Sunday, 11 October 2015

Personal Favourite Travel Destinations: Sydney


Even though London came out on top as the world's most popular tourist destination for 2015, we had to include a special mention for our home town of Sydney.

ABOUT SYDNEY

Sydney is the largest city in Australia and the capital of the state of New South Wales. Located on the east coast, Sydney has a showcase of beautiful beaches which are accompanied by beautiful sunny, weather towards the end and beginning of each year. It is also one of the most multicultural places in the world with over 31 languages spoken(at least 5000 people speaking each), about one third of residents speaking a language other than english and a population of over 4.2 million. The official residents of the city are known as "Sydneysiders".


ATTRACTIONS

Sydney is the oldest, largest and the most beautiful city in Australia. There are plenty of beautiful attractions for travellers to see including the famous Harbour bridge and the Opera house as well as Darling Harbour.

1. Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge or "coathanger" as some locals call it, is one of the most famous bridges in the world and a landmark prior to the construction of the Sydney Opera House. It was built in 1932 and is the world's largest steel arch bridge, connecting the city's north and south shores. On top sits 2 railways lines along with walkways and lanes for road traffic. Travellers can enjoy a stroll along the walkways or book a climb through BridgeClimb for an amazing panoramic view of the city. 

2. Sydney Opera House

The Opera House is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks and is a world heritage site as long as a star attraction on Sydney's stunning harbour. It was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973. It encompasses multiple theatres, exhibition rooms, a concert hall, cinema and studios in the interior and boasts a graceful, shell-like curves on the exterior. Tours can be booked online and they are well worth taking. Furthermore, photos can be taken while gliding on the harbour from a ferry or cruise, or perhaps from Mrs Macquarie's Chair for a really breathtaking photo.

3. Darling Harbour 

Darling harbour is both a hub for tourists and locals. It is located on the waterfront along the pier and boasts a bunch of entertainment including museums, theatres, exhibitions and other entertainment venues. It is also extremely family friendly as there are many family attractions including Madame Tussaud's, the Sydney wild life zoo and sea life aquarium. Furthermore, the powerhouse museum is located nearby and offers interactive exhibits, technology, history and design.


SOME SIMPLE TIPS

1. Buy an opal card. An opal card is extremely useful for getting around Sydney. It can be used for buses, trains and ferries. It also caps at $15 per day and after 8 trips per week so it can be very cheap and convenient to use an opal card.

2. No tips. Most Australian restaurants and services do not expect tips as there is a 10% GST service charge across the country so do not feel obligated to tip.

3. If the bridge climb option is too expensive, be sure to have a stroll across the walkways on the Harbour bridge to experience beautiful views of the Sydney harbour and around.

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