The pearl of Australia, NSW is an amazing place and Sydney offers a treasure trove of experiences for the traveller and if you are only there for a short stay, you’ll have to create a shortlist of must-see venues. You could spend a few hours on the Internet, or you could follow the plan we’ve set out below.
- Sydney Harbour Dinner – Of course, the very best way to take in Sydney Harbour is from a floating restaurant, or you could book at one of the best hatted restaurants in Sydney, which overlooks the Harbour. Check online for a list of top waterside restaurants, or book one of the boats for a floating dining experience and if you are spending a few nights in Sydney, you can dine at several locations of the Harbour.
- Helicopter Tour – This would be on our list; the best way to experience Sydney is from the air and a 90-minute flight with lunch in Hunter Valley is out chosen tour. The flight begins with a loop of the Harbour, then you have a low flyover Bondi Beach before heading for the Blue Mountains, which are simply stunning. Make sure you have lots of free memory in your digital camera and the pilot is always happy to give you the best angles. Click here for tips on working while on vacation.
- Climb the Harbour Bridge – Even though there is a hundred and one things to do in Sydney, you have to walk the Harbour Bridge. It’s free and a great experience that allows you to really appreciate this marvel of engineering and you can also book a climb online if you’re really adventurous.
- Bondi Beach – You can’t visit Sydney and not spend some time on Bondi Beach; this is the surfer’s paradise and if you are there in the summer, expect the beach to be crowded. There are nice bars and restaurants along this amazing stretch of coastline and it is a great place to spend the day. If you’re into water sports, you’ll have a great time and if the surf is up, you can watch the pros on the huge waves that Bondi is famous for.
- Visit Manly – If you take a ferry to Manly, you will get a great view of the Opera House and spend some time walking the quaint narrow streets of this enchanting suburb and enjoy an alfresco lunch at one of the cafes. This is the arty part of Sydney where intellectuals drink coffee and discuss the world’s problems and should definitely be on your list of places to visit.
If you are looking for budget accommodation, booking your hotel online offers the best rates and with some online research, you can plan each day in this amazing city. There are botanical gardens and stunning parks if you want to be around nature and the people are really friendly and always happy to help.
One thing is for sure, once you experience Sydney, you will return one day to explore more of NSW.
