Sydney, Australia

Sydney is, without a doubt, one of the world’s great food cities. You can dine at three-hatted restaurants where the chef is as big a star as the food. Or chow down on authentic Asian cuisine in a food hall and have change left from $20. Sip cocktails made by the globe’s best mixologists in a hidden bar or enjoy a cold beer in a neighbourhood pub where everyone’s your new best mate. Your taste buds will be eternally grateful. 

We don’t think there’s any city on Earth that matches Sydney’s beach-centric lifestyle. Fancy a surf before you start exploring all the city has to offer? Easy. Or some gentle laps at a harbour beach as the day comes to an end? Done. Our waterways aren’t just for swimming and surfing either – you can snorkel, scuba-dive, kayak, SUP, sail, jet-ski... or just simply find a spot on the sand and soak up the sun. 

There’s a cultural richness about Sydney, formed from the unique intersection of ancient Aboriginal culture, European heritage and the customs of generations of emigrés from every corner of the globe. That’s why the city overflows with galleries showcasing old art and the very very new, theatres hosting modern dance, rollicking musicals and powerful operas, and venues where the drawcards range from music megastars to diva-licious drag queens.

The importance of Aboriginal culture in Sydney – and the rest of Australia – can’t be understated. Our First Nations people have the world’s oldest continuous living culture, a history created over millennia. And in Sydney, you can build a real connection to that culture through the rock art found in our national parks, tours led by elders who share insights into the city's history and sacred sites, and galleries where Aboriginal art rightfully takes centre stage.

With a sunny climate, a pretty coastline and green spaces galore, Sydney is a city built for outdoor adventure. Battle rapids on an Olympic white-water rafting course. Watch the sunrise from a kayak on our sparkling harbour. Learn to surf on one of the world's most famous beaches. Watch a blockbuster sporting event that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Cycle, hike, snorkel, swim, go horse riding... the sky is truly the limit. And if the forecast is predicting rain? Find plenty of indoor fun, from breaking out of an escape room to challenging yourself at a climbing centre.

Sydney might be a huge metropolis (five million people and counting), but you’re never very far away from nature here. Our beaches and harbour are watery wonderlands in themselves, but the city also possesses endless pockets of green – from urban oases like Centennial Park and the Royal Botanic Garden to untouched wilderness on the city fringes like Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to the north and Royal National Park in the south. Dive, or walk, right in.