Sydney, Australia
Sydney remains one of the world's most scenic ports of call.
Sydney is widely considered one of the world's most beautiful and scenic cities, with its iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House on the waterfront. Unlike many other cruise destinations, Sydney's main cruise piers are right in the center of the city so cruise guests can easily access top attractions, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and transportation. From its harbor to its beaches to its many neighborhoods, Sydney offers a wide range of experiences for visitors.
Arrival: Most cruise ships dock at the Overseas Passenger Terminal next to the Circular Quay or at the pier in Darling Harbor, both of which offer convenient access to the city. The Circular Quay pier features restaurants and is located across from the Sydney Opera House and next to the Harbour Bridge. The Overseas Passenger Terminal is located steps away from The Rocks - the "birthplace" of Sydney and an engaging area of hotels, restaurants, boutiques and Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art.
Must-See Attractions: The Sydney BridgeClimb (www.bridgeclimb.com) remains the essential activity for anyone visiting the city who truly wants to experience the Harbour Bridge - and it's something that almost anyone can do if they can climb a ladder. Tours of the bridge are available from early evening through late at night. The Sydney Opera House is another essential attraction, located on the waterfront with spectacular views of the harbor and bridge. This architecturally significant arts complex, now synonymous with Sydney, was completed in 1973. The Royal Botanic Gardens is a short walk from the cruise pier and next to the Opera House. At the gardens, visitors can witness the active lifestyle of Sydney's inhabitants as they jog, bicycle and engage in all manner of sports.
Shore Excursions: A good way to experience Sydney Harbour is to book a boat tour. Captain Cook Cruises (www.captaincook.com.au) located in the Circular Quay terminal, offers an array of harbor cruises departing roughly every 15 minutes. For jet boating in the harbor, a good bet is Oz Jet Boating (www.ozjetboating.com) with daily departures from the Circular Quay every hour from 11 a.m. until sunset.
An excursion to the Taronga Zoo, located on the other side of the harbor from the cruise piers, offers an overview of Australia's wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, platypuses and other native animals. There is regular ferry service to the zoo from the Circular Quay. Another animal attraction that will showcase Australia's unique flora and fauna in an indoor setting is Sydney Wildlife World (www.sydneyaquarium.com.au). The attraction is located next to the Sydney Aquarium.
Another good way to see just how extensive Sydney is involves taking the elevator up to the observation deck of the Sydney Tower (over 820 feet tall). The 360-degree view overlooks the harbor and the city. There are two revolving restaurants in the tower. Fifteen minutes from the city center is Bondi Beach, with restaurants, shops and other attractions.
Restaurants: Sydney offers a wide variety of cuisine in its many neighborhoods, from Asian to Western. For great food plus an incredible view of the harbor, Altitude is the gourmet restaurant located at the top of the Shangri-La Hotel overlooking The Rocks, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. For more informal fare, the Woolloomooloo district of Sydney is a train or bus ride away. This is where visitors can sample "tiger" (a meat pie with peas, mashed potatoes and gravy) or a hot dog with chili and peas at Harry's Cafe de Wheels, a roadside food stand that is an institution in the city.
Shopping: Sydney offers a variety of shopping areas, including the City Center (up George St.), which features major department and chain stores. The Rocks has boutiques selling opal, Australian souvenirs and Aboriginal art. A favorite shopping spot in The Rocks is Argyle Stores, which is effectively a mini-mall, filled with boutiques, jewelry and art galleries located steps from the Overseas passenger terminal.
Hotels: For pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, Sydney has all manner of accommodation options. for one of the best views of the harbor and city, there is the 563-room luxury Shangri-La Hotel (www.shangri-la.com). Just underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the Park Hyatt Sydney (www.sydney.hyatt.com), also with views of the harbor, as well as upscale accommodations and a rooftop pool.
Who Goes Here: Celebrity Cruises (Mercury), Cunard Line (Queen Mary 2 World Cruise), Holland America (Statendam), Princess Cruises (Sapphire Princess), Regent Seven Seas (Seven Seas Mariner) and Silversea Cruises (Silver Cloud, Silver Whisper.
Sydney, Australia's harbourside city with the world's friendliest people has been voted for 6 consecutive years as the best city in the world for visitors.
