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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If you’re an oyster lover, you’re going to want to check out Sydney Cove Oyster Bar. This luxurious restaurant serves up Australia’s most prized seafood all year round.
Here they serve the oysters six ways, and they’re always fresh and tasty. Enjoy Sydney Rock oysters from Tweed Heads and Batemans Bay in summer, and feast on Pacific oysters from Tassie and South Australia in the cooler months.
Oysters are an acquired taste, so if they’re not your bag don’t worry. There are plenty of other delicious options on the menu, including crispy skinned barramundi and porcini mushroom risotto.
The location, right on Sydney …read more

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Sydneysiders don’t look fondly back at the time when our city was shut down for APEC. But while Sydney was turned upside down, it did make for some beautiful photos. Ignore tha security barriers and just focus on the tranquility we rarely see around the harbour. The sepia tones just add to this photo’s sense of peace.
Image source: Christopher Chan @ Flickr

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It may not be as famous as The Great Barrier Reef, but scuba enthusiasts will be impressed at the dives on offer in Sydney Harbour.
The harbour is home to a fantastic variety of marine creatures including wobbygong sharks, large bull rays, giant cuttlefish, leafy sea dragons, blue groupers, and many more. The conditions are fairly warm, with temperatures ranging from 15-24 degrees Celcius. Visibility in the clear water is also excellent. It averages at around 10 to 12 metres, but can be as good as 25 metres if you’re lucky.
If you plan to dive in Sydney, I recommend seeing the …read more

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It’s whale watching season, and you can spot these majestic creatures in style with Obsession Cruises.
And I mean style. How does this sound? A 50′ fully-airconditioned catamaran designed with comfort in mind. You can bring your own lunch, or let the ship’s award-winning chef cook it for you. Of course that’s a little pricier, but you were opting for luxury right?
The ship’s crew offers a detailed commentary so you can learn more about these amazing aquatic animals. From mid-May to August you’ll spot humpback whales making their journey to breeding grounds up north. From mid-August to November you’re likely to …read more

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Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful features of the city, but most of us only tend to see it when we’re amid the hustle and bustle. Why not slow things down and enjoy this spectacular spot from a different perspective, with the Federation Cliff Walk? This 5 km track, which stretches from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay, offers stunning sea views with every step.
Start your journey at Raleigh Reserve and wander through the parklands near the edge of the sandstone cliffs. Enjoy the postcard perfect views of the Pacific Ocean as you wander to Watsons Bay.
Along the way …read more

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Cruising around Sydney Harbour is great fun for mums and dads, but it tends to send the kids straight to sleep.
But it doesn’t have to be just another boring outing thanks to the Sydney Harbour Pirate Cruise! This brilliant idea is designed to give everyone a day out they’ll really enjoy.
It all takes place to the stunning tall ship Svanen. It certainly looks the part, especially since littlies are encouraged to dress as pirates and mermaids. But make sure you leave your weapons at home or the captain will make you walk the plank!
During the two-hour cruise you’ll learn all …read more

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Have we seen the last of the rain clouds? They certainly dampened my spirits this long weekend, but I’m biting my tongue because I know we need the rain.
Now that it looks like it’s clearing though, I’m starting to think of ways to enjoy this sunny weather. One particularly appealing option is an Ultimate Sailing course. It’s going to require three weekends of fine weather, but I’m an optimist.
Sailing’s one of those sports that tends to intimidate people, but is really terribly easy. It doesn’t take long to learn the basics, leaving you plenty of time to just soak in …read more

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Sydney Harbour is the heart of the city. This beautiful water wonderland will be honoured at Sydney Harbour Week, which lasts from March 1 to 9.
The annual celebrations help Sydneysiders and tourists learn more about the harbour’s history, watch some fantastic events, and cool off in the harbour’s waters. 
“Every year the event goes from strength to strength, with a program that gives the community a chance to experience a range of activities in and around the harbour,” Sydney Harbour Week spokesperson Neil Patchett told The Sunday Telegraph.
Sydney Harbour Week features plenty of activities, including the following highlights.
1-2 March - Audi Sydney …read more

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With all the tall buildings and traffic, it’s easy to forget that Sydney is an area steeped in Aboriginal heritage. But it’s something we’ve all been thinking about since Kevin Rudd apologised to the stolen generation last week. If you’d like to learn more about our city’s indigenous roots, a cruise with the Tribal Warrior Association is a great place to start.
You’ll see Sydney Harbour like never before on board the Deerubbun, an ex-Navy Torpedo Recovery Vessel. Along the way you’ll hear tales from the local Eora, Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal, and Wallumedegal people. You’ll also learn more about Sydney …read more

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