Think of Australia, and the iconic Sydney Opera house will not be too far behind. Arguably home to one of the most famous buildings in the entire country, Sydney is a hive of grand designs, waterfront structures and impressive harbours. There is, however, even more to this Aussie powerhouse than what may initially meet the eye. Choose a holiday apartment in Sydney and reserve through Airbnb or Trip Advisor to experience the city’s most famous attractions, but remember to leave time to explore the natural side of this metropolis. From a morning surfing session on Bondi Beach to an afternoon hike in the Blue Mountains, Australia’s natural splendour is only short hop from the bustle of the city.
Book a holiday apartment in Sydney
Visit Sydney, the Harbour City!
If you are dreaming of escaping to the land down under, but you don't know where to book your holiday rental in Australia, look no further than the beautiful waterfront haven of Sydney. This city needs no introduction, as alongside it being home to one of Australia's most recognised landmarks, the rest of the city follows suit, and there are great Australian experiences waiting around every corner. To really experience the authentic Oz way of life, look no further than a holiday apartment in Sydney, where you can wake up nestled among the city's globally renowned monuments and attractions.
When to visit?
With Australia's seasons in reverse to the UK, Sydney celebrates its summer while Britain is knee-deep in Christmas decor and snow, so bear this in mind if you are looking to visit the city at a certain point of the year. For a comfortable climate which avoids the peak tourist season, head to the city between late September to November, and early March to May, so you can ensure a comfortable climate and minimal crowds in Sydney's many attractions.
How to get there
Australia has a reputation for long flight times, as destinations down under take almost a day to reach from the UK, at a minimum. The quickest flight takes 20 hours with Qantas from London Heathrow direct to Sydney. However, many journeys exceed this travelling time, with a majority of flyers opting for layovers in eastern airports, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Doha. Some trips to Australia can even take a number of days from home, as it can be a good idea to rent an apartment in Hong Kong or a bed and breakfast in Singapore where you can rest and explore another city, before making the final hop to Sydney. Once you arrive in Sydney Airport, you are only five miles from the city centre, which can be reached in under 15 minutes by the Airport Link train service, or around half an hour by bus or car in light traffic.
Where to stay
Central Business District
Don't feel like you have to visit Sydney exclusively on a business trip to stay in this commercial hive. Yes, the Central Business District, (or the CBD as they say in Sydney) is brimming with prestigious offices and banks, and you may be eating your dinner alongside a business meeting, but you are in global powerhouse city, after all, so why not embrace it! Choose a luxury apartment rental in the CBD, and you will soon realise another great selling point in this area: it is close to so many of Sydney's attractions!
Darlinghurst
Darlinghurst is a darling little spot if you want to immerse yourself in Sydney's electric nightlife, as the vibrant restaurants, bars and clubs stay open until the sun comes up. With so much to enjoy through the nights in this lively neighbourhood, rent a cost-effective holiday rental or a youth hotel and spend your savings making the most of everything Darlinghurst has to offer.
Surry Hills
If you genuinely want to live like an Aussie and indulge in Sydneys hidden jewels, stay in a boutique holiday rental in the trendy neighbourhood Surry Hills. Crawling with indie coffee houses and restaurants, Surry Hills is the ideal place to reserve a self-catered apartment rental, where you can dig into the local flavours and cuisines. After sampling Sydney's coolest food joints, take time out to explore the neighbourhoods art scene, starting with the Brett Whiteley Studio.
Paddington
Known for its sophisticated townhouses, galleries, Centennial Park, the biggest park in Sydney, and yet more quaint coffee shops, Paddington is the most fashionable neighbourhood in Sydney, meaning holiday rentals here are undeniably exclusive. Stay in a guest house or luxury holiday home in the most desired postcode of Sydney, and you will soon see why Paddington has such a distinguished reputation across the city.
Bondi Beach
You don't need to be a surfing enthusiast to become excited upon hearing Bondi Beach. This sandy shore showcases everything that one could want from a seaside destination, with its impressive waves, golden sands and the most Instagrammable infinity pool you could ever dream of. Secure a room with a view of the South Pacific Ocean, before hitting the waves before the crowds arrive for the day.
Sydney Harbour National Park
In a city as vibrant as Sydney, it could easy to overlook the natural wonders which lay nestled just beyond the skyscrapers and bohemian neighbourhoods. However, with a National Park as enticing as Sydney Harbour, this unspoilt area is a must-visit for anyone who touches down in Sydney. Reserve a sanctuary in this verdant jewel by renting a holiday home with a garden, where you can relax and unwind after a long day of hiking, cycling and surfing.
Culture in Sydney
With the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House standing as the crown in this city's cultural jewel, the in rich art and music scene in Sydney is undeniable. You don't need to bag tickets to a show in this landmark to enjoy the culture of Sydney, as there are various hotspots around the city which serving up jazz and blues vibes throughout the night. Venue 505 in Surry Hills, is the ideal place to unwind in the company of fine Australian beers and even finer music. Alongside its theatre and musical presence, Sydney is no stranger to the arts, and the city is brimming with everything from aboriginal art, to contemporary galleries and evert studio in-between.
Food and drink in Sydney
There are lots to be taken seriously in Sydney, but nothing is quite as important as the food and drink culture, which runs through its Harbourside veins. Sydney interprets the very best of middle-eastern flavours in an undeniable Aussie setting, with the lantern decorated ‘Spice Alley' filling the CBD air with spices from across the water. It is not all about the savoury in Sydney, however, as Black Star Pastry serves up the sweetest cakes on the southeastern coast of Australia, so remember to sample some sugary goodness before carrying on with your Sydney adventure. After a day of enjoying local and international dishes, wash away the day with Bundaberg Root Beer from bars across the city.
