Sydney
Overview
Sydney is a cosmopolitan city on the edge of the Australian world, on the scale of New York or Paris but with a big and beautiful harbor, a fun-loving population, and beaches with shades of blue you never thought possible. One could spend a lifetime exploring this energetic Aussie metropolis, which has enough pubs, delicious restaurants, intriguing museums and entertainment options to keep even the most jaded traveler busy.
Summer (January-February) is the most popular time to visit Australia, and also the hottest; for fewer crowds and lower temperatures, a spring or autumn visit would be best. Most travelers stay close to the harbor area which is the heart of Sydney, allowing for easy access to the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Rocks Market, the proud Sydney Opera House, the Botanical Gardens as well as all the shops, cafes and restaurants around this central area. Ferries carry visitors and locals alike to further reaching points like the Taronga Zoo and Manly Beach, and other forms of public transportation are quite efficient and easy to use as well.
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Sydney
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Sydney
Whatever your pleasure, Sydney can answer. Those seeking adventure may want to climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and overlook the majestic city from a harness. The Sydney Opera House holds regular symphonies and inexpensive tickets can be found if you are a student or don’t mind the nosebleeds. Even if you don’t buy a ticket, the lively scene around the Opera House on a weekend night is the place to be, as the moon rises over Sydney Harbor and boats zip in and out of the docks.
The Taronga Zoo is an amazing animal sanctuary and one of the only places in the world you can see kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, wombats and duckbill platypuses. Darling Harbor is a massive entertainment complex with an IMAX theatre, the Sydney Aquarium and the Chinese Garden of Friendship. Visit Chinatown to eat an excellent meal and see pink-bloomed cherry trees, and then pop into Paddy’s Market if you are seeking treasures- it is one of the largest markets in the world and sells everything from beach towels to hot-crossed buns.
No trip to Sydney is complete without a trip to one of her glorious beaches. Bondi Beach is a favorite of surfers and surfer-oglers; the wide stretch of soft sand caresses the deep blue sea and even more beaches are just a meander away, around the breathtaking cliff sides. Manly and Coogee Beaches are also popular sun and sand destinations, and should be taken with a large dose of fish and chips. Hold on to your bikini bottoms, because the waves on Sydney beaches are NOT kidding around.
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Sydney
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Sydney
Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel: clean and comfortable rooms, over a pub, central location
Hyde Park Inn: great quality and location, some rooms with kitchenettes and views
Park Hyatt Sydney: best location possible, on the Harbor, impeccable rooms and service.
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Sydney
Hotel Reviews
Sydney
Weather
Sydney
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