Sydney.

Shopping, adventure, food, what more could you want?

Sydney is Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name.

Sydney is blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly people.

The magic of the 2000 Olympics has been wonderfully captured by this proud city.

The entire Olympic precinct at Homebush is still intact, and all the magic moments have been preserved.

Why not take a dip in the pool that ‘the Thorpedo’ made famous, or walk around the track that Cathy Freeman kissed in victory.

In this wonderful city, which was host to what many believe was the finest Olympic Games in modern times, there is so much to see and do that the visitor really does need “a month of Sundays” as my mother used to say, to see and do it all.

Fortunately, these are located within cooee of each other so a good Sydney harbour cruise should cover it.

Why not get above it all with a helicopter ride, or better yet, get the ultimate bird's eye view of Sydney city by taking a trip to the top of Sydney Tower.

Standing a mighty 300 metres above the CBD, the Tower offers 360-degree views of this beautiful city, ensuring the vertigo is absolutely worth it.

For the more adventurous go to the top and see the city from the clouds while walking the tower secured by a harness.

Or perhaps a stroll along the scenic six kilometers from Bondi to Coogee or a romantic dinner cruise on the harbour are more your pace....

First-time visitors will also love SkyTour, the multimedia extravaganza detailing the past, present and future of this amazing city and beyond.

Sydney proudly celebrates its rich history and colourful evolution and even though it's come a long way from its convict beginnings, it still has a rough and ready energy and offers an invigorating blend of the old and the new, the raw and the refined.

While high culture attracts some to the Opera House, gaudy nightlife attracts others to Kings Cross.

Sydney is comfortable to visit at any time of year, but unless you enjoy humidity, broken by the odd torrential downpour, keep away in summer.

Autumn and spring are delightful, especially with clear, warm days and mild nights although in spring (September to November) there's more chance of rain, but it usually clears quickly.

Average temperatures are around 25°C (77°F), though it can get to over 40°C (104°F) in summer. By and large, Sydneysiders enjoy well over 300 sunny days a year.

The oldest, largest and one of the most beautiful cities in Australia, Sydney is memorable for far more than its famous landmarks.

Created around one of the world’s most dazzling harbours, this chic, cosmopolitan city offers an endless array of attractions and activities.

On arrival, you'll be stunned by her natural beauty and with an enormous programme of festivals, exhibitions, music, theatre, sport, celebrations and must-dos, a trip to Sydney will fulfill any expectations.

If you’re into retail therapy the Sydney shopping scene is a dream come true.

If you start in the city itself the Queen Victoria Building has three levels of exclusive boutique labels, jewellery and accessories as well as underground shopping arcades.

The Strand Arcade is another fine destination, with a mix of fashion, food and jewellery.

Top local labels such as Lisa Ho, Von Troska, Wayne Cooper, and Billion Dollar Babes are mixed in with funky jewellery shops like Dinosaur Designs, Victoria Spring and Love and Hatred.

Street markets are also an integral part of the city's weekend life, with weekly markets at Balmain, Bondi, Glebe and Paddington.

Here you really can “shop ‘til you drop”.

If shopping is a bit mundane for your taste try the Harbour bridge climb, a three to five hour adventure which will test your nerve and your head for heights, or take an awe inspiring tour of Telstra Stadium home to so many of Australia’s sporting triumphs.

Sydney also has an enviable reputation as a great food destination.

Eating out is part of the great city experience that visitors have come to expect.

There are famous eat streets like Darling Street in Balmain, King Street Newtown and Norton Street in Leichhardt.

Dine on fresh fish 'n chips at Manly beach, try the seafood platter at Jordon's at Darling Harbour or the barbecued calamari at Nick's at Cockle Bay.

You won’t be disappointed.

If you would also like to know what's on in town this week, gigs, movies, live theatre, the best bars and so on try here you'll find it all.

One last thing, if you intend, as you should, to see more than just one or two of these wonderful attractions you must get yourself a see Sydney card.

See over 40 of the top tourist attractions including Luna Park, Jenolan Caves, the Aquarium and Majestic Harbour Cruises all for one low price including free guide book.

Visit as few as 2 to save!

Yes, superb shopping, awesome adventure, fabulous food, what more could you want?

Enjoy..........

John.

PLEASE NOTE: If you don't know what an RSS feed is just click this link.