This post was written by Manveen Maan
BRUSH UP ON YOUR AUSSIE LINGO AND HOP A FLIGHT TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER, AS MANVEEN MAAN SHARES HER INSIDER TRAVEL TIPS FROM AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST AND MOST COSMOPOLITAN CITY.
Despite its relative proximity to Asia, Sydney is often overlooked as a tourist destination. Perhaps it is the high cost of accommodation or the perception of it not being arty enough that has Sydney trailing behind other world cities on the must-visit list. Sydney however, is Australia’s biggest drawing card.
As the country’s largest and most diverse city, Sydney is home to an international melting pot of cultures, food, music, and people. A vibrant city, Sydney has much to offer including amazing museums, a pulsating arts scene, great beaches, restaurants serving nearly every cuisine under the sun; in fact, Sydney offers so much that everyone who visits inevitably departs a bit jealous of the locals who get to inhabit such a truly cosmopolitan city.
Only an 8-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, Sydney is jam-packed with tons of interesting places to visit, attractions to check out and food to eat. Here are some tips on what the city has to offer:
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE – The Opera House is undoubtedly the most iconic landmark of Sydney. Designed by Danish architect Jan Utzon in 1956, it is easily Australia’s most recognisable icon. Situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point, The Opera House hosts performances by The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, amongst others. Keeping in theme with the Aussie laid-back lifestyle, the minimum dress standards are neat and casual. If the arts are not your scene, catch a ferry from Circular Quay for an amazing view of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE – Another highly recognizable symbol of Australia, the Sydney Harbour Bridge provides a frame for one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Nicknamed “The Coat Hanger,” it has connected the Sydney CBD to the North Shore since opening in 1932 and is also the site of the Harbour Bridge Climb, an ascent to the top of the structure itself. If scaling great heights is not your cup of tea, take a stroll along the pedestrian walkway of the bridge – it has a magnificent view and is free.
The harbour also holds Australia’s biggest global event, the internationally acclaimed New Year’s Eve celebrations where some 4,500 kilos of fireworks explode above the water. Its celebrations watched by more than one billion people both at the harbour itself and on television, Sydney is the first major city to usher in the New Year and never fails to put on a jaw-dropping show.
THE ROCKS & CIRCULAR QUAY – If you fancy a spot of history, visit The Rocks, one of the city’s most picturesque areas. A precinct of narrow cobblestoned laneways and former merchants’ homes, it was originally inhabited by indigenous people, then claimed by European settlers in 1788. Now a hotspot of galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and souvenir shops, this charming location is the site of the popular weekly markets and is a great spot for an evening drink with beautiful harbour views.
A short walk from The Rocks, Circular Quay is the port hub where ferries and cruise ships board and depart. Peppered with restaurants and cafés, it is a great spot to tuck into a good meal while watching street performers and buskers entertain passersby.
BEACH CULTURE – Blessed with beautiful weather and a stunning coastline, Sydney is home to a plethora of spectacular beaches. Known for some of the best surfing waves in the world, Bondi Beach is arguably the city’s most famous and most visited beach for good reason. Bordered by chic cafes, pubs, and gelaterias, there’s even the option of saltwater sea baths at either end of the beach should the waves get too rough for your liking.
If visiting just one beach doesn’t do the job, try the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk to get your fix of the city’s coastline. The 6-km cliff-top walk features stunning views, parks, cliffs, and bays while allowing you to stroll past Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, and Clovelly Beach before arriving at Coogee Beach.
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS – Nestled on the shores of the Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens is one attraction that should not be missed. Saunter through the flora and fauna on free guided walks or hop on the Choo Choo Express for a relaxing train tour through the gardens. Once you’re all walked out, take a breather at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a popular spot to rest and snap some pictures with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background.
ART GALLERY OF NSW – For those who scoff at the lack of Sydney’s art scene, the Art Gallery of NSW will prove you wrong. Housed in The Domain and overlooking scenic Woolloomooloo Bay, the Gallery is one of Australia’s leading art museums, with five levels presenting a diverse range of art. The permanent collection includes Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art, Colonial & 20th Century Australian Art, Old European Masters and Asian Galleries and Contemporary Works. The gallery also presents a number of fascinating exhibitions throughout the year so be sure to check out their website for details.
TARONGA ZOO – Most zoos would not be featured on the list of places to visit but Taronga Zoo makes the cut mainly due to its spectacular location, right on Sydney Harbour itself. A 12-minute ferry ride from the city, Taronga Zoo is home to a marvellous array of exotic and native animals including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, wallabies, and crocodiles. Highlights include the Seal Show and Taronga’s iconic Free Flight Bird Show at the amphitheatre offering panoramic harbour views.
SHOPPING – Despite being deemed not quite as fashion-savvy as that other Australian city (ahem… Melbourne), Sydney manages to attract locals and visitors alike to its many outlets. The city centre is home to The Strand Arcade, Queen Victoria Building, Pitt Street Mall, and the newly opened Westfield, all carrying the latest fashions from major retailers both from Australia and around the world. Sydney’s inner-city shopping precincts include hip and urban Surry Hills, stylish and chic Paddington, and Newtown, which is known for its edgier, bohemian styles. If you’re up for the trek, catch a train out west to Homebush to pick up some great bargains from the Direct Factory Outlet (DFO).
INTERNATIONAL CUISINE – If there’s one thing Sydney does well, it is catering to the taste buds of the world. With a diverse population of over 4.6 million people, it is no wonder the city boasts some of the most varied cuisines you can find. Whether you’re after Thai, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Vietnamese, or just plain ol’ Aussie, these authentic delights are readily available and will leave you wanting more. Sydney also boasts a number of hatted restaurants including Marque, Quay, Sepia and the newly opened Momofuku Seiobo. Make a special trip to Adriano Zumbo’s Lab in Rozelle for a taste of some heavenly macarons, and to Black Star Pastry in Newtown for some amazing chocolate cake.
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Malaysia Airlines flies to Sydney twice a day, every day. Visit www. malaysiaairlines.com.my to book.
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Source: The Expat December 2012
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