Mountains, Wine and Paradise

As my previous posts have shown, Sydney is a fantastic, vibrant city but there is so much more to Australia. In the past I've been lucky enough to visit all the major Australian cities and sights such as the Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and even Ramsey Street. This time I had the pleasure of visiting three very different places: mountains, vineyards and paradise.

Blue Mountains

The first time I visited the Blue Mountains I cracked my head open. I stuck my head between two railings and forgot there was one above me. I lifted my head and bam cracked my head open on the metal bar. Luckily I came away injury free this time. Located a couple hours outside of Sydney, the Blue Mountains provide a perfect escape from the bustling city. Breathtaking vistas, such as the Three sisters, forests and waterfalls provide an awe inspiring landscape. There are also  quaint towns such as Blackheath and Leura, with traditional high streets, it really felt like I'd travelled back in time. Any visitor to Sydney should seriously consider a day trip to the mountains. The fresh air, the spectacular views and homely towns provide a refreshing alternative to the urban jungle of Sydney.

The Hunter Valley

This was a real treat. Again a two hour bus ride from Sydney, North to a beautiful area of vineyards and kangaroos. We enjoyed an organised tour around some of boutique vineyards of the Hunter Valley. Tasting at least five wines at each of the wineries, you could easily feel a little drunk if you drank every single one. Luckily for those you didn't like you can pour it away in the spitoon. Semillion and Shiraz were consumed an awful lot as the Hunter Valley is renowned for these two wines. Kangaroos were seen. One sommelier even gave us a rendition of Gershwin's 'Summertime'.  A fantastic day out whether you like wine or not. 

Hamilton Island, The Whitsunday Islands

Hamilton Island is the closest place to paradise I've been to. I went to the Thai islands last summer and I much prefer Hamilton. Not Gap Year trodden. Full of exotic birds, sandy beaches and a marina, dotted with restaurants and small shops. Another bonus, this is purely a golf cart island. Two and half hour flight from Sydney you arrive to your own golf buggy and zip around the roads like your in a real life version of Mario Karts. Flight and boat trips take you to the Great Barrier Reef or as we did to the stunning Whitehaven Beach. Always in the top ten beaches in the world, the whitest purest sand. If I was on desert island I hope it would have a beach like this. 7km of unspoilt beauty. One drawback: we had to wear stinger suits in the sea. Subsequently, we looked more like power rangers than tourists. Nevertheless, I didn't want to get stung by a jellyfish so I donned the tight, bright yellow suit and resembled a dishevelled teletubby. The view from our apartment was one of the best I've ever seen and we even had cockatoo who dropped in many times to squawk "hello". I can live with that.  I've seen paradise and I like it. 

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Sydney- a city like no other

Back in England. It's cold. It's raining. I've got the holiday blues. Sydney provided so many memories and photos, I really feel there is no city like it anywhere in the world. Amazing food, boundless entertainment opportunities and a stunning harbour, Sydney is a city I cannot wait to visit again. This article explores some of things I did whilst in the city, including a few of my own snaps.

Spit Bridge to Manly walk

Sydney is full of beautiful walks and this is supposedly one of the best. It didn't disappoint. Starting at Spit Bridge, which joins the North Shore area of Sydney to the Northern Beaches, including Manly, Curl Curl and Dee Why. Snaking along the coast, the trail takes you around quiet inlets with crystal clear waters and bobbing yachts. The walk then ventures into the bush and you'd have no idea you are so close to a city. Views across the to Balmoral, Watson's Bay and the city are with you for a lot of the walk, meaning there are plenty of photo opportunities. The final stretch of the walk offers a view of Manly, a buzzing town with a long sandy beach. Back to the city on the famous Manly Ferry. This is a fantastic walk and takes around three and a half fours. It offers a different scenic route to the well known tourist traps closer to the city.

La Traviata

Now I've always been a bit skeptical of Opera. Not now. Verdi's tragic La Traviata was performed in Sydney Harbour with astounding views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Under the stars, with an iconic backdrop, it would be an understatement to say the Opera was atmospheric. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs MacQuaries Chair and the waters of Syndey Harbour provided a captivating outdoor theatre. Familiar melodies and even subtitles provided a fantastic experience. A tragic story, phenomenal singing and stunning fireworks made La Traviata a true spectacle. This was the first Opera put on in the harbour by HANDA and I hope it isn't the last.

Coogee Beach

I was told by someone that Coogee was "interesting". They said it a way that wasn't good, a euphemism for awful perhaps. Well this person clearly hadn't beent there or was too quick to judge. Full of coffee shops, fashionable restaurants and a stunning sandy beach. Just a few bays south of Bondi Beach, I feel that Coogee is the best beach I came across. Bondi itself is arguably quite tacky and thronged with people. Coogee has the perfect balance, a great atmosphere but not too busy, close to restaurants and easy to get too. A walk from Coogee to Bondi showed the power of the sea as several of the beaches prohibited swimming, including Bondi. Coogee is relatively safe, with fun but often powerful waves. My final day included a visit to Coogee Beach, the waters were ridiculously clear, the water refreshing and the beach buzzing with families. There was even a sea swimming competition around Wedding Cake Island. Underrated Coogee is certainly interesting, in a good way.

Sydney Fish Market

This may seem odd but I don't particularly like fish but the fish market is a must. A bustling experience, admiring the catches of the day. Oysters everywhere, calamari, crabs, lobsters and sea urchin roe. An assault on the senses.

The centre of Syndey is fantastic, whether shopping in the Queen Victoria Building, catching a ferry from Circular Quay or enjoying some seafood in Darling Habour. Explore further from the CBD and you''ll find even more exciting experiences.

My next post will look at places further afield from Sydney, so make sure you visit soon.

Sydney- the best city in the world? Part One

It's hot. There is a beach five minutes walk away. It's beautiful. It's littered with iconic landmarks. It's Sydney. I am currently on holiday visiting my sister in Sydney, Australia and what a city it is. I have been several times before and have come to the conclusion that Sydney is a serious contender for the greatest city in the world. What makes it so special? Here are few suggestions and some pictures I have taken that I feel show off one of the greatest city in the world.

Beaches


I cannot think of a city anywhere in the world that has such quick access to so many wonderful beaches.The other day I walked several of the Eastern suburb beaches, from Coogee to the infamous Bondi Beach. A dramatic coastline, with plunging cliffs and crystal blue water make for an idyllic walk. Nonetheless, one can also see mother nature's power as waves kept pushing a lady against a rock or marooning people away from the beach with lifeguards continually shouting, "Swim round to Bronte mate". This trip has certainly taught me that the sea can be scary. That aside, the beaches her are amazing, golden sands and of course a paradise for surfers. Further up the coast, Manly, Curl Curl and Dee Why are also fantastic beaches so Sydney residents are spoilt for choice. If you favour smaller waves there are also calm beaches within Sydney Harbour, such as Balmoral. The choices for sunbathing and swimming spots are endless.

Bronte and Tamarama Beach

Views

Sydney is full of iconic scenes and of course at the top of the list is the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. When one first thinks of Sydney it is these two sights you think of the most. Whilst they are amazing and everytime I see them I am still in awe, there are so many more sights to see. Sydney's skyline itself is incredibly impressive, with the Syndey Tower standing tall. Arguably, the skyscrapers are a little dated and don't have the modern feel of London's Gherkin or the stylish Chrysler Building in New York.

Taken from near Watson's Bay

Nonetheless, with the skyline in the same view of Sydney harbour,  alongside the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, this view is unbelievable. It seems wherever you look there is a view to be admired.

Taken from Blue Point on the North Shore

There are stunning sights to see away from the city centre, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. These include the Pine lined, Manly Beach, the former fishing village of Watson's Bay and the nature reserve of Gordon's Bay. Nature alone or combined with man work to create some of the best views I have ever seen.

I'll be writing several more posts on why Sydney is such a brilliant city, so make sure to visit soon. For now follow me on Twitter by clicking here.