One of the most dramatically situated cities in the world, Sydney is Australias action-packed commercial hub. From its bustling urban center, littered with fine shops and restaurants, its only a quick ferry or car trip to pristine beaches and verdant mountains, making Sydney a popular hub for sun-worshipers and nature enthusiasts alike. And when its chilly north of the equator, its summer Down Underthough the temperatures rarely drop anywhere near freezing even in Julymaking it a favorite escape in all seasons.
Poised on the Harbour like a futuristic swan, Sydneys Opera House is one of the most instantly recognized pieces of contemporary architecture and the neighboring HarbourBridge is one of the worlds most famous crossings. Climb to the top on a half-day excursion if you dare. For the slightly less adventurous, a comfortable elevator ride to the top of the Sydney Tower should suffice for staggering views.
Must-see museums include the Gallery of New South Wales, featuring the largest collection of Aboriginal and Australian art in the world, and the Australian Museum, which serves as a perfect introduction to the continents culture. The MaritimeMuseum tells the history of the continent in nautical terms, and the Aboriginal Cultural Center sheds light on the oldest continuously active culture on the planet.
The real attractions in Sydney, however, are its colorful, outgoing people. Catch them strolling along Darling Harbour, exploring Chinatown, or shopping on Saturday at the Paddington Market. Though technically known as suburbs, Kings Cross, Darlinghurst, Woolloomooloo, and Surry Hills are all just minutes from the city center and are home to countless cafés, pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs.
A quick, scenic ferry ride to Manly, meanwhile, brings you to one of the areas most famous beaches, while Bondi and Tamarama are less than a 30-minute bus ride from the city center, and the coastal scenery along the trail between the two stretches of sand is simply unsurpassed. Longer day trips from Sydney include the lush Blue Mountains and the HunterValley, where the outstanding wines of South Eastern Australia have been luring happy tasters in ever increasing numbers.
United offers daily flights to and from Sydneys KingsfordSmithInternationalAirport (SYD). Book your next flight to or from Sydney onunited.comand find out how to earn bonus miles when you stay at any Mileage Plus partner hotel or dine at any Mileage Plus partner restaurant in the city. For vacation packages to Sydney including air and accommodation, visitUnitedEscapes®.
