SYDNEY
Sydney is Australia’s largest city, and also has the distinction of being the state capital of New South Wales. Also affectionately referred to as “the Harbour City”, Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. In a word, diversity rules here, as it’s a major destination for immigrants. Weather in Sydney ranges from record highs in 2013 of scorching 45.8 C (114 F) to more modest lows around 8.0 C (46F). Snow was last reported in Sydney in 1838 so most likely you will not be wearing your Descente ski clothing around Sydney most of the year. However, Descente ski clothing, with its high tech fibers, Heat Navi technology, allows the wearer to be comfortable in moderate temperatures as well. And when you decide to take off skiing in much colder temperatures you will stay warm and toasty in your Descente ski wear. If you like the look of Descente ski wear, but don’t need their jackets or pants, they also makes accessories such as chic hats, gloves, and bags which are perfect for cool, moderate weather. However, whatever the temperature don’t forget the sunscreen!
Shopping in Sydney
Most folks would agree that shopping in Sydney is easy and rewarding for both locals and tourists. The main shopping areas are in the CBD including the Pitt Street Mall, The Strand, and the Queen Victoria Building. Since the Westfield Sydney and Sydney Central Plaza are clustered together and joined by walkways and pedestrian malls, it makes getting around very easy. Sydney Australia offers a range of fashion, footwear, jewelry, chocolates, along with the typical products you would find in any large multi cultural metropolitan area. For the tourist, Sydney offers fresh fashion aimed at an outdoor lifestyle, along with jewelry galleries that offer opals, pink diamonds and Broome pearls and art galleries displaying rare and valuable Aboriginal art and artifacts. The last time I was in Sydney with my wife we spent time looking for sterling silver jewelry that would coordinate with some sterling silver ring she had bought online when we were living in the US. My wife prefers sterling silver rather than gold jewelry. Jewelry made from high quality, genuine .925 sterling silver tends to be more sturdy and durable. She wears multiple sterling rings and thought that by adding opals or Broome pearls into the mix it would add a bit of “glamour” if she were dressing up for a gala event. Shopping online for sterling silver rings is fast and convenient, but walking into a high end jewelry store in Sydney is a completely different experience.
The metropolitan area of Sydney is surrounded by beautiful parks, such as Hyde Park and Royal Botanical Gardens, not to mention many national parks, and contains several bays, inlets and rivers.
Coupled with Sydney Harbour, Sydney has deservedly garnered a top reputation of being one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Beauty goes beyond skin deep in Sydney, though. This exciting cit y is an international hub for arts, commerce, fashion, entertainment, culture, education and even tourism. It ranks as one of the top 10 most livable cities in the world, and the quality of life there is nothing short of superb.
As expected there’s always something happening in Sydney. Here are some more highlights:
* Take a ferry to Manly Beach, one of the many beautiful beaches that Sydney has to offer.
* If you’re a thrill-seeker, take a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb for unparalleled views of the landscape.
* Located at the end of Mrs. Macquarie’s Road, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is a sandstone rock-cut bench creating a look-out point to beautiful Sydney Harbour, in all of its panoramic splendor. Inscribed on the bench are details of the road to this point. It was created in the 19th century for Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s wife, Elizabeth, as she was known to visit the area, and enjoyed gazing out at the views of the harbour.
* Located on Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, the St. George Open Air Cinema is a great way to catch a good flick.
There are a lot of diverse & interesting things to do around the city. Be sure to plan a trip with that in mind. You can not just come for a few days or even a week & hope to get every thing done. Give yourself some time to walk around & see the sights. That is the only way you will be able to experience some of the more subtle finds that are available around Sydney. I recommend at least three weeks if you are to be able to see some of the major attractions & still have time to enjoy the heartbeat of Australia. One thing is for sure, as long as you stay safe while you are there, you are going to enjoy your trip no matter what.