Sydney Hotels

Exploring the major attractions can be an easy feat as all are accessible within the city centre. Being the oldest city down under, Sydney has sections well preserved to show the early settlement. It takes a good pair of comfy shoes to see Sydney's famed landmark sights as this city is made for walking!

Attractions

Looking at Sydney's cityscape leaves one awed at one of the most picturesque backdrops in the world. Two main figures dominate the skyline, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Climbing the bridge is not for the faint-hearted as the 3 hour trek takes you to dizzying heights but the views are to die for!

In the same area as the bridge, you can find the well-restored 19th century village, The Rocks, giving visitors to Sydney a glimpse of the old-world with its heritage houses, cobblestone streets, craft shops and quaint buildings which seem to appear out of a Dickens novel. Tourists flock to Cadman's Cottage, built in 1816, and two of Sydney's oldest pubs, the Lord Nelson and the Hero of Waterloo.

Museums and theme parks are aplenty in Sydney. The Museum of Sydney, Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Australian Museum have some magnificent pieces on show. For some Hollywood magic, the Fox Studios recreates movie madness varying from live action to animation. And animal lovers would revel in seeing koalas, kangaroos and other animals found at the Taronga Zoo.

To experience more of the culture down under, head to the coast and watch how Australia's beaches take on a life of its own! Bondi has a beautiful coastline alive with excitement and chatter from the pubs and restaurants (though some are overpriced). Ideal for kids and easily accessible from the city, Bondi is the perfect place to enjoy the Aussie sun. For a quieter pace, Manly Beach is unharried and the clean beach attracts families. Good dining options are also a crowd-drawer. Beach-hopping in Sydney needless to say comes with a warning, put on that sunblock as the sun's rays can be awfully strong!

Beyond Sydney about two hours away, there lies the allure of the Blue Mountains, home to some of Australia's unique fauna & flora. Northwest of the city you can find Hunter Valley for scenic wine tasting in the vineyards where most Aussie wines are bottled.

Events

The New Year fireworks display is a much-awaited spectacle with spectacular laser shows to start the year with a big bang. Then the fun continues with the Sydney Festival from 8th until the 26th of January offering events like movies, concerts, exhibits and food fests.

Sydney hosts a Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras every year ushering frivolous parades with flamboyant floats and performances. Wild parties go on from mid February to early March painting the town a bright vibrant red!

Come Boxing Day, scores of well-wishers cheer the flotilla of yachts joining the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Climate

• Spring (September - November) 13-22oC; wet but overall pleasant
• Summer (December - February) 18-26oC; hot and humid
• Autumn (March - May) 17-22oC; warm and crisp
• Winter (June - August) 9-17oC; nice at daytime but temperatures can drop at night