New South Wales > Sydney & Surrounds

Vast, vibrant and fun Sydney is the epitome of the Australian surf, sand and sun cliché. Carved out of sandstone headlands with golden beaches and world-class surf, this city offers the ultimate in outdoor living.

Situated at the heart of the city is the harbour, arguably one of the most beautiful waterways in the world, where the curves of the Sydney Opera House shimmer in the sunlight and a myriad of boats gently cascade across the water.

Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city and is regarded by many as the country's capital in all but name. It's a thriving centre for both business and the arts with a buzzing cafe culture, a vibrant nightlife, and a restaurant scene fit to rival the most gastronomic destinations.

The Sydney experience could be described as a physical one. Semitropical summers and mild winters mean that days spent indoors are rare. Take a swim off of Bondi Beach or take a coastal walk to Coogee. Learn to surf at Manly, kayak around the harbour, or just simply sunbathe on one of the northern beaches.

Sydney also has a cultural diversity. The museums, galleries, theatres and concert venues should satisfy those seeking more cerebral pursuits. History buffs will enjoy The Rocks, where Sydney's beginnings as a British penal colony remain, and further downtown grand Victorian structures sit side by side modern monoliths in glass and steel.

 

Sydney is also a great base to explore the Hunter Valley famed for excellent wines, the Blue Mountains, named so as a blue haze comes from the many Eucalyptus trees that are abundant here.  For those who wish to get back to nature a trip to Port Stephens is a must, where you can indulge and interact with the wild dolphins that swim these shores.