It’s not just the Maltese who have fallen in love with Sydney – Condé Nast Traveller readers have voted it the world’s best city for 10 consecutive years, and it’s not hard to see why.
Perhaps no other city on earth can offer such an irresistible combination of sun, sea and surf
Hidden away on the far side of the world, Sydney-siders are always trying to tell everyone how beautiful and exciting their city is, and more and more tourists are finding that out for themselves.
It may seem impossibly far away, but Sydney’s 4.5 million denizens have made it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
Its fusion of international cultures produces a truly exciting culinary scene, and the city’s restaurants will delight discerning gourmets.
Sydney’s most recognisable landmarks are the two striking feats of engineering that dominate its harbour – the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
The bridge is the bigger brother of the two. Opened in 1932, breathtaking images of the bridge are beamed around the world every New Year when dazzling fireworks explode around it to herald new beginnings.
Tourists can now enjoy a selection of awe-inspiring guided climbs over the bridge with www.bridgeclimb.com.
The Jørn Utzon-designed Opera House opened in 1973 – 16 years after the Danish architect’s design was chosen from hundreds of others.
It is a multivenue performing arts centre but visitors can book a tour of the iconic building if they are not inclined to take in a performance (www.sydneyoperahouse.com).
Sydney-siders enjoy a famous outdoors lifestyle. Perhaps no other city on earth can offer such an irresistible combination of sun, sea and surf. Manly, Cronulla, Coogee and, of course, Bondi are just some of the many beaches perfect for catching some waves.
If you’re looking for less exerting pursuits, Sydney is a surprisingly vast array of top-class museums and art galleries.
The Australian Museum (www.australianmuseum.net.au) is a good start for an introduction to the history and culture of indigenous Aussies, not to mention the vast country’s weird and wonderful wildlife.
Don’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (www.mca.com.au), the Ken Done Gallery ( http://kendone.com.au ) and the many commercial Aboriginal art galleries.
These can all be found in or around the bustling Circular Key and The Rocks, the most historic part of Sydney that is now a hub of creativity and crafts.
Nightlife is centred around Kings Cross and Potts Point, with Darling Harbour offering some swish hangouts for you to enjoy a few sundowners.
A two-hour drive from Sydney will take you into the dramatic World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains or, in the other direction, the Hunter Valley, a world-famous wine region.
What are you waiting for?
ROCS Travel is organising a 27-day Grand Tour of Australia and New Zealand for the 10th consecutive year. The tour will be led by ROCS Group chairman Charles Vella, who was raised in Australia and has vast knowledge of the destination.
The itinerary will include four nights in a four-star hotel in the heart of Sydney; four nights in a four-star hotel in the centre of Melbourne City; four nights in a four-star hotel in Queensland’s Surfers Paradise; plus a 12-night New Zealand cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, visiting the most beautiful sights of this breathtaking destination.
Rates for the 27-day escorted Grand East Coast Tour of Australia and New Zealand, including all flights, four-star accommodation, all transfers and excursions as listed in the programme, plus a 12-day cruise on a full-board basis, start from €4,499. The tour departs on November 18.
Call ROCS Travel on 2015 1515, visit www.rocsholidays.com or e-mail travel@rocsgrp.com for more information.