Circular Quay in Sydney Harbour
Sydney is on the international map as being one of the most
attractive cities in Australia,and with landmarks such as
the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the beautiful Darling
Harbour, it is a great base to see the city and the
surrounding countryside.
New South Wales has amazing contrasting landscapes and
attractions, and many of these are accessible from the
capital city. It seems that every landmark is a starting
point for exploring another, and there are a lot of
landmarks! Sydney is also a stopover for those driving to
the ski slopes south from Canberra, or the Blue Mountains
close to an hour inland.
The climate has been likened to Mediterranean temperatures,
with no major extremes in weather. Mid summer can sizzle to
over 30 degrees, but winter chills are bearable as long as
you stay rugged up.
The city centre is a metropolis of blended cultures, foods
and sights. The sightseeing options are endless, but most
travellers begin on the harbour at the Sydney Opera House.
Known as one of the wonders of the world, it is a
photographers dream, and at every angle is dazzling.
There is a huge choice of accommodation available in the
city and its surrounds. Darling Harbour is also famous
for its restaurants and four star hotels that line the
stretch of the harbour,and with parks, shops and the IMAX
theatre, it is the perfect base for a Sydney visit.
Under the just as famous Sydney Harbour Bridge is the Rocks
shopping district, which is likened to an outdoor museum as
it is one of the oldest features of the city. You will need
at least a half day to wander through the alleys and side
streets to take in everything the shops have to offer.
On the other side of the harbour is another ‘must do’, the
Taronga Park Zoo. With an amazing collection of native
animals, including lions and giraffes, it is rare to find a
zoo with such a view as Darling Harbour and the city
skyline. The ferry ride is almost as enjoyable as the zoo,
with fantastic sights on all sides. On your return you
can’t miss the Sydney Aquarium, also teeming with life under
the water, and filled with aquatic displays that will take
your breath away.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are within walking distance of the
Opera House, and are a perfect place for a picnic lunch,
with majestic trees and brilliant flower displays open to
the public all year. After lunch you may have the energy to
walk to Sydney Tower, the highest point above the city
with 360 degree unforgettable views from the mountains to
the sea.
Further out, Manly is one of Sydney’s beach suburbs, and
skirts the Sydney Harbour National Park. There are lookouts
along the coast route, and further along North Head Lookout
rewards you with panoramic views of the city.
Driving inland from the city, a popular day trip is to the
famous Blue Mountains National Park, known for its amazing
rock formation, The Three Sisters. It takes about 90
minutes to get there, and also has camping facilities,
swimming holes, fishing and bushwalking trails. One thing
to remember is you must bring your own water.
Alternatively, the Royal National park is just over 30km
south of Sydney, and holds the impressive title as the
world’s second oldest park. Although not large, it has
diverse attractions, with walking, cycling tracks, beaches,
forests and rich vegetation making this an unforgettable
experience.
The beauty of driving instead of touring is you choose where
you want to go, and how you do it. You are in control of your vacation. Travelling around the Sydney district is just as enjoyable on foot or from the comforts of your vehicle, and it can’t be done in just a few
days. You will need to either stay for a while to take in all the sights, or plan to come back again as the choices are endless, and the memories will last a lifetime.
Jenny Brewer
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More Information
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A Discovery Rental Car will give you the freedom to explore Sydney.
Planning your trip to Sydney will save you time and money!
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