Sponsored by ICC Sydney
You probably know that Sydney is Australia’s largest and oldest city. And there’s no doubt you’ve heard of its icons like the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Like any global city, the perception of Sydney is shaped by these icons, and fortunately for visitors attending events, the reality exceeds them all. Just as you suspected, Sydney is vibrant, beautiful and lives its life outdoors. Here’s some tips from the locals:
Spend Time Under the Australian Sun
Sydney-siders love spending time under the bright Australian sun, whether at one of 100 beaches just as pretty as Bondi or in National Parks where even more wonders abound within easy reach of the city, such as the Blue Mountains.
Famous for its rock formation known as the Three Sisters as well as quaint hotels and charming townships the Blue Mountains are just under a two-hour drive from Sydney.
Here you can discover one million hectares (2.5 million acres) of tall forests, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and bushland, either mountain biking, abseiling or on foot. Or head to Scenic World, home to a cableway over the rainforest canopy—complete with a glass-bottom walkway to really take in the views.
Take it in from a Different Perspective
Closer to the city, you can eat like a local as you combine dining and the best of the outdoors at one of Sydney’s many sleek rooftop venues surrounding ICC Sydney. Drink and dine high above the city skyline and take in the views as you relax in style, drink in one hand and a fork in the other.
The morning after, recuperate by taking a short walk…climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Nicknamed “The Coathanger” and dating back to 1932, it’s one of Australia’s grandest engineering feats. Visitors are free to walk or cycle across this vast structure, but for the stroll of your life book a climb with Bridgeclimb and scale to the summit.
Not many people can say they’ve seen the WHOLE Harbour, but with unbeatable panoramic views at 440 feet above sea level you’ll get pretty close. No special climbing skills are required, and there are various sessions throughout the day, including at twilight and dawn.
Discover the Oldest Parts of the City
Back on the ground you’re in prime position to wander through the nearby cobblestone laneways of The Rocks. The site of Sydney’s very first European settlement, its history stretches thousands of years before the arrival of the British in the late 1700s. Take a strikingly intimate guided walk with Dreamtime Southern X to discover the area’s Aboriginal heritage and learn about the enduring connection Aboriginal people have with Sydney’s land, waterways and foreshores.
If you’re visiting over the weekend, you’ll also discover The Rocks Market, showcasing original artworks and handmade jewelry. Keep strolling and you will arrive at Circular Quay, where you can decide to take a ferry to Manly, another iconic beach, or walk on to the Sydney Opera House for a bite to eat, a tour or a performance.
A Major Gateway
Sydney is also a major gateway to the rest of Australia, so when you’re done discovering this easy-going and stunning harbor city, you can get on your way quickly and easily to some of those other icons Australia has to offer…fancy a dip in the Great Barrier Reef or a sunset dinner right in front of Uluru? Australia’s got you covered. Come say G’Day. Find out what Sydney has to offer your delegates here.
To experience the best of Australia at your next event, book with ICC Sydney today. To book your next event with ICC Sydney today, contact contact Helen Mantellato, ICC Sydney business development manager - international at sales@iccsydney.comor +61 2 9215 7100.
To discover why there’s nothing like Australia for business events, contact Business Events Australia’s Mary Ann McDonald (based in Los Angeles, 310-695-4223) or Chris Achacoso (based in New York, 424-303-2179).
