Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is known as the Harbour City. It’s the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia with a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful and livable cities. A temperate climate makes Sydney spectacular at any time of the year.
Brimming with history, nature, culture, art, fashion, cuisine and design, Sydney is situated next to miles of ocean coastline and sandy surf beaches. Long-term immigration has led to the city’s reputation as one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in Australia and the world.
The city is also home to the Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design, and the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of the most iconic structures on this planet. These beautiful images inspire people from all over the world to visit Sydney.
The World Heritage-listed Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts center and home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It has been home to many of the world’s greatest artists and performances. Opened in 1973, it is one of the 20th century’s most famous and distinctive buildings.
The Harbour Bridge, opened in 1932, is an impressive steel arch bridge across the blue waters of Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business and the North Shore. For those who are good with heights and would like to enjoy a truly spectacular view of the harbor, there are organized climbs to the top of the bridge. It is said that the climb is more demanding than climbing a set of stairs; however, it is not so demanding as the name implies. Positioned across Sydney’s breathtaking natural harbour, the bridge has become one of the most photographed features of this beautiful city. It is a world-renowned symbol of Australia.
Beyond Sydney, there are many great destinations to explore in regional New South Wales, from some of the world’s best surfing beaches and national parks to wonderful wine regions. The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains are just two hours from the city center by train.
Several years ago, I escorted a group of Warwick Travelers to Australia and New Zealand on a 23-day adventure. We took a guided tour and attended a performance at the amazing Sydney Opera House. We had one brave person in our group who chose to do the bridge climb. She said it was an awesome experience!
We traveled through the beautiful Blue Mountains region between Sydney and Cairns (the Great Barrier Reef, world’s largest coral reef system.) While in Cairns, we met up with my business partner, Gerry, who was escorting a group of Warwick Travelers on an ocean cruise from Sydney to Bangkok. They were visiting the Port of Cairns on our arrival date. Although this was not planned in advance, what great fun we had meeting up “down under!”
What an amazing trip—one of a lifetime! If you have not been, you must discover this land “down under.” Sydney was one of my favorite destinations, and I would love to return one day—it truly is Australia’s most beautiful city.
Whether by land or by cruise, add this to your bucket list—go now for an undeniably memorable adventure!
Nancy B. Alligood, CTC is general manager/owner of Warwick Travel Service, Inc.and can be reached at 757-599-3011 or at n_alligood@warwicktravel.com.
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