Monday, July 28, 2008

What to do in Sydney Australia?


Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities and is located in New South Wales on the Southeastern corner of the country. Sydney is rich with arts, entertainment, outdoor activities and plenty of beaches to surf.

Here are just a few of the highlights of Sydney to consider when planning your trip downunder:

• The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia's most recognized and most visited tourist spots. Designed by Jorn Utzon, it is situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point and was completed in 1973. Approximately 300 events run here annually, including Opera Australia, Australian Chamber Orchestra and The Australian Ballet. Guided back stage tours are offered year round and it's a wonderful place to relax on the steps near the water.

• The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. After 9 years of construction, it opened to traffic in 1932. The bridge is used by cars, bicyclists, pedestrians and trains with pedestrian walk ways on both sides of the bridge making it safe to cross and enjoy the view. For a more rewarding view and an amazing experience, try the guided BridgeClimb Sydney. This 3 ½ hour adventure brings you to the top of the bridge at 134 meters where you will be rewarded with 360 degree fantastic views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Choose to take a tour at dawn, day, twilight or night. Definitely a tour of a lifetime and must-do if you are comfortable with being on top of the world.

Darling Harbour is a huge waterfront precinct that is just a 10 minute walk from the city center. It is one of Sydney's largest shopping, dining and entertainment areas. You will find many delicious waterfront dining options and bars for night entertainment at Cockle Bay Wharf and King St. Wharf.

• Also located in Darling Harbour is the Sydney Aquarium. This aquarium showcases the world's largest collection of Australian marine life, such as sharks, eels, sting rays and crocodiles. Some other attractions worth visiting in Darling Harbour include the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Sydney Fish Market.

• The historical precinct of The Rocks was the first settlement in Australia in 1788. Today the beautifully restored buildings are homes to shops, restaurants, boutique hotels and galleries making it a great place to spend the day shopping, eating and browsing local art.

• Located just 7 miles from the city center, Bondi Beach is Australia's most popular beach. Bondi is a great place for surfing, diving, enjoying the sunshine, rollerblading, cycling and people watching. Surfing lessons are available as well as boogie board rentals. Campbell Parade, which runs along the beach, offers an abundance of shops, restaurants and bars. Some other great beaches in this area include Coogee, Manly, Palm Beach and Whale Beach.

The Blue Mountains is a great choice for anyone looking for an incredible wilderness getaway. The name comes from the "blue haze" that hangs over the region caused by a fine mist of the eucalyptus forests. The area is well known for its forests, gorges, canyons, limestone caves, beautiful bush-walks, Aboriginal engravings and luxurious resorts, fine dining and day spas.

As you can see, Sydney has something for every traveler. Check out our Australia Independent Packages to help you get started planning your trip or if you like a more organized style of traveling see our Australia Escorted Tours. Any way you travel to the great land of Oz, be sure to include Sydney on your itinerary.