Archive for the Category »New South Wales «

Much More than Just the Big Oyster in Taree
Friday, March 09th, 2012 /

If you feel like it’s time for a break, but want to avoid the big tourist centres, a Taree might be just what you’re looking for. Located between its more developed Mid-North Coast neighbours of Forster and Port Macquarie, Taree has all of the attractions of these popular tourist destinations, minus the crowds.

Big Oyster

The biggest landmark in Taree is the "Big Oyster." It is an appropriate one, too, because the Manning River, which skirts the town, produces over 2 1/2 million oysters per year. In Taree, oysters are a big part of the local economy, as are the many crops that grow in the fertile Manning Valley.

Taree was originally developed as a private town in 1854, when Henry Flett set aside 100 acres for its development. The town grew into the administrative centre of the Manning Valley region after the railway line was connected to Taree instead of Wingham in 1913. It remained a fairly small town, unfrequently visited by tourists until the Martin Bridge was built in the 1930s. After that, the town really began to flourish.

Willie the whale

The city of Taree is about 10 miles (17kms) inland from the mouth of the Manning River and the Tasman Sea. When summer comes and the Taree locals want to go to the beach, they head for the charming coastal community of Old Bar. Old Bar is many a surfer’s "secret spot." When no place else is breaking, a surfer can always find a great sandbank wave somewhere along the beach in front of the village.

Another renowned surfing spot in the Taree region is Saltwater Point. It’s only a few miles up the beach from Old Bar, but the drive is a little more circuitous. It’s always an exciting experience to drive to the parking lot at Saltwater and get your first glimpse of the waves from the cliff top. Many visiting surfers stay in the simple but beautiful campground just behind the parking area and during the summer months, this campground is very popular with those who are lucky enough to know about it.

The campground at Saltwater Point is not unusual in the Taree region. There are many such little places tucked away in the area, both near the beach and in and around the many reserves and National Forests that make up so much of the landscape there.

Taree

Not to be left out are the quaint villages that dot the Taree region. Towns like Manning Point and Cundletown are not big tourist centres, but are fascinating places to visit that give you a unique look at the Australian lifestyle and landscape.

You can get to Taree by rail, road or air, but the best way to get there is by car. Taree attractions are spread out over a wide area, so having your own transportation is the best way to see it all. Don’t make the mistake of just stopping off in Taree for lunch on your way to someplace else. Stay awhile. You’ll find that in Taree, home of the Big Oyster, the world is your oyster.

Planning your next vacation, take a look at our extensive list of North Coast accommodation options in towns like Taree on the NSW North Coast. 

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Three Reasons To Head To Sydney
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 /


Wherever you are in the world, from the Americas to Africa and from Europe to Asia, you haven’t really lived life to the full if you haven’t visited Australia yet. The country is perhaps the most unique nation on earth, and continues to be a magnet for tourists from all over the globe. The largest city, Sydney, is the major draw, and here are three good reasons why.

Never a bridge too far

If you are fortunate enough to have no fear of heights, the city of Sydney offers the ultimate thrill in the form of the Bridge Climb. The world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and these days visitors can take part in an organised climb that offers the finest views across the city.

Bridge Climb

It really is an unforgettable experience, and something that all visitors to Sydney should undergo. Even if you’re just visiting the city for a long weekend, you need to set aside enough time to do this. And be ready to take your camera with you as well, because the photos you create will be among the most spectacular you will ever take.

Take to the beach on two wheels

The city of Sydney and the surrounding area is home to some of the world’s finest beaches, but there is a unique way to really enjoy them. Hiring a bike provides the perfect way to explore the local vicinity, and to discover secluded coves and plenty of stunning views. You’ll be amazed at just how much unspoilt landscape there is to see from the saddle.

Bondi Beach

And if you’re in the mood to be shown around instead, why not take a guided bike tour? A local expert will be able to show you all the undiscovered secrets of this stunning part of the world, and to hear fascinating stories that will give you an insight into why Sydneysiders are so proud of the beautiful neighbourhood of Manly.

Soak up a little culture

Every major city of the world has a quirky bohemian district, and Sydney is no different. The Rocks is popular with tourists and locals, and offers visitors a wonderful selection of restaurants and bars, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities for those who like to indulge in a little retail therapy on their travels. Its location on the south shore of Sydney Harbour makes it easily accessible for everyone.

Every weekend, the area hosts a bustling market with stalls selling everything from tourist souvenirs to fresh fruit. There are also several museums and art galleries close by, including the city’s famous Museum of Contemporary Art, a must-visit for culture lovers from all over the globe. If you’re in the mood for a gentle stroll, there are walking routes in the area which give the visitor a unique chance to soak up the heritage of this wonderful location.

Museum of Contemporary Art

David Rice is based in the UK but plans to visit Australia soon. He plans to get around on a budget by looking for the best cheap car hire Sydney can offer.

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Broken Hill: The Capital of the Outback
Monday, December 12th, 2011 /

Broken Hill has several nicknames. Often, it is called Silver City because of amount of silver that has been mined there. It is also called the "Capital of the Outback" because of its relatively large population and importance. The locals jokingly refer to their city as the "biggest city in the middle of nowhere." Actually, that is a good description and is one of Broken Hill’s most alluring attractions.

Broken Hill

When you arrive in Broken Hill, don’t be surprised if you exclaim, "I’ve seen this place before!". You will look at the landscape or down the main street of town and get that feeling of déjà vu, as if you have been there before. In a way, you probably have, since the town and its surrounds have been shown in well over a hundred feature films, including classics like Mad Max II and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Broken Hill landscape

Because the mining industry is so big in Broken Hill, you might get the mistaken feeling that it is a "Wild West" style outback town. If that’s what you think, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that the town is home to many of Australia’s finest artists. The spectacular landscape has attracted and inspired artists for generations and their works are on display throughout the city. Once you have been to Broken Hill, you will understand why so many artists come there to stay.

Many visitors remark that there seems to be something mystical about the outback around Broken Hill May be its because the vast, primeval landscape defies our concepts of time and space. As you watch a kangaroo hop in the distance, you could easily be an aboriginal looking at the same thing, some 40,000 years ago. At the same time that time vanishes, the vastness of the landscape and the brilliance of the colours seems to transport you through space.

In order to really appreciate Broken Hill, you have to go to the Living Desert Reserve. When this reserve was established in 1992, it was intended to be a way for everyone to be able to experience the grandeur of the outback and to help protect the local wildlife from the predators that were threatening some of them with extinction. The 2400 hectare reserve has succeeded marvelously with both of these ambitions.

Living Desert Reserve

Also within the Living Desert Reserve is the Sculpture Symposium. Situated on the top of a hill in the middle of the reserve, it features 12 magnificent contemporary sculptures carved out of the natural stone on the hill. No one comes back from a day on the Cultural Walk Trail without feeling a sense of upliftment and inspiration.

You may become so enamoured of the outback in Broken Hill, you will want to sleep under the stars rather than indoors. This is easily done. One very popular campground is located in Mutawintiji National Park, where you can see some amazing 8000 year old examples of aboriginal rock art. If you prefer to stay at an indoor Broken Hill accommodation, you can do so in style, so there’s no excuse for not visiting "the biggest city in the middle of nowhere."

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Things to Do on a Day Out in Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia
Monday, October 24th, 2011 /

Sydney is the largest city in Australia, and is famous for being one of the most beautiful and pleasant-to-live-in cities in the world. Overflowing with culture, art, great food, live music, history, and fashion and surrounded by stunning beaches and sparkling ocean, it’s hard not to love what Sydney has to offer.

Sydney is a huge city with many different districts to explore, and one of the most exciting areas for tourists to visit is Darling Harbour. This is the leisure and entertainment district, located right in the heart of Sydney city centre just west of the Central Business District. It was developed during the Australian Bicentenary in 1988 and was completed dedicated to entertainment and having a good time! This fun area of the city is where you will find countless museums, restaurants, aquariums, cafes, shops, and other great attractions.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is set within a small inlet, and it is possible to walk along a loop by taking the pedestrian boardwalk beside the water and the Pyrmont Bridge across the inlet. As you stroll through the area, you will enjoy fantastic views of the water and will have the chance to stop and eat some ice cream or visit one of the playgrounds and parks along the way. Darling Harbour is always a lively and happening place to be, with visitors and locals enjoying the atmosphere.

Here are a few of the fantastic attractions that can be found within Darling Harbour:

The Australian National Maritime Museum

If you are interested in the history of Australian ships on the high seas, check out this museum which offers free entry to two floors of exhibits which chronicle the story of sailing ships and submarines in the country’s history. Outside of the museum, there are large ships and submarines to explore as well.

Maritime Museum

Sydney Aquarium

Learn all about the colourful world of undersea live at this huge aquarium. One of the highlights is the underwater walk, where you can take a journey through a glass corridor and watch sharks, rays and brightly coloured tropical fish swimming right beside you and over your head. This aquarium is a big favourite with kids, and is very popular so try going on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Harbour Cruise

Many tour companies offer a harbour cruise experience departing from Darling Harbour. These luxurious adventures usually include a gourmet dinner onboard and sometimes even live entertainment. If you are looking for a romantic treat for a special occasion, this can be a very unique and luxurious way to spend an evening and see the sights of Sydney from the water.

These are just a few of the many fun things that you can do when visiting Darling Harbour, one of the most fun and entertaining districts of Sydney, Australia.

Simon Grant is a writer and traveller would love to visit Australia again. Etihad Airways is an example of a company that provides flights to Sydney.

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Highlights of Kosciuszko National Park
Thursday, September 08th, 2011 /

Not far short of 700,000 Hectares in size, Kosciuszko National Park the biggest in New South Wales and one of Australia’s most substantial. There is plenty to see and do in the park but nobody could possibly hope to see everything in a single visit. Here are just a few of the very best and most beautiful must-see spots:

bluewaterholes11. Blue Waterholes. This gem is well hidden on Cooleman Plain, well off the main road. Just when they think the bumpy track won’t ever end, travellers arrive at a basic but neatly kept campsite just above one of the most beautiful creeks in Australia. The Blue Waterholes of Cave Creek are blue because of the mineral content, but they’re quite safe to swim in if you can stand the chill. The creek emerges from underground not far from the campsite so they are icy cold even on the hottest summer day.

Walk a little further down the creek and the water soon warms up but it stays beautifully clear and blue. Look down from the path that winds through Clarke Gorge- the limestone walls are pretty spectacular in their own right- and you might see trout cruising lazily through the water. Carry on and before long you’ll arrive at a small but lovely waterfall, the perfect place for a picnic.

KNPTypical2. Mount Townsend. Although Mount Kosciuszko is slightly higher and much more famous, Townsend is the steeper and more challenging walk. From the top you get excellent views of Kosciuszko and the surrounding countryside and because you won’t be climbing Australia’s highest mountain you’re far more likely to have the path to yourself.

Devotees of Mount Townsend are utterly convinced that it’s the better mountain, to the point where some walkers take a stone from near their starting point and lay it on top when they get to the summit. The idea is that if everyone does it, Townsend will one day end up higher than its famous sibling.

3. Yarrangobilly Caves. One of the most extensive and best tourist attractions in the park, Yarrangobilly is the place to go if you want to see world-class caves in all their crystalline splendour. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through one of the larger caves (there are lights, walkways, safety rails, and information panels) or go on a guided expedition.

Unlike many Kosciuszko hotspots, Yarrangobilly can be enjoyed by anyone, even those not able walk long distances or handle rough terrain. One of the best show caves is even wheelchair-accessible and this is a great place to take little kids.

Once you’ve finished exploring the caves, those who can handle a steep track can take the walk down to the natural thermal pool for a dip. The water stays around 27C all year round even when there’s snow on the ground.

4. Lake Jindabyne. Right on the edge of the Park, Lake Jindabyne is actually not a natural feature of the landscape. It was created as part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a massive hydroelectric power generation project. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a beautiful lake in a beautiful location. It’s popular with sailors, canoeists, and other watersports enthusiasts (and anyone who’d like to give this kind of activity a try). The lake is also an excellent place to catch trout.

Jindabyne town sits just above the lake level but what you see is technically New Jindabyne. The Original Jindabyne is actually under the water, and signs of the old town can still be seen when the water is low.

Jess Spate was born just outside Kosciuszko National Park and has spent countless happy days there. Although she now works for an American camping and hiking gear company and lives in Europe, she still returns to Kosciuszko on a regular basis.

Category: Snowy Mountains  Tags:  One Comment
The NSW Coastal Garden of Eden
Monday, July 18th, 2011 /

If somebody told you there was a Garden of Eden on a Sapphire Coast, you would probably either think they were crazy or would ask them how to get there? Hopefully, you would do the latter, because there really is an Eden and it’s on the Sapphire Coast of southern New South Wales. For generations, Eden has been one of the favourite destinations of South Coast holiday makers and for good reason: Eden is simply idyllic.

Eden is the last town before you reach Victoria on the beautiful coastal Pacific Highway. Going in the other direction, it is (obviously!) the first town you reach after crossing the border from Victoria to NSW. It attracts visitors from both of Australia’s largest cities. If you look at a satellite view of Eden, it’s easy to see what the attraction is. For one thing, it is surrounded by National Forest. Most of the Sapphire Coast has that feature in common. What else is special about Eden?

Zoom in on the satellite photo and you will see that Eden is tucked away on the northern edge of Twofold Bay. It’s sheltered location there makes it an ideal place for a holiday. The rugged coast of the Tasman Sea in far south New South Wales can be unsafe for swimming, but when you’re snuggled away in Eden, you are protected from the open sea swells and wind.

In ancient times, Eden was the home of the Thawa indigenous tribe. European settlers didn’t arrive until the early 19th century, when Twofold Bay was discovered and used as a whaling station. This continued for over a century, until the 1930s. Not long before the whaling industry declined, a pod of killer whales came to Twofold Bay and shared it with the whalers. Together, they would herd big whales into the bay.

Today, whales are still a big attraction in Eden, but it is not for the same reasons as it was in the past. Whale watching tours are very popular and the fascinating Killer Whale Museum is one of the town’s feature attractions. Inside the museum, you can get a real taste of what the whalers’ lives were really like. Fishing is still one of the leading industries in town, but today it is the rich stocks of tuna that are sought by fishermen.

Whale watching tours

Eden’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere has attracted artists from all over Australia. Their works are on display in the Eden Community Gallery, "Art on Imlay." A visit to the gallery is a great way for visitors to get an understanding of why Eden locals love their community so much. It is like a serene paradise for those who like to stay close to nature.

Eden’s entire population is only about 3000, but it is a relatively large town compared to others in the vicinity. While you’re there, take the time to visit the some of the inland villages. Nimmitabel, for example rests at an altitude of around 2500 feet above sea level and is located between Eden and the Snowy Mountains. This tiny village’s population numbers only 300 and has a magical and even mystical feel about it.

You won’t find a flashy Eden accommodation, but what you will find is a cosy and hospitable place to stay. You will instantly fall into the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful "Garden of Eden" and after a few days, will find it hard to tear yourself away from it. That’s okay, though. You’re welcome to stay in Eden for as long as you like.

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South West Rocks: Unpretentious Name, Great Getaway
Monday, July 11th, 2011 /

South West Rocks is not the kind of name that makes you want to go out of your way to visit a place. That’s probably just as those lucky travellers who have discovered this small, unpretentious community 52 miles (84 kilometres) north of busy Port Macquarie like it. Southwest Rocks is the kind of place you go to when you want to escape the crowds and just sit back and relax.

South West Rocks

Before you start to think that South West Rocks is just a geographical location southwest of someplace else, you should know that it is actually the name of a thriving coastal community of over 4000. The town was first settled as a place to house low-security prisoners in the late 1800s. Their first job was to build a breakwater around the bay beneath the rocky cliffs on the southern end of the settlement. That may be how the town got its name.

The breakwater project was abandoned when the prison was closed in 1903 and it wasn’t until the First World War that the prison was repopulated with German and Austrian immigrants, many of whom were 2nd and 3rd generation Australians. Life was not hard for these detainees, who were never considered a real threat and they were among the first to take advantage of the beach at South West Rocks when they were allowed exercise and relaxation breaks during the day before being incarcerated at night.

Trial Bay Gaol still stands and is one of South West Rocks biggest tourist attractions. Today, it is a museum that houses photographs and memorabilia from those early years. An attractive structure built of pink and grey granite; it stands at the edge of a cliff and commands a wonderful ocean view. Except for the imposing walls that surround it, it is hard to imagine that it was a gaol.

Trial Bay Gaol

One of South West Rocks’ most famous attractions lies about a mile offshore. Hailed as one of Australia’s top 10 diving spots and well-known to divers throughout the world, Fish Rock Cave is an incredible 125 metre (about a hundred yards) long cave that extends all the way through the middle of Green Island. It is an important habitat for grey nurse sharks and is also inhabited by an amazing variety of other sea life.

Back on land, you will be delighted by the relaxed atmosphere in “downtown” South West Rocks. As soon as you arrive in town, you begin to relax and unwind as you drive down its wide, tree-lined streets. No doubt, the first thing you will do is stop in for an alfresco lunch and cappuccino in one of the many cafes that line the main road.

Even if you thought you were just going to spend the day at South West Rocks, you will end up wanting to stay longer. The Tourist Park is one of the more popular South West Rocks accommodation options, but if you want something more private or luxurious, there are many great places you can stay. If you’re traveling during the height of the tourist season, be sure and book ahead, because South West Rocks is an increasingly popular holiday destination.

Category: North Coast NSW  Tags:  One Comment
Lennox Head and Ballina on the NSW Far North Coast
Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 /

Nestled in tropical New South Wales, Lennox Head and Ballina are home to some of Australia’s most stunning stretches of coastland and the country’s most gorgeous beaches.  About 200 kilometres down the coast from Brisbane, sitting on Australia’s most easterly point, Ballina has long been a magnet for surfers, with its natural beauty and ideal rolling waves.  Today, it is attracting visitors because of its rich fishing, its incredible number of unspoiled soft sand beaches, great whale watching and a distinctive fresh local approach to cuisine.  There’s so much more to Ballina than just the nearby Big Prawn traveller attraction!

Lennox Head

Just north of Ballina is Lennox Headland with the village of Lennox head just a little north of the Headland situated at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach. It has a small but growing rapidly population. With tourism being the main source of income.

For thousands of years, the Aboriginal people hunted and fished the rich waters along these shorelines.  The 1st English settlers came into the region for the beautiful cedar forests, making a fortune selling the raw material back to Victorian England.  They made their homes in what’s now East Ballina, attracted from the region’s many oysters, fertile land and its many fresh water lakes and rivers.

These days, that love of fresh seafood remains a big part of living in Lennox Head and Ballina, which explains why the Big Prawn was built in Ballina in 1989, attracting notice and tourism for one of the best areas of being in this coastal community.  Vacationers who love to fish can choose from deep-sea fishing excursions and brilliant freshwater choices. Everyone who loves to eat can take pleasure in a few of the freshest and most wonderful seafood dishes, prepared in the region’s world class dinning establishments.

The Big Prawn

Aside from the seafood, visitors flock to the area because of its stunning headlands, hours of sunshine, fresh ocean breezes, and rugged waves.  It’s easily accessible, just 200 kilometres south of Brisbane, and sitting right on Australia’s Pacific Highway.

Regardless of whether you’re intending to surf, swim or just sit and relax, there are all kinds of great Ballina and Lennox head accommodation options available all across the region.  You can camp in the countryside, or select a caravan park right near the beach.  You can find a delightful bed and breakfast, as well as many holiday homes in the area.  From families to friends, from surfers to seniors, there are lots of options in this area of the far north coast of New South Wales for all kinds of holidays you can dream up.

One of the biggest draws in the area would be the surfing, but there has been lots of growth of other water sports and activities within the region.  Fisherman flock to Richmond River, and youngsters love heading out on boat tours to observe the humpback whales frolic and dolphins play.  Nonetheless the largest draw in Ballina and Lennox Head are the beaches, the endless powder soft sand that keeps going and going.  The beachfront stretches more than 30 kilometres along the coast from Ballina to Lennox Head.  You will discover dunes, sheltered coves, striking reefs, and views that seem to go on without end.

Not all of regions charms are on the coast. Probably the most interesting places near Ballina is Lake Ainsworth, which is nicknamed the Coca-Cola Lake because the nearby tea trees has given the water a brownish hue.  Locals say the water helps heal cuts and abrasions, and might help relieve the pain of sunburn.

Visitors who have an interest in the history of this region can go to see the Ballina Naval and Maritimes Museum, or if you’re interested in the legacy of local plant life, you’ll be able to stop at the Thursday Tea Tree Plantation, and the Macadamia Castle in nearby Knockrow.

You can spend a day on a new beach in thei sreagion on every single day of your holiday, surfing, swimming, snorkelling, splashing or even snoozing.  It doesn’t matter what you plan to do for your perfect tropical holiday, you’ll find precisely what you need on the Ballina and Lennox Head Coast coast.

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Bondi: An Iconic Australian Beach
Tuesday, June 07th, 2011 /

Bondi Beach is as symbolic of Australia as the kangaroo. When you see a photograph of a kangaroo, you automatically think of Australia. When you see a picture of Bondi, you know exactly where it is: no caption is needed. Bondi represents the true "Aussie Spirit": beach loving, sports crazy, but serious and responsible at the same time.

Bondi Beach

It is not just since it was discovered by Sydney’s early settlers that "Bondi" and "surf" have been synonymous. The name of the suburb comes from an aboriginal word meaning "the noise of waves crashing on rocks." That’s exactly what the waves do, too, on the rocks on the headlands to the north and south of the famous beach.

While the ancient aborigines spent their time on the rocks harvesting the bounty of the sea, the beach at Bondi is where it is all happening today. Smack dab in the middle of Bondi’s wide, crescent shaped beach is the oldest surf life saving club in the world, the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, established 1907. From the beginning, the club has been dedicated to the pursuit of saving lives at Australia’s most famous beach. On Black Sunday, the 6th of February, 1937, members of this club made an astounding 300 rescues when big waves swept beachgoers out to sea on a hot summer day. Five lives were lost on that day, but had it not been for their heroic efforts, dozens of lives would have been lost.

The tram to Bondi used to be almost as famous as the beach itself. Since the last tram ran in 1961, it has been replaced by buses. The beach is so popular, even though a bus from nearby Bondi Junction runs every ten minutes, during the summer months, every bus is packed. A large parking area at the beach accommodates thousands of cars, but on a hot weekend in the summer, Bondi has to accommodate up to 40,000 beachgoers. Somehow, it manages to do so in style. Even on the most crowded days, the atmosphere is festive and everyone gets catered to by the local businesses along Campbell Parade and on Curlewis Street, the two main roads.

While Bondi attracts the greatest crowds on hot days, it is a popular destination 365 days a year. In the middle of winter, surfers brave the cold winter waters to ride the waves and the world famous "Bondi Icebergs" jump into the icy waters of their salt water pool. Visitors who wisely decide to stay warm get their exercise by walking or jogging along the lovely coastal walking track that runs along the side of the cliff on the southern headland.

Bondi is equally popular at night, when the pubs, entertainment venues, restaurants and other nightspots come to life. Bondi’s nightlife reflects its diverse community and tastes. Along the same stretch of road, you can find a bohemian bookshop/cafe featuring a poetry reading or folk singer, a pub showcasing the talents of a local band and a sophisticated restaurant/cabaret.

Bondi’s fame has spread throughout the world and almost everyone who visits Sydney also visits Bondi at least once before they go back home. Many of them choose to stay in Bondi. That is easily done, since there is a Bondi accommodation for every lifestyle and budget. The Bondi backpacker accommodations are some of the most popular in Australia. At the other end of the scale, you can choose a 5 star resort with spectacular views. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it in Bondi.

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Sydney: There is No Other Place Quite Like It
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011 /

There is an advertising slogan that says, "There’s no place in the world like Sydney." That’s true enough, but what’s different about it? It has a harbour and a famous bridge, but so does San Francisco. It has an iconic architectural symbol in the Sydney Opera House, but Paris has one too, in the Eiffel Tower. It has some of the world’s greatest beaches at its doorstep, but so do a few other great cities of the world. So, once again, what’s so different about Sydney.

Sydney Opera House and Bridge

The temperature has something to do with what makes Sydney special. San Francisco is virtually surrounded by water, just like Sydney, but it’s hard to enjoy it when it’s almost always freezing cold in San Francisco, inside or outside of the water. For most of the year, the water and air temperature in Sydney is ideal for beach and water lovers. Just cool enough to be invigorating and just warm enough to be inviting, it’s no wonder that the beaches in Sydney are some of the best in the world.

There is no denying that Paris is a great city and there is nothing wrong with its being so, well, Parisian. But Sydney is a melting pot of people from around the globe. You can go to a café in Glebe and get great Greek food. In Balmain, you can find dozens of restaurants that serve modern Western cuisine. In Surry Hills, you can find a little café that serves the best Italian dishes you’ll find anywhere this side of Florence. Then there are the Asian restaurants and the . . . . The list goes on and on.

New York is a great city, but you wouldn’t really feel comfortable walking around in NYC in a pair of shorts and a tee shirt. In Sydney, it’s not only accepted, it’s the norm. Among world financial centres, Sydney has to get first prize for being the most laid back and relaxed. That’s not to say they don’t take care of business in Sydney. They just do it Sydney style.

Sydney harbour

What other large metropolitan city can you commute to from your mountain top retreat? Thousands of Sydney workers commute to the city from the beautiful Blue Mountains every day. At the end of the day and on weekends, they are surrounded by pristine wilderness, while during the week they are part of the action in the dynamic Sydney city centre. As a visitor to Sydney, you, too can enjoy the Blue Mountains. They are just a short train ride away.

Sydney is in Australia. No other metropolis of Sydney’s size can make that claim. Sydney is steeped in Australia’s unique lifestyle. When you visit Sydney, you get to enjoy one of the friendliest, most relaxed cultures in the world.

From your Sydney accommodation anywhere in the city, you can easily enjoy everything this great city has to offer. The public transportation system is extensive and modern. Take the train or the bus anywhere you want to go, from Bondi Beach to the heart of the Central Business District. Don’t worry about changing your clothes. Nobody will bat an eye is you’re walking through the financial district wearing flipflops on your feet and have a beach towel thrown over your shoulder.

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