Sydney

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Sydney--Australia's oldest city

A June 1997 trip to Sydney by akakd

Sydney Opera HouseMore Photos

"Sydney is a collage, a patchwork of colors & textures." The sparkling blue waters of Sydney Harbor splash against the seawall surrounding the lush, green Royal Botanic Gardens. Visitors to Sydney will not be disappointed. This is a vibrant city on one of the world's most beautiful harbours. Come experience this land down under. G'Day Mate!

  • 5 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 2 photos

Sydney--Australia's oldest cityBest of IgoUgo

Overview

In addition to traditional sites found in the Opera House, The Rocks area, & Sydney Harbour, we also found one of the best and most beautiful shopping malls in the world. When in Sydney, don't miss the outstanding Queen Victoria Building (QVB), more for it's own beauty than for the shopping. Pierre Cardin calls it, "The most beautiful shopping centre in the world."

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Wynyard Vista HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Calling itself "The Right Hotel in the Right Place at the Right Price," the Wynyard Vista sits a short walk from The Rocks & Sydney Harbor. The rooms were bright, cheery, clean, & functional. When we were there, parts of the hotel were being renovated. Hopefully, they added some artwork. Our room was fairly stark. (Of course, we had become accustomed to luxurious bed & breakfast inns in New Zealand, to which NO hotel can compare.)
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by akakd on January 20, 2001

Wynyard Vista Hotel
7-9 York Street Sydney, Australia
(02) 9290 1840

Phillip's Foote RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Winner of the "Best Garden Restaurant" Award, Phillip's Foote is sure to please. This unique restaurant was named after Captain Phillip, who was one of the first white men to set foot on the shores of Sydney Cove, leading the first fleet from England to Australia in 1788. His mission: to set up a British penal colony. Phillip's Foote, in the centre of The Rocks, is a relaxed Australian atmosphere. Choose prime Australian beef, succulent chicken, or fresh fish. Cook it yourself on the famous char-grill barbecue, or select from the carvery. Complement your meal with salad, vegetables, fresh bread, & fine wine from the cellar.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by akakd on January 20, 2001

Phillip's Foote Restaurant
101 George Street Sydney, Australia
+61 241 1485

Sydney Opera HouseBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Sydney Opera House
No entry on Sydney would be complete without the magnificent Sydney Opera House, Australia's Number One tourist attraction. Designed in 1957, Sydney Opera House is still as bold & modern a building today as it was at it's inception. The unique sail-like construction works well with it's position on the harbor, mirroring boats passing by.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by akakd on January 20, 2001

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (2) 9250 7111

Queen Victoria BuildingBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Queen Victoria Building
The Queen Victoria Building has been described by Pierre Cardin as "The most beautiful shopping centre in the world." I concur. Even if you hate to shop, the famous QVB is worth seeing. This is a huge Romanesque building covering an entire city block. It first opened in 1898, but was allowed to deteriorate in the 1930's. It reopened in 1986 with all its Byzantine splendor restored: tall arches, intricate tile, magnificent stained-glass windows, grand columns, & a unique clock that displays scenes of English history on the hour. You just gotta see it.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by akakd on January 20, 2001

Queen Victoria Building
455 George St Sydney, Australia 2000
+61 (0)2 9265 6869

Arizona--Down Under!Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Being from Arizona, imagine our surprise when we found bits of Arizona all over Australia. Among these were a series of Arizona Restaurants & Bars, touting "The American Wild West in the Heart of Sydney!". There appears to be an Aussie fascination with the Wild West. Ironically, Sydney & Phoenix could be sister cities, if it weren't for one having a lovely harbor. (Arizona Casino in Sydney can be found on the corner of Pitt & Market Street.)

About the Writer

akakd
akakd
Arizona, United States

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