The Sydney Traveler

I’m not exactly the fittest girl in the world. I like to count a trip to the grocery store as exercise, and I tend to avoid breaking a sweat. Yet somehow I found myself sitting on a bicycle for the first time in at least a year on Saturday.
My husband Steve and I were signed up for a ride with Sydney Bike Tours, an exciting new local tour company which promises to show you the sights the green way. Forget piling into a cramped tour bus, or traipsing around until your feet hurt. This bicycle tour offers a whole new …read more

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Cockatoo Island may just be Sydney’s best kept secret. This heritage listed island is smack bang in the middle of stunning Sydney Harbour, and it’s just opened up for overnight camping.
This beautiful island used to be an imperial prison, industrial school, reformatory, and gaol. It was also the site of one of Australia’s biggest shipyards. Remnants of Cockatoo Island’s rich history remain today. Visitors can explore the historic sites at their own pace or join a guided tour.
History aside, Cockatoo Island offers one amazing view. It’s one of the best places in Sydney to appreciate the harbour, the city skyline, …read more

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You haven’t really seen Sydney until you’ve seen it from a hot air balloon.
Sure, aeroplanes and helicopters will get you up high, but there’s something so serene about travelling in a balloon. Balloon Aloft can make it happen.
The flights leave daily just before dawn. Now I know what you’re thinking: dawn is a time to be sleeping, not jumping in balloons. But trust me, you’ll forget how tired you are when you see that gorgeous sunrise.
Flights also include a BBQ breakfast with champagne.
You may only be in the air for an hour, but you’ll remember it for the rest of …read more

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Now here’s a pub crawl with a difference. Sydney Helicopters runs pub tours of the Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains. What a great way to visit some out-of-the-way watering holes!
The tours depart from Sydney Helicopters’ base in Granville. Your session will start with a safety briefing and complimentary champers.
It’s the first drink of many, but before you get down to the serious business there’s a beautiful flight to enjoy. Marvel at the bird’s eye view of the city before you reach your destination.
The Hunter Valley is world famous for its delicious wines, so the Hunter Pub Tour is perfect for …read more

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I’ve been a little slow to update this weekend, as I spent most of it in the Hunter Valley. I saw Steely Dan play at Bimbadgen Estate, an experience that reminded me why I bother making the trip to the country to see shows.
After all, every artist that plays the Hunter Valley (or anywhere else in Australia for that matter) plays Sydney, so there must be some reason I bother driving all that way. As it so happens, there are several.
The choices are simple. In Sydney, the biggest musicians tend to play the soulless Entertainment Centre or ACER Arena. If we’re …read more

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