Sydney, Australia

Sydney guide

Just imagine sitting outside with an ice-cold drink and the sun beating down on your face; you have the Sydney Opera House on your right, the Rocks on your left and you're just watching the boats sail by! Sydney is in New South Wales and is Australia's sweetheart; it has been one of the most popular places for tourist attraction for many years. The main reason people flock here from many corners of the globe is because of the fantastic weather, the up-beat welcoming metropolitan feel about the place but also it has one of the most recognizable skylines in the whole of the world. No one can mistake the Sydney Opera House. It was opened in 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II and is the creation of a Danish architect Joern Utzen after winning a competition in 1959. It took 14 years to build and millions of dollars. Many said it wasn't structurally possible but it was! You can take a guided tour of the Opera House which is very interesting and informative. The surface of the buildings is made up of millions of tiny ceramic tiles which reflect the sun so beautifully. The Opera house comprises of three buildings with 4 performance halls and restaurants and bars. Whilst on tour make sure you book into see a show as they are very reasonably priced.

Across the harbour from the Opera house is Sydney Harbour Bridge called the 'the coat hanger' by the locals. The bridge was opened in 1932 and is an important link between north and south Sydney. If you're feeling daring there is a climbing tour available that goes over the arch of the bridge but this does take around 3 hours depending on your fitness! Many stars have completed the climb so you will be up there with the rich and famous!

If you want to visit any of Sydney's beaches there are plenty. Probably one of the most famous is Bondi beach (Bondi means crashing waves in aborigine); Bondi is popular but it is most famous for surfing. This isn't secluded by any means as what Bondi also does well is the buzzing atmosphere. There are many stylish cafes and bars perfect for people who love the beach scene. In north Sydney you will find Manly beach; it has a harbour, beaches and a ferry wharf. Stretching along the coast from Manly is 30 km of beaches eventually ending at the famous Palm beach. It might be nice to hire a car and take a cruise!

Flights to Sydney Airport (SYD)

Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) is 11 km from the city centre.

To and from Sydney Airport

Activities and sightseeing in Sydney

Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Aquarium and Darling Harbour, City Centre, Powerhouse Museum, Manly beach, Oceanworld, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Tower and Skytour, Bondi beach, Royal Botanic gardens and The Domain, Sydney Olympic Park, Taronga Zoo, Chinese Garden and China Town, Australian Museum, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Blue Mountains, Museum of Sydney, Centennial Park, Sydney Observatory, Many beaches, National Parks, Galleries and museums, Koala Park Sanctuary, Sydney Wonderland (theme park), Star City Sydney (Casino), Waratah Park (wildlife park)

Eating and drinking in Sydney

Seafood is on most menus and is relatively inexpensive. There are many restaurants at Circular Quay and this is probably the best place to head for if you are looking for choices such as Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and European. There is plenty of outside seating to watch the harbour at night and feel the ocean air. The Opera House has its own restaurant Guillaume at Bennelong with 360 degrees of the harbour; but you would be well advised to make a reservation.

If you're in Sydney for a few nights take one of the evening river cruises which will serve you a three course meal whilst sailing around Sydney Harbour. You can book these at the stands within the harbour.

Afterwards there is just as much choice for drinking venues; if you're at the Harbour pop into the minus 5 bar on Opera Quays where you will be togged up in winter clothes to be taken upstairs and have a drink in the ice bar! They usually have house favourites served in an ice glass!