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When Governor Phillip landed in 1788 at Sydney Cove, now Circular Quay, little could he realise that his decision was the first step towards creating a city that would become Australia’s premiere destination, with an international reputation for welcoming locals, acclaimed artistic pursuits, sporting prowess and stunning natural beauty. Two hundred years later, Olympic Chairman, Juan Antonio Samaranch declared the 2000 Olympics, “the best games ever,” and in doing so, cemented a reputation that took two centuries to establish but is now ingrained for all to experience.
Sydney is a year round destination with mild winters and glorious summers. In January the temperature averages around 26 degrees during the day, while in July it’s generally around 16 degrees. Rain generally falls consistently year round, so there’s no real season that’s wetter than any other.
Sydney hosts significant festivals throughout the year. In January the Sydney Festival presents acclaimed international acts from around the globe. Tropest is the largest short film festival in the world. After two weeks of celebrating diversity, The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras culminates in a parade down Oxford Street. Over Easter the Sydney Royal Easter Show gives rural and regional Australia the opportunity to share experiences with city slickers. Sydney sees in the New Year with a mesmerising fireworks display on New Year’s Eve using the harbour’s landmarks to spectacular effect.There are also a number of cruise holidays that depart Sydney, from overnight cruises to 23 day tours of the Pacific Islands and Indonesisa.
Air
Sydney airport is six kilometres south of the CBD and handles passengers from major Australian cities. The following airlines fly to the Sydney:
Flying from Brisbane to Sydney takes about one and half hours and Melbourne to Sydney takes just around an hour and a half. Perth to Sydney takes just over six hours.
Luxury Hotels
Sydney boasts many of the major five-star international hotel chains including the Marriott, Hilton and the Sofitel. For a boutique, funky hotel experience check out the Blue Hotel on a restored pier. The InterContinental located in a heritage building offers a unique sleeping opportunity and was Oprah’s choice for her famous visit to Sydney in 2010.
To find out more about the range of holiday accommodation available with Travel Associates call 1800 017 849 or enquire online.
Sights to See
As world-famous icons, it would be criminal not to explore the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in depth. Consider a backstage tour of the Opera House before enjoying an opera production, symphony performance or a play in one of the venues within the complex. A walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge is compulsory but enthusiasts can also climb to the pinnacle of the arch on a guided tour with breath-taking views.
As a coastal city, Sydney boasts stunning beaches that offer peace and serenity from the central business district. In the north is Palm Beach with its famous light house. Manly is a popular beach best accessed with a Sydney Harbour ferry ride from Circular Quay. On the south side, Bondi has an international reputation but Bronte and Tamarama are quieter and attract fewer crowds.
For idyllic natural beauty, explore the Royal National Park in the south and the Ku-ring-gai National Park in the north. A popular day trip or an extended break from city bustle are the bush towns scattered through the Blue Mountains around an hour inland from Sydney. The three sisters, a rock formation at Echo Point offer a spectacular vista over the valley below. This is bush walking central and there are dozens of tracks, both valley and cliff top, begging for exploration.
Don’t Leave Without…
Sydney is a modern, cosmopolitan city, so the chances are, if you accidentally forget your favourite moisturiser for example, it’s easily replaced at a local chemist or supermarket.
Although the perception of Sydney is year round warmth, the temperature does drop in winter, so bring your favourite jumper to keep you snug.
Things to be careful of…
Sun
Apply plenty of sunscreen when even if only going for a short stroll. The Sydney sun is deceptively strong.
Beach Safety
Always swim between the flags. If you’re caught in a rip, don’t attempt to swim against the pull but rather signal the lifesavers for assistance.
