|
|
|
| . |
|
|
Sydney came into renewed world prominence during the 2000 Olympic Games held there. Two years later, it has lost none of its attractions. If you're adventurous, you might even come across some hidden treats. The one word that Sydney is diversity. One of the Pacific Rim's most important cities, it has a diverse ethnic blend that reflected in the culture, food, shopping and other attractions. But, a 20-minute bus or ferry ride will bring you from the fast-moving city center to clean, relaxing beaches. Plan your weekend carefully and your holiday will feel as much a beach vacation as a city weekend. Most visitors to Sydney make Circular Quay their first stop. Circular Quay is the hub of Sydney Harbor and is at the foot of the Central Business District. The founding site for Sydney and Australia, it is the location of some of Sydney's main attractions. If you walk along the vibrant harbor side, you will find the Opera House on the south side, with the Harbor Bridge and the Rocks north. The Harbor Bridge offers bridge climbs, which take you right to the top and gives you the best possible view of Sydney Harbor. The Rocks is one of the oldest parts of Sydney, with narrow alleyways lined with cafes and restaurants offering varied cuisine. Circular Quay is also a stepping-off point for most attractions based around the harbor. Ferries leave every few minutes for Manly, Watson, and Taronga Park Zoo. Fifteen minutes on a water taxi from Circular Quay takes you to the newer Darling Harbor. This has become a major tourist attraction and social meeting point. Added to the wide range of restaurants and bars is a shopping mall, an Imax Theatre and the Chinese Gardens. If you want to move out of the "touristy" areas of Sydney, then a trip to Newtown or Glebe would be worthwhile. In these Sydney suburbs, you will find a young crowd and trendy cafés. Back in Sydney, a number of art galleries and museums are worth visiting. The Art Gallery of New South Wales has a fine collection of Australian, European, Asian, contemporary, photographic and tribal art and the Powerhouse Museum houses decorative arts, technology and social history exhibits. Take a 15-minute ferry to Manly and get away from skyscrapers, cars and crowds. It takes you to Manly peninsula on the Pacific Ocean. Walking along the shores of Manly you will find eighteen delightful beaches, coves and inlets - including Ocean Beach, Shelly Beach, Little Manly and Fairlight.
|
 |
