As the plane banks over Sydney for
the run into landing, other first time visitors crane their necks to glimpse the
harbour, the Opera House and the Bridge. If you are arriving from overseas, the
long flight is over and the adrenalin is flowing. Sydney has come a long way
since the first settlers ended their six month journey from Europe to Australia
in 1788 and started building what is now one of the World's most exciting
cities. So, how long was that plane flight again?
Heading in from the airport, the
first impression is bustle, energy and activity. Sydneysiders seem a happy lot,
and they move quickly. The trees look almost tropical - broad leaves and
obviously well watered - Sydney has a pretty high annual rainfall (1,213mm, or
47 inches) and averages about 10 rainy days a month. Rainfall and rainy days are
spread evenly throughout the year. An umbrella is not a bad idea in
Sydney.
To be in the thick of things, the
best place to have your Sydney hotel is within a Kilometre of Circular Quay. The
ferries are nearby, buses and trains leave for all parts of the city and some of
the best restaurants are within walking distance.
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| Aerial View of Sydney |
Check out the picture above and refer
to a map of Sydney. You can see Circular Quay, with the Opera House on the left,
the Bridge is in the centre, and the Downtown Central Business District in the
top left hand corner. Darling Harbour is to the right of the CBD. The ferry to
Darling Harbour from Circular Quay goes under the Bridge and loops around to the
Casino, the Maritime Museum, the Aquarium and the Wildlife Sydney Zoo.
Check in to the hotel, and then check
out the area.
Stay tuned as we journey around the
Land Downunder for your first time...
