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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2014 38 TRAVEL A metropolis down under Sydney Sydney, New South Wales' spectacu- larly beautiful capital is set around one of the world's largest and loveliest natural harbours. Why go? With its superb climate, wonder- ful beaches, excellent dining, diverse shopping, lively nightlife and casual, friendly atmosphere, Australia's oldest city is undoubtedly one of the world's most appealing. Built on low hills in- terspersed with wooded bays and in- lets, Sydney is visually dominated by the bulk of the Harbour Bridge, the downtown towers and the glittering white shell-shaped roofs of the Op- era House – an intricate confusion of water and buildings that provides dra- matic views at every turn. With its thriving cultural scene and active nightlife, Sydney has something for everybody from comedy clubs to casinos, carnivals to cricket and live bands in busy pubs to opera and ballet. For lovers of good food, the combina- tion of high-quality local produce, in- novative chefs and relatively low prices make eating out one of Sydney's great- est pleasures. What to do? One of Sydney's most famous spots is the Sydney Opera House. Built by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, the UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings. Take a backstage tour for an intimate view of what it might be like to perform in one of the world's most famous arts centres. Take the ballet package, which includes a guided tour, a three-course meal at either Guil- laume or Aria Restaurant – two of Australia's best – and an Australian Ballet Company performance. Catch a glimpse of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Manly Beach and Sydney's impressive skyline from 1,000 feet up in a unique- ly memorable helicopter flight. View Sydney in all its breathtaking glory from Sydney Tower Eye and the Observation Deck. See Sydney Har- bour Bridge and the Opera House from a different perspective, watch the ships sailing into Botany Bay and the Blue Mountains rising up in the east. At 250 meters (820 feet) the Observa- tion Deck is the highest viewing plat- form in the city, and boasts 360-degree panoramic views across the skyline. No trip to Australia is complete without a visit to Bondi beach. The popular beach in Sydney's surround- ing suburb is the prefect place for a spot of surfing, or a dip in the ocean. During migration months you can see pods of whales and dolphins, and if you're lucky even fairy penguins that swim close to shore of among the surf- ers. Swimmers are advised to swim between the yellow and red flags as strong currents make some areas of the beach dangerous for swimming. If you're travelling with kids head over to the Sydney Aquarium, home to over 11,500 animals including the mystical dugongs. Discover an under- water world full of movement, colour, beauty and intrigue. Sydney's Taronga Zoo is a zoo with a view, where young and old can come nose to nose with animals of the world. Entertainment is mixed in with edu- cation with keeper talks and presenta- tions as well as a free flight bird show and a seal show. Head out of Sydney, along the great western highway and into the foothills to Blue Mountains National Park. Check out the Aboriginal sites, decorated with extraordinary sten- cil paintings, the astounding views of precipitous valleys from lookout points perched high on cliff tops, the bizarre rock formations created by ae- ons of erosion and an enormous vari- ety of plants and wildlife. Where to eat? Whatever you're looking for there is a variety of restaurants to suit every diner with restaurants specialising in vegetarian and vegan dishes and oth- ers to suit organic, gluten free, halal and kosher diets. Similarly, if you are looking for specialized cuisine, look no further as you'll find Asian, Medi- terranean, African, South American, Western or good old Australian cui- sine to suit every budget. If you're looking for elegant dining at the water's edge, Aria, www.ariarestau- rant.com, is the right spot, with dining rooms opening out onto the shimmer- ing waters of the harbour and the sails of the Opera House. Try something a little different dining at their kitchen table – a glass-enclosed table for eight in the middle of the action behind the scenes, where diners can watch their dishes being created before tucking in. The mod-Oz cuisine makes the most of sophisticated and instantly palat- able flavours, poached Western Aus- tralian crayfish being a standout. The sommelier will assist you to find the perfect wine from an extensive and potentially intimidating list. No punches are pulled at Harry's Singapore Chilli Crab, www.harry- schillicrab.com.au. Just as the name implies, it's all about two things: Har- ry, the owner and Harry's crustaceans. Apart from the famous Singapore chilli crab the menu offers plenty of options for those who want to venture beyond the Queensland mud crabs, with plenty of Chinese and Malaysian classics. Fans will be pleased to find traditional Peking duck and sweet and sour pork, but the menu also of- fers an array of Malaysian sambal and, of course, plenty more shellfish and crustaceans. Bourke Street Bakery, www. bourkestreetbakery.com.au, stuffs its small corner shop with impres- sive artisan breads, pastries and gourmet goods that keep the Surry Hills regulars coming back time and again. Space is tight, but somehow not cramped, and you can curl up in the window-box bench seats with the Sydney Morning Herald, a chocolate croissant and an espresso made from quality Belle Caffe beans. Where to stay? Spend a few nights at Australia's first conservation-led luxury resort bor- dering the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage site. The Wolgan Valley Re- sort and Spa, www.wolganvalley.com, is located between the Wollemi and the Gardens of Stone natural parks. Just a three hour drive from Sydney, or a 45 minute helicopter ride, it feels like a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, www.fourseasons.com/sydney, is showcase of luxury. Located in Sydney Harbour, by the city's historic Rocks area, the hotel is just a short walk from the Sydney Opera house and the ma- jor shopping and business phone. The Star City Sydney, www.star.com. au, is not just a hotel but a holiday in itself. Part of a huge casino complex – the only one in New South Wales, the hotel also hosts numerous restaurants, bars and clubs and a fantastic spa. It is considered one of Sydney's premier entertainment venues, just walking distance from Darling Harbour. How to get there? Emirates offer regular flights be- tween Malta and Sydney with a stopo- ver in Dubai. Flights departing from Malta on 26 February and returning on 12 March were priced at €1356.98 including tax at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approxi- mately 21.5 hours. View Sydney in all its breathtaking glory from Sydney Tower Eye and the Observation Deck