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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Darling Harbour wasn’t always what it is today. In fact, prior to 1988, it was a dismal, neglected industrial park with a haunted feeling to it. Back in the 19th century until well into the 20th century, Darling Harbour and neighbouring Pyrmont hummed with activity throughout a long period of manufacturing. Then, when the manufacturing industries moved away from the city, the factories and warehouses closed one by one until the massive brick buildings were finally left derelict.

As Australia’s Bicentennial approached, civic leaders lead by Premier Neville Wran decided it was time to reinvigorate Darling Harbour for a new era and it was formally re-opened just in time for the 1988 celebrations. Then, when Sydney prepared to host the 2000 Olympic Games, a further $1.5 billion was poured into Darling Harbour. This massive influx of funds is what made Darling Harbour what it is today.

You don’t need a reason to enjoy Darling Harbour. On a warm spring day, there’s nothing more enjoyable than taking a stroll across Pyrmont Bridge and then along the long promenade that stretches along the waterside in front of the development. If you’re feeling hungry, there are dozens of cafes, restaurants and take-out stalls to choose from. It’s a great place to bring the whole family. The kids love to take the miniature train tour and, for a big day out, there’s the Sydney Aquarium, one of the world’s largest, the IMAX theatre and the fascinating National Maritime and Powerhouse Museums.

There are so many things to do and see in Darling Harbour, many Sydney residents return again and again and do something different every time. If you’ve taken the kids to see the aquarium, you’ll want to bring them back again to see Sydney Wildlife World with its 6000 varieties of Australian wildlife. Then, for a night on the town without the children, you can enjoy the spectacle of Star City Casino. Inside the casino, Sydney’s Lyric Theatre and Star Theatre are two of Sydney’s premier entertainment venues.

Back outside, you can enjoy a ride on the Sydney monorail and get a bird’s eye view of Sydney or you can see the city from a dolphin’s perspective aboard a Sydney Harbour cruise. Then again, if you feel you need a bit of peace and tranquillity, a visit to the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship, with its wonderful gardens, lakes and waterfalls is sure to put your mind and spirit at ease.

All of these things and more are at your fingertips at Darling Harbour. It’s no wonder so many people choose to stay at a Darling Harbour accommodation when they visit Sydney. There’s no better place to begin your day, end your day or enjoy your day than Darling Harbour.

Sydney Harbor Bridge itself looms over the water like a giant coat hanger, a term used affectionately by the locals. A climbing tour is offered if you’re willing to fork out around $170.00 for the hike. If not however you can still walk across at road level for free. The added bonus is that you can take your camera with you for some shots of the Opera House and surrounding area.

Once across the bridge, on the opposite side of the city centre, is Milsons Point. Home to the heritage listed Luna Park Sydney, an old fashioned fun park where roller coasters, ferris wheels and other rides of old bring a little nostalgia to the waterfront. Entry to the grounds is free, so you only pay for the rides and amusements you use. If fun parks aren’t your thing, tucked under the bridge is a waterfront park providing a perfect place to spend a lazy few hours stretched out on the grass with a picnic taking in the spectacular views of Sydney’s central business district.

Heading back across the bridge, you come to Sydney’s historic The Rocks. This is one of the most historic parts of Australia and the area where the first British settlers landed and from which the bustling city, and indeed country, grew. Once occupied by convicts and prostitutes, today The Rocks’ cobblestone laneways are full of designer shops, art galleries and eateries. The area lends itself perfectly to the aimless wander and is dotted with historic watering holes in which to rest weary feet and replenish

A short stroll from The Rocks is Circular Quay, a transport hub with ferries departing for suburbs across the bay. From here you can catch one of the ferries to Manly or Toronga Zoo, or maybe purchase a Daytripper ticket, which lets you ride as many ferries on the same day as you like and explore some of the lesser known suburbs of the city. The Daytripper is also valid on Metro trains and buses for those who are looking to explore a little further.

Apart from the ferry terminals, Circular Quay boasts many fine restaurants, with superb views of the quay (and prices to match). Stroll further onward and you will come to the Sydney Opera House. The once controversial structure stands proudly above the water, defying convention as it overlooks proceedings on the waterways and the street.

A show at the Opera House is a must. If opera is not your thing, there are also orchestral performances, plays, concerts and comedy shows to provide something for everyone. Tours of the building are also available and include a walk onto one of the stages.

Turning away from the harbor and the Opera House, you come to the Royal Botanical Gardens, a huge sprawling space dedicated to various varieties of trees, plants and shrubs. It is easy to get lost in the gardens wandering the many paths and admiring whichever flowers are in season at the time. Near the center is a shop and café should you wish to eat on your visit, or you can bring your own and eat on one of the many lawns.

If you are visiting late in the day, beware of the resident flying foxes, which generally sleep during the day, but can raise an almighty racket when the sun goes down.

Whatever your interest, Sydney’s harbor has something for you, and to top it off, some of the most spectacular views you are likely to find anywhere in the world.

About the Author: Mark Eden is a freelance travel photographer and writer, and the founder and director of Expanse Photography, a photographic services company offering fine art, limited edition prints as well as stock and assignment photography and publishing services. Mark can be contacted through the Expanse Photography website http://www.expansephotography.com.

Source: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=185906&ca=Travel

Sydney Related Resources
Sydney Accommodation
BridgeClimb Sydney
Sydney Kayak Tours & Hire

Interested about Wildlife in Australia? If you are landing in Sydney, a couple of places are distinguished for this purpose. Discover furry koalas, skipping kangaroos and shy platypus in zoos and wildlife parks just minutes from the heart of Sydney city.

Don’t expect to see kangaroos or reptiles when you have landed in Sydney, if you do, you must have landed somewhere else. If you have confirmed your destination (which is Sydney) then I guess you must have your eyes checked.

Many tourists still see Australia as having a land with kangaroos on the street. Most of them are found somewhere on the bush or some place where they can feel that they have the sense of habitat. The easiest way to experience fauna in Sydney is to transport to the zoos, the largest collection of the city’s wildlife is at Taronga Zoo, its size and its years of serving makes it a spectacular place to discover wildlife and preservation. Taronga zoo is located north of Sydney Harbour. To get there, take a ferry from Circular Quay and the Central Business District, the trip is approximately 12 minutes. Make it scenic, transport through one of the cable cars of Sky Safari that operates from the Top Entrance to the Ferry Wharf from 9.30am to 5.00pm daily. Not finding it cool? Take the bus.

Some people wishes to discover Australian wildlife in their original habitat and state, one way of doing this is hiring a 4WD or a campervan hire Australia, depending on your intended wildlife location. Why not, if you have more than a day and would love to do other stuff like hiking, camping, etc, this is a call for adventure. Handle some safety while doing this and always as a local about animal behaviors.

Another wildlife haven in Sydney is the Sydney Wildlife World located within walking distance of the city centre. It is an ideal place to see wildlife given the limited time. Sydney Wildlife World is adjacent to Sydney Aquarium, between Cockle Bay and King St Wharf. Also consider Featherdale Wildlife Park, located in the western Sydney suburb of Doonside, about 40 minutes by road from the Sydney centre.

About the Author:

Greengirl Sydney travels Australia, New Zealand and USA. Choose your motorhome from Camper Australia and start your journey of exploring wildlife and vast attractions Down Under.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – A glimpse of Sydney’s wildlife

Sydney Related Resources
Sydney Accommodation
Taronga Zoo
Sydney Aquarium
Featherdale Wildlife Park