The Southeast - Audley Travel

Sydney from the airSydneyThe sparkling city of Sydney is dominated anddefined by water. At its centre is one of theworld’s finest harbours, that on a warm, sunny dayis a vibrant blue, dotted with hundreds of sailingboats, cruisers and ferries. The harbour has a greatinfluence on the lifestyle and attitude of Sydney’scitizens. Outdoor pursuits and a laid-back buzz areat the heart of this unforgettable city. It wasn’talways this way however. In 1788 the first of theEuropean ships arrived, unceremoniouslydischarging its load of convicts and their jailerswho immediately clashed with the localAboriginals. The battle went on for weeks andtoday this famous landing point, Circular Quay, isjust as lively, but is now filled with visitors andentertainers, and is a natural starting point for anytour of the city. Known as The Rocks, the city’sfirst established neighbourhood is now one ofthe city’s smartest areas; scrubbed, polished andrich in colonial history and a hive of artistic andcultural activity.Sydney has a skyline to rival any in the world andone of its finest structures is the Sydney HarbourBridge, dubbed ‘the Coat Hanger’. Once you’veseen the view you can take the experience furtherby climbing to its summit or view it from above ina seaplane or helicopter.12Park Hyatt, SydneySydney’s suburbsThe archetypal Aussie pastime of ‘catching a wave’is seen at its best in Sydney, with Bondi, Manly andCoogee beaches amongst the most popularsurfing centres. Away from the water, colourfulsuburbs such as Potts Point, Darlinghurst andPaddington support a thriving and colourful caféculture, their elegant Victorian terraces withdecorative ironwork contrasting sharply with theskyscrapers of the centre. Wherever you end upin the city the one thing you will notice is howcultures from all over the world blendharmoniously here. Sydney’s enthusiastic residentsgenerate an unmistakable buzz, energised as theyare by their spectacular setting, wonderful climateand easy-going lifestyle.Park Hyatt, SydneyLocated in an enviable position on the harbourfront, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge anddirectly opposite the famous Sydney OperaHouse, the Park Hyatt is regularly voted one ofAustralia’s finest hotels. Following a multi-milliondollar renovation the hotel is better and moreluxurious than ever and exudes a calmsophistication. The stylish public areas are filledwith specially commissioned artwork and facilitiesinclude a rooftop pool, spa, dedicated 24-hourbutler service and a private jetty on the harbour.The 164 rooms are spacious and featurefloor-to-ceiling windows providing some of thebest views of Sydney’s dazzling harbour.Manly Beach, Sydney