When it comes to Australia as a tourist there is one destination that often towers above the rest. Sure the Great Barrier Reef offers stunning wildlife, the Gold Coast around Brisbane is an incredible place to explore etc., but Sydney is an amazing destination that offers a combination of contemporary city attractions, iconic and world-famous landmarks, great beaches and more.
Sydney is always a delight when you’re enjoying a luxury cruise around this part of the world. Whether you’re more interested in relaxing and escaping to a peaceful destination or you want to explore the exciting city itself, you’ll find a range of excursion choices to suit your tastes.
Of course the two major icons of the city are the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and both lie in close proximity making them easy to tick off. However you can get more involved than simply looking at these attractions from afar – a number of six star cruise lines will offer overnight stays in the city that include performances at the Opera House, while the daring can try a thrilling climb of the Harbour Bridge – you’ll enjoy the best views of the whole harbour and feel amazing, and you may even be able to cure a fear of heights with a specialist programme.
There’s more to Sydney than just these two attractions, however. The Olympic Park is an interesting site, home to the 2000 Olympic Games and now a mix of sporting facilities and parks. The Sydney Tower dominates the skyline, while the Royal Botanic Gardens overlook the harbour and are home to 7500 species of plants.
The Anzac War Memorial is a monument to any Australian who has lost their lives fighting for the country, while there are numerous museums dotted throughout the city dedicated to all sorts of topics and themes. Many showcase art from contemporary ages as well as Aboriginal works, while the Australian National Maritime Museum is full of interesting exhibits dedicated to the long-standing nautical history of the nation.
Sydney, and Australia in general, is home to some fascinating wildlife species, and in the city you can visit the Koala Park Sanctuary, the Taronga Zoo, the Sydney Aquarium, wildlife parks and more while there is a Reptile Park just a short drive north of the city.
The eastern areas of Sydney are home to amazing beaches. Some of these are very popular, but you can find quieter options if you look around if you just want somewhere peaceful. However don’t miss a visit to the world-renowned Bondi Beach, a haven for sunbathing and surfing.
Add in the sprawling skyscrapers, the cinemas, shopping, a wealth of harbour bars and cafes, restaurants for every cuisine you could think of and Sydney has it all. A truly astounding destination, one that is without-doubt worthy of any cruise visit.
By Ian Lewis
Google