fun and sun down under (Sydney (Australia))

Member Name: iallan

Product:	Sydney (Australia)
Date:	12/10/09 (90 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: fabulous city - never want to leave

Disadvantages: none

Sydneyside - sydney is one of my favourite places in the world it really has everything - Spectacular views, stunning natural attributes and a laid back atmosphere, what more could you want from a stylish city? Sydney is an instant hit, with warm summers and cool winters this vibrant hip city makes you feel healthier immediately and that can't be bad!


Getting Around?
Sydney is easy to navigate around, the city is compact with most sights within walking distance of the harbour. An excellent ferry network allows you to take advantage of the waterfront setting and gives easy access to the beaches and north and south shores.


What to see?
The iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge should not be missed. Tours of the Opera House are available and worth it if you have the time. (www.sydneyoperahouse.com) For those with a head for heights you can do the Harbour Bridge Climb for some of the most amazing views of Sydney Harbour. (Be warned you are breathalysed before Bridge Climb) (www.bridgeclimb.com)

For a zoo with a view take a trip to Taronga Zoo for koalas, kangaroos and a Sydney backdrop. (www.zoo.nsw.gov.au) Sydney's beaches are some of the best in the world with plenty of people watching opportunities. For the more energetic try a surf lesson or if you feel like a walk do the Coogee to Bondi walk along the cliffs and coastline.


Where to shop?
Shopping is excellent with the city centre having all the usual international designers, but for Sydney's answer to Buchanan Street head for the fashionable Oxford Street and Paddington area. You will find there all the stylish home grown Australian design talent like Zimmerman (www.zimmermannwear.com), Sass & Bide (www.sassandbide.com), Scanlan & Theodore (www.scanlanandtheodore.com.au) and Collette Dinnigan.

For up and coming designers, crafts and arts take a trip to the Paddington Market, held every Saturday on the corner of Oxford Street and Newcombe Street (www.paddingtonmarket.com.au). Or if you are looking for a bit of Australiana arts & crafts head to the Rocks market held every weekend in this historic area (www.therocksmarket.com).


Where to eat?
A gourmet lovers paradise, Sydney prides itself on its food. A melting pot of cuisines you can find good quality food to suit all budgets and palates, including for the adventurous skippy & chips.

For some of the best fish & chips in the southern hemisphere with stunning views try the Sydney institution, Doyles on the Beach at Watson's Bay (www.doyles.com.au).

Bills, in Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Woollahra, is laid back café style serving a perfect Sydney breakfast and lunch. Try the sweetcorn fritters with roast tomato, spinach and bacon or the creamy scrambled eggs, so many yummy options to choose from (www.bills.com.au)

Longrain on Commonwealth Street is a great Asian Thai restaurant, with long communal tables this is a great place for its atmosphere, cocktails and food. (www.longrain.com.au).


Where to stay?
Sydney has a wide variety of accommodation available from back packing hostels to exclusive luxury. Ravesi's on Campbell Parade in Bondi is a boutique hotel, with an ideal location, a fab bar and restaurant this is a bit special (www.ravesis.com.au).

For that special occasion or if you are feeling really flush book into the Park Hyatt, located on the Harbour and looking directly over to the Opera House this hotel is one of the most exclusive in Sydney and its all about location, location, location (www.sydney.park.hyatt.com)


Need to know?
For more information on visiting Sydney see. www.sydneyaustralia.com

Summary: you really should visit