Sydney Vacation – What to do/See in Sydney?

April 7, 2010 By

The city of Sydney, Australia is one of the most desirable destinations in the world. In fact, many magazines of the United States and Europe have, time and time again, voted Sydney as the world’s best travel destination.

Why Sydney?

The location of Sydney is unforgettable, as it is nestled against one of the most breathtaking harbours in the world. The Sydney Harbour boasts endless water recreation and leisure activities, and is home to some of the most exciting festivals and celebrations found in Australia.

Sydney’s tourist attractions, such as the Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour and the Sydney Aquarium, are a hot spot for tourists, as are the picturesque beaches, the world-class shopping and the internationally renowned cuisine.

Sydney’s accommodation, just like the city itself, is first-class. The wide array of accommodation, from five-star hotels to boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts and apartments, accommodate a variety of needs, wants and budgets.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

A Sydney vacation is never complete without a visit to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

As one of the most recognisable sights in Australia, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the centerpiece of the spectacular Sydney Harbour and is a popular sight for both natives and tourists. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is also the sight of spectacular fireworks during many celebrations.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is the perfect way to spend a Sydney holiday. Bondi Beach holds the title as one of Australia’s most famous beaches, and is known throughout the world as one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Located southeast of Sydney, Bondi Beach is not only known for its awe-inspiring beaches, but its excellent cuisine and unique accommodation, as well.

Taronga Park Zoo

Take a ferry across the harbour towards the ocean and alight at Taronga Park Zoo.  Sitting on the shoreline of  Sydney Harbour, not only does the zoo promise a wonderful day among the animals, it also boasts one of the best harbour views to be found.   In 2010 the zoo celebrated the birth of a baby elephant, who joins the family there, with another baby expected later in the year.

Manly

While you are on the north eastern shores of the harbour, visiting the zoo, you should also try and muster the energy to visit beautiful Manly beach.  Golden sands, rolling surf and a wonderful tree-lined beach front makes this one of the most pleasant beaches to spend some time.  Try one of the many restaurants and bars for refreshment before you head back to the City on the ferry.

Eastern Suburbs

A trip around the Eastern Suburbs visiting Point Piper, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay, and Watsons Bay is a worthwhile one.  Catch one of the many of Sydney’s buses and spend the day exploring these fabulous suburbs.  You will see some of the most valuable real estate in the world, with mansions overlooking the harbour, hear the jingling of the ropes from all the world class yatchts moored in the bays, and be able to experience the best fish and chips in the world at Doyles in Watsons Bay.  Peering over the edge of the cliff face at The Gap looking down below, you will be able to imagine the horrors that have befallen many boats over the years as they have missed the entrance to Sydney Harbour, and floundered and sunk on the rocks below you

There is so much to do and see in Sydney, this is just a smattering.  More next time……..

Filed Under: NSW

Have Fun While Experiencing All That Sydney Has to Offer

January 21, 2010 By

There’s absolutely no limit to the fun to be had while vacationing in Sydney, Australia. Affectionately nicknamed Harbor City, Sydney is the largest city in Australia and plays host to a wealth of sporting, cultural, and entertainment venues. Located on the south-east coast of Australia, Sydney is surrounded by Port Jackson, which is home to two of the cities most visited and internationally renowned tourist attractions, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But if opera and architecture are not your ideal tourist destinations, no worries! More than 11 million people visit Sydney each year and I’m going to tell you exactly where they are going, and why you just might like to go as well!

Rise above it all in The Blue Mountains National Park
You may have heard of the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, but did you know that Sydney has Blue Mountains too? If you only have time for a short visit or aren’t too keen on traveling to multiple destinations around the city, then the Blue Mountains are definitely the way to go. Only an hour or so away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a majestic and breathtaking view of Australia’s forestry and wildlife, and a vast amount of historic and natural tourist attractions. Once inside the park, you can visit Wentworth Falls, The Red Hand Cave Aboriginal shelter, and Lennox Bridge. Lennox Bridge is Australia’s oldest mainland bridge, having been built in 1832, and continues to stand the test of time. If you still can’t get enough of the Blue Mountains, then be sure to visit The Three Sisters rock formation and the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum.

Be a beach bum in Manly
Once described as “7 Miles from Sydney and 1000 miles from care”, Manly is a suburb of Sydney and a favorite seaside destination. Its extensive beaches and outdoor cafes and restaurants make it a tourist favorite. Take the popular 30-minute Manly Ferry from Sydney, and you can sit back and relax while enjoying the scenic view of Sydney Harbor. If you are in a rush, you can even take the ride in 15 minutes, but hey you’re on vacation, so why not enjoy the view?

Visiting Sydney on a budget
If you’re a Sydney visitor on a budget or just looking to have some free fun, then make sure you pack your walking shoes. You’re going have to walk to save those dollars! There are plenty of places to visit in Sydney, without opening your wallet including, the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Rock, and the Government House. Each of these free attractions is located in close proximity to one another and either provides free information, or free onsite tours.

If you are looking for affordable accommodations in Sydney then follow these three easy steps: plan ahead, book online, and go off the beaten trail. Investigate hotels and apartments that are less popular and a little farther away from the tourist attractions and you’ll be sure to find some diamonds in the rough, for cubic zirconium prices.

No matter where you go in Sydney, if you traveling as a tourist abroad, then you’ll definitely want to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance doesn’t have to be expensive in order to meet your coverage needs and can be purchased cheaply and quickly online, even just a few hours before your trip.

Reserve your trip to Sydney today, and you too can soak up the sun!

Filed Under: NSW, Travel Australia

Australian and Gold Coast Holidays In The Current Economic Climate

April 14, 2009 By

Most of Australia’s best holiday destinations are on its east coast. With the bulk of the country’s population living in the cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, it is really convenient to travel to the closest destinations, especially during the current credit crisis and while the Aussie dollar is low against the greenback. Queensland travel destinations like the Whitsunday Islands and the Gold Coast are showing a marked resilience to the current drop off in tourist numbers. Gold Coast accommodation has been in high demand over the Christmas and New Year periods despite predictions that there would be high vacancy factors. There has not yet been many signs in the domestic travel market in these regions that a recession is looming.

The main tourist areas on the Gold Coast like Surfers paradise, Broadbeach and Main beach have been fully booked over the Christmas, New Year break. Reports from tour operators on Fraser Island say that conditions are actually booming. Managing director of the Fraser Island co. Mr. Shane Boyd said they were experiencing their busiest holiday period for over five years and there were still plenty of inbound group bookings out of Europe, well into the New Year. The level of the Australian dollar against the Euro was obviously having a positive effect, he said. The Whitsunday Islands are always a popular tourist destination for Australians because it is so easy to get to. With a domestic airport on Hamilton Island you can fly right to the resort and it can’t get any easier than that. Regular daily flights operate from all southern capitals.

While the immediate future of the economy is still running into uncharted water, it is still a little uncertain how levels of participation in the travel industry will be affected however a low Australian Dollar is positive for both domestic and international visits alike so hopefully the impact in 2009 will not be as dire as some pundits have been predicting.

Filed Under: Destinations, NSW, Qld, Vic Tagged With: , , , ,

Thredbo Adventures and Amenities: Anything but Typical

April 8, 2009 By

Whether you’re looking for excitement or pampering, Thredbo (also known as Thredbo Village) certainly has something to fulfill your holiday wishes. From its adrenaline-rushing black diamond runs, the Cannonball and the Funnel, to the luxurious amenities of the Thredbo Leisure Center, Thredbo is a an all-encompassing resort in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales that caters to just about any want, need or desire.

Located only a few hours drive from Canberra, and six hours drive from Sydney and Melbourne, Thredbo is a popular ski resort in New South Wales, thanks to its excellent accommodation and impressive winter recreational opportunities. Another huge draw to Thredbo is that is boasts the longest ski runs in Australia.
This year-round resort destination features great summer activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, golfing and horseback riding, and of course the winter activities are second to none in terms of excitement and fun. A NSW Ski Holiday could be just what you need !

Thredbo, like the other resorts of the Snowy Mountains, namely Perisher, boasts great skiing; but it is Thredbo’s other amenities that often set in apart from competing resorts in Australia. Quaint chalets, lodges and hotels all offer superb, ski resort accommodation, while a great variety of restaurants serve up some of the finest cuisine in the Snowy Mountains.

Thredbo also features a small-town atmosphere, which is enjoyed by many visitors. From its narrow, winding streets, charming cafes and boutiques, to its unbeatable, picturesque surroundings, the atmosphere in Thredbo is unlike any other.

Visitors on holiday in Thredbo may partake in snowy activities, such as snowshoeing, snow climbing and riding the alpine slide, while those looking for a break from the action may head to the Thredbo Leisure Centre and take a dip in the heated swimming pool.

NSW Travel can accommodate your stay in Thredbo and provide you with a wonderful array of travel package options and cheap travel deals to fulfill your vacation needs and wants. Your adventure holiday to New South Wales ski fields is not complete without the services of NSW Travel!

Always remember to buy travel insurance before a holiday – this is especially important for adventure holidays that may involve skiing. Cheap Travel Insurance can be found easily enough if you shop around online – just be sure to find a policy that fully covers your travelling needs.

Filed Under: NSW