Sydney & New South Wales

Think “Sydney” and what image pops into your mind? The Sydney Opera House. Even if you hate opera. But in that iconic structure you can also enjoy dance, theater, symphony and one of the top restaurants in Sydney.

We prefer hotels located in the most iconic part of Sydney: The Rocks. Accommodations vary from quaint hotels housed in former wool sheds to towering five star hotels with stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It is close to Circular Quay and has heaps of bars and restaurants, lovely shops, and great market days. Take a guided or self-guided walking tour in the maze of hilly streets.

You can also see the Opera House by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or taking a scenic flight to see the many bays and beaches that make Sydney a great city to live in. The lovely Botanical Gardens are a short walk from the Opera House.

You can enjoy Sydney harbor by cruise or sailboat. But our favorite way is to do it like the locals do: by ferry. Take the ferry to Manly, the famous surfing beach. Walk a few blocks to the famous surfing beach. Lunch in a sidewalk café while watching the surfers, or have a picnic on the grass lawn that lines the beach.

• The Blue Mountains: Accommodation options include bush cabins, inns, mountain lodges with lovely views of the Three Sisters, and a luxurious resort. Great area for bush walks.
• The Hunter Valley: Australia’s first wine country.
• Canberra: The Nation’s capital. It has a museum famous for for its collection of Aboriginal art.