No trip toAustraliais complete without a visit toSydney, the country’s most iconic city. Whether you’re interested in visiting the cultural and historical sites or just interested in spending some time on the infamous Bondi Beach, Sydney has more than enough to keep holidaymakers entertained.
There is no better Australian city thanSydneyto visit during the southern hemisphere’s summer months, as the area is home to so many beaches all within a short distance of the centre. Bondi may be the most famous, and something of a tourist attraction in its own right, but there are others that are more popular with the locals and which are bustling and lively on weekends and holidays.
Other must-see sights inSydneyinclude the famous Opera House and theSydneyHarbourBridge, both of which offer great views of the harbour. However, the best view in town is from the top of theCentrepointBuilding, the tallest inSydney, which has a rotating 360 degree viewing platform at the top as well as a restaurant for those who want to enjoy the most unforgettable meal of their lives.
Eating out inSydneyis all about exploring the many different cultures that have made the city their home over the generations. Whatever cuisine you enjoy eating, you will find a restaurant that serves it in this city; though if you want to avoid the expensive tourist traps, stay away from the harbour and the waterfront.
Sydneyis often just one of the stops on a tour ofAustralia, and holidaymakers who arrive in the city from Melbourne or Brisbane may notice that prices here are a little more expensive than elsewhere.Sydneymay not be the capital ofAustralia, but many businesses are based here and the city is much more affluent than many of its neighbours.
As befits a place with so many stylish professionals, shopping inSydneyis dominated by home-grown designer labels such as Collette Dinnigan and Akira Isogawa.George Streetis the place for fashion junkies to get their fix, while The Rocks shopping centre is also home to a number of one-off boutiques.
Driving inSydneyis not for the faint-hearted and parking can be difficult, especially near the major beaches when the sun is shining. Luckily, the city has a range of inexpensive and well-run public transport options to help you get around and see all the attractions.
The trains, buses and even ferries that serve this city are all covered by one ticket system, which means you can buy a day pass and travel on any mode of transport you need to for whatever activities you have planned that day.Sydney’s train and bus network is clean and safe and goes out as far as the suburbs, while the ferries allow you to get to your destination while sitting back and enjoying the view.
One of the most popular ferry routes with tourists is the boat to Manly, a thirty minute trip from Circular Quay which offers a different perspective on the Opera House and theHarbourBridge. It is worth stopping off and exploring Manly itself, home to some of the best beaches and seafood restaurants inSydney.
