Glebe

Surry Hills

SYDNEY

Bondi Beach

Centennial Park

8

Sydney Harbour

1 Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar 2 Aiden Hotel & Oaks Goldsbrough 3 Parkroyal Darling Harbour 4 The Grace

5 Rendezvous Hotel The Rocks & Shangri-La Sydney

6 Spicers Potts Point

7 Crown Towers 8 Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

A laid-back city with the wow factor

Seductively draped around its harbour and beaches , Sydney has a striking waterfront setting . Graced by the impressive steel arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the pearly sails of the Sydney Opera House , the sparkling harbour is one of the world ’ s most photographed sites . Hop aboard a ferry or harbour cruise to best see these majestic landmarks or , if you have a head for heights , book a heart-pounding BridgeClimb .

Bustling Circular Quay , which is the launch pad for harbour ferries and sightseeing boats , throngs with visitors and locals alike who are drawn to the fabulous restaurants , cafes and bars . Adjacent to Circular Quay is The Rocks , which is the birthplace of modern Sydney as it was here in 1788 that the first colonial settlers set up house and shop . Today , as well as discovering the area ’ s rich history , you ’ ll find a thriving entertainment precinct with a great selection of eateries , galleries and shops tucked along the cobbled streets and within the little laneways .

Pyrmont is another thriving hub on the water with beautiful colonial heritage along with exciting entertainment and big-name shopping . Cross the pedestrianised Pyrmont Bridge to the buzzing waterside precinct of Darling Harbour , which is packed with shops , restaurants , museums and entertainment venues . Up and coming Barangaroo has been transformed from a container terminal into a lively district with beautiful parkland , fantastic shopping , delicious restaurants and innovative architecture . Surry Hills is inner Sydney ’ s urban playground which brims with funky boutiques , acclaimed art galleries , lively pubs and award-winning restaurants .

Further must-sees include the Royal Botanic Gardens , Hyde Park , Macquarie Street , Taronga Zoo , Sydney Tower Eye and its Skywalk , an alfresco glass-floored moving platform , or head to Parramatta to check out the UNESCO World Heritage listed convict sites of Parramatta Park and Old Government House .

Also not to be missed are Bondi Beach and Manly for the chance to sink your toes into the soft sand , admire the skill of the surfers or sign up for a surf lesson of your own . Further beach fun is up for grabs at Cronulla , Bronte , Coogee , Tamarama and Maroubra .

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Getting there : Sydney is about 21 hours flight time from the UK with a stopover .

Best time to go : Sydney enjoys a sunny climate with mild winters and warm summers , perfect for making the most of the outdoors whatever the time of year . September to November and March to May are quieter times to visit .

UNMISSABLE SYDNEY EXPERIENCES

Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person

ILLI-LANGI - THE ROCKS ABORIGINAL DREAMING from £ 37

A 90 minute leisurely walking tour which introduces the diversity of Aboriginal culture including ancient Dreamtime practices from the natural environment that connect to homeland identity . An intimate , informative and very enlightening experience .

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE TOUR & DINE from £ 52 ( including lunch ) Step inside and discover the extraordinary stories of the Sydney Opera House as guides take you inside theatres and foyers which are otherwise off limits , and let you in on some insider secrets . Following the tour , soak up the views whilst you tuck into lunch .

4 HOUR WHALE WATCHING CRUISE from £ 62 ( including BBQ lunch ) Feast on a BBQ lunch as you cruise to the Sydney Heads to seek out these incredible creatures .

SYDNEY CLASSIC CYCLE TOUR from £ 79

Join this fun four hour bicycle tour and you ’ ll be taken to all the iconic sights plus tons of others you might miss on your own .

SYDNEY ICONS , BAYS & BEACHES CRUISE from £ 99

This 2½ hour tour includes a cruise through opulent waterfront suburbs , a secluded national park beach walk , views of top landmarks and a tour of the historic Quarantine Station & Museum .

THE ESSENTIAL SYDNEY from £ 142 ( including lunch ) This half day coach tour starts in the Rocks precinct before heading to the Botanical Gardens , and on past Macquarie Street before a walking tour of the harbour ’ s edge . Continue through affluent suburbs to Bondi Beach , where you have time to soak up the atmosphere .

BLUE MOUNTAINS DELUXE DAY TOUR from £ 184 ( including lunch ) A full day tour to take in the splendour of Blue Mountains National Park . As well as learning about the history , flora and fauna of this magnificent region , you ’ ll head off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and a working farm with kangaroos , emus , wombats and koalas .

BRIDGECLIMB SUMMIT from £ 217

This exhilarating 3½ hour guided journey to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders to the summit . Your reward is 360 degree views of Sydney . As an alterntative , the Burrawa BridgeClimb is available at the same price .

32 AUSTRALIA visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 900