Sensational Sydney!

Good morning Sydney, Australia. A favorite spot on the planet, Sydney alone delivers a bucket full of life’s “must sees,” yet a visit to the country of Australia can keep you busy for weeks and you are likely to return home feeling like you’ve only scratched the surface. I’ve been several times and I still crave to go back and see more every year.

Sydney Harbor Bridge

In this post I’ll mention a few highlights for Sydney along with a few great tips to both get there and where to stay. But be on the lookout for my forthcoming special feature post that will share secrets for a more complete exploration of the land down under.

When traveling to Sydney from the US, you are likely to fly through San Francisco, LA or Dallas with some options connecting through Auckland, NZ. For me Qantas Airlines is a top choice to fly non-stop from LA via a380 service. The 2nd deck toward the rear of the aircraft has a special premium economy cabin that dims nicely and I find it easy to sleep. It’s often also available at a discounted price that’s just slightly higher then discounted regular economy. It’s definitely well worth a little more for some extra leg room, slightly larger seats and better food and beverage offering so you can get comfortable for this 14+ hour journey across the Pacific.

Qantas a380 ready to board!

As a regular oneworld alliance flyer, American Airlines like Qantas, is also a member. American now offers non-stop service to Sydney. If my mileage balance allows for upgrade, I’ll choose this homeland carrier to cash in points for the fully lie flat beds in the new international business class cabins that offer a great nights sleep. The plush down blankets and pillows along with great entertainment and food makes for a very comfortable journey. I’ve found AAVacations.com also to offer up some impressive combined hotel and airline packages at one low price. For instance, one package I priced out this past fall 2015 leaving end of December Thru beginning of January 2016 revealed the flight to cost about $2350 round trip LAX-SYD; but when I checked through the the American Airlines vacation packages site, the price dropped to $1750 per person on same flight based on two people traveling. The amazing thing is this also included a four star hotel for eight nights with five star options priced just slightly higher. So it was cheaper than the cost of a coach class ticket alone, but this also included accommodations in the price. That means booking through the vacation package part of the AA site literally could save you well over a thousand dollars or more.

When staying in Sydney, I highly recommend the The Westin Sydney . This is one of the more premium Westin hotel properties and its located right in the heart of the city. Of note, it’s partly housed in a beautifully restored historic building which was the former Grand Post Office at St Martin Place and now is a center of thriving entertainment, restaurant and bar options at GPO Grand – Sydney. You’ll be right in the thick of things close to museums, parks, restaurants, theater and shopping.

Good morning Sydney! The view on your morning jog along the Sydney Harbor bridge.

On a first trip I recommend doing the Sydney Harbor Bridge climb directly next door to the famed Opera House. On BridgeClimb , you’ll scale the bridge on a guided tour all the way to the top for incredible birds eye views of the city you can’t see any other way. You’ll get up close and personal on this iconic landmark and enjoy views that scale across the city. They also offer climbs in the evening for sunset and city views featuring the Opera House lighting up the night sky.

A second “must see” is the famed Sydney Opera House . Take in a guided tour and hopefully you’ll get lucky and catch a rehearsal in progress to experience the incredible acoustic sound design of the building for yourself. If you’ve planned ahead, perhaps you’ll even be able to land tickets to an actual show at this one of a kind stage.

Sydney Opera House by night

Be sure to plan and spend an evening enjoying wine or champagne along waters edge just outside the Opera House where food and beverages are served and people from all over the city come to congregate and enjoy the sunset against the famed landmark.

For active travelers and to fight off that jet lag, an early morning run, jog or power walk that includes a path that takes you across the pedestrian walkways of the harbor bridge to North Sydney is a must. This will deliver a different sunrise view of the Opera House that’s breathtaking enough, you might just stop and catch your breath to sink in the beauty of this architectural gem before continuing on to check out the waters edge highlights of North Sydney as you continue burning off those calories.

For that special dinner night out, plan to go to Cafe Sydney . Its definitely a culinary highlight of the city. The location, delicious food, ambiance and view are well worth the premium.

A few other mentions:

Make sure you visit the waterside bustle of restaurants, cafes, and bars along Darling Harbour, Sydney or King Street Wharf where locals “in the know” go to enjoy a great weekend lunch with a wine or beer from the many incredible dining options.

Visit the beach and surf scene about 30 minutes from downtown Sydney at Manly or Bondi Beaches. Here you’ll find great cafes , shopping, sun, surf and beautiful people abounding.

With so much more I could say for “must sees” in this iconic city, I’ll conclude this post with one absolute must. Truly, one activity in Sydney that also rates as one of the most memorable experiences of my life is taking an afternoon yacht or sail boat ride in the Sydney Harbor on a beautiful sunny day. Many are available from Darling Harbour, King Street Wharf or from North Sydney near the iconic Luna Park amusement park at waters edge. Check with your hotel concierge or travel booker to find the best offering to enjoy this special activity and one that best fits what you would like to invest in for the days experience.

There is something magical about seeing Sydney and surrounding areas by water that is breathtaking and there’s no real way to adequately describe the experience to you; Therefore… you’ll have to just see it for yourself. Cheers mate!

Where will you go next?

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