Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney Surfing at Bondi Beach Cafés in Manly, SydneyDining at Circular QuayRoyal Botanic Gardens, SydneyHarbour Rocks, SydneySituated in the heart of <strong>The</strong> Rocks district, next torestaurants, bars and cafés, the Harbour Rocks isideally placed to access all of Sydney’s major sightsand attractions. This good value boutique hotel ishoused in a former trading store and offers 59comfortable, well-appointed rooms and hasexcellent, friendly service.Shangri-La Hotel, SydneyOccupying a prime position in the historic Rocksdistrict, the Shangri-La provides some of the finestaccommodation in Sydney together with stunningviews of the harbour. <strong>The</strong>re are over 500 roomseither with city views, or partial or full harbourviews. <strong>The</strong> hotel has excellent facilities including agorgeous spa, an indoor swimming pool and a fineselection of restaurants and bars. We recommendtrying the cocktail bar on the 36th floor whichoffers a breathtaking view of the harbour below.Harbour Rocks, SydneyMedina Grand Harbourside,SydneyLocated in Darling Harbour, the 114 onebedroomapartments and studio rooms at theMedina offer excellent accommodation withineasy walking distance of Sydney’s major touristattractions, entertainment venues and bestshopping areas. Nearby, a host of cafés,restaurants and bistros overlook Darling Harbour,though the hotel has its own restaurant and all theapartments have a fully equipped kitchen as wellas full laundry facilities, and the studio rooms havebasic kitchenettes. A heated swimming pool, saunaand fitness centre are available too.<strong>The</strong> Grace, Sydney<strong>The</strong> Grace, SydneyAn excellent example of art deco architecture,<strong>The</strong> Grace is an elegant hotel with over 300rooms. Located in the centre of the city, thislandmark building was originally the flagship ofretail tycoons the Grace Brothers, but was laterused by General MacArthur during the SecondWorld War and then converted into a hotel.Original light fittings, high ceilings, marble floors,wide hallways and elegant decorative ironworkcomplement the stylish guest rooms.<strong>The</strong> Rocks district, Sydneywww.audleytravel.com/australia l 01993 838 810 l <strong>Southeast</strong> 13
Exploring Sydney<strong>The</strong>re are few cities in the world that cancompare with Sydney for aesthetic appeal.From the stylish skyline to the city parks andgardens, glorious coastline and harbour, it ishard not to feel uplifted by your surroundings.Take your pick of ways to explore the city.Harbour cruiseWater is such a large and dramatic part ofSydney’s character that one of the best waysto soak up the city is by getting out on theharbour. A harbour cruise allows you to takein the city’s famous sights, secluded coves andidyllic beaches in style. Relax on the deck of aluxurious motor yacht or take a cooling swimbefore enjoying a delicious barbecue lunchserved with locally produced wines and beersfor a truly a memorable day.<strong>The</strong> Opera HouseSitting proudly on the harbour’s edge, theSydney Opera House, one of the 20thcentury’s most distinctive buildings, is still abreathtaking sight despite its familiarity. <strong>The</strong>best way to see inside this iconic building is toattend an evening performance but be warned,if you wander outside during the interval youmay be so mesmerised by the lights glitteringon the inky waters that you forget to return forthe second half! Small groups of early risers cantake a look behind the scenes as part of a tour,exploring restricted areas, viewing thearchitect’s original plans and perhaps even‘treading the boards’.<strong>The</strong> Opera HouseCoogee to Bondi walkAs a city escape, the coastal walk from Coogeeto Bondi really can’t be beaten. This sixkilometre trail along the clifftops of Sydney’seastern suburbs is one of our favourite walksand features stunning views, beaches, parks,bays and rock pools. A steady gradient meansthe walk is suitable for most and with bencheslooking out to sea as well as beaches and parksthere are plenty of opportunities to rest orswim. Finish the walk with a well-deserved colddrink at the famous Bondi Icebergs SwimmingClub perched above the sea pool below.Bondi Icebergs Swimming ClubHarbour cruise, SydneyCottage PointWhile there are many ways to enjoy Sydney,a trip out over the harbour by seaplane is trulyone of the best. Enjoy the city’s beauty fromthe air as you fly over Sydney’s NorthernBeaches and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Parkbefore arriving in style at the private wharf ofthe charming Cottage Point Inn Restaurant.Situated on a broad reach of the magnificentHawkesbury River, it has one of the finestwaterfront locations in Sydney. <strong>The</strong> restaurantserves a creative, contemporary menu featuringplenty of local seafood and an excellent choiceof wine. As you fly back into Sydney your pilotwill take you over the Sydney Opera Houseand Harbour Bridge, the perfect end to anincredible day.City bike tourBiking around Sydney with a guide is awonderful way to take in the iconic sights aswell as its hidden gems. You will get a real tasteof Sydney life as you meander along footpathsand cycle routes and have the opportunity tosee parts of the city hidden to those travellingby bus or taxi. Pedal past the Sydney OperaHouse, Sydney Harbour Bridge, DarlingHarbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens, HydePark, the Anzac War Memorial, Chinatown,Sydney Tower and Parliament House amongmany others. Stop, ask questions and takephotos as you please and join your guide fora refreshing drink in a friendly pub at thehalfway point.14