You don’t need to sell Sydney, because this iconic city – with its landmarks, cultural experiences, delish culinary scene and coastal geography – pretty much sells itself. Your clients just need to see what it has packing.
Sydney is a world-class holiday destination for literally millions of travellers each and every year, because it just delivers – on exceptional hotel stays, amazing dining experiences, world-class shopping options and an almost infinite list of things to do and neighbourhoods to explore.
It would be impossible to distil the allure of seductive Sydney and why it is such a sought after city for locals and visitors alike in any guide (we’d need a book, a series, a library?), but bear with us as we give it a mighty good go.
So come along and learn why Sydney should be your clients’ go-to Holiday at Home destination this year and beyond…
Unforgettable hotel stays that capture Sydney’s heart and soul
A city built on some of the most highly-sought after terrestrial real estate in the world, Sydney is blessed with exceptional views at almost every turn. But nothing beats looking out at the sparkling blue of Sydney Harbour and catching the glint of the rising/setting sun off the iconic Harbour Bridge or Opera House from the comfy confines of your luxe Park Hyatt harbourside hotel suite.
Such as those found inside the amazing Pier One Sydney Harbour boutique heritage hotel. Situated on Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Another brilliant option in the heart of the city is the 5-star Harbour Rocks Hotel in The Rocks. It will take you less than five minutes to reach the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the CBD from this historic hotel.
Of course, Sydney isn’t just famous for its monuments and harbour views. Stay at The Sebel in Manly Beach or QT Bondi to be close as you can get to all the action at these world-famous beaches.
Over in the west, you can’t beat a stay at The William Inglis Hotel at Warwick Farm, which is South-West Sydney’s first 5-star hotel inspired by the owners’ revered horse-racing history; or the 5-star SKYE Hotel Suites in Parramatta.
Experience the highs of Sydney…
Scale the iconic Harbour Bridge for the best views of the city in a new way with an Indigenous Storyteller as your guide.
Cultural and captivating all at the same time, this unique experience runs on the last Saturday of every month at 9:15 am and 13:45 pm.
Outside of this time, it’s still possible to scale the summit in the usual way, which is still pretty amazing.
Or perhaps you’d rather feel like a superhero for a day and don a jetpack? If so, Jetpack Adventures over in Penrith has you covered. With them, you’ll feel like Superman or Wonderwoman as literally hundreds of litres of water blast you 10 metres into the air, thanks to specially designed thrust nozzles. Seriously, you won’t want to come back down to Earth.
But when you do, you’ll be happy to know you don’t need to strap yourself to the back of anyone to experience the thrills of freefalling through the sky.
At Penrith’s iFly Downunder, Australia’s first indoor skydiving facility – and the largest and most powerful indoor skydiving facility in the Southern Hemisphere! – you can feel the adrenaline normally reserved for 10,000-foot drops pumping through your veins in a totally safe and totally fun environment.
Appreciate Sydney from the best vantage point ever: the water
You can’t say you’ve done Sydney until you’ve felt the salty water of the Pacific Ocean on your face. Book a couple of surf lessons at Let’s go Surfing Bondi surf school and learn how to catch the perfect wave with some of the nicest, dedicated and most qualified staff in the country. Whether you’re a total noob or a decent rider, these guys will have you surfing like a pro before you jump on a plane and head home.
If you’d rather keep your pretty face dry, though, all good: just book a sailing trip or cruise with these top-rated companies for an experience on the water you’ll never forget. Magistic Cruises, Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Harbour Boat Tours, and Sensational Sydney Tours are brilliant. Book with EastSail for that whole yacht experience, or with Captain Cook Cruises and Fantasea if you like your vessels slightly larger…
A tour isn’t “just a tour” when it’s in Sydney
Back on dry land, there’s even more to do. Book an organised tour at the iconic Sydney Opera House and learn about its history, architecture and construction and why it’s considered a World Heritage-listed masterpiece.
Speaking of heritage, join a tour through the historic house and gardens of Elizabeth Farm which dates back to the 18th century. Learn about John and Elizabeth Macarthur, who are best known as pioneers of the Australian wool industry, and visit the oldest surviving European building in Australia.
If you like to burn more calories on your tours, sign up with Bonza Bike Tours over in Manly and pedal along the famous beach whilst you gaze at some of the best views of Sydney Harbour whilst your guide encourages you up a couple of hills en route to North Head’s coastal cliffs. Don’t worry, these calf-burning climb are totally worth it once you see the views from up here…
After such an effort, methinks you deserve a drink. But not just any drink. Join one of Dave’s Brewery Tours and discover the best breweries in town and taste the choicest craft beer in the city – no wait, the state! – as you sip and sample hand-crafted beer, cider, wine, coffee, chocolate and more at Inner West and Northern Beaches breweries.
Then, wake up fresh the next day and visit one of Sydney’s iconic attractions, such as the Sea Life Aquarium (which houses over 700 species of fish), Sydney Wildlife Zoo (home to over 5000 animals), and Madame Tussauds Sydney, where you’ll find life-like wax models of dozens of celebrities – from sporting heroes, superheroes and stars of the silver screen!
Dining in Sydney is like breaking bread with the Gods
Thanks to Sydney’s multicultural heritage, its passion for hedonism on a plate, and its abundant reserves of fresh seafood and produce, make no mistake about it: you WILL eat (and drink) as you’ve never eaten before here.
Indeed, as one of the most renowned foodie hotspots on the global culinary scene, Sydney won’t disappoint your tastebuds on your next trip here.
For the ultimate steakhouse experience in a beautifully appointed dining space overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour, head (ha!) to 6Head.
To dine against the stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, definitely make a reservation at Opera Bar and totally order the oysters.
Other exceptional dining experiences awaiting your client’s patronage in the heart of the city are Café del Mar, which is a stylish waterfront rooftop restaurant and terrace bar venue overlooking Darling Harbour; and Nick’s Seafood Restaurant which specialises in ultra-fresh seafood coupled with an amazing wine selection and equally impressive views.
For drinks, head to G&Tea at The Star casino for a little gin to wet to your whistle. Or to Smoke Bar, an enchanting rooftop bar, or Anason, a Turkish mezze bar, both in Barangaroo.
If you’re staying in Bondi, and even if you’re not, don’t leave Sydney without a meal and some drinks at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar. This is the best place to absorb those famous Bondi Beach views. It’s also famous for being one of the best Italian restaurants in town.
Over in the west, you can’t beat Allan Grammar, an intimate laneway wine bar and fine dining restaurant that oozes sophistication in the heart of Penrith; or The Woods Pantry in Villawood, which is a local favourite thanks to its Instagrammable brunch menu that leans on Middle Eastern inspiration.
Catch a show & get cultural in Sydney with these amazing events
There’s always something on in Sydney. Festivals frequent the city calendar like seagulls on chips (click here to see what we mean), but the city also plays hosts to a world-class line-up of events dedicated to the Arts. Indeed, move over NYC and Paris, because Sydney is where the Arts are at!
For example, catch the Australian premiere of the Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Hamilton, in March at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. Featuring an all-Aussie cast, this is THE musical that critics are still ranting and raving over and it’s guaranteed to be a highlight of your Sydney stay.
Whilst over at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, Frozen the Musical is entertaining Disney die-hards with its spectacular special effects and superb costumes and set designs from now until the 2nd of May.
And this is just the start… So, ready to start sending your clients Sydney’s way?
For even more information and inspiration on what Sydney has to offer your clients on their next Holiday at Home, check out the Destination NSW Travel Trade Toolkit.
It has everything you need to help you sell Sydney to your clients. There are engaging webinars, fact sheets and just loads of useful advice on information on there to help you learn Sydney and NSW like the back of your hands and send your clients on their merry way.
And don’t forget to hashtag your favourite Sydney and NSW holidays on social media by using the hashtag #LoveNSW and #ILoveSydney. Tell your clients to search for these hashtags themselves on social media to see just how vibrant and beautiful stunning Sydney is.
For more inspiration on Sydney and NSW adventures, check out sydney.com and visitnsw.com
READ: Move Over NYC & Paris: Why Sydney Is Where It’s A(r)t
READ: An Agent’s Guide to Sydney’s Coastal Character
READ: 5 Fantastic NSW Getaways And Stays To Reboot Your Wanderlust
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