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Sydney is an exciting Pacific rim destination set around the sheltered waters of Port Jackson. The arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the ‘sails’ of the Opera House flank the city CBD and its office towers. |
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 For a real thrill, and fine views, join a bridge climb tour of the Harbour Bridge. And take a walk through Sydney’s horticultural oasis within the city, the Royal Botanic Gardens and walk to the forecourt of the Opera House for the best photo opportunities. Besides viewing a performance, you can tour the building, or just enjoy the waterfront views. You can visit Taronga Zoo by ferry. Set in landscaped foreshore gardens, the zoo houses indigenous and exotic animals and has stunning views of the harbour as its backdrop.
Good Sydney dining options include Doyles on the Beach at Watsons Bay for fresh local seafood, Icebergs at Bondi for modern Mediterranean cuisine and ocean views, and perhaps Sydney’s finest restaurant, Tetsuya’s in Kent Street.
More places to visit
Other Sydney attractions include the Art Gallery of New South Wales, with its local and international art; the Australian Museum, Australia’s best natural history museum; and the National Maritime Museum displaying over 200 years of maritime history. Be sure to visit Bondi Beach, Australia’s most popular beach, where you can swim or just watch the passing parade. At Darling Harbour you’ll find great souvenir shopping, fine harbourside dining, and and free in the form of weekend jazz concerts. The nearby Powerhouse Museum has a fantastic collection of decorative arts and scientific displays. Sports fans should head for Sydney Olympic Park with its top leisure facilities, Olympic exhibitions and wetland parks.
Sydney accommodation
 A good place to stay in Sydney is at the Park Hyatt Sydney, at The Rocks, just under the Harbour Bridge, and with views to the Opera House. For a trendy inner-city design, try The Kirketon in Darlinghurst. A day trip to the Blue Mountains, just two hours’ drive west of the CBD, will provide you with dramatic mountain scenery, walking trails, and souvenir shopping. Boutique accommodations, such as Edgelinks Bed and Breakfast, set among majestic pines, are an ideal base to explore the Mountains. Around three hours’ drive north of Sydney, the Hunter valley is one of Australia’s main wine-growing districts.
Sydney shopping
 The CBD is Sydney shopping at its best, with world brand-name shops, shopping complexes, arcades, department stores and thousands of specialty shops. Be sure to check out Pitt Street Mall. Upmarket department store David Jones has two stores, one in Elizabeth Street (women’s fashion) and the other in Market Street (men’s fashion and a food hall). The Grand Victorian Queen Victoria Building, in George Street opposite the Town Hall, is packed with specialty shops, while the nearby elegant Strand Arcade has more great shops. At Chinatown, you’ll find oriental goods and a dining zone with lots of Asian restaurants.
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