Getting to Sydney, Australia

Located on the southern coast of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, beckons lovers of fun and adventure. Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is the largest international and domestic airport in Oz. Many international airlines from major global destinations land in Sydney Airport. It is the oldest continually running commercial airport in the world.

Unlike other airports in Australia, it has connections to every continent in the world. European and Middle Eastern travellers fly in via Asia. South American travellers fly in via North America or New Zealand. If you choose to fly to Sydney from other parts of Australia, Melbourne and Brisbane are about an hour and a half away, and Canberra is approximately 45 minutes away. Flying in from Perth would take about four hours.

Fifteen minutes south of the central business district in Botany Bay is Sydney’s main airport. A smaller airport is located further away in Bankstown. Airport transfers are easy to come by and a train service takes travellers directly to the city. Cars can be rented from the airport. Or if you prefer, you can take one of the local buses or hop onto one of the mini-buses that take groups to various hotels for a nominal fee. There is also a train service connecting the airport to the central business district of Sydney. Taxis are easily available, albeit quite expensive. A $2 airport tax is levied in addition to the meter charges, as well as a $5 eastern distributor toll. For groups of two or more people, a taxi may turn out to be cheaper overall since other forms of transport charge per head.

The Pacific Highway has been recently renovated for a better driving experience between the Hume Highway in the north and the Federal Highway in the south. It takes about three hours to drive into Sydney from Canberra and approximately ten hours to drive in from Melbourne. Rental cars are available all over Sydney as well as the suburbs.

A bus service runs between Sydney and other Australian centers, terminating at the bus depot at Central Station. This is often the most convenient and cost-effective mode of travel within Oz.

Interstate and intercity trains carry travelers to Central Station. Due to the difference in the size of the tracks in Queensland compared to those in New South Wales, there is no train service available from Queensland unless you switch to a bus near the border.

Unique Sydney: Sydney in a Nutshell

Sydney is a city of such vast and varied treasures that it’s hard to choose what to see and do especially if you’re on a whirlwind visit. Fortunately Sydney’s a compact place and getting around is easy so you can pack a lot into a quick visit. Here’s a look at how to get the most out of Sydney when you’re short on time.

First, for orientation and delightful eye candy, is a harbour trip. Much of the city’s magnificence derives from its harbour location and a boat over the deep blue waters studded with white sails is a treat for the senses.

Start at Circular Quay in the business district, Sydney’s transport hub and a major city terminal for buses, trains and ferries. You can get to anywhere in Sydney from here. You have the option of a wide range of excellent organised tours or you can just take the regular ferry

Other than showing you Sydney’s prime location as a harbour city, this trip will offer stunning view of the whole city.

Get off the ferry to gaze at the Opera House and then take a stroll through the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens. These expansive gardens are a favourite leisure and picnicking spot for Sydneysiders.

The gardens date back to the foundation of the city when the new colony’s first vegetable patch was established here. Now the gardens house an abundance of flora from the South Pacific and glasshouses contain climbers and trailers from rainforests around the world. The Pyramid contains such Australian native plants as monsoonal and tropical rainforest plants. There’s also a fernery, cactus plots and rose garden. Fauna includes flying foxes cockatoos and ducks quack in the ponds.

After lunch you can sample the sedate artistic ambiance of the Art Gallery of New South Wales then head off for some sun and sand on one of Sydney’s many beaches. To get the pulse of Sydney’s beach culture, you have to visit the daddy of them all, Bondi Beach. After sporting on the sands, savour a drink or meal at one of the beachfront cafes. Then head back into the city as dusk falls and transforms the harbour.

After the raw pleasures of the beach, you have a wide range of options for the evening. You can sample the sophistication of the Opera House, dine at the chic dining spots at Circular Quay, or if you still can’t get enough of the harbour, you can take a sunset walk onto the Harbour Bridge and drink in the lights of the city over the water.

There’s much more to Sydney than this but this quick introduction will set you up for further exploration when time permits. It’s also a unique experience in itself and a great way to get to know this beguiling city on the bay. It might even make you extend your stay. If so, an abundance of Sydney City hotels are available to suit all tastes and pockets.

Sydney and surrounds

Sydney is on the international map as being one of the most attractive cities in Australia,and with landmarks such as the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the beautiful Darling Harbour, it is a great base to see the city and the surrounding countryside.

New South Wales has amazing contrasting landscapes and attractions, and many of these are accessible from the capital city. It seems that every landmark is a starting point for exploring another, and there are a lot of landmarks! Sydney is also a stopover for those driving to the ski slopes south from Canberra, or the Blue Mountains close to an hour inland.

The climate has been likened to Mediterranean temperatures, with no major extremes in weather. Mid summer can sizzle to over 30 degrees, but winter chills are bearable as long as you stay rugged up.

The city centre is a metropolis of blended cultures, foods and sights.The sightseeing options are endless, but most travellers begin on the harbour at the Sydney Opera House. Known as one of the wonders of the world, it is a photographers dream, and at every angle is dazzling.

There is a huge choice of accommodation available in the city and its surrounds.Darling Harbour is also famous for its restaurants and four star hotels that line the stretch of the harbour,and with parks, shops and the IMAX theatre, it is the perfect base a Sydney visit.

Under the just as famous Sydney Harbour Bridge is the Rocks shopping district, which is likened to an outdoor museum as it is one of the oldest features of the city. You will need at least a half day to wander through the alleys and side streets to take in everything the shops have to offer.

On the other side of the harbour is another must do, the Taronga Park Zoo. With an amazing collection of native animals, including lions and giraffes, it is rare to find a zoo with such a view as Darling Harbour and the city skyline. The ferry ride is almost as enjoyable as the zoo, with fantastic sights on all sides. On your return you can’t miss the Sydney Aquarium, also teeming with life under the water, and filled with aquatic displays that will take your breath away.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are within walking distance of the Opera House, and are a perfect place for a picnic lunch, with majestic trees and brilliant flower displays open to the public all year. After lunch you may have the energy towalk to Sydney Tower, the highest point above the citywith 360 degree unforgettable views from the mountains to the sea.

Further out, Manly is one of Sydneys beach suburbs, and skirts the Sydney Harbour National Park. There are lookouts along the coast route, and further along North Head Lookout rewards you with panoramic views of the city.

Driving inland from the city, a popular day trip is to the famous Blue Mountains National Park, known for its amazing rock formation, The Three Sisters. It takes about 90 minutes to get there, and also has camping facilities, swimming holes, fishing and bushwalking trails. One thing to remember is you must bring your own water.

Alternatively, the Royal National park is just over 30km south of Sydney, and holds the impressive title as the worlds second oldest park. Although not large, it has diverse attractions, with walking, cycling tracks, beaches, forests and rich vegetation making this an unforgettable experience.

The beauty of driving instead of touring is you choose where you want to go, and how you do it. Travelling around the Sydney district is just as enjoyable on foot or from the comforts of your vehicle, and it cant be done in just a few days. You will need to either stay for a while to take in all the sights, or plan to come back again as the choices are endless, and the memories will last a lifetime.

Renting A Holiday Home In Australia

Australia is a very popular holiday destination for holiday makers going on a family holiday and staying in self catering holiday accommodation. It is the world’s smallest continent, but it one of the oldest civilized lands of the world. Australia is a beautiful country with a diverse range of stunning and spectacular landscapes. It is a country famous for its hot climate, beautiful sandy beaches and kangaroos.

Many families go on holiday to Australia and stay in holiday villas with swimming pools or self catering holiday apartments. There is a tremendous choice of holiday home rentals right across Australia from Queensland to New South Wales. It does not matter which part of Australia that you want to spend your vacations as there are many holiday homes to rent to choose from.

Many families go on holiday to Australia and stay in Sydney. It is probably the most famous city in the country and has some great self catering holiday apartments to rent. Sydney is located right on the Pacific Ocean and has some spectacular coast line and beaches. It is a city where you can go and experience the shopping and culture staying in a self catering apartment or you can rent a luxury villa with swimming pool by the beach.

Sydney is broken up into many districts each with its own distinct style and feel. The Business District is a popular area with some amazing modern skyscrapers sitting next to some old architectural buildings. It is a city with many good shops and restaurants and many families on holiday like to stay in self catering holiday homes to experience the vibrant culture of this truly amazing city.

Australia is probably best known around the world for its kangaroos. Many holiday makers take a family holiday to Australia and rent a holiday home in the outback to explore the natural wildlife. Many tourists split their holidays and then rent a holiday villa by the coast and sun bath on some of the best beaches in the world.

Most tourists try and take a trip to see the Great Barrier Reef while they are on a family holiday in Australia. There is nothing better than renting a holiday villa and then taking a trip out to see the Great Barrier Reef. It is the largest coral reef in the world attracting tourists from all around the world. Many take boat rides out to see the reef and some tourists scuba dive around the reef. The coral reef is probably one of the best examples of its type in the world and is now protected and managed to help preserve it.

Brisbane is another popular destination with holiday makers taking a family holiday to Australia. It is a vibrant city full of great culture and is very popular amongst the younger generations. Many tourists rent self catering holiday apartments when staying in Brisbane. It does not matter which part of Australia that you are staying in on a family holiday. There is great weather all year round and a good selection of holiday home rentals to choose from to suite all budgets.

A guide to Australias best beaches

When I was younger it was my ambition to buy a surf shop and live at the beach all year round. I wanted to be Australia’s answer to Gidget but I grew up too fast and had to put away my surfboard next to my dolls and my childish ideas. For the few years that I was a beach aficionado however, I did visit many of Australia’s beautiful beaches. If you are travelling around Australia a stop at one or more of these beaches might be a novel idea and a welcome break from the tourist traps. My idea of what makes a ‘good’ beach may be different to yours, so I have tried to list a fair representation of several types. They do all have sand, sea, and sun and some have hidden attractions that may make your vacation very memorable. That will be for you to discover for yourself.

In New South Wales I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the world famous Bondi Beach. It is well known for its fine sand beach and it’s great surf. Bondi also has a number of cafes and restaurants which look out over the beach and many great places to stay. At the southern headland there is a trail which takes you past a number of smaller coves until you reach Coogee, which is another resort further down the coast.

Palm Beach is one of Sydney’s ritziest hang outs with the upper crust spending their vacation time there, to see and to be seen. If you are a people watcher you are almost certain to see a socialite or celebrity if you stay for a few days. Palm Beach also has a golf club, sailing club and surf school, and two surf lifesaving clubs.

Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island in Queensland, is an almost four mile stretch of untouched sand. The island is uninhabited so if you wish it might be nice to plan a day of summer romance. Bring a picnic and spend a lazy, hazy, crazy day with the one you love. Then watch the sun go down over the fabulous beach while sipping a glass of champagne. Very romantic.

Bell’s Beach in Victoria is about 100 km southwest of Melbourne, off the Great Ocean Road. Surfers come from all over the world to experience the different surf break that Bells Beach has. The break is known as Bells Bowl, or simply The Bowl. Bells Bowl occurs because there is a reef directly below. What is unique about Bells Beach is that the Bowl can be surfed at almost any tide. And this beach is where you will find the famous Bells Beach Surf Classic. The first one was held in 1961 and since then the competition has been held each Easter. Accommodation during this time can be very hard to

Sydney: Representing Australia

Regarded as the gateway to Australia, Sydney is usually the first port of call for visitors to the country. As the plane descends into the New South wales capital, most will have to pinch themselves to make sure they are not dreaming. Rising up towards them are the Australian icons we have all seen in thousands of travel pictures- the instantly recognisable Opera House, the curved sides of the Harbour Bridge and the pristine white beaches that border the urban sprawl. Sydney is the city that has come to represent Australia on a global scale, and is regarded as one of the world’s favourite cities and one of the best to live in. So any visit to this dynamic and cosmopolitan metropolis is going to be loaded with expectations, and somehow Sydney always manages to deliver! Few tourists leave disappointed, and most will be back again.

Such is the size of the city and the wealth of attractions and activities it is hard to figure out what to do first on a holiday to Sydney. The Harbour is the best place to start, as many of the cities attractions are easily accessible from here. Its regarded as probably the most beautiful natural harbour in the world, surrounded by parklands, reserves and lavish buildings. Circular Quay is a terminus where ferries regularly depart for different parts of the Harbour, and is a bustling and interesting place where a lot of your questions on travel throughout Sydney can be answered.

Of course while you are at the Harbour you cannot miss the two chief attractions of Sydney, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Both can be seen from many vantage points from the shore, but a guided tour will help you fully appreciate the architecture and the heritage of these Australian icons. Walking tours of the Harbour Bridge take you to its highest point with a guided commentary, and from up there there is not much of the city that you cannot see spread below you. Its an amazing view that is worth the effort of the climb! Tours of the Opera House are just as dramatic, using audio visual components to educate people on the vision behind this remarkable building which is one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world.

As you would expect of such a modern city, Sydney is renowned for its world class shopping. Easily accessible from the Harbour is the Rocks, the oldest suburb in the city and now home to a fashionable outdoor shopping precinct. The old, narrow streets contain hundreds of market stalls that stock and sell every kind of consumable good you can think of. The history of the Rocks and its picturesque nature make it a captivating spot to visit, and if its shopping your after then its the perfect place to hunt down a bargain or pick up your souvenir of Australia.

Sydney-siders enjoy a very active outdoors orientated lifestyle, which is encouraged by the moderate climate of warm summers and mild winters. You will find they are fiercely proud of their beaches, and with good reason too. Most parts of the city, bar the western suburbs, are no more than half an hour from the beach, and on the weekend there is an almost religious pilgrimage of people to the white sands and blue waters of the Sydney coastline. Its difficult not to be a part of this when you are in town, but knowing which beaches to go to is trickier. Bondi is probably the most recognisable beach in the world, and a great starting point for visitors. The beaches of Manly and Palm Beach are also very popular, but nothing beats having a chat with the locals and seeing where they prefer to spend their weekends!

In a city as large as Sydney finding a place to stay that suits your budget can often be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be, thanks to the good folks ataccommodationinsydney.net.au who have compiled a comprehensive list of accommodation venues suburb by suburb. Just pick your suburb and you are provided with a list of venues with all the contact information and a short description. Its easy and efficient!

The amazing thing about Sydney is that the beauty of the city and its multitude of attractions is complemented by the alluring and fascinating surrounds. Romantic and exciting locations such as the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley lie within an easy drive, and attractive cities such as Wollongong and Newcastle are not far either. So don’t limit yourself to the city confines, magnificent as they may be, but get in your hire car and see what the rest of New South Wales has to offer! You will not be disappointed!

Ultimate Romantic Escape To Sydney

The largest as well as the oldest city in Australia and the capital city of New South Wales, Sydney is an acclaimed international tourist destination, situated in a coastal basin in the south-eastern part of the country.

Sydney is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Blue Mountains to the west, the Hawkesbury River to the north, and the plateau of Woronora to the south. No matter it is for a romantic escape, or to celebrate your honeymoon, or just for a leisurely travel, Sydney is a great destination to enjoy all. Acknowledged as the ‘International Gateway to the Country,’ Sydney is home to the world’s largest natural harbor, namely, Port Jackson, most popularly referred to as the Sydney Harbor. Perhaps for this reason, Sydney is sometimes called the Harbor City.

Things to see in Sydney are truly endless, ranging from mind blowing scenery and astounding beaches to marvelous attractions covering interesting monuments, museums, art galleries, and fun attractions. In short, Sydney has everything to make your vacation truly memorable as well as enjoyable.

Probably, the greatest of all attractions in Sydney would be the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House, both of which are located within the Sydney Harbor. Designed by the renowned architect Jorn Utzon and inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A view of this amazing monument, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful harbor and the wonderful bridge, from either ferry or air, would be really unforgettable.

The Opera House is as representative of the country as the Queen Elizabeth II and the Pyramids of Egypt. Opened in 1932, the Sydney Harbor Bridge is the largest bridge in the world, with its top rising up to about 135 meters above the harbor. In addition, the bridge is the world’s fourth longest arch bridge. Sometimes, the bridge is nicknamed as the Coathanger due to its arch-shaped design.

A visit to Sydney would be incomplete without taking a tour to an Array of interesting museums in the region. Among which most popular are Australian Museum, which has on display the artifacts related to the natural history as well as the culture of the aboriginal people in the country; Bradman Museum, which is dedicated to Sir Donald Bradman who is regarded as the best cricketer that the world has ever seen.

Harris Street Motor Museum, where more than 150 classic motor cars are exhibited; Justice and Police Museum, which holds displays in the form of magistrates court, remand cell, and police charge room; Museum of Sydney, which has artifacts that throw light on the history of the city; Powerhouse Museum, the largest museum in the country with more than 350,000 exhibits; and Sydney Jewish Museum, with items that depict the life of Jewish in the country.

Equally fabulous is the art galleries in the city, such as, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which is the largest of its kind in the country; Hogarth Galleries Aboriginal Art Centre, with a large selection of items related to aboriginal art; and S.H. Ervin Gallery, featuring a wonderful selection of historical art.

Apart from these, Sydney is also much famed for its splendid natural wonders. For instance, it boasts of some of the finest beaches in the country, such as, the Bondi Beach, the Cronolla Beach, Balmoral Beach and the Coogee Beach, all of which offers breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. In addition, these beaches form base for an Array of water sport activities including cruising, surfing, diving, boating, and windsurfing. Likewise, the nature lovers are recommended to take a tour to such destinations in the city as the Blue Mountains, where you can enjoy the spectacular views, and the Echo Point offering the splendid views of the Three Sisters and Jamieson Valley.

Additionally, for wildlife lovers, some best options are available in the form of the Waratah Park Earth Sanctuary, Featherdale Wildlife Park and Australian Wildlife Park, each of which is bestowed with rich as well as rare flora and fauna. Other not to miss attractions in the city are Circular Quay, Convention Centre, Government House, Strand Arcade, Sydney Aquarium, and Sydney Tower.

When comes to nightlife, it has a vibrant scene, with a plethora of active pubs, nightclubs, and dance clubs. Above all, incredible is the gastronomy of the city, where almost all types of cuisines such as the Indian, Japanese, Lebanese, and Greek can be savored.

In fact, Sydney has everything to spend a romantic as well as leisurely vacation. Hence, there is no exception in the case of accommodation. From boutique hotels for budget conscious to high-end hotels and resorts for well-heeled, Sydney caters to all budget and preferences.

The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches In Australia

Australia, the world’s largest island, has some of the best surfing beaches to be found anywhere. Here, visiting the beach is as much a social experience as an opportunity for relaxation and water sports, since the beach is integral to Australian culture. While there will always be disagreement over which of the thousands of beaches are the best, the following selection represents a variety of urban and regional surf beaches that are popular with both surfers and those looking for a fun day on the beach.

Noosa Heads, in Queensland, is one of Australia’s best family beaches. Facing north, it is more like an ocean cul-de-sac, with generally gentler surf conditions than might be found on the more open beaches. Just behind the beach is the famous Hastings Street shopping strip. High fashion boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants run along its shopper-friendly pavements, shaded by lush, leafy trees.

The Gold Coast’s Burleigh Heads is famous for its pine tree backdrop and great point break surf. The famous Burleigh Barrel, a power-packed tube loved by all surfers is driven by solid swells and prevailing SE winds. Burleigh’s shopping precinct just off the beach is a quiet and eclectic collection of shops and cafes.

Byron Bay, in northern New South Wales, is considered Australia’s alternative lifestyle capital. The trendy town centre, boasting top-quality eateries and pubs, is fronted by a superb beach. The lack of high-rise development adds to the clean, laid-back appeal of this pristine location. Close to the beach strip are subtropical rainforests and national parks that you can easily visit.

On Sydney’s northern coastline, Palm Beach is noted as a residential suburb for the wealthy as much as for its surf beach. Situated on a peninsula, the beach has stunning Pacific Ocean front expanses with a variety of swells, and there are gentler waters on the west of the peninsular at Pittwater. Surrounding bushland adds to the feeling of genteel serenity.

Australia’s most famous beach, Sydney’s Bondi Beach, is where Australian beach culture originated. This stunning beach, bounded by rocky points at either end, abuts a vast promenade with a distinctively old world charm. Its wide stretch of sand is dominated by the grand old Bondi Pavilion, built in 1928. Campbell Parade, running parallel to the beach, is a people watcher’s delight.

Two hours’ drive south of Sydney is Kiama, where the beautiful Surf Beach offers a deep beachfront of pure white sand, gentle incoming waves, and an open park with cooking facilities and picnic areas. The beach is popular with families, and many visitors come to view the breath-taking Kiama Blowhole nearby.

At Portsea, in Victoria, Melbourne’s wealthy come to retire for a summer respite. Set on the western-most point of the sweeping Mornington Peninsula, Portsea boasts a fascinating, rugged ocean front beach as well as a quieter bay beach nearby. Stark rock formations, shaped by the area’s often savage winds, feature prominently around the beach landscapes. The tiny village has a feel of understated exclusivity.

Many would claim Bells Beach as Australia’s best board surfing beach. Located 100 km south west of Melbourne along the majestic Great Ocean Road, Bells is a largely untouched ocean beach with almost never-ending swells undulating across deep blue water. The beach ends abruptly with soaring cliffs of yellow and orange clay. Designated a state reserve, its unspoiled status is assured.

Margaret River, in Australia’s south west, is virtually unrivalled for the quality of its waves. The clear, open water swells and forms some of the world’s best and most consistent board and body catches. Dazzling views across the mighty river and its mouth as it spills into the Indian Ocean are plentiful. Margaret River township is a mellow precinct dotted with great cafes and art galleries.

Perth’s Cottesloe Beach is understandably that city’s pride and joy. The now ritzy suburb, just outside Perth CBD, affords unbeatable views across the ocean to gorgeous Rottnest Island. The westerly-facing beach, part of a long strip, is a fantastic place to watch the sun set on another day. The stately old surf club and restaurant provides a regal focal point.