The major entry point to Australia - Sydney is one of the most enchanting tourist spots in the world. Situated in the state of New South Wales, between the two coastal cities of Newcastle and Wollongong, on Australia's south-east coast, Sydney is the largest, oldest, and perhaps the vibrant of all the metropolitan cities in the country.
With the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Hawkesbury River to the north, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the Royal National Park to the south - Sydney is the capital of New South Wales. Further, its seaport is one of the best in the world.
Sydney was the first city to be colonized by the Europeans in the country, and it was established in 1788 by Arthur Philip at Sydney Cove. Since then, the destination has been flourishing, and is now the financial center of the country.
As the country's top tourist destination, Sydney draws holidaymakers from across the world, with its stupendous beaches, interesting monuments and museums, scenic attractions, excellent forest reserves, and superb parks and gardens. Additionally, people touring the place could engage in a number of activities such as cruising, jet boating, sightseeing, golf, and much more. In short, Sydney is a glamorous destination, providing all that a traveler looking for.
Discussed below in this article are some of the most popular attractions that set apart Sydney from other destinations in New South Wales.
- Sydney Opera House - This is perhaps the most popular of all the landmarks not only in the city but also in the country. It is estimated that more than four million people visit the city only because of this attraction. Designed by a renowned architect, Jorn Utzon, it holds the distinction of being the one of the most distinct 20 century buildings in the world.
This attraction has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Sydney Harbor on the Bennelong Point, the Sydney Opera House is one of the world's much famed venues for performing arts. Apart from being a venue for several theaters, musical performances, and ballets, it also hosts performances of such leading names as the Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, and the Sydney Symphony.
- Darling Harbor - This is an expansive pedestrian precinct, located at Sydney Central Business District. Named in honor of Lieutenant-General Ralph Darling - the governor of NSW from 1825 to 1831, the harbour is must-visit for those seeking recreation and fun. In other words, at Darling Harbor, you have plenty of things to see as well as do, from dining at King Street Wharf or shopping in Harbourside to simply strolling through the lively precinct.
In addition to being home to attractions such as Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World, it also consists of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, where national as well as international conferences and exhibitions are held.
- Sydney Tower and Oz Trek - Climb atop the Sydney Tower to get a picturesque 360-degree view of the city. Also, a highlight is OzTrek, which is adventurous, with three dimensional holographic technology, surround sound, 180-degree cinema screens, and real-motion seating.
- National Maritime Museum - On display here are a large number of artifacts that throw light on the history of the place. Among the items exhibited here are big-gun destroyers, 19th century square-rigger, and real navy submarine.
- Sydney Aquarium - One can find here more than 50 tanks filled with a variety of exotic aquatic species. There are about 12000 marine species on display, such as huge sharks and rays, apart from a large Great Barrier Reef.
- Sydney Wildlife World - This is home to a unique variety of flora and fauna. Almost all varieties of Australian animal species can be found here, which numbers more than 6000.
- Royal Botanical Gardens - This is a fantastic area, with attractions such as the Rose Garden, Cactus and Succulent Garden, and the Oriental Garden.
Aforesaid are just few among many of the attractions in the city. Places of interest also include Bondi Beach, which is a fantastic area for enjoying activities such as surfing; Balmoral Beach, with its own island; Taronga Zoo, where a fantastic range of animals can be seen; and Manly Beach, which is noted for its incredible scenery.
In short, Sydney boasts of everything for an unforgettable vacation. Hence, it has accommodation choices to cater to all types of visitors, no matter you are honeymooners, leisurely travelers, or business travelers. High-end hotels come with rooms that are replete with upscale amenities.
For business travelers, these hotels provide a host of facilities such as convention and meeting rooms with banquet facilities and most sophisticated equipments. There are also some hotels that render services in the form of packages covering accommodation, dining, spa facilities, and sightseeing options.
Author Resource:-
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.
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