The Southeast - Audley Travel

Exploring SydneyThere 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.The 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. Thebest 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’.The 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. The 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