Sydney, Australia - A Big City Without The Rush
By Dave Winter

If you're feeling like you're a bit overwhelmed with the pressures of the big city, it might be time to experience a big city without all the stress. In Sydney, Australia the residents carry a unique laid-back lifestyle that seamlessly meshes with the distinctive high style, ultra-modern, & eco-friendly surroundings. Home to the largest natural harbour in the world, Sydney experiences an average of 300 days of sunshine, exudes a friendly charm, and bursts with creative energy (home to artists like AC/DC, INXS, & Natalia Imbruglia). Plus, the city is a frequent stop for international tours with acts such as The Police, Elton John, The Killers, & Justin Timberlake.

Discovered by the English in 1770, Sydney has rapidly developed and established itself as an economic & financial powerhouse of the Southern Hemisphere. Sydney was founded on immigration, and to this day it is a very cosmopolitan city that features dizzying skyscrapers, an efficient Metro Monorail, and the oldest continuously running airport in the world. To learn more about Sydney's historical origins, explore the Australian Museum, which includes a feature on the city's first inhabitants, the Aboriginals. As well, Sydney's modern metropolis is full of fantastic shopping destinations such as Pitt Street Mall, The Galleries, Sydney Central Plaza, & Centrepoint. Plus, Elizabeth, Castelreagh, and King Streets are known for their distinctive high-end shops such as Ralph Lauren Polo, Burberry, Chanel, and Tiffany's.

However, apart from its modern city attractions, Sydney is best known for its one-of-a-kind twin landmarks, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The Opera House is a world-renown building that features five theatres, five rehearsal studios, four restaurants, six bars, two main halls, and several souvenir shops. Built over 14 years in three separate stages, the Opera House's unique wind-sail design, location on the harbour waterfront, and state-of-the-art performance halls have made it an iconic Sydney symbol across the globe.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the highest steel arch bridge in the world and was constructed in 1932. Built during the Great Depression, the bridge became a symbol of Sydney residents' (or Sydneysiders) perseverance through tough times and has become a focal point for many of the city's huge celebrations, including the unforgettable Sydney New Year's Eve Party. In its current state, the bridge includes eight lanes of roadway traffic, two railway tracks, a bike path, footpath, and the famous BridgeClimb, where you can take guided tours up to the very top of the bridge, at a height of 134 metres.

Being a part of the largest natural harbour in the world certainly has its charms, and one of Sydney's greatest attractions is its natural beauty. Starting from the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, you can take a short 20 min. trip out to East Sydney where you'll find the picturesque Bondi Beach, famous for its plentiful year-round surf. Also, be sure not to miss Manly Beach, a long strip of beautiful sand just across from Sydney Harbour on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. While in the North Harbour, be on the lookout for the city's small warm weather penguins. After a day on the beach, you can explore Sydney's exciting nightlife at King's Cross, Darling Harbour, or The Rocks.

If you're planning on exploring this fun city for yourself, considering staying at the Rydges World Square Sydney, a relaxing hotel that is right in the heart of the Central Business District. Formally the Avillion Hotel Sydney, the Rydges World Square features doorstep-access to the World Square Monorail, connecting you to great city attractions like Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney Entertainment Center, and the shopping and financial sectors of downtown. Plus, the hotel is a great place to kick back after a day in the city, with high speed & secure wireless internet access, fully-equipped fitness center, electronic safes, and cozy Dream© beds. On your next Sydney vacation, stay like a Sydneysider at the Rydges World Square, an accommodation that embodies the friendly, laid-back charm of the city.

I'm a freelance travel writer based out of Dallas, TX. I have been published in Barcelona Metropolitan, Barcelona Connect, The Skinny in Edinburgh, Scotland, ENVY & D Magazines of Dallas.

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