G’Day, Australia: Padding Your Sydney Itinerary

Glittering and eclectic, Sydney may just be the jewel in Australia’s crown. But with so much to see and do, you may have some trouble narrowing down your options when it comes to planning your visit to this diverse location. Sydney is a great place to enjoy the water and relax in the sun. It’s also the perfect place for party lovers of all ages. Once you visit Sydney, you will go back and back again and you will never get bored! Here are some of the best things you’ll want to do in the largest city of Australia.

Spend the day at Bondi Beach

Whether you’re a surfer, sun worshipper, swimmer or just want to appreciate one of the world’s most spectacular stretches of sandstone cliffs and crystal waters, you’ll want to carve out some time to laze about on Bondi Beach. After the sun goes down, the clubs and restaurants around Bondi become a place to see and be seen. Many travelers claim that Bondi Beach is the heaven for all lazybones. Are you going to check this?

Hit the shops on Oxford and William

If you can’t imagine your trip without shopping, Sydney won’t disappoint you! Oxford Street in Paddington is the place to pick up some unique and memorable treasures from your time in Sydney. Check out places like High Tea with Mrs. Woo for unique home and body gifts, Belinda and the Corner Shop for high fashion, and Collette Dinnigan’s vintage-inspired looks. There are also a host of hand-crafted gift shops to choose from. Get ready to shop, ladies, but be sure to shop wisely. Your trip may take all your savings in a matter of a few hours or even minutes!

The Taronga Zoo

Are you an animal lover? If so, why not visit The Taronga Zoo? Zoos are not for kids only. The Taronga Zoo welcomes both children and adults. Sitting on the north shore of the Harbor, the Taronga Zoo is home to thousands of exotic and native animals. It also offers some of the most stunning skyline views in Sydney. Spend the day or, if you’ve got a little extra cash on hand, spend the night in a luxury safari tent.

Get your nature on at the Royal National Park

With nearly 50 square miles of forest and shorelines and miles of trails, the Royal National Park is a sort of Mecca for surfers, bikers, hikers and nature lovers. Catch the ferry from Cronulla and spend the day enjoying the unspoiled beauty.

Catch an actual opera

Believe it or not, that stunning building that looks like billowing sails (i.e. the Sydney Opera House) actually exists for more than just tinted Instagram pictures and Twitter posts. Opera Australia actually puts on some of the most visually and musically stunning productions in the world inside. Add a dash of culture to your Australian vacation with an evening at the opera. Don’t worry, it’s not boring, it’s actually increasingly interesting!

Climb the Harbor Bridge

If you are looking for some extreme activities to try in Sydney, climbing the Harbor Bridge is definitely for you. It’s a tough three hour hike, and nobody looks good in those awkward blue jumpsuits. But a climb up to the top of the Harbor Bridge is an adventure you won’t soon forget. The view at the top makes the arduous trek worth the effort and you won’t get pictures like this anywhere else.

Take the Bondi to Coogee Walk

Sydney is home to some of the world’s most famous (and breathtaking) ocean walks. Take the Bondi walk past the Waverly Cemetery to Coogee and don’t forget your camera. Fresh seaside air and stunning views are worth the walk, and you can grab a delicious seafood lunch on the other side.

Although I do agree that Sydney is a bit overrated destination, it’s certainly worth a visit. If you want to enjoy a warm winter or a fabulous spring, Sydney may be a good option for you. Have you ever visited Sydney? What are your favorite things to do in Sydney?

10 Best Luxury Hotels in Australia

With its majestic beaches and attraction-filled cities, it’s no wonder that Australia is home to a myriad of luxury hotels and resorts.  Some, however, shine like no other and are truly the stars of the Aussie hotel world.  If you can stay at one of these amazing hotels, you’ll discover that the hotel visit is an attraction all in itself!  From sumptuous rooms to amazing features, these hotels are certainly among the best of Australia’s best.

1. Park Hyatt, Sydney

This breathtaking hotel is situated on one of the most famous harbors on the planet.  With a spectacular view of the Sydney Opera House, the hotel is luxurious as well as comfortable.  Guest rooms and suites are outfitted with lush furnishings and stylish décor.  The dining room has its own luxurious ambience and guests will also enjoy the richly furnished ‘living room’ and bar areas.  The heated rooftop pool is a dramatic feature with its own marvelous views of the surrounding setting. Park Hyatt hotel regularly makes best-of lists and it’s easy to understand why!

2. Qualia Resort, Hamilton Island

This world-class resort hotel is surrounded by the incredible Great Barrier Reef. Views are superb and will captivate even the most discriminating traveler. It features two infinity-edge pools that make guests feel at one with the reef. Indoors, the comfort of the spa and richly furnished rooms will enchant all those lucky enough to book a stay here. The sun-drenched setting and luxurious features of the hotel like its spa and private library make this a dreamy place to hang your hat!

3. Langham Hotel, Melbourne

Situated on the river, this 25-story hotel is luxury itself.  Its English-style décor is studded with chandeliers and sumptuous seating everywhere you turn.  Famous for its Chuan Spa, Langham Hotel exudes grandeur from every nook. Its restaurants are world-class and its pool offers breathtaking views of the surrounding city. Guests will be captivated by the luxurious experience that awaits them at this first class hotel.

4. Richardson Hotel and Spa, Perth

This leading five-star boutique hotel is Perth’s answer to luxury on Australia’s west coast. The hotel is richly furnished and features a gourmet restaurant experience. It’s heated pool and luxurious spa treatments are also part of this hotel’s singular charm. The enchanted poolside garden is just an added touch that sets this hotel apart from other luxury experiences in the region.

5. Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Blue Mountains, Australia

Encompassed within the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Mountains, this lovely resort and spa is simply enchanting.  Massages on the forested deck, swims in the outrageously fabulous pool, and stays in richly decorated suites make this one of the most attractive hotel experiences on the continent. Moreover, the opulent accommodations are complemented by the stunning scenery that surrounds the resort.

6. Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney

This classic hotel is a regal experience yet marked with genuine Aussie style.  While unabashedly luxurious, the hotel also exudes an aura of relaxation – a rare combination, perhaps, but the décor style and myriad of amenities embody both these marvelous traits!  With views of the legendary opera house, Four Seasons Hotel is one of the city’s most revered accommodations. Its unrivalled level of service, spa, and rich atmosphere make it a standout among Sydney’s wide range of hotels.

7. Reef House Resort and Spa, Cairns

This luxury resort offers a peaceful sanctuary – like experience with a simple yet elegant charm all its own. The pools (there are three), restaurant, and ambience of this hotel are revered throughout the region. Its beaches and tropical gardens attract holiday seekers from all over the world.  Both the bar and restaurant offer unrivalled views of the ocean making this one of the most celebrated resorts in the country.

8. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island

If you visit Capella Lodge, there’s every chance you won’t want to leave! The gorgeous setting would render any accommodations splendid, but this lodge truly shines with luxurious features. With its views of the mountains and ocean, the rooms are designed with complete comfort in mind. Its restaurant features delectable regional cuisine while its world-class spa provides rejuvenation with its vast menu of treatments.

9. Emporium Hotel, Brisbane

This stunning hotel is a captivating experience for travelers who want to experience a modern take on luxury.  Suites are decadent with rich fabrics and modern design elements. From high teas to luxurious eateries that even include a patisserie,Emporium Hotel is like an enchanted world unto itself!  Utterly beautiful, this is certainly one of the most ornate and stylish hotels in all of Australia!

10. Lake House, Daylesford

This decadent hotel on the shores of Lake Daylesford in the breathtaking spa country of Victoria is revered for its cuisine as well as its setting. Lake House offers luxury in an air of enchantment provided by the surrounding scenery. Its world-class restaurant, spa, and luxurious rooms make this a breathtaking vacation destination.

Each of these hotels offers a luxurious experience in its own singular way. All are quite extraordinary and well worth considering if you happen to be traveling in their respective regions.