Ninety percent of all Australians live no more than 50 miles from the ocean. All on a stretch of land from Adelaide, on Australia’s south coast, to Brisbane, on the east coast. Right in the middle is Sydney. Sydney for first-timers, is a perfect place to start an Australian adventure.
If your time allows, a side trip to Ayers Rock completes the introduction with a glimpse of the Outback. Ayers Rock is where the gigantic red rock called Uluru can be found.
I know what you are telling yourself; “Australia is so far away”, “I cannot travel that long on an airplane”. The trip is totally worth it. This maybe a retirement travel idea because of the distance and time required to justify the expense. You will not regret booking a trip to Australia. Combine a trip to Sydney with other places in Southeast Asia, like Singapore or New Zealand, to lessen the eventual travel costs.
Sydney: A Bustling Metropolis
Infused with high levels of vibrancy, Sydney is a bustling metropolis that bombs your senses with sights and historical treasures.
Sydney for first-timers, is one broad canvas painted with golden hues of iconic beaches, architectural masterpieces, a modern skyline, and cultural richness echoing down many of its streets. On top of all that, Sydney is extremely safe. All of Australia, as a matter of fact, is very safe, day or night.
Sydney: A Symphony of Experiences
The Iconic Sydney Opera House
On each visit to Sydney our journey begins in the area around the Sydney Opera House. When you stand in front of this building, you’re not just looking at another venue, you’re looking at a UNESCO World Heritage site with architectural sails soaring to touch the sky. You’re standing before a masterpiece of modern architecture even though it was built over 60 years ago in 1959. Make sure you take an inside tour of the opera house to discover the stories of its construction and learn about the world’s music legends who have performed here.
The Royal Botanic Garden: A Serene Escape
A stone’s throw away from the Opera House is the Royal Botanic Gardens. They offers a quiet respite and a beautiful vantage point looking over the Sydney Harbor. The scents of blooming flowers mix with the salty air, a perfect backdrop for a lazy walk or an afternoon picnic under the shade of heritage trees.
Historic Rocks District
The pulsing historical heart of Sydney is the nearby city section called The Rocks. This is a neighborhood blending new cafes and galleries with old pubs and vintage houses. It calls to mind Sydney’s history. The markets are thriving and excellent for souvenirs and artisans’ products. Throughout the area is a waterside bar atmosphere. While there are plenty of good pubs in Sydney’s Rocks District, we favor the Endeavor Tap Room on Argyle Street; good menu with an excellent selection of beverages on tap.
Vibrant Darling Harbour
Nearby, Darling Harbour is an inlet that embodies the energy of Sydney with street performers and bustling shops and waterside eateries. At SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum, you might find yourself engaging others with marine life or maritime history. The presence of the mega cruise ships, however, has now transformed the atmosphere of the harbour. Depending on the day it might be crowded. Check for cruise ship activity before you make plans.
Travel Tips for Sydney
To optimize your experience while in Sydney arrive when the weather is just right and the city contains fewer travelers. For us that would be in September. Buses, trains, and ferries are available and run throughout the city efficiently. From luxury hotels to low-budget hostels, rooms can be found in both categories for all types of visitors. We gravitate to the Shangri-La Hotel because of its central location, good restaurants and excellent staff. Each of the above mentioned sites is an easy walk from the hotel.
The Gateway to the Outback:
Introduction to Ayers Rock
Ayers Rock is completely opposite from Sydney. It is here that one finds the heart of the Red Centre of Australia, The Outback. Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) is three hours by commercial flight from Sydney, so plan accordingly. We suggest spending at least two nights in the area in order to easily take in the sites and experiences.
Accommodations
We stayed in the Ayers Rock Resort at the “Sails in the Desert” Hotel in Yulara, Australia, 20 minutes from the Ayers Rock Airport and a mere 45 minute drive to Ayers Rock.
You could also fly to Alice Springs instead of the Ayers Rock Airport where there are more resorts and hotels available. However, Alice Springs is nearly a 5 hour drive to Ayers Rock. Surprisingly, Alice Springs, in the middle of nowhere, is a city of about 25,000 inhabitants. It could be because it is located exactly half way on the north-south road between Darwin on the north coast and Adelaide on the south coast of Australia. More likely the city has grown to support the tourist activity for Uluru. There are several good hotels in the city from which to choose.
Adventure Activities in the Outback
So many unique experiences are offered including camel tours and hot air balloon rides over the desert. Adventure lovers can use this as an opportunity, with countless hiking and biking trails crisscrossing its rough landscapes. The Larapinta Trail is legendary for its expansive panoramic views and rugged landscape.
Majestic Ayers Rock (Uluru)
A spiritual experience exists in standing before this massive sandstone monolith, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the rock changes color from ochre to burnished orange. A tour around Uluru will give one insight into the many geological formations and their cultural importance for the Indigenous Anangu people.
The Field of Light
As the sun goes down, soak in the splendor of the Field of Light installation located just outside Uluru. Thousands of solar-operated colored globes illuminate the desert, making it a sight to behold.
Practical Tips for Sydney and the Outback
When to Visit:
You can have your best vacation in Sydney between September and November and again between March and May when it is mild enough. Alice Springs is ideal to tour from April through September, with more excellent conditions making it more manageable to access the beautiful desert.
Accomodations
From fancy sea-view hotels to easy-going backpacker’s hostels, Sydney for first-timers and repeat timer can choose from a full range of accommodations. At the same time, Outback offers everything from casual hotels to unique outback camping.
Conclusion:
It’s an epic journey from the frenetic streets of Sydney to the hallowed silence of Uluru, a foray into the heart and soul of Australia. Each moment captured within the cityscape of busyness or the desert of serenity writes its indelible story within you long past your departure.
