The Sydney Traveler

Sydney Harbour offers much more than Circular Quay and the Bridge. Venture out a little further and you’ll find plenty of beautiful islands just made for exploring. While the mainland has been developed into an urban jungle, these islands are home to native flora and fauna. These natural features sit beside historic buildings and Aboriginal sites which reveal much about Australia’s cultural heritage.
One of these natural havens is Shark Island. But don’t let the name scare you off. The island was given this cute moniker because it looks like a shark, not because it’s home to some white pointers!
Shark Island …read more

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It’s been a long wait, but Sydney’s only Korean Bathhouse is back in business. Now knows as Body Inc Bathhouse and Spa, this inner-city sanctuary is the perfect place for a chill-out session.
Your first stop is the Zen Room, a lounge area designed to get you in the mood. Once you’re suitably relaxed you’ll head off to the men’s or women’s changerooms for your Korean Bathhouse experience, or visit one of the salon rooms for your massage, beauty, or hair treatment.
Nudity is mandatory, but there’s no opposite sex mingling in the baths so there’s no need to be shy. More …read more

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Did you think facials and pedicures were just for the ladies? Think again. At Mankind, men can indulge in all those beauty treatments they were too scared to try.
The harsh Australian climate means Australian men punish their skins more than their counterparts around the world. Yet too many still aren’t getting the message that good skincare is the secret to maintaining youthful good looks. And it feels fantastic! Mankind takes away the embarrassment by specialising in treatments for men. Your mates never have to know, although you might want to bring them along!
Mankind perform facials, pedicures, manicures, and a range …read more

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When tourists visit Sydney, they head to Bondi. That suits the locals just fine, because they’re all relaxing at Manly Beach. Now the weather’s warming up, I figured I’d share why more Sydneysiders visit this coastal hotspot.
The vibe is a lot more relaxed than you’ll find in urban Bondi. Perhaps it’s because Manly is a little further from the CBD, but everyone here knows how to chill out. Surfers will appreciate the big waves, while family will enjoy paddling in the sheltered coves and inlets.
When the mercury soars, those UV rays can really bite. Thankfully though Manly has enough shade …read more

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What do Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Toni Colette, David Wenham, Miranda Otto, and Naomi Watts have in common? Well yes, they’re all Aussies who’ve made their mark on Hollywood. But there’s something else. Yes – they have fantastic hair! And the woman responsible for it all is Renya Xydis.
But you don’t have to be a star to enjoy her services, thanks to her new salon in the city.
“The whole idea was to have a hideaway for girls in the city who want every treatment possible but in the confines of an elegant, pampering environment,” she told The Sunday Telegraph.
Sign me …read more

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If you’re a little prudish, but still love to be pampered I’ve got good news. The Ginseng Bathhouse in Kings Cross has undergone new management and scrapped its nude rule.
The bathhouse used to pride itself on its traditional Korean bathing experience. That meant modesty was out of the question.
Now known as the Body Inc Bathhouse, the revamped retreat will reopen its doors next month.
Director of spa Sharlene Votano told The Sydney Morning Herald the bathhouse will retain its authentically Asian feel.
“A lot of people loved that [nudity] about the bathhouse and a lot of people hated it,” she said.
“The bathhouse …read more

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It’s only 10 kays away from the middle of Sydney, but Lane Cove National Park feels must further from the hustle and bustle of New South Wales’ capital. 
This 600-hectare haven is home to beautiful bush valleys and plenty of native wildlife. It’s a popular spot for local families to enjoy a picnic, game of cricket or football, or a boat ride.
The park has 35 picnic sites and boat hire available at the historic boatshed. And if you’d rather explore the area on foot, there are 40 km of bushland trails to trek.
If an afternoon in the park isn’t quite enough, accommodation is …read more

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In 2000, Sydney was in the world’s spotlight as it hosted the Olympic Games. It was seven years ago, but few have forgotten the beautiful surrounds of this awesome sporting event.
Today you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to enjoy what Sydney Olympic Park has to offer. Anyone can swim a few laps at the Aquatic Centre, play a game of tennis at the Tennis Centre.
The beautiful parklands are also a great place to take it easy. Lake Belverdere in Bicentennial Park is a popular spot for a lazy barbeque or picnic. And the park’s scenic pathways are perfect …read more

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It’s spring: the birds are singing, the bees are buzzing, and the flowers are blooming. That makes it the perfect time to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, the largest public garden in Sydney.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a little piece of paradise in the middle of the city. They’re located between the harbour and the central business district, and are a haven for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
The gardens span 30 hectares and are home to more than one million plants. These include some massive trees that were planted over a century ago. As you can imagine, …read more

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Thought there was nothing more relaxing than a cruise around Sydney Harbour? How about a cruise where you’re pampered like a princess? That’s exactly what happens on Sydney’s Massage and Beauty Cruise.
When you arrive you’ll receive a bag containing a wrap, shawl, and slipper. And then the pampering begins.
You’ll enjoy champagne and tasty treats as the crew work their magic. During the three-hour cruise, you’ll enjoy a full body massage or deluxe facial with a neck and shoulder massage while taking in the glorious view. If you’re still not completely stress-free, why not get a hand massage?
On-board tarot readers allow …read more

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