Sydney really is a city that has it all. If all you see is the tourist brochures, you could easily be fooled into thinking that the city has a Harbour Bridge, an Opera House, a beach at Bondi, and that’s all! In reality, you can do almost anything in Sydney, and adrenaline junkies have a huge variety of heart-in-mouth activities to check out. We look at 6 of the most scream-inducing activities for backpackers in Sydney !

• Downunder Jet Boat

The Downunder Jet Boat’s grunt and maneuverability rival Formula 1 cars … there is some serious engine under this big green hulk of metal! The boat pulls of 270 degree spins, actually surfs waves and does some wild, but very controlled fishtails. You’ll be glad the roar of the engine and the splash of displaced water is loud enough to (mostly) cover your screams…

Skydiving the Beach

There’s no better way to celebrate being alive than by doing something that every inch of your body tells you will kill you if you go through with it! Skydiving is the holy grail of adrenaline sports, especially for the uninitiated. You’ll reach downward speeds of over 200 km/hr (so limit fluids and go to the toilet before you hop in the plane!), and the parachute ride down to the beach lasts about 5 minutes. Contact Skydive the Beach.

Hang gliding

Hang gliding can be nearly as scary as jumping out of a plane … only you get a chance to overcome the adrenaline and actually appreciate the experience before it is all over. The Sydney Hang Gliding Centre have a perfect safety record, and tandem rides cost about $160. They’ll also take photos … no need to maintain a death-grip on your camera for the entire flight.

Sydney Skywalk

This is located in the heart of the city, very close to your city central backpackers in Sydney. You’ll get to wander around the rooftop of one of the city’s tallest buildings, the Sydney Tower – the glass-floored viewing platform is one of the highlights. Skywalk runs every hour, and you don’t need to book.

Indoor Flying Trapeze

The Indoor Flying Trapeze does require some level of skill … unlike skydiving, where you just have to scream and survive! This experience involves being taught how to perform a trick on the flying trapeze, learning trampoline skills, etc. You get a video recording of your experience, also.

Abseiling Empress Canyon

This experience is great for those with a low adrenaline threshold – abseiling is fairly controlled, and the drops are well graduated. The abseiling is mixed up with scenic walks, swims and waterslides.

Bonus: Caving at Wee Jasper in Canberra

It’s not quite the Sydney city centre, but you can quite easily book a bus down to Canberra for the experience of caving at Wee Jasper. Ther are plenty of gorgeous limestone features here, and the exploring is mixed up with abseiling around the caves. Lunch is included … well worth the trip!

Sydney is so much more than buildings and beaches. The moments that will really stay with you from your time backpacking in Sydney will be those where you’re made to really feel alive!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/top-6-extreme-experiences-go-wild-in-sydney-2868897.html

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Maze Backpackers is Sydney’s funkiest Backpackers Hostel. We are the cheapest, coolest place in Sydney to crash! For more information or to book online, visit Backpackers Sydney

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Australia is easily among the most popular tourist destinations around the world, offering travellers everything from a vast wilderness to explore, and wonderful modern cities teeming with culture. As a huge country that is sparsely populated yet is among the first ranks of the developed nations, Australia is a land of contrasts. The wilderness of the outback populated with dangerous and exotic animals is a shart contrast to the cosmopolitan nature of cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Sydney is home to over 4M people – a significant portion of Australia’s population. It is a beautiful city with much to do and a lot to see. You could take weeks and still not fully explore this magnficent city, but there is at least one sight you just have to see.

That sight would be the Sydney Opera House. A landmark that is as famous and intrinsic to the city as New York’s Statue of Liberty, the Opera House ranks constantly among the most photographed destinations in the world and is considered among the seven modern wonders. The Opera House was designed as an emobidement of Australia and all that Australians stand for – boldness, strength, passion and a lust for life. Its architecture, thoroughly unique and evocative, invokes these very same qualities.

What adds to its charm is its location. Situated at the edge of the Sydney Harbour, it offers a breathtaking view of Sydney and is a photographer’s dream come true. At night, it lights up the entire coastline and is a sight to behold.

Once you are through admiring the architecture of the building, you may want to step inside to see some of the world’s best opera singers perform live. As one of the premier opera houses in the world, it frequently stages some terrific productions.

Whatever you do, if you visit Australia, make sure that you at least catch a glimpse of the Sydney Opera House. It will bring out your inner talent for photography and give you memeories worth cherishing a lifetime.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/sydney-opera-house-an-australian-landmark-2568377.html

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I’ve written a lot of articles in the past. Currently, you can find some of my articles on how togrow taller naturally at this link.

When visiting Sydney there is no need to spend all your money on paid attractions, accommodation and food. Sydney is one of the worlds most recognised and visited cities and here is the second installment of Free Sydney Attractions to keep you and your family entertained for free.

Sydney Opera House: Located in Circular Quay the Sydney Opera House is likely the most recognised building in Australia and also the most photographed. Tours within the Opera House are paid but you can wander the perimeter of the building and take in the great views of the Harbour, Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Rocks: The Rocks in Sydney is located between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The Rocks is great place to wander and take in the sights and sounds of the many alleyways and streets. It also stages the annual Australia Day Rock Song music event which goes for 10 hours and spans 9 stages.

Parliament House: Love it or loath it a visit to Sydney’s Parliament House during question time will provide hours of entertainment (some may say frustration). Bookings are recommended for days on which question time is being held. NSW Parliament House is located in Macquarie Street, Sydney.

Nielsen Park: A part of Sydney Harbour National Park, Nielsen Park offers a family friendly beach and picnic facilities. There are walking trails, scenic views and public toilets.

Queen Victoria Building: The QVB was completed in 1898 and takes up the entire block bordered by George, Market, York and Druitt Streets. There is a large inner glass dome, stained glass windows and ornate architecture all crafted by previously unemployed tradesmen during the Sydney depression of the late 1800’s. The QVB centrally located to Sydney Hotels and other Sydney Accommodation.

Sydney Observatory: The Sydney Observatory of a museum of astronomy and related fields. The Observatory has been in use for over 140 years and contains historical items including aboriginal items. Some fees apply. The Observatory is located on Watsons Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, Sydney.

Writers Walk: Take the walk around Curcular Quay following the metal plaques celebrating famous Sydney authors and writers who live in, or visited, Australia. Writers represented include Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Darwn, Miles Franklin, Barry Humphries, Clive James nad Thomas Keneally. Start at either the Sydney Opera House or on the opposite side of the harbour at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Walk of Fame ‘n’ Shame: This is a self guided podcast walk that takes visitors back to the Sydney rock’n'roll scene of the 1960’s 70’s and 80’s. The podcast takes you past the significant locations and gives yor the opportunity to hear all the stories of the period. Brochures are available from Sydney Tourism offices.

Colony Walk: A self guided walk that starts at Customs House and takes you through the early days of Sydney’s convicts. Soldiers, whalers and sailors. Traces of Australia’s colonial days still remain and are highlighted in the walks. Brochures are available from Sydney Tourism offices.

Commerce Walk: A self guided walk that takes in some of Sydney’s most impressive commercial buildings. The walk will take you through the heart of the Sydney cbd financial and retail districts and provides information on significant buildings, architectural features and historical facts. The walks begins at St James Station and ends at the Queen Victoria Building. Brochures are available from Sydney Tourism offices.

Community Walk: A self guided walk starting at the Sydney Town Hall that will take you amongst what is now Chinatown and the Spanish Quarter and possibly the most significant 20th century aboriginal site in the heart of Sydney. The walk finishes at Hyde Park. Brochures are available from Sydney Tourism offices.

Passion Walk: A self guided walk starts in Sydney’s red light district at Kings Cross Station and takes you on a journey through ‘The Cross’, Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay. The area has established itself as the ‘entertainment’ precinct of Sydney and has in the past has been popular amongst artists, writers and musicians. Brochures are available from Sydney Tourism offices.

Sydney Heritage Walk: A self guided walk that takes you past 20 of Sydney’s most significant heritage sites. Starting at Circular Quay and ending at the Sydney Town Hall this informative walk is a great introduction to Sydney. Brochures are available from Sydney Tourism offices.

Walk on Water: A self guided walk that introduces you to 30 different Sydney water features including waterways, fountains and historic sites. Brochures are available from Sydney Tourism offices.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/free-sydney-attractions-2056747.html

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Tarun – Passionate Traveler

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Visitors to Australia will have the opportunity to explore many vibrant and sophisticated capital cities. You will be able to find cities where outdoor relaxed lifestyle blends in perfectly with posh culture in order to offer a unique experience. From beach barbeques to alfresco dining and open-air cinemas to amazing natural wonders you will find all kinds of tourist attractions in the cities.

A little bit about the top Australian cities is mentioned below:

Sydney

The wonderful city of Sydney stands as the capital of New South Wales and has a host of tourist attractions such as the amazing Sydney Harbor with its seductive outdoor lifestyle and amazing natural beauty. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House where countless theater, ballet and opera performances are hosted. The Rocks with its cobblestone streets also acts as a major attraction along with which the harbor side quarter gives tourists an idea of the recent development that has taken place in the city. Travelers will also have the opportunity to go kayaking under the Harbor Bridge and go rock climbing from Bondi to Bronte. Along with this Sydney is also renowned for its amazing cuisine and a number of world heritage listed sites such as Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains.

Melbourne

As the state capital of Victoria, the city of Melbourne has the most amazing shopping experiences to offer. At the same time this city is known for its love for food and arts. Along the way you will be able to find many cafés, art galleries and out-of-the-box boutiques. The Chapel to Brunswick streets in particular are renowned for the amazing shopping experiences that they have to offer. St Kilda is the place to be if you want to experience the beauty of this top Australian city. The Federation Square is another top tourist attraction of Melbourne.

Canberra

The capital city of the Australian Capital Territory gives visitors a chance to learn more about the history and culture of the official national capital. The old Parliament House and the Parliament House are interesting attractions that give an insight into the political past of the country. The National Institute of Sport and Science along with the Questacon are also the major attractions of Canberra. This is a well-planned city that consists of a number of parklands, lakes and Bushland territory. Along with this you will be able to find many stylish restaurants, hotels, boutique shopping arcades and luxury resorts welcoming visitors with arms wide open.

Brisbane

Brisbane is the center of Queensland and features a unique mix of old-school Australian tradition with contemporary times. Here you will have the opportunity to cruise down the Brisbane River, visit the city botanic Gardens and go rock climbing at the Kangaroo Point. The Queensland Cultural Center and the powerhouse arts center are other prominent attractions of Brisbane.

Adelaide

Adelaide is regarded as being one of the most elegant cities of Australia. It is characterized by an extensive area of stone architecture and expansive parklands along with which it hosts a variety of lively festivals all around the year. The North Terrace features excellent museums and libraries whereas the city has its own dedicated food streets and picnic gardens to explore. Visitors will be able to find excellent Adelaide accommodation in the form of hotels, resorts, holiday apartments, bed and breakfast joints as well as camping grounds in the city.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/top-australian-cities-1823689.html

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Find excellent Adelaide accommodation or hotels in Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne through http://www.accommodation24×7.com. Here you will be able to find the most up to date hot offers on all kinds of Australia accommodation.

If you’re looking for great cruise deals that offer some unique scenery, climate, and culture then you might want to check out a cruise to Australia. With port cities at multiple locations around the continent you can choose whether you want to be in the urban environment of Sydney, the tropical paradise of the Great Barrier Reef, or the still, pristine surroundings of Christmas Island. All are available options from most cruise lines and each has a unique flavour to it that will make your trip enjoyable.

Sydney is a popular disembarking point for cruises, but it is also a destination for those who may want to take in the sites, do some shopping, or visit one of the many beaches that surround the city. Unlike any other metropolitan area on earth, Sydney offers a tropical climate and a small town feel that will make you feel at home right away. This city is a great choice if you’re looking for reasons to visit Australia, but don’t want to leave the comforts of city life that you’re accustomed to.

When you leave Sydney, travel north to Cairns, Queensland. There are a number of cruise ships that go there because that is where the Great Barrier Reef is located. This unanimous choice as one of the seven natural wonders contains over 400 types of coral, 1500 species of fish, and 4000 types of mollusc. Tourists and scientists alike make regular pilgrimages to the Great Barrier Reef, but you will most likely find that you can get some privacy no matter when you happen to go.

Christmas Island is another popular cruise port-of-call. Home to the rare “Red Crab”, this still pristine environment offers great snorkelling close to shore and some inland waterfalls that you can explore. Christmas Island is often included on tours that also visit less popular Asian destinations like Semarang, Lombok and Komodo, home of the Komodo dragon. If you’re looking for something a bit more isolated, look for cruises that include these stops.

Still need more reasons to visit Australia? You can experience culture and sample some of the best wine in the world in the city of Adelaide, another popular port-of-call for cruise ships. This southern gem is home to tropical beaches, a vibrant night life, and some of the friendliest people on earth. Australia has consistently been in the top ten for prosperous nations, and those who live there tend to smile more often than not. Adelaide is a good place to feel that good will.

If all of that isn’t enough, take a glance at some of the other destinations that you can visit in Australia. Think about the tropical climate and the clear blue waters your cruise ship will be sailing through as you travel between stops. Think of the history, the culture, the friendly people, and the wonders of nature you can experience in Australia. The question shouldn’t be why, it should be why not. Why wouldn’t you want to visit Australia on a cruise?

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/why-visit-australia-on-a-cruise-1626573.html

About the Author:

Sarah Van Rensburg is a travel lover and avid writer, focussing on a range of travel topics particularly cruise deals.

You will definitely enjoy more when you design your cruise travel according to your time, budget and desired destination. There are many fun trips available just under $500, you can also find different packages for a range of prices that go up to $4000 and over. Luxury cruises are well worth the money for those who can afford the extra expense. Some people want short Celebrity cruises; you can even create great memories in 3 hours trip. Cruise travel offers a huge variety of themes for cruise vacations and you should select destination or specialty cruise that reflects your life.

You can have as much adventure as you want when you are going on a Celebrity Cruise holiday in Australia and New Zealand. The landscapes and the coastal regions of these two countries are filled with many tourist spots that promote active exploration. If you are going on a Celebrity Cruise within the vicinity and you want to make a brief side trip to any part of these territories, you will find many activities that will suit your taste and interest.

Here are some Celebrity Cruise off-shore trips that you can do for three hours or less:

1. Exclusive Sydney Harbor Tour (2 hours and 30 minutes):

In this package, you will sail along the harbor aboard a luxury vessel. A tour guide will point to you the massive mansion estates that line the shore and the many beautiful parks and beaches that are open to the public. You will also get to see famous tourist spots such as the Taronga Park Zoo and Watson’s Bay. Remember to bring a camera with you as you will be getting a good view of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the world renowned Sidney Opera House.

2. Karori Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours):

If you want long, educational walks, you can explore the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellington, New Zealand for three hours. This 500-year-old sanctuary has been granted the honor of being called one of the most stimulating urban conservation projects to date. Your Celebrity Cruise tour guide will give you all the information you need to be able to appreciate the native forest and many species of birds that you will find in this sanctuary.

3. Penguin Parade (2 hours and 30 minutes):

Nothing can be more adorable than a group of little penguins swimming to the shore and afterwards marching towards their burrows in the nearby sand dunes. This charming little scene is what you can expect when you make a short trip to Phillip Island, Australia. You can watch the penguins do their little parade each night as you position yourselves in the designated viewing platforms and tourist boardwalks.

4. Seal Coast Safari (3 hours):

The Seal Coast Safari involves a short road trip aboard a land cruiser down the South coast of Wellington, New Zealand for a breathtaking chance to spot the New Zealand Fur Seal. You might also see some wild pigs, goats, horses and deers living in and roaming around their natural habitat. As you make your way to the coast, the amazing panorama of the Leaning Lighthouse will slowly come into view. You will then reach your target destination, an observation deck giving you a clear view of the many seals lazing under the sun and quickly going back to the water for a dip.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/4-celebrity-cruise-trips-in-under-3-hours-1089838.html

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You should make your reservation for cruises a year ahead for popular four Celebrity cruises. You will also have to consider the location of your departure port at the time of planning. For short Celebrity cruises you will need to find a port that is closest to your location. You should require finding the cruise vacation that will be worth your time and money.

If you were to simply open your eyes and find yourself in the Blue Mountains, NSW, you would never guess that you were only ninety minutes drive from the centre of Australia’s biggest city, Sydney. The Blue Mountains is one of Australia’s oldest rural holiday destinations and has not lost it’s popularity. It offers plenty for those looking for a romantic escape and for families wanting a healthy, active holiday.

Getting there: Getting to the Blue Mountains is easy. From Sydney head west following the signs for Parramatta. Then join the M4 (toll section near Sydney) and keep going on the M4 as far as the edge of the Blue Mountains in Lapstone. You can then follow the signs up to the main tourist areas such as Katoomba. An alternative is to catch the train from Central Railway station in Sydney CBD. There is around one train an hour and it takes roughly 90-120 minutes depending on which station you are going to. There are day trips from Sydney as well by coach which return to the city the same day but staying in one of the great Blue Mountains accommodation options for a few nights will allow you to truly appreciate the area.

What to do: If you come to the Blue Mountains there is plenty to do. Obviously you are going to want to take in the fantastic scenery so here are a few ideas.

Viewpoints: The Blue Mountains offers some stunning viewpoints. Some of the most well known include Echo Point in Katoomba offers an amazing view over the Three Sisters and through the Jamison Valley. Wentworth Falls also offer great views of both the falls and the valley.

Bushwalking: There are bushwalking trails throughout the Blue Mountains region and national park. Once you reach the Blue Mountains then head to one of the tourist information centres such as the one in Katoomba and request a bushwalking map marking the main trails. You can choose from short walks on manmade paths to long and adventurous hikes.

Scenic World: Located in the central Katoomba area, Scenic World is the most popular attraction in the region and offers a number of ways to enjoy the great views. Scenic World has a number of attractions including a cable car, a glass floored skyway which takes you across the valley and the world’s steepest railway. There is also a boardwalk around the rainforest at the bottom of the valley. It’s a great family attraction and a fun way to take in some of the views of the local area.

Eating Out: If you’re looking for some special places to eat, here are some suggestions.

Solitary, 90 Cliff Drive, Leura Falls, NSW.

This restaurant enjoys some of the best views you could hope to find in the Blue Mountains and does not things slip when it comes to the food. Solitary was created back in 2000 by husband and wife team Georgia Shepherd and John Cross the restaurant serves fantastic Modern Australian and European influenced food in a fine dining atmosphere. The restaurant has won many awards including Two Chefs hats in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2007 and ranked as one of the Lonely Planet top 5 places to eat out in Australia in 2004.

Darley’s Restaurant at Lilianfels, Echo Point, Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba.

Located in the historic and luxurious Lilianfels Hotel, Darley’s restaurant has a long reputation for excellent food and service. They have been awarded Two Chefs hats in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2009, one of only a small number to achieve such a high accolade. The restaurant specialises in excellent country cooking that fits the location and makes use of high quality local produce and an excellent wine list. This is obviously somewhere for a special occasion and is not cheap. Expect to pay close to $80 per person for two courses or around $100 for three courses with wine being extra. If you can’t make your mind up from the menu you can sample a number of interesting course with the degustation menu served with matching wines. Whey to stay: Blue Mountains accommodation comes in the form of cosy cottages and homely bed and breakfasts perfect for a romantic getaway. From budget to total luxury there is something for everyone. Some of the most popular

When to go: Typically you will find the Blue Mountains will be a few degrees cooler than Sydney year round. The accommodation is well geared up for the cooler months and you will find many of the cottages will have a fireplace to make things nice and cosy. You should find it a little cooler than Sydney in the summer although on the hottest days it may make a long walk feel like hot work.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/blue-mountains-australia-what-to-see-and-do-760444.html

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This article on relating to Blue Mountains accommodation is by Richard Greenwood of holiday accommodation booking site www.makemystay.com.au

The site features quality holiday homes, cottages and apartments across Australia listed directly by the property owners or local agents.

Opened on October 18, 2005 and stretching up to a height of 260m, the Sydney Skywalk offers one a wonderful view of the Sydney cityscape. Being at Sydney’s highest outdoor viewing spot one can see the Blue Mountains in the distance to the famous golden beaches of Sydney and beyond into the ocean.

The Skywalk stretches out from the edge of the Sydney Tower, is a glass-floored open air platform that revolves around for 45 minutes providing one with a breathtaking panoramic view of Sydney. Experienced guides are there to assist you with your photographs and provide expert commentaries as you revolve around feeling the high altitude breeze from the open air platform.

The Skywalk is twice as tall as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and is as tall as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, giving one an exhilarating view of all the attractions of Sydney from a wonderful viewpoint. Before going onto the platform, walkers are given a safety briefing inside the Sydney Tower, after which they are provided with safety clothing that are then attached to safety cables.

The walk starts at the south platform, at the low level, before ascending to the top level with the assistance of hydraulic devices. Two levels that are present fly in a circle around the tower. The south platform is brought down and one gets to go around and walk on this platform before moving on to the next glass edge, which is the north platform. Walking again on the lower level and onto the lowered south platform, brings the entire walk to a close.

The Skywalk costing AU$ 3.75 million, four years to design and a mere two months construct, encompasses 2,000 sections of steel and 4,376 nuts and bolts, is a popular tourist destination for all those wishing to catch a memorable experience while taking a look around Sydney from high up.

Tourists wishing to find Sydney serviced apartments can make their stay at Somerset Darling Harbour, one of many serviced apartments in Sydney.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/a-panoramic-view-of-sydney-729671.html

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Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing services and specializes in hotel Internet marketing industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/ )

If you are planning a holiday to Sydney you will be able to find accommodation as grand or as modest as you like.

A number of the more luxury hotels in Sydney are mainly in the Rocks district, the heart of the city and in the Darling Harbour.

If you are booking your holiday through a travel agent as part of a travel package, it is best to check with them the range, location and cost of Sydney hotels. If you are booking your own accommodation through the internet it is best to get as much information as you can about the hotel and the area you are staying in, that way you will have a good idea of how much you are likely to pay.

Typically, room tariffs would start at around A$250 a night at the better Sydney hotels . If your hotel is by Sydney Harbour and you have views of the water, you can expect your room tariff to be more expensive as the closer you are to the water, the higher the price.

If you are on a business holiday or you require specific leisure needs that require you to be closer to the city centre, it is worth noting that the hotels will be more expensive that they would be on the city’s fringe.

If you don’t have a large budget and Australian hotels seem too expensive you could always stay in a youth hostel or a backpacker hostel. Some of them are situated in Sydney’s city centre and are therefore very convenient.

Other types of accommodation that you could consider are:

Motels – They are particularly good for those who are driving as they tend to be further away from the centre.

Bed and Breakfasts – They usually offer home-style accommodation but can sometimes be quite pricey.

Budget hotels and pubs – Hotels in Australia can be expensive, so these are a good alternative. They usually offer single rooms and common toilets and shower rooms.

Serviced apartments – You can get rooms or suites and they can usually be found in and away from the city centre.

Whatever accommodation you choose, the best thing to do is to get as much information on the city as you can, so make sure you ask the advice of any friends or family that have been before.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/hotels-where-to-stay-in-sydney-406395.html

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The largest as well as the oldest city in Australia and the capital city of New South Wales, Sydney is an acclaimed international tourist destination, situated in a coastal basin in the south-eastern part of the country.

Sydney is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Blue Mountains to the west, the Hawkesbury River to the north, and the plateau of Woronora to the south. No matter it is for a romantic escape, or to celebrate your honeymoon, or just for a leisurely travel, Sydney is a great destination to enjoy all. Acknowledged as the ‘International Gateway to the Country,’ Sydney is home to the world’s largest natural harbor, namely, Port Jackson, most popularly referred to as the Sydney Harbor. Perhaps for this reason, Sydney is sometimes called the Harbor City.

Things to see in Sydney are truly endless, ranging from mind blowing scenery and astounding beaches to marvelous attractions covering interesting monuments, museums, art galleries, and fun attractions. In short, Sydney has everything to make your vacation truly memorable as well as enjoyable.

Probably, the greatest of all attractions in Sydney would be the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House, both of which are located within the Sydney Harbor. Designed by the renowned architect Jorn Utzon and inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A view of this amazing monument, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful harbor and the wonderful bridge, from either ferry or air, would be really unforgettable.

The Opera House is as representative of the country as the Queen Elizabeth II and the Pyramids of Egypt. Opened in 1932, the Sydney Harbor Bridge is the largest bridge in the world, with its top rising up to about 135 meters above the harbor. In addition, the bridge is the world’s fourth longest arch bridge. Sometimes, the bridge is nicknamed as the Coathanger due to its arch-shaped design.

A visit to Sydney would be incomplete without taking a tour to an array of interesting museums in the region. Among which most popular are Australian Museum, which has on display the artifacts related to the natural history as well as the culture of the aboriginal people in the country; Bradman Museum, which is dedicated to Sir Donald Bradman who is regarded as the best cricketer that the world has ever seen.

Harris Street Motor Museum, where more than 150 classic motor cars are exhibited; Justice and Police Museum, which holds displays in the form of magistrates court, remand cell, and police charge room; Museum of Sydney, which has artifacts that throw light on the history of the city; Powerhouse Museum, the largest museum in the country with more than 350,000 exhibits; and Sydney Jewish Museum, with items that depict the life of Jewish in the country.

Equally fabulous is the art galleries in the city, such as, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which is the largest of its kind in the country; Hogarth Galleries Aboriginal Art Centre, with a large selection of items related to aboriginal art; and S.H. Ervin Gallery, featuring a wonderful selection of historical art.

Apart from these, Sydney is also much famed for its splendid natural wonders. For instance, it boasts of some of the finest beaches in the country, such as, the Bondi Beach, the Cronolla Beach, Balmoral Beach and the Coogee Beach, all of which offers breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. In addition, these beaches form base for an array of water sport activities including cruising, surfing, diving, boating, and windsurfing. Likewise, the nature lovers are recommended to take a tour to such destinations in the city as the Blue Mountains, where you can enjoy the spectacular views, and the Echo Point offering the splendid views of the Three Sisters and Jamieson Valley.

Additionally, for wildlife lovers, some best options are available in the form of the Waratah Park Earth Sanctuary, Featherdale Wildlife Park and Australian Wildlife Park, each of which is bestowed with rich as well as rare flora and fauna. Other not to miss attractions in the city are Circular Quay, Convention Centre, Government House, Strand Arcade, Sydney Aquarium, and Sydney Tower.

When comes to nightlife, it has a vibrant scene, with a plethora of active pubs, nightclubs, and dance clubs. Above all, incredible is the gastronomy of the city, where almost all types of cuisines such as the Indian, Japanese, Lebanese, and Greek can be savored.

In fact, Sydney has everything to spend a romantic as well as leisurely vacation. Hence, there is no exception in the case of accommodation. From boutique hotels for budget conscious to high-end hotels and resorts for well-heeled, Sydney caters to all budget and preferences.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ultimate-romantic-escape-to-sydney-348454.html

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Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.