The British winter is the perfect time to visit Australia, especially those in search of winter sunshine. Sydney remains the one of the hippest and coolest of cities worldwide, attracting hundreds of visitors each year, likened to more of a resort on the beach than the beating heart of Australia’s business & commerce. Sydney harbour is one of the world’s largest natural harbours and the cities funky suburbs tumble down to the coves, inlets and beaches which puncture this stunning mass of blue.
Our top tip would be get on the water and take one of the fabulous ferries out to outlining districts for a long lazy lunch followed by a swim or walk. Of course everyone must wander around the impressive harbour to look
(or preferably climb) the harbour bridge and iconic opera house for which Sydney’s skyline is so famous for. Travel to Rose Bay by water taxi or ferry and visit the site of Sydney’s first airport, which is now populated by a fleet of sleek private yachts, but was once occupied by the roars and spats of seaplane engines as they churned the water on the their long journey to Southampton. Catalina restaurant named after these monoliths of the air, oozes twenties art deco style as it hangs out over the water almost ready to take flight itself… the food is divine and reflects the buildings colourful past and the ultimate lunch spot for any day out.
After lunc
h take to the skies yourself with Sydney Harbour seaplanes, and although no one can create the glamour of the 30’s seaplane… this excursion is a really fun and exciting way to see the city and its surrounds. The seaplane’s are used commercially as a commuter service to fly out over the harbour & Opera House, along the Northern Beach home of “Home & Away”… up the Hawkesbury River to the fabulous Cottage Point, another great dinning or lunching spot. Make sure you try Morton bay bug spotting ( huge prawns) or even better, taste one accompanied by that all important chilled glass of New South Wales finest Saugvinion Blanc.
The architecture always amazes…from the sheets of glass and steel which clad the ultra-modern villa’s and penthouses to the quaint tongue and groove Queenslander homes where roses and bougainvillea fill and over
flow the porches & veranda’s, there is something for everyone and hotels & resorts deliver the same eclectic choice. The award winning Blue perched on the wharf at Woolloomooloo boasts uninterrupted views of the harbours foreshores, city skyline and The Royal Botanical gardens (a must see!). The building started its life as a wool and cargo holding facility and to this day retains its atrium-esque entrance. The perfect choice for those living the laid back designer lifestyle looking for an urban boutique hotel with a comfortable homely charm. A more intimate and central option for city seekers is the Establishment Hotel, a luxurious boutique property just moments from the harbours edge. The ultimate evening hang out for Sydney city siders, guests have no hesitations heading back after a day’s sightseeing to hang out in the Tank Club or Gin Garden before sampling Chef Peter Doyle’s innovative take on Modern Australian cuisine.
