We all knew a Sydney or two in high school, and girls with this name were usually real heartbreakers. However, this story is not about a girl and it is definitely not a heart-breaking one. This is a compilation of experiences and great memories that I had during my stay in Sydney, Australia. During those couple of days this incredible city won my heart and I know that I will try to go there as many times as I can.

Divine climate and shiny happy people 

The first thing that strikes you as you arrive at the Sydney Airport and get off your plane is the sun. I have been to many countries but the Australian sun is different from anything I have seen and felt so far. The Australian climate is definitely among the most enjoyable ones in the whole world. Of course, I am not talking about the arid climate that prevails in the inland, but the cozy and mild conditions in New South Wales, where Sydney is situated. The climate in this part of Australia is the most similar to the Californian and the Mediterranean climate and it goes without saying how beneficial it is for our health and mind.

As you get bathed by the silky touch of Sydney sunrays, the next thing that you notice are people, who seem so happy and relaxed that you wish at once to stay there for a long period of time. It is probably partly due to the climate, but most probably because of the great economic and social system of Australia. It is not wonder that Australia is one of the best countries to live by the quality of living criteria.

Wonderful sights and affordable accommodation

As you travel from the airport to the city centre, you stay breathless due to the beauty and cleanness of the whole city. As you get to the center, you will see the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which are a part of every itinerary for foreigners. However, I would like to recommend visiting other interesting sights in the city centre, such as Macquarie Street, which is a host to many interesting attractions such as the Parliament House and the Old Mint. In addition to this sight-adorned street, every first-time Sydney visitor has to see Circular Quay, which is the central point of the Sydney Harbour and a real tourist hub with restaurants, a promenade and street musicians.

When it comes to accommodation, if you have a substantial budget for this trip, you can choose from a wide range of center-based hotels. However, if you would like to save some money on accommodation and have more assets for museums and other sights, you could try a boutique hotel Sydney accommodation facility in Randwick. This is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Sydney and from here you can easily get to Bondi or Coogee and many other beaches and parts of the city by bus.

Follow in the Olympic footsteps

Thanks to the Summer Olympic Games that were held in Sydney in 2000, today you can go and see a vast array of attractions left behind the games. Some of them still have their primary role for which they were built, while some others have a different purpose now.

The Olympic tour should begin at the AZN Stadium, where the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympics took place. This monumental edifice is still an arena of numerous sports battles which attracts both local sport enthusiasts and tourists.

On your tour de Sydney Olympics sights, you should not miss the Sydney Aquatic Center, where all the swimming and water polo events of the Sydney Olympics took place. Also, there are numerous memorabilia from famous Australian swimmers. For further sights and interesting venues, have a look at the Sydney Olympic Park website.

The already fabulous impression of this marvelous city would be even more fantastic if I had a pleasure of meeting a Sydney-named Aussie girl to show me the Sydney foreigners rarely get to know. For the time being and the first stay in Sydney, I am still swept by the charm and good vibrations that Sydney, its sights and beaches and shiny happy people send to tourists from the whole world. There are still many attractions that I am yet to visit on my future travels to this gem of Australian coast.

How the Other Half Travel the Globe

I recently had a little trip to Sydney with the family. We headed there for a friend’s 50th and thought we’d make a holiday out of it. We found ourselves a super, little apartment near Manly via AirBNB and so had access to many fabulous locations – unfortunately the weather wasn’t the best. It didn’t stop us from doing things but well, it wasn’t exactly summer holiday weather!

Our second day we jumped on a ferry from Manly and headed to Circular Quay and were confronted not only with the 2nd biggest cruise ship ever but, also this luxurious, private boat. How the other half get about. Funnily enough, on my return home, I was on Google+ to see one of my connections had photographed this same boat, in the same position but his photo also captured a secret hutch I was not aware of. Where you see the oval window in about the centre of the boat on the upper level, this in fact opens up to reveal a little get-about boat!  

10 Little Gems in Sydney as Suggested by a Local

Born and bred Aussie, Isobel Daly has lived in Sydney most of her life: “It’s such a vibrant city, with so much on offer, one moment you can be sunbathing at the beach, yet just round the corner you can be lost in beautiful gardens or immersed in the business district; and this isn’t even touching on the harbour or attractions such as the hundreds of bars, cafes, restaurants and shops Sydney has to offer!”

Here, she spills the beans on her favourite hidden gems for eating, drinking and generally relaxing, resulting in some great advice for people going on Australia holidays.

My favourite hang out
I love hanging out at Icebergs at Bondi Beach. It has large balconies and windows from which you can see some amazing views across the beach. The place is stylish, sophisticated and relaxing making it a very popular hangout. I like to go there for evening drinks but if you fancy eating in there, I would advise you to book a table as it often gets really busy.
Tip: Try to visit around sundown as it’s a great spot to see some amazing sunsets across the beach
1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach 2026, Australia +61 2 9365 9000 ‎

My favourite bar
The interior of the Ivy Bar is amazing; in fact the whole building is gorgeous and it’s worth going there just to see the bar alone. Through eight zones and on different levels, the décor’s influence is a mix of very modern with very grand and all the soft furnishings and muted colours help to still give a sophisticated, yet homely feel. If you’re there early evening, I’d recommend their cocktails but it’s also a great place to end the night as they throw some awesome parties so you can dance the night away.
Tip: It’s more of a standing/dancing establishment so wear appropriate shoes and if you want a seat or there’s a group of you, you may want to phone ahead to book an area.
330 George St, Sydney, NSW, 2000 +61 2 9240 3000

My favourite restaurant
Tetsuya’s is a great place to go if you’re celebrating something special like an anniversary. Be prepared for a lot of courses as the degustation (set menu) has nine courses of fine food for you to devour, with influences from France, Japan and modern Australia. While eating you can enjoy views across a Japanese-inspired courtyard of maples and waterfalls which results in a really relaxed atmosphere. You don’t need to take my word for this one as Tetsuya’s has been included in The S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants for years!
529 Kent Street, Sydney 2000, Australia +61 2 9267 2900 ‎

Where to share cheap and cheerful drinks with friends
Zanzibar rooftop bar is beautiful for early evening drinks while the sun goes down. The joint has a vibrant chatty atmosphere, making it a great place for a relaxing night catching up with friends. It’s the type of place where the night seems to fly by when you’re sharing some sangria and yummy tapas style tasting plates.
Tip: They have great cocktail happy hours on Friday and Saturday night.
323 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia +61 2 9519 1511 ‎

Where to grab brunch with friends
To have a lazy Sunday morning, to get over a hangover, or just to catch up with friends, Vargabar is a cute and cosy café which is great for brekky or lunch. Whilst they have an extensive drinks menu, milkshakes, smoothies and so on, their coffee is always good and highly recommended. You can find it on Wilson St in Newtown. Being a converted old second hand clothing store, it has a funky vibe and stands out from other cafés.
Tip: The café is quite small and often busy. If you arrive mid morning you may have to wait a little while for a table but it’s worth it.
10 Wilson St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia +61 2 9517 1932 ‎

Where to head for the perfect day out
My perfect day out, as stereotypical as it is, is a BBQ at the beach. If you visit Australia you have to throw at least one shrimp on the barbie! My favourite beach to recommend is Coogee beach. It’s less touristy than Bondi and if you fancy a walk, there’s a path from Bondi to Coogee. The walk takes about two hours, weaves around the cliffs of the coast and has fantastic views, rock pools and small beaches all the way.
Arden St, Coogee 2034, Australia

Where to escape from the crowds
When I really want to escape the crowds, I head off to the Botanic Gardens. Despite being in the centre of Sydney (just opposite the Sydney Opera House), it’s one of the most beautiful urban gardens I have been to. You can wander through; lose yourself in the exotic trees and spot wildlife such as cockatoos and fruit bats. There are also numerous lakes and benches which are great for relaxing with a picnic. From the gardens you can still see the Sydney skyline which looks fantastic, yet the gardens are so peaceful you’ll feel far away from the city.
Tip: Enthusiastic volunteers conduct free walks every morning at 10.30 which last 90 minutes and they teach about the vast flora and fauna of the gardens.
Mrs Macquarie’s Road, Sydney 2000, Australia +61 2 9231 8111

Where to find a relaxing cup of coffee
If I want to get lost in a crowd, I love to sit in one of the many coffee shops in the Queen Victoria Building and watch the world go by. Once a concert hall, the QVB is such a beautiful, elegant building which was built back in the 19th Century. It still keeps its elaborate Romanesque architecture, which was designed to resemble a Byzantine palace, has a cast iron circular staircase and you can’t miss the central copper dome and the glass roof.
455 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia +61 2 9264 9209 ‎

My favourite bookshop
I love browsing the bookshops of Sydney and my favourite has to be Kinokuniya. In the centre of town, the enormous shop stocks every book you can imagine; from foreign or obscure to graphic novels or new releases, the knowledgeable staff can always find what you’re looking for. And of course, no bookshop would be complete without lots of comfy couches and armchairs to relax in while you browse the books.
Tip: Pop into the coffee shop where they often have art galleries and exhibitions.
Level 2, The Galleries Victoria, 500 George St, Sydney, NSW, 2000

Where to go for shopping
For mainstream shopping I tend to go to Bondi Junction – there’s a huge Westfield shopping centre there with over 300 shops so you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. However, if you prefer browsing boutique shops for unique gems, try the smaller shops in Queen’s Street in Paddington.
Westfield: Bondi Junction 2022, Australia and Queen’s Street, Woollahra 2025, Australia

If this has whet your appetite to visit Sydney, Austravel has some great deals on flights to Australia at the moment, with prices available from as little at £679pp.

Travel Photo of the Week: Grafton, New South Wales, Australia

Grafton, also known as the Jacaranda City due to its many Jacaranda tree-lined streets. The town folk celebrate the Annual Jacaranda Festival which is held from the last weekend in October to the first weekend in November. The Festival has been running since 29 October 1935 and attracts visitors from all over the country and globe.

Photos courtesy of Katrina Murray