An Australia vacation wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Sydney, the country’s oldest, largest and most exciting city. Consistently ranked as one of the most popular cities in the world, Sydney offers beautiful scenery, gorgeous beaches, an appealing outdoor lifestyle, friendly locals, cultural attractions, fine food and wine, and much more.
The most famous attraction during a Sydney vacation is the city’s harbor. Visitors can climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a truly breathtaking view. The harborfront Sydney Opera House, an iconic building, offers world-class performances. Other popular activities during a vacation in Sydney include dining at one of the many waterfront restaurants, sunbathing at such beaches as Bondi and Palm, visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, observing Australia’s unique animals at Taronga Zoo or Sydney Wildlife World, and just soaking up the laid-back yet sophisticated vibe of the city.
U.S. citizens visiting Australia must have a passport that’s valid for six months after their scheduled return date. They must also have an Electronic Travel Authority visa, which can be obtained online at www.eta.immi.gov.au. It takes about 14 hours to fly to Australia from the West Coast. Rental cars are available, though one may not be needed during a Sydney vacation; driving is on the left. With more than 340 days of sunshine each year, Sydney has a temperate coastal climate. The warmest time of year is the summer, from December through February, when the average high temperature is about 78°F. The currency is the Australian dollar. For more information on a vacation to Sydney, log on to us.sydney.com, Tourism New South Wales’ official website for Sydney.