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Think San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro mixed in with a heaping dose of small-town Aussie flavor. Sydney's distinctly individual appeal lies in its fantastic oceanside setting, laid-back attitude, stellar beaches, beautiful people, and eternally sunny subtropical climate.
For the beautiful harbor setting, the brilliant beaches, varied cuisine, excellent shopping, and energetic nightlife.
$1168+: Tahiti, N. Zealand, Australia trio (round-trip) Air Tahiti Nui
$180+: Sydney 4-star Rendezvous Stafford w/free nt Rendezvous Stafford Hotel
$267/nt+: 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney Expedia
$1666+: Australia escape w/flight & 5-day stay Swissotel Sydney
$1509+: Auckland & Fiji fall vacation w/flight, hotels TripWizards.com
$1509+: Deluxe New Zealand & Australia w/flights TripWizards.com
$1480+: 3-star Travelodge Hotel Sydney Expedia
$1523+: 3-star Sullivans Hotel Expedia
$1526+: 3-star Rydges Camperdown Expedia
$299+: Thanksgiving cruises on Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean
Sydney’s lodging options have expanded greatly in recent years—choices now range from five-star properties, swanky boutique hotels, charming beachside inns and backpackers haunts. Accommodation prices reflect the hotel’s location – the priciest ones average around $350 and can be found in the city center. Most tabs include taxes and complimentary breakfast.
Sydney’s culinary scene ranks among the world’s best. Fresh seafood, especially Tasmanian scallops, tuna, and barramundi, rules on menus city-wide and across culinary genres (international options range from Burmese and Lao to Italian and French). Note that many restaurants are BYOB, so call ahead if you’d like wine or beer with your meal.