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Sydney, Australia
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Selling Sizzle
Things to do in Sydney attractions
- Now is a great time to travel to Australia due to favorable exchange rates.
- It's easy to get around Sydney; it's a small, clean, pedestrian city.
- Sydney is a city that has a lot to offer from its famous opera house to its unbelieveable natural habitats.
- Wonderful coastal community; great beaches (Bondi and Manly)
- No language barriers and people are warm and friendly
- Shopping is very diverse; travelers can find anything from top brands to funky boutiques to department stores found in the U.S.
The Real Deal
- Over 2,000,000 people have climbed the Sydney Bridge over the past 10 years.
- Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa. The type of visa you will need depends on how long you wish to stay in Australia and what you want to do during your stay.
- Australia can be a little be bland; it's not as big of a cultural experience as you might think.
- Australia is very reminiscent of a big city in the U.S.
- Pre-planning can be a little challenging due to the time zone differences.
- Limited outdoor events are allowed; there are many restrictions
- Although there is a long flight time from the U.S., the travel time is long forgotten the moment guests touch down in Sydney.
- Slight cultural difference in terms of what Australians eat and what they think U.S. guests eat.
- Unlike other international countries, there is no refund of VAT taxes for groups holding business meetings.
- Don't recommend car rentals since Sydney is fairly congested and Australians drive on the opposite side of the road.
OVERVIEW
Things to do in Sydney
Wrapped around its majestic harbor, Sydney is not only the gateway to Australia but also the vibrant, shining star of the Southern Hemisphere. At four million people, it is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia and is often compared to San Francisco. While it certainly has the relaxed feel of San Francisco, it is truly its own unique city, beckoning more than three million international travelers every year.
It’s easy to see why so many group travel programs come to one of the most celebrated sites in the world. First, of course, there’s Sydney Harbour – one of nature’s extraordinary creations. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, this harbor is the presiding icon for the city and for urban Australia. Next there’s the Sydney Opera House, one of the most recognized buildings in the world. Perched on Sydney Cove with its white-sail construction, it is the pride of the city. Another great Sydney icon is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, famous for its bridge climb tours where groups with a daredevil spirit can climb catwalks and ladders to the top of the arch for 360-degree views across the opera house and the ferries and boats below.
Besides extraordinary architecture, Sydney has much more to offer. Its history is enshrined in its many museums and art galleries, while modern Sydney comes alive with more recent developments around Darling Harbour, including world-class restaurants, entertainment and shopping. But Sydney isn’t just about urban delights. The Sydney metropolitan area alone boasts over 20 beaches strung along the city’s oceanfront and dozens more around the harbor.
The most famous is Bondi, a strip of golden sand legendary for its lifeguards and surfboard riders. With so much to offer, Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international, while still maintaining a fascinating culture that is uniquely Australian.
Sydney Travel Videos
Watch more travel videos at www.tripfilms.com
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CURRENT WEATHER
Sydney Airport
- Broken clouds, light rain
- Temperature: 16 °C
- Wind: West-Northwest, 14.8 km/h
- Pressure: 1021 hPa
- Rel. Humidity: 48 %
- Visibility: 10 km
City 101
- The official language of Australia is English.
- Australian Eastern Standard Time, Australia, UTC + 10 hours
- English is the official language. 99% of people speak it.
- 240 V 50 Hz
Best Time To Travel
Tip
- Great year-round destination
- Fall season: March 1 - May 31
- Spring season: September 1 - November 30
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Culture & Etiquette
- Australians are individually open-minded and trusting in general.
- Family time is important in the culture and there are established rules for everything.
- Australians, in general, do not like negotiating; they value directness.
- Australians consider brevity as a virtue.
Dining Customs
- Call ahead; do not make unannounced visits
- It is important to know that each person in a pub is expected to buy a round of drinks.
Eco Friendly Travel
- Green Sydney government initiatives
- Sydney is fast becoming one of the world’s leading "green cities".
- The City of Sydney Council is the first in the nation to become carbon neutral, while Tourism Australia (TA) maintains a "green checklist" for planning events, and Business Events Australia (BEA) promotes the value of sustainable tourism.
Holiday Information
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in most places in Sydney, especially after a meal. If you feel the service was good and would like to leave a tip, 10% is the guideline you should use.
An obvious must-see while in Sydney is the Sydney Opera House. It’s iconic, and worth the praise. A guided tour is a great way to really get a feel for the history. Don’t forget your camera. Although no photos are allowed in the actual concert halls, the architecture is spectacular, and there are several balconies from which to get amazing photos of the Harbour.
Comments
Sydney is filled with exciting good amount of adventure for all ages. The Sydney Tower Sky Walk should be at the top of your list! The sights and sound of Sydney provides a different experience that you will never forget. I think everyone knows about the Sydney Opera house already and just how amazing this place is, not just the structure but as a recreational place. If you are a lover of nature, then don’t skip these natural places namely, Royal Botanic Gardens and Chinese Garden of Friendship.
One of the challenges that we face as meeting planners and sales people, is the perception of a destination like Sydney. While it's at the top of most people's hot list, it can be a little intimidating thinking of the long plane ride, therefore, we think it will be a hard sell, especially if you don't have the budget to purchase first or business class for all guests.
I recently had a group of 850 people, all flying coach class to Sydney, and I think it speaks volumes to say that we did not hear one complaint about the "long flight".... just the opposite, our guests were just so happy to be there and to get their trip started, they they had forgotten all about it once they arrived at the hotel.
My theory is this....... Australia, and Sydney in particular, just feels good. There is a buzz and energy that you feel as soon as you land, and it fills you with excitement and anticipation, which stays with you throughout your entire trip. The Australians really know how to live life to the fullest and it is contageous! That's what we should be selling to our clients, and talking about in our proposals, and I can guarantee the concern about the long flight will go right out the window!
One of most amazing and exciting ways to see the Sydney Harbour and coastline is by seaplane! It's a group favorite, an experience of a lifetime, and surprisingly affordable! If your group is traveling in the off season (June- Aug) make sure to reserve afternoon flights, as the mornings can be slightly overcast. During peak season (Dec- Mar), the morning is the best time to go for both views and cost.
Sydney exceeded my group's expectations when we planned a trip there in 2008. From shopping to spending a little R&R on the beach, this destination really offers something for everyone. The Aussie's are so friendly too!
Don't forget about the Vue! One of my favorite Sydney clubs full of locals and visitors alike. They also have an amazing tapas menu and a private upstairs quiet dining area!
Sydney has great nightlife. Visit The Ivy on George St -- hot nightclub -- or try one of the great pubs in The Rocks - Lord Nelson, The Orient, Australian, or Fortune of War.