Joanna James
The vivacious Capital of New South Wales is a picturesque tribute to both history and modernity, bathed in the generous glow of nature and human ingenuity. Here are some must-visit allurements that need to make it to your Sydney itinerary.
This avant-garde water fronted mecca has recreational gems in store for the whole family, catering to diverse preferences ranging from a myriad of top-notch dining options for all budget types and cuisine lovers to the epic 9-D action cinemas, the charming Wild Life Sydney Zoo, and the famous Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. The best way to take in the majestic harbour in all its cutting-edge nature-kissed splendour is hopping in an Aussie water taxi and zooming away.
For old-time ambience and contemporary shopping bliss, head over to either Haymarket or Flemington to immerse yourself in the atmospheric stalls hawking everything from books, art, and artisan crafts to stylish and vintage-inspired jewellery, clothing, and homeware. Trying out the flavoursome freshly-sourced offerings of its in-built kitchen is a must!
This spectacular UNESCO-listed heritage site full of raw, untouched beauty is exceptionally worth the brief trip from Sydney. The Blue Mountains and its surrounding lush forest parklands, heart-stopping gorges, and crystalline waterfalls are full of evocative enchantment, from the permeating scent of eucalyptus and sapphire hazed mountains to intriguing aboriginal rock art and fantastical rock formations like the iconic Three Sisters.
Take a step back in time into Australia's first European settlement; once a rocky coast where convicts pitched their tents, this is now a quaintly pretty potpourri of heritage buildings and cobbled streets. Some picturesque stops include Cadman's Cottage built in 1816, the iconic Argyle Gallery, the interactive Rocks Discovery Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art for engaging thematic curios.
This National Park is a well-kept secret of gorgeous bushland straddling the banks of the Lane Cove River, the perfect scenic unwinding spot just a stone's throw away from Sydney's CBD. Here, you can take a stroll amidst Instagrammable heritage walkways, glide blissfully on a canoe, or picnic to the soundtrack of pristine nature. If you're looking for plush hotels in Circular Quay proffering prime access to the city's diverse allurements, venture no further than Oaks Sydney North Ryde Suites.
If you're in the mood to be stunned by untouched nature without tripping off the beaten path, Sydney is iconic for its breathtaking variety of coastal walks, from the non-stop dramatic beauty that will greet you from Wattamolla to Eagle Rock at the Royal National Park to the relaxed circuit around the idyllic mansion-fronted Watsons Bay.
Whether you're stopping at Lorraine's Patisserie for Sydney's most decadent cheesecake, feasting on the Crab Curry Banquet at the Lankan Filling Station, or booking a table at the exclusive Sáng for chef's-kiss Korean delicacies, the city's multi-cultural free spirit of will treat your tastebuds. Sydney also hosts a myriad of unique food tours, from the 'Secret Food Tours' that will evoke the piquant classic flavours amidst historic monuments to the altruistic charm of 'Taste Tours' featuring the exotic tastes of spice-rich lands.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
