Travelling to World Youth Day in Sydney this summer I did not expect to see much of the city due to the non-stop programme of events and the half a million extra tourists the event had brought to the city.
However, with the Sydney itself being quite compact and the great transport links I was able to explore the city. With all the locals being very friendly and approachable, do not fear if you get lost as they would be more than happy to point you in the right direction and will probably stop you for a half an hour chat!!
With beaches, shops and culture right on your doorstep you get all you want in the one place.
Despite it being winter over there, it was still hot for us Brits so we visited the world famous Bondi beach which did not disappoint and we entertained all the wrapped up, shivering locals who could not believe we were taking a dip in the freezing cold sea.
The harbour cruise is a must do to see all the sights like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to get great postcards shots and enjoy as meal as you explore the landmarks of the city.
You can’t visit Australia without seeing their national symbols so visit Sydney Wildlife Centre to see kangaroos, get your picture taken with a koala and stroke a snake (not a deadly one!!) You can also see some culture and history by visiting an Aboriginal cave.
If you’re more interested in eating the local wildlife then Darling Harbour offers chic and cheap restaurants which offer outback specials so you can sample kangaroo, which is 99% fat free so you can justify eating desert! For all the obsessive ‘I’m a Celebrity’ fans out there, some restaurants serve up witchetty grubs so you can have your very own bush tucker trial in comfort.
The shopping in Sydney is great having big shopping centres with all the usual high street shops and designer shops if you feel like splashing out. With Australia being the home of the celeb must have, UGG boots, you can snap up a pair for a cut of the price you could get them over here.
Visiting Sydney is definitely worth the long haul flight and it is an excuse to stay out there longer! The city has its own distinct personality which makes it so special and unique and will cater for whatever holiday experience you want.
Elizabeth Horridge