SYDNEY and the surrounding area have so much to offer. If you’re planning a few weeks there, then you need to make sure you pack as much as possible in. Here’s our guide to the best places to visit to help you make the most of your holiday.
Exploring Sydney
You need at least a week to truly experience everything in Sydney. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For those daredevils, you can take a bridge walk up to the top, where you’ll get amazing views across the harbour. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the Visitor Centre also has an excellent exhibition.
If you get the opportunity, seeing a performance at the Opera House is an amazing experience. If you’re not that lucky, then a tour around the World Heritage Site will tell you everything you need to know. You can also take a ferry past the Opera House on your way to Manly Beach. At the end of this half hour journey you’ll arrive at an excellent surfing spot with miles of golden sand to relax on.
Another beach to visit is Bondi Beach, which is probably the most famous in Australia. It’s also extremely popular, especially around the holidays and draws a fantastic crowd on Christmas Day. The beach is lined with surf and fashion shops, cafes and bars for you to enjoy.
To get back to nature you need to head out to the Blue Mountains, another World Heritage Site. This is one million hectares of forests, cliffs, canyons, waterfalls and bush. You can explore either on foot, by bike or climbing up the cliffs and an Aboriginal guide will tell you all about the history of the area.
The Hunter Valley Wineries are not just home to some amazing vineyards, they also play host to a range of events throughout the year, including opera, jazz, blues and sculpture festivals. Whatever time of year you visit, there are some glorious gardens to wander round.
Along The Coast
If you fancy a break from the city, then spend your second week cruising up the coastal road to Melbourne. On the way, stop off at the capital city, Canberra and take in the history and heritage of the area.
Once you reach Melbourne, there are some gorgeous settings to sit and enjoy a drink whilst listening to jazz or quaint boutique shops to pick up a few treats. You also need to save some time for a walk round the Botanical Gardens or a visit to the Mornington Peninsula, which offers some great opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. You’re obviously going to need to chart your flights carefully if you’re planning to move around the country; a quick and easy way to plan your flights is by using online booking services where you can also find great deals on flights to Australia.