It would be true to say that no cricket holiday to Oz is complete without a stay in Sydney. From penal colony to Olympic host, Australia’s largest city has undergone one mighty transformation.
Sydneysiders benefit from unlimited shopping opportunities, close proximity to beaches and a thriving nightlife. Sydney at New Year has always been the place to be, and in 2017/18 the last Test, in particular, rounded the celebrations off in style!
Enjoy Sydney’s natural beauty as you cruise along sparkling Sydney Harbour and take in the sights of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Australia’s largest and most popular city also boasts a thriving restaurant scene, colourful festivals, world-class sporting events and countless art galleries. Walk or cycle along the scenic shoreline and take a dip at one of Sydney’s many beaches. To live out the Australian lifestyle, head to Bondi Beach for a surf lesson or simply relax on the golden sand and take it all in.
Less than two hours away from Sydney by car or by train, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains await you. So called because of the blue haze that emits from the vast eucalypt forests that carpet the valley floors, the Blue Mountains offer adventure in abundance. Take a self-guided hike along one of many walking trails or join a bushwalking tour to learn more about the area’s natural landscape. Explore at a slower pace at Scenic World in Katoomba, which offers spectacular views across the Jamison Valley via the Scenic Skyway. Or simply stroll the local shops and soak up the café culture in Leura – we recommend Leura Garage.
Only two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region, pairs up artisan chocolates and cheeses with its acclaimed Semillon and Shiraz. With more cellar doors than any other wine region in Australia, there are plenty of options for wine tasting in scenic surroundings. The region also offers many touring options, so you can easily get from winery to winery, plus visit golf courses, awarded restaurants and delightful hotels and spas. For bird’s-eye views, float above the vineyards on a hot air balloon ride and watch kangaroos hop along the vineyards.
Eighty years old but still as beautiful as ever, Sydney Harbour Bridge is a true Aussie icon. If you’ve a head for heights, the bridge climb is an exhilarating way to get breathtaking views of Sydney. But a simple stroll across the span from the city centre to North Shore is just as appealing. Join the crowds on New Year’s Eve for the party that kick starts 2018.
No visit to Sydney is complete without a journey through this iconic building; take a tour to discover the history of how it was built and see the stages that play host to more than 1600 shows a year. Architect Jorn Utzon’s dream was to make Sydney Opera House a symbol of this city’s seafaring history. His dream came true. It is now so familiar that its sail-like structure represents Sydney in a nutshell and formed the basis for the 2000 Olympic Games logo. Book in to see a show or explore this unmissable world heritage-listed masterpiece on tours which run daily from 9am-5pm.
Once upon a time, cut-throat gangs pounced on unsuspecting travellers in its narrow, cobbled lanes. Life is a little more chic in The Rocks these days! Galleries, restaurants, pubs and souvenir shops have usurped the ladies of the night and plagues of rats in this lively Sydney neighbourhood. However, you’re still likely to find plenty of local characters here in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge.
Head south from Sydney and in just an hour’s drive you will find yourself in the Royal National Park, Australia’s oldest national park. Here there are abundant opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural landscape, from bushwalking to birdwatching, surfing, fishing and whale watching. You can take in this national park by driving the Grand Pacific Drive, which winds its way down the New South Wales south coast. Drive along the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge and stop off at many beautiful coastal towns. Continue all the way to Jervis Bay and you’ll find some of Australia’s most pristine beaches with dazzling white sand.
Feeling Manly? The beaches of Sydney offer plenty of opportunities for top quality water sport activities and fun in the sun. They are split into the Harbour’s Northern Beaches including Manly’s network of coves and sands and the Southern suburban beaches around Bondi. There are more than 60 to choose from, including Botany Bay where you can combine sun worshipping with close-up plane spotting.
Sydney Local Time
+10 Hours GMT
You require a valid passport and visa for the duration of stay
Highest Average: 28°
Lowest Average: 8°
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