Page 150 - Off The Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 2 of 2)

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CITIES Less-Explored
Sydney

Images of Sydney’s iconic cityscape and harbor may be imprinted on the mind,
but there are lesser-known – yet no less exciting – sides to this amazing city
ABOVE Sydney Opera House viewed from a harbor cruise
FORGET THE SYDNEY
yellows and oranges in the morning light. On the
NEED TO KNOW
other three sides, national parks rich in astonishing TOURIST TRAIL?
LOCATION Sydney is */%0/&4*" flora and fauna surround the city in a vast green
180 miles (290 km) northeast of
*OEJBO THE BUILD-UP Watch almost any Australian
the Australian capital Canberra 0DFBO %BSXJO wilderness of Australian bush, lush river valleys, and
$PSBM movie and the cinematographer will, at some
POPULATION 4FB magnificent mountains with cascading waterfalls.
4,120,000 The area’s history dates back 40,000 years, and stage, pan across Sydney’s most spectacular
VISITORS PER YEAR "6453"-*" ancient drawings can be seen, carved into sand- sights: Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Harbour
Over 10 million Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The world
1FSUI 4:%/&: stone outcrops by the indigenous tribes that lived
DAYTIME is also familiar with seeing them illuminated by
TEMPERATURES "EFMBJEF $BOCFSSB here. But there are links within the city itself, and spectacular midnight fireworks at New Year.
Jan: 79°F (26°C); Apr: 72°F (22°C); .FMCPVSOF you can get an insight into the living history of the
Jul: 61°F (16°C); Oct: 72°F (22°C)
Aboriginal peoples by taking a tour with a local THE LETDOWN The key Sydney sights are so
guide. Reminders of Sydney’s colonial past, too – well known and photographed that visitors may
Sydneysiders often claim they live in one of the though centered on tourist-friendly The Rocks (the have a sense of déjà vu upon arrival – you might
most spectacular cities in the world and, especially early settlement area) – are scattered throughout not experience that true traveler’s thrill of
on a sunny afternoon, it is not hard to see why. The the city and beyond. There are places that will give discovery. And comparisons could be odious if
you first get to see them on a dull or rainy day.
city clings to Sydney Harbour, an ancient, drowned you a sense of the tough life and the tough people
river system, which stretches for 12 miles (20 km) that founded this amazing place – you can even
DOING IT ANYWAY? Catching these icons
inland, twisting and curving to create beautiful, camp overnight on a former convict prison island.
from different angles can bring a fresh outlook.
small bays tucked in between imposing headlands. The city’s vibrant multicultural mix is reflected Watch the setting sun silhouette the bridge and
At its narrowest point, the Sydney Harbour in many ways, from authentic ethnic dining to local Opera House from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in
Bridge connects the northern and southern sides. festivals – it’s possible here to attend a corroboree, the Botanic Gardens, and make sure you stay for
Known familiarly as the “coat hanger,” this single- or parade for St. Patrick’s Day, or dance alongside the floodlights which follow. Or walk across the
arch bridge spans 1,650 ft (503 m) and is 440 ft dragons at Chinese New Year. deck level of the Harbour Bridge to Millers
(134 m) high. Brave visitors can climb the steel arch Sydney’s little neighborhoods and hidden Point before catching a ferry that traverses the
to the top for spectacular views, which include the corners must be explored to discover quiet parks harbor and stops at some of the smaller bays.
dramatic Sydney Opera House. offering spectacular views; gems of modern art and
Poised like a diver on Bennelong Point, the white flamboyant counter-culture; chic restaurants and
“sails” of the Opera House stand in bold contrast to quirky bars; and deserted coves and leafy lanes.
the rich blues and greens of the harbor beyond.
This architectural marvel took over 14 years to build, PRACTICAL INFORMATION
amid great public controversy, but finally opened
in 1973 and is now a beloved symbol of the city. Getting There and Around (www.sydney.park.hyatt.com) is
Sydney’s Kingsford Smith next to the Bridge, with views of
These three icons of the city – Harbor, Bridge,
International Airport is 6 miles the harbor and Opera House.
Opera House – are undoubtedly beautiful and (9 km) from the city center.
unquestionably worth the visit. However, Sydney When to Go
Where to Eat Sydney’s weather can be rather
has much more to offer, too. On its seaward side, Sydney’s multicultural heritage unpredictable. However, in
there are 37 miles (60 km) of white sandy beaches has inspired an exciting fusion of general, the summer (Dec–Feb)
and towering sandstone cliffs that glow brilliant food traditions. Try Cafe Sydney is great for festivals and beaches
(www.cafesydney.com) on the if you don’t mind the holiday
top level of Customs House, relax crowds. Spring and fall are
on the open deck at Catalina cooler, but spring is generally
(www.catalinarosebay.com.au) drier and less humid. There may
in Rose Bay or mingle with local be some cold snaps in winter
beachgoers at Speedo’s (www. (Jun–Aug), but it’s a good time
speedoscafe.com.au) on Bondi.
for indoor cultural events.
Where to Stay
Blue Parrot Backpackers (www. Budget per Day for Two
blueparrot.com.au) is a friendly Allow at least US$170 per day,
hostel located in trendy Potts depending on accommodations,
Point. The Lord Nelson (www. excluding tours and admissions.
lordnelsonbrewery.com) is the Websites
city’s oldest hotel, and is full of www.visitnsw.com
character. The luxury Park Hyatt www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
ABOVE Striking modern artwork on the Corso at Manly Beach

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