Sydney – everything begins at the city

Sydney is Australia’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city. Blessed with her own world-renowned harbour, she offers a plethora of exciting nightlife, shopping, attractions and events. In short, Sydney promises to be unlike any other destination you’ve been to.
Sydney possesses a vibrant and unique set of attractions for all ages and interests, but any visit should naturally begin with a tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House, with its magnificent sails, majestic theatres and performance venues where decades of theatrical and musical magic have taken place. Another must-do experience is the BridgeClimb tour, during which you climb the summit of the renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking panoramas of the city.

Sydney’s unique quality lies in its harbour, so every trip requires a sightseeing cruise along the waters. Board any of the array of cruises from
Circular Quay departing to nearby islands with their own range of attractions. We recommend heading to Taronga Zoo, 12 minutes away from the city and home to over 2900 exotic and native species. For a unique evening entertainment, board a Sydney Showboat for a sensational theatre cabaret and the finest international and Australian cuisine.
Spend a day at Darling Harbour, a festive venue of non-stop activities. There’s a wide array of attractions, including nature and wildlife exhibits. After all that sightseeing, you may like to relax with a day of shopping. Choose from the world-class designer stores to markets where you can pick up extraordinary bargains, quirky one-off souvenirs and many other interesting items.

If you can, do time your trip to coincide with the many annual events in Sydney. From 27 May to 21 June, the Sydney Opera House is lit up in a dazzling spectacle of lights, marking the Vivid Sydney event - the city’s new public festival of music, light and ideas, transforming The Rocks and Circular Quay into a spectacular living canvas. www.vividsydney.com

Sydney's beautiful Surrounds offer a full spectrum of attractions and experiences that are no less spectacular and rewarding. Visit sparkling waterways, World Heritage-listed national parks, age-old mountains and ravines, cascading waterfalls and some of the most stunning beaches on the planet.

Head to the Blue Mountains to revitalise and rejuvenate your senses. Be charmed by this tranquil region with its stunning views, lush greenery and bracing mountain air. Visit Scenic World, where you can ride the steepest incline railway in the world, and the Jenolan Caves, which are the oldest limestone caves ever discovered. Do stop at Bygone Beauties in Leura with its quaint collection of vintage gifts and teapots.

If you’re a wine connoisseur, the Hunter Valley region is the perfect place. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Brokenback Mountains, this wine country invites you to indulge in a luxurious lifestyle of wine-tasting, gourmet shopping, spa treatments and premier golf courses. An enchanting experience is ride in a hot air balloon as it floats gently above the vineyards.

Port Stephens is where all the fun and adventure is. This is the dolphin capital of Australia; board a cruise from Nelson Bay to see the dolphins playfully frolicking a few feet from you. Home to the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, Port Stephens is where you can embark on a rugged 4-wheel drive tour.

Wollongong is the perfect place for a relaxing coastal holiday. The best way to get here is to rent a car and drive down from Sydney taking in the scenic views en route. Pause for a photo op moment at the Sea Cliff Bridge, a great viewing platform for spectacular oceanic views. Parasail or tandem-glide from Bald Hill, exhilarating experiences with the added reward of inspiring panoramas of some of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia.
Qantas offers great connections and attractive fares into Sydney and Australia. So plan your holiday to Sydney and its Surrounds now.