Sydney, Australia cruise port

This cosmopolitan city has a packed social calendar all year round, from Mardi Gras and the Royal Easter Show in February and March to Good Food Month, the Rolex Sydney Harbour Yacht Race and the Festival of the Sun taking place from October to December. A truly global city, there’s always something to jump into in Sydney whatever time of year you decide to visit.

Bright sun, beautiful beaches and a passion for art and culture make Sydney a hugely popular luxury holiday destination and with a wealth of great experiences on offer, the city is also a regular name on many travellers’ bucket lists. The stand-out sights here have to be the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, but beyond the waterfront you’ll find an energetic modern city just waiting to be explored. Stroll along Bondi Beach and watch the surfers, take a boutique shopping trip along The Rocks or you could even head out into the magnificent landscapes of the Blue Mountains beyond.

Sightseeing in Sydney

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House

You can do much more than just gaze in wonder at Sydney’s most famous landmarks, although that’s also highly recommended if you’re sailing into port here. How about taking a guided climb of the famous bridge and seeing the city from 440ft over the harbour – or touring the spectacular interior of the Opera House, for the definitive Sydney sightseeing experience?

Luna Park and Taronga Zoo

Sydney’s historic amusement park dates back to 1935, and is a wonderful place to get a feel for the huge sense of fun that defines the city. Taronga Zoo meanwhile is the perfect place to see Australia’s native wildlife up-close without having to leave the city and offers its visitors a great choice of shows, talks, guided tours and animal encounters.

The Blue Mountains

Lying just 40 miles west of Sydney, a trip to the magnificent Blue Mountains can give you an unforgettable look at the wilder, more rugged side of New South Wales. The national park is home to some of Australia’s most famous wildlife, from kangaroos and echidnas to wombats and platypuses – as well as koalas, which live in the region’s vast number of eucalyptus trees.

Shopping in Sydney

Dozens of markets fill Sydney’s bustling centre during the weekends, specialising in vintage fashion and one-of-a-kind items. Spend some time exploring the city and you’ll find no shortage of designer boutiques, jewellery stores and ultra-modern galleries, along with a wide choice of shopping centres and a number of high streets like Oxford Street, Queen Street, Darling Street and Campbell Parade.

Eating out in Sydney

The city’s bars, cafes, bistros and restaurants are equally diverse, with fine dining options ranging from Asian fusion and Mexican eats right through to award-winning interpretations of French and Italian cuisine using locally sourced Australian ingredients. Sydney is also famous for its big nights out, with an enormous range of nocturnal venues including rooftop bars, historic vaults, elegant lounges and a fantastic choice of clubs.