Think of Australia, and what's the first thing that pops into your
head? Ayres Rock, perhaps? Or Bondi Beach? Arguably the most iconic
Australian scene is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Chances are your flight
from the UK or Europe will touch down at Australia's oldest and largest
city - so you may wish to consider
Sydney
hotels ahead of your visit.
What's so special about Sydney? Well, apart from its impressive natural
harbour - one of the most famous in the world - it is Australia's most
culturally diverse city. From its Jewish Museum to the Chinese Garden
of Friendship, you're never far away from an interesting cultural
experience.
If savouring new experiences is high up on your to-do list, you may be
interested in
Darling
Harbour hotels. Should you choose Sydney accommodation here,
you can look forward to sampling the delights of Chinatown, the largest
of its kind in Australia. While other Chinatowns in the world have been
associated with high crime rates, Sydney's couldn't be any different -
it is a safe, pleasant area in which to spend a few days, and you'll
quickly learn that it’s got plenty for you to discover.
Among the most popular of Chinatown's attractions is Market City, which
contains a wealth of restaurants and boutique shops, plus a cinema
complex. Many hotels in Sydney are located in and around its vicinity;
some also offer easy access to the aforementioned Chinese Garden of
Friendship, which is modelled on the classic private gardens of the
Ming Dynasty.
Darling Harbour isn't limited to Chinatown, though. Also nearby is the
city's Central Business District, so if you're in town with work, you
may find the cheap Sydney hotels located here particularly convenient.
Indeed, Darling Harbour has a reputation of being able to keep visitors
occupied for days, so be warned: you may be tempted not to explore the
other areas of the city!
Those looking for hotels in Sydney will find it impossible to turn
their backs on the harbour, however. Arguably the jewel in the city's
crown, not only is it naturally beautiful, but the harbour also
contains two of Australia's most famous monuments - Sydney Harbour
Bridge and the
Sydney
Opera House.
The Opera House, which was built in 1973, is so revered that in 2007 it
became a UNESCO World Heritage site. While its appearance needs no
introduction, the structure is not just a must-see on a sightseeing
trip; it is also home to a truly impressive collection of artistic
events and concerts. So, before you set off for Sydney, why not check
out what's on and enjoy an evening at one of the world's most
celebrated venues? Its design is so celebrated, in fact, that Jorn
Utzon, the architect who designed it, received the Pritzker Prize in
2003, bagging international architecture's highest accolade.
Getting to Sydney is relatively easy thanks to the direct flights that
operate from the UK, although passengers should brace themselves for a
journey only a little shy of 24 hours. For this reason, many travellers
can't bear the thought of further travel into the city centre and check
themselves into Sydney Airport hotels instead. After a good night's
sleep, it's then a case of journeying into the city centre at your own
pace - meaning that you're refreshed enough to take in all the sights
and sounds that the city has to offer.
Many airline passengers' first choice is the Ibis Hotel Sydney Airport.
Located close to Randwick Racecourse and Fox Studios Australia, the
hotel is also conveniently situated near to Sydney Football Stadium,
Sydney Cricket Ground and the University of Sydney. The Ibis is just
1km east of the domestic airport and a short 3km hop from the city's
main international airport, which means you can look forward to getting
some sleep only a short while after picking up your bags in the arrival
hall.
During your stay in Australia's largest city, you may fancy staying
somewhere a little luxurious. After all, you've travelled halfway
around the world, so why not? If you want a hotel that's just as
spectacular on the outside as it is on the inside, then you may like
Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments Sydney. Equally suited to both business and
leisure guests, this historic landmark building is located on Pyrmont
Street, which means it's in close proximity to local light rail and
monorail stations.
What kind of attractions can you expect to find nearby? Well, Pyrmont
Bridge and the Australian National Maritime Museum are located just 1km
away, while guests who are already quite happy with their surroundings
can take advantage of the hotel's swimming pool, sauna, gymnasium and
spa. If you fancy a short stroll to a nearby attraction, two of the
most popular are the Sydney Aquarium and Star City Casino.
Once you've decided on your accommodation, it's time to take in what
the rest of the city has to offer. It's worth remembering that Sydney
has a pleasantly mild climate - so there's no bad time to visit. During
the city's summer, which lasts from December to February, temperatures
average between 24 and 26 degrees C, while during the winter months -
June to August - temperatures remain at a pleasant 16 or 17 degrees C.
With these warm temperatures, it makes sense to head down to the beach.
Think activities in Sydney and New South Wales and it's pretty easy to
conjure up images of superb sandy beaches and crashing waves -
ingredients that make the city and its coastal surroundings a real
surfers' paradise.
Bondi
Beach and the Northern Beaches are arguably the most famous,
while others come complete with sand bars, espresso outlets and spas.
If you've never surfed before then don't fret - New South Wales has
more accessible beaches than anywhere else in Australia, and many of
these are home to surf schools. With the Pacific Ocean delivering some
of the most consistent waves in the world, every Sydney visitor is
encouraged to give it a go.
After your long flight to Australia, there's nothing better than
settling in to your hotel room before exploring Sydney's attractions.
With a wealth of accommodation options to choose from, you can be sure
to find somewhere to match your budget and holiday requirements.
