A mini guide to Sydney

Sydney Australia

The beautiful city of Sydney is in New South Wales on the south eastern seaboard of Australia. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world with a kind temperate climate; sunshine can be enjoyed on average for about 350 days each year. It is ideal for breaks from the winter of the northern hemisphere as the summer season begins in Australia in December and lasts through until the end of February. If you don’t like too much heat then go out of season as the weather will still be warm and you are almost guaranteed some sun.

 

This cosmopolitan city has a reputation as a very laid back, friendly and lively holiday destination. Australians love sport and the great outdoors and much of the social life of Sydney takes place on and around the beautiful beaches and the harbour area. Special events such as Australia Day and New Year’s Eve are celebrated with great exuberance.

 

The waterside restaurants are internationally renowned serving wonderful food with the ideal accompaniment of outstanding Australian wines. As you would imagine the seafood is very good indeed and the variety of cuisines to choose from is large with a marked Asian influence.

 

If you think of Sydney what image comes to mind? For most people it will be the famous bridge across the harbour or the architectural gem that is the Sydney Opera House. Great attractions in their own right of course they serve as merely an introduction to an exciting city with much to explore.

 

Sydney has a vibrant Chinatown and the growing Vietnamese

population occupy an area that has become known as Ho Chi Minh City. Italian immigrants have established themselves in Haberfield and Leichhardt (great pizzas) and there are some wonderful Greek restaurants in Marrickville. It doesn’t end there however with a Spanish Quarter centred on Goulburn Street and the Portuguese are resident in Petersham. This diversity makes for a rewarding holiday experience as all the best of each culture can be enjoyed in one city.

 

The world famous Bondi Beach is almost a kilometre in length and is one of Australia’s favourite attractions for tourists. The surf culture is in evidence at the southern end with the northern part being regarded as the more sophisticated. There are very good places to eat and drink and some interesting shops, markets and regular entertainment at the Pavilion. The beach is very safe with constant supervision by lifeguards who are highly trained and are regarded by many as the best in the world. Bondi is where young and old Australians alike can be seen enjoying life to the full.

 

Take advantage of the terrific shopping opportunities that the city provides in its malls and small local markets. Retailers of high fashion goods to quirky small shops selling a huge range of products illustrate the diversity of retailing in the city. The sandstone streets of the area known as The Rocks are lined with shops (particularly good boutiques,) public houses and restaurants.

 

Sydney can be an unforgettable experience for a visitor and the main problem will be having enough time to do all that you would like. If time does allow visit the Opera House, Darling Harbour, Bronte and Coogee Beaches and some museums and galleries.

 

A repeat visit to Sydney is often necessary to further explore the city and perhaps further afield to the wonderful attractions that the north and south coast have to offer. The Snowy Mountains, Lord Howe Island and the Outback of New South Wales should be visited if possible.

 

Accommodation in Sydney varies from bed and breakfast to 5 star luxury. The public transport systems in the city are excellent and the modern airport has all the facilities now expected by travellers; it handles flights from all over the world. Transport to and from the airport is plentiful and the trip only takes about fifteen minutes.