, this cosmopolitan suburb is a venue to relax, enjoy a coffee and experience one of most vibrant areas of this great holiday destination.