The oldest city in Australia is Sydney, also known as the Harbour City. It has been rated as one of the most beautiful and desirable cities to live in the world. When visitors reach Sydney Harbour, their eyes are dazzled by the beauty of the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney hosted the first Olympic Games of the new millennium and boasts an impressive Olympic Park. Sydney is surrounded by national parks, beaches, and the wilds of Australia. Sydney is a complex multicultural city where aboriginal heritage marks the art and urban influence delights at night.
Sydney Opera House was included in the World Heritage List in 2007 and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century. Travelers can enjoy a night of dinner and a show plus accommodations that are offered by the Opera House. Show packages include fine dining, an exciting show at the House, and then a luxurious night’s sleep in a select hotel. Guests may choose from a variety of performance packages from about $80 to under $200 per person.
One of the most famous beaches in the world is Bondi Beach in Sydney. The beach is a coveted destination for swimmers, surfers, and sight seers locally and the world over. Bondi Beach offers a number of different types of accommodations including youth hostels that are popular with the younger crowd and backpackers during the summer months.
Manley’s slogan is “Seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care”. Manley is across Sydney Harbour and 7 miles north- east. Ferries travel to Manley every 30 minutes throughout the day. This seaside resort is spectacular and offers 18 beautiful beaches, coves and inlets for swimming, sailing and some of the world’s best surfing. There are shopping areas, excellent eateries and entertainment for everyone.
The Olympic Park, home to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, is about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the city on the western side of Sydney Harbour in the suburb of Homebush Bay. Those who enjoy sports may want to schedule their visit to coincide with a tennis, golf, hockey, swimming, or archery events. When there are no events to attend, visitors often stroll through the Parramatta district’s vibrant community with elegant parks and historic architecture. The Parramatta River flows into Sydney Harbour and was the first European settled area outside of Sydney itself.
Whether you select a travel package with guided tours and a structured itinerary, or decide to wing it on your own, Sydney will not disappoint. The traveler will meet people from all over the world in this thriving and vibrant city.