Destinations




Sydney

Sunny, sexy, sophisticated - Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The stunning Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's much more on offer. Light, bright, cheerful and colourful - Sydney style has an exuberant quality defined by the city's climate, magnificent harbour, luxuriant hinterland and superb beaches. The New South Wales capital dazzles with personality. There's an energy and boldness here that is irrepressible and uplifting. It's urbane, but fresh and curious.

   
Location: East coast of Australia
   
Language: English
   
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD$)
   
Climate: Any time is a good time to be in Sydney. Summer (December to February) is warm-hot - perfect for the beach. In spring and autumn the weather is mild enough to try anything- Aussie style of course!
   
Transport: Sydney has many accessible modes of transport. Rail, busses and taxis are easy to use. One of the best ways to see Sydney and some of the most popular tourist attractions is to use the ferry network.
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Shopping
Sydney has inspired some stunning young designers who have taken the multi-layered cultural influences and translated them into fashion. The Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in Sydney sets the stage and has proved to be a highly successful venture, marketing Australian fashion to the world. Stroll up and down Oxford Street, Paddington, to see the funkiest designers. A trawl through the city arcades and streets - Skygarden, the MLC Centre, Chifley Square, Martin Place, the Myers fashion floor - should bedazzle the shopper with alternatives. For a one-stop fashion heaven, Market City is a bargain factory outlet with big names such as Calvin Klein jeans, Polo Ralph Lauren, Oroton and local heroes Marcs, Morrissey, Mambo and Bracewell. Down at Bondi, view the best of Australian surf and beach wear that has blazed new trend trails internationally. You will find your 'cossie' (swimming costume) in Campbell Parade. In Double Bay, explore the European-style lanes and arcades for silverware, fine jewellery, antiques, art and gifts or visit the popular Paddington Markets on Saturdays.

Food
Decades of immigration have meant Sydney's restaurants cater for all sorts of tastes. Fresh ingredients and a fusion of Eastern and Western styles is an Australian trademark. Examples of these can be found at Cockle Bay, City Centre, Chinatown, Darling Harbour and Pyrmont, The Rocks, Circular Quay, Newtown and Leichhardt.

Entertainment
All-night pubs, cutting-edge dance clubs, and gay reviews could keep you out until dawn. Be seen on trendy Oxford Street from Darlinghurst to Paddington or try the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, Surry Hills, the quay or the Rocks. It's too many choices, not too few, that make the decision hard!


Things to do

  • Climb the span of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for an unforgettable view of the city.
  • Visit Sydney’s best beaches – Bondi, Manly, Bronte, Palm Beach to name a few.
  • Sip at the teahouse and unwind to gentle tinkling of water at the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
  • Unwind with a cruise around Sydney Harbour.
  • Have a 'barbie' (Australian barbeque) with great company.
  • Trek around natural Australian bush, forest and coastal surroundings at the Royal National Park.
  • Applaud at a live performance at the Sydney Opera House.
  • Check session times and make your own space for outdoor cinema at Royal Botanical Gardens.
  • Bring your appetite for the freshest, fresh seafood at the Sydney Fish Markets.
  • Discover the eastern suburbs of the city and appreciate the art galleries, shopping and cafes.
  • Be entertained day and night at The Star City Casino that adds to any winner's excitement.
  • Head to a pub and have a couple of cold beers with newly found friends.
  • Watch (or be watched) as you head for a cosmopolitan night in the heart of Sydney.
  • Gaze at the stars for a shimmering experience at The Observatory.
  • Be in awe at breathtaking 360-degree views of Sydney's best views atop the Sydney Tower.
  • Check out Taronga Zoo or the Sydney Aquarium to see some of the most beautiful animals and water life in the world.

Venture out of Sydney to find out what New South Wales has on offer

Blue Mountains
A two-hour drive from Sydney gives you spectacular rock formations and native wildlife sights on your way to the Blue Mountains. The cliffs and gorges of the Blue Mountains offer great bushwalking, mountain biking, horse-riding and beautiful scenery.

Hunter Valley
Travel to the famous wine district approximately two hours north of Sydney and indulge in the gourmet foods, superb restaurants and cafes.

Port Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Stephens
Port Macquarie's hinterland and surrounding region also caters for those who are looking for beautiful beach areas, great surfing and fishing. A short two-hour drive north of Sydney, Newcastle is within easy access to attractions including rainforests, wilderness areas and extensive vineyards. Port Stephens is an idyllic coastal paradise where the emphasis is on pleasure. Cruise out onto the bay to enjoy a two-hour Dolphin Watch or even go whale watching.

Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is one of the largest regional cities in New South Wales and offers kilometres of unspoilt beaches. There is an array of activities from Bucca Forest Drive, bushwalking, Park Beach, Coffs Harbour Zoo to the Big Banana Theme Park.

Photographs supplied courtesy of Tourism Australia

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