Where celebville meets fashion hot spot down under
Looking for a city thats got it all pristine white sandy beaches, fashion, buzzing lunch bars, sensational sightseeing and celebrity hot spots? Well you dont find them much better than in Sydney. And rightfully so. With a smorgasbord of designer digs, must-see attractions and fantastic weather all year around, this Australian city is a top tourist destination. Only have two days in the city because youre jet jetting somewhere else next? Perfect! Weve got the two-day-tourist-guide for you.
Touchdown in Sydney and make a beeline for the harbour, which is at a crossroads of art, culture, shopping and a hop, skip and a jump to Manly another one of Australias beautiful beaches. Looking for a hotel to rest your head? Then hit the Shangri-La. Its a home away from home for international jetsetters, who come to coo over the colossal landmarks the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge which are perched on the doorstep of the hotel. Checked in? Great. Spend the first half of your morning exploring the harbour, which is home to two of Australias greatest structures, so youll want to get plenty of snaps. We know you have a poser in there somewhere!
Next, head to the pier and buy a ticket to Manly. The ferry ride to Manly will take about an hour, so settle in and get ready to see the breathtaking views of the harbour. Once your feet are back on solid ground take a casual stroll to Manly beach, just five minutes from the ferry port, on the other side of the harbour. There are plenty of cute cafes around so choose a menu and grab a seat. After your meal take a stroll down the boardwalk and then back to the boat. Ferries leave every half an hour from both ports until 9pm. Burnt off lunch already and looking for dinner? Head back the hotel and make reservations at Shangri-Las one hat Altitude Restaurant. But before you head up for dinner make sure you take advantage of the hotels complimentary sundowners and canaps. Then, make your way over to dinner on the 36th floor of the hotel, which is positioned perfectly for a birds eye view of the surrounding harbour. Youll want to peruse the menu because there are a variety of tasty dishes to tantalise any taste buds. Theres also a wine connoisseur on hand to help you choose the perfect pairing. Bon Apptit!
As your bats for lashes flutter open the next morning be prepared to gasp as you wake up to views of the breathtaking harbour below. You really cant imagine getting tired of the view. After your buffet breakfast pack a day bag Louis Vuittons clear plastic beach tote will do and head twenty minutes out of the city to Bondi. Spend the day lounging on the world famous beach home to the hit television lifesaving show Bondi Rescue. Soak up the atmosphere of this bustling little beach town and enjoy the sights, sounds and seriously tasty seaside dishes at the many scattered restaurants and cute cafes littered along the beachs main road. Dine al fresco and keep your eyes peeled, its a celebrity stomping ground! After lunch meander around the shops or head back into the city to shop your shoes off at Oxford Street, Queen Street or any of the little pockets along the way. After all, you cant leave Sydney without buying a designer Australian piece for the wardrobe and these shopping streets are brimming with boutiques.
While youre there...
Visit the Aqua Bumps Studio
Bondi beach is home to the Aqua Bumps studio, which dishes a daily taste of surfing life, with images galore. Browse the narrow photo gallery for the hottest snaps of Sydneyites surfing and early morning beach-goers.
Go to the Opera
Thousands of people stroll the perimeter of the Sydney Opera House daily but not everyone bags a ticket to the hottest events in town. Gents take your suit and tie and ladies have the Louboutins ready for a night at the Opera. Or perhaps the ballet is more your scene?
Where to stay
The Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, is the perfect escape with hard to forget views. If youre looking for a sophis space to rest your head then this luxe location is a must book. Located at 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, its central to all major forms of transport and comes complete with all the major facilities youd expect from a leading hotel. For more information or to book a stay visit www.shagri-la.com/sydney.
Spotted
Native Australians Miranda Kerr, Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett all head back to the city to visit friends and family. But other A! listers who hit the city include Nicole Richie, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga. Then again how many A-listers havent been there?