SYDNEY
A true shopping Mecca Sydney's Central Business District is home to some of the city's best shopping arcades and malls. There are over four hundred specialty stores in eight major retail centres in Pitt Street Mall alone.
It's hard to miss Australia's tallest structure, Sydney Tower, where you can travel to the top to take in spectacular 360-degree views of Sydney, inside, or outside on Skywalk. Shop in style at the famous Queen Victoria building then discover Castlereagh and Elizabeth Streets, home to many international designer labels.
Explore the beautifully restored Victorian shopping arcades, such as the Queen Victoria Building and the Strand Arcade. Visit the Archibald Fountain and ANZAC Memorial in Sydney's famous Hyde Park. Take a walk down to the George Street cinema precinct to catch a latest release movie.
Incorporating the harbour's islands and much of the Foreshore, Sydney Harbour National Park brims with picnic areas, bays, harbour pools and beaches to relax in. It's where ferries, yachts, cruise vessels, jet boats, catamarans and kayaks all jostle for a piece of the world's best harbour.
Laze on a chartered yacht moored in a bay or unwind on a scenic cruise, plenty of which are on offer from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. Well worth touring are the historically significant Sydney Harbour Islands : Shark, Clark, Goat or Rodd - where you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by the harbour. For further stunning vistas one of the many walks you can go on includes the Hermitage Foreshore walk from Rose Bay to Vaucluse, or from Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay.
If you're in the mood for an adrenalin surge flash past the Opera House and zoom towards the Heads on a jet boat ride of Sydney Harbour. With is shores bustling with commuters, tourists and buskers Circular Quay, located between Sydney's Opera House and The Rocks, is the hub of Sydney's water traffic and ferry services. From there you can travel on the ferries Sydneysiders use for commuting for a picturesque way to visit many waterside precincts including Balmain, Darling Harbour, Double Bay, Manly, Mosman and Watson's Bay.
Australian beach culture.....with attitude, home to Bondi Surf Bathers, the oldest life saving club in Australia established in 1906, Bondi's beach-centric reputation is long established. With its lifesavers, surfers, sun worshippers and barefoot locals Bondi is a definitive example of Sydney's city beach culture.
While the beach is popular, cross Campbell Parade and enjoy Bondi away from the sand. Take in the view of the Pacific from one of the laidback outdoor cafes or trendy restaurants that serve lively crowds with brunch, lunch and dinner. Watch for celebrities from behind your sunglasses.
Don't have any? Bondi is the place to buy them, with an abundance of shops selling the whole gamut of fashionable surfwear and beach accessories or visit the popular beachside markets on Sundays. Enjoy the outdoor dining scene and watch the passing parade of roller bladers, skateboarders and exercise fanatics pounding the promenade from the comfort of your chair.
