STAY ON IN SYDNEY
TAKE TIME TO EXPLORE THIS AUSTRALIAN SUPERSTAR BY DAY AND NIGHT
Some cities simply can’t be seen in a day. That’s why we offer City Stays on our World Cruise, allowing you to stay a little longer – up to seven nights – in a range of destinations at the start or end of your holiday.
Sydney is a city that demands a deeper dive. Life here revolves around the water, and all the famous sights are at the water’s edge – the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the bronzed bodies on Bondi Beach. But there’s so much more to discover, and once you’ve set your bags down at the four-star Grace Hotel (all transfers to and from the airport or port are seen to), you’re free to roam.
Nature really is right on your doorstep in Sydney. Bypass Bondi and head a little further east to discover Bronte and Clovelly beaches along the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. It’s 6km in total and takes about two hours if you don’t stop, but of course you will: make a day of it with pit stops for ice cream and to gawp at the gorgeous scenery. Factor in, too, a swim at the beautiful ‘ocean bath’ at Bronte, a sheltered (and free!) saltwater-filled rock pool at the edge of the beach.
Another great walk is the Hermitage Foreshore, a gentle 1.8km one-way with views of Shark Island and the Harbour Bridge. Now, why not reverse your view and look at Sydney from the water? A fun (and economical) way to explore the many islands and harbours is to hop on a green-and-yellow commuter ferry. We recommend the Darling Harbour ferry from Circular Quay, which carries you under that iconic bridge and past the Opera House.
Some of the best food in Sydney also happens to be some of the cheapest. There’s no typical local cuisine, so just follow your nose (and the queues) to find everything from Lebanese grilled chicken to Vietnamese noodles and báhn mì, Malaysian laksa, Korean tofu and arepas from Venezuela.
The Sydney Fish Market trades more varieties of fish than anywhere in the world outside Japan. Get up early to witness the noisy auctions, book a class at the Sydney Seafood School, or just browse the stalls.
If you’re in Sydney on a Saturday, head up to the Carriageworks Farmers Market and ogle the organic and biodynamic meat and veg, artisan breads and freshly cut flowers. Stick around to visit the multi-arts centre, a hub for contemporary arts.
More modern art, and dedicated galleries celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, can be found at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which occupies an enviable spot overlooking Sydney Harbour.
While you’re free to organise your own itinerary when enjoying a City Stay, a local representative will be available if there are any problems or questions. But if you want to completely switch off and let someone else do the legwork, then consider ‘Sydney Panaromas’, a three-night tour of the very best of Sydney and surrounds. This includes a full day’s sightseeing in the city, taking in Mrs Macquarie’s Chair viewpoint, the Rocks area and a guided tour of Sydney Opera House. You’ll then head out to the wilderness of the Blue Mountains National Park.
Where else can I enjoy a City Stay?
Search and book holidays at www.pocruises.com or call us on 0333 300 0108*
*Local call charges apply