Sydney trips and vacations

Vacations to Sydney are always a hit with architecture fans. The UNESCO World Heritage Sydney Opera House, with its unique shape and protruding sails, stands tall on the waterside. Nearby the steel arch of the Harbour Bridge rises high above the water. And St. Mary’s Cathedral, built with local sandstone, is a photogenic Gothic Revival landmark.

An oasis in the heart of the city, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden provides a soothing escape from the bustling quayside. Even better, it’s free! Visit the gardens to discover native and exotic plants and wander through themed displays, including fragrant roses and herbs. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while the kids run around vast green lawns.

Make the most of your holiday to Sydney by venturing further into New South Wales. Scenic coastal, countryside and mountain landscapes are all within easy reach. A 50-minute drive takes you to the rainforests and Aboriginal sites of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, while a longer train ride gets you to the walking trails of the Blue Mountains.

The City Center is the best area to stay in Sydney to be in the heart of the action. This bustling area is within easy walking distance of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Enjoy shops, restaurants and glamorous nightlife venues around Sydney Harbour. For a culture fix, pop into the State Library of New South Wales to admire the stunning interior and check out its portrait gallery. Good for: Restaurants, shops, nightlife

Darling Harbour is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Sydney with kids. Walk through the Shark Valley tunnel at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and cool down in the water play area at Darling Quarter Kids Playground. You’ll find plenty of chic waterfront restaurants with views of yachts. Or it’s just a short stroll to Chinatown and Haymarket for budget-friendly dining and shopping at market stalls.

Good for: Families, restaurants, Chinatown

Wondering where to stay in Sydney to swim and surf just steps from your hotel? Bondi Beach and its world-famous stretch of golden sand is the spot for you. Dive into the Bondi Baths ocean pool and dine at the iconic Bondi Icebergs restaurant overlooking it. Stroll along Campbell Parade for trendy boutiques and restaurants serving Instagrammable dishes.

Good for: Beach, water sports, boutiques

One of the most famous beaches in Sydney, Bondi is just a 20-minute drive from the city center. This crescent-shaped stretch of sand is a haven for swimmers, sunbathers and surfers. Follow the coastal walking trail, and bring binoculars to spot whales from May to September. Plunge into the iconic ocean pool, then relax with locals in bars and cafes.

The shopping in Sydney does not disappoint. Inside the historic Queen Victoria Building you’ll find a sprawling shopping mall with more than 140 boutiques over five levels. Check out emerging designers in the Paddington neighborhood, or shop for the famous Australian Akubra hat in the Strand Arcade.

Museums in Sydney cover a fascinating range of subjects, from Australia’s deadliest creatures to its convict past. The Australian National Maritime Museum celebrates seafaring history with interactive exhibits and historic vessels. Discover Aboriginal cultures at the Australian Museum, or visit the Old Government House. Originally built by convicts, it’s now home to colonial homeware and furniture collections.

Nightlife in Sydney can be as lively or mellow as you like. Choose between heavy beats in trendy nightclubs or gentle jazz in backstreet bars. Listen to live music at the Lansdowne in Chippendale or, depending on your stamina, pop into the Abercrombie, famous for its all-night parties.

Whatever your culinary cravings, you’ll find a restaurant in Sydney that satisfies. Look for Asian classics in Chinatown, or head to the city center for celebrity chef restaurants. Cozy pubs usually offer homestyle meals and can be found citywide. Of course, Sydney’s waterside location means the seafood is usually first rate. Be sure to seek out the fish and chips, an Aussie institution.

Along with the limitless beach days, it’s easy to find other free things to do in Sydney. Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales to see one of the country’s largest art collections. Walk across the spectacular Sydney Harbour Bridge, and photograph the skyline views. Or learn about the pre-European history of Sydney at The Rocks Discovery Museum.