More Than a Harbour and Opera House: Sydney’s Gems

Introduction

Have things been getting you down lately? Work? Family issues? Relationship issues? Sometimes it’s good to get away from the hustle and bustle of your normal life and take a much needed vacation. Have some time to yourself. But where will you go, you ask? Why not add a blue mountain day tour from Sydney to your plans? Yes, Sydney – the place that’s famous for its beautiful harbour and wonderful opera house. But there’s much more to Sydney than that.

The Great Outdoors

There’s nothing more refreshing on a trip than to get in touch with nature and its beauty, and the great beaches and parks of Sydney can give you just that. Why not visit the Blue Mountains National Park? It’s one of the most popular parks in Australia with impressive lookouts and breath-taking scenery. You could also go to the Sydney Olympic Park which holds many sporting and cultural events. There’s also Hyde Park, Centennial Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens, which are tourist favourites. Or if relaxtion is the aim, you can even get some sun at one of their many beautiful beaches such as the Bondi beach or Manly beach.

Arts and Culture

If the many and frequent dance, ballet, opera and theatre performances held in one of the most iconic buildings of the century – the Sydney Opera House – doesn’t quite do it for you, thenthere’s plenty to see at the many art galleries. Some notable public galleries that have new exhibits all-year round such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Sydney. More in the mood to learn? You could always go to the Australian Museum, famous for the natural history and anthropology it contains as it is the oldest museum in Australia. There are many museums that you can visit and learn from, in fact, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Rest and Relaxation

If you’re really in it for the relaxation, why not treat yourself to a day at the spa? Sydney has plenty of places to have a massage or manicure among other relaxing treatments such as the Fleur de Lys Medispa, the Ayurve Spa, the Panpuri Organic Spa and many more. Pamper yourself with the healing touch of professionals as well as exotic aromas and warm baths. To indulge yourself once in a while is good for a healthy mind and body.

If you feel the need to get away for a while, Sydney might just be the perfect vacation destination for you. With its many performances and events, you’re sure to be entertained. Its natural beauty sights and awe inspiring backdrops will make you want to take hundreds of photos and show them off to all the people back home. There’s also plenty to learn and plenty to see at the many museums and public galleries. If all that is too overwhelming, calm yourself by taking a trip to the spa. There’s plenty available, all with a wide range of treatments that are sure to leave you feeling revitalized, re-energized and rested.

– This article was written by freelance writer and mother of three, Kathryn Thompson.  Follow her on Twitter: @katht35