WHERE TO GO:
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| -iconic Sydney Opera House-def worth a tour. Haborside piers-redeveloped as as housing, theater/dance performance centers, and art galleries |
Low crime easy to get around Australia is popular.
The weather ranges from hot dry, hot humid tropical in areas-closer to the equator...to cooler temps further south-with even a few light snow spots in the mountains possible-in July.
TIPS:
Americans need a visa (ha otherwise we'd all move there)-get online in about five minutes online using your USA passport.
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| sums it up... |
There's a 14 hour time zone difference-so one 'loses' a day-going there...and gains it going back. On our from the USA -LA-Sydney flight-was just over 13 hours in the air (with a 2.5 hour delay in boarding grrr)...from Dallas on flagship Qantas Airlines-we read it's more like a 17 hours flight to Melbourne...plan accordingly.
From the USA east coast-there are no direct non-stop flights to the major cities of Sydney or Melbourne. Yet. But take advantage of an up to 24 hour layover to get a quick taste of some first leg cities-like LA, SF, Vancouver, Tokyo, Singapore, Honolulu-Hawaii...(etc).
Haven't traveled international with multi leg flights in awhile? Remember that on the way back to the USA...have to pass through customs (with your luggage) when first landing in the USA-before one transfers to another domestic flight-ditto the reverse in AU...though the process of clearing customs in the AU noticeably less stressful. Add that added time -into travel time.
It's easy to catch planes to the far flung destinations in the AU-if during non-peak times...versus driving or training it. Domestic travel in AU-is less stressful in terms of the whole security clearance experience...that AU tourists to the USA are probably in shock when undergoing ours.
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| Bondi Beach-surfers year round (drive or bus it from Sydney CBD)---stroll the coast to equally fab Coogee Beach. Manly Beach another popular spot-accessible by ferry |
It's basically a cash free country-though credit card fees might be added to the charge-depending on the card used.
It's also a litter free country too...beaches, streets, strolls along the harbours...
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| Sydney -a 80KM walkable boardwalk-trail surrounds this spread out city |
Trains, buses, and ferries link up hiking trail and beach destinations to the CBD (Central Business Districts). There' s Uber too-to get around and taxi stands in the cities.
Loads of real swimming options (low low cost municipal pools, hotel pool, spectacular ocean waters)...and yes surfing, snorkling, scuba diving are popular-opportunities are everywhere--year round.
Public art abounds-outdoor sculptures in particular.
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| Federal Sq Plaza-Melbourne |
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| Largest stained glass ceiling-NGV-Melbourne |
-spectacular Royal Botanical Gardens, and the massive national parks-(car vehicle parking fee).
The sports stadiums in Melbourne (cricket, rugby, tennis, soccer- AU football)- walkable distance from CBD-what a treat.
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| Site of the Australian Tennis Open-Rod Laver Center |
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| Fun free Fireworks Over Darling Harbour-Sydney |
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| Covered glass arcades abound...as do art filled alleyways-and out pf the way bars, restaurants-and spectacular coffee spots |
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| InThe Rocks section -Sydney mercifully spared from teardown-in 1970s |
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| Gardens-variety of plants- are an AU specialty |
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| Olika-cutest hand spray sanitizer-worthy of a Scandinavian design award |
ANOTHER MUST:
Portable TSA proof packaged snacks too. It's a loooonnnngggg flight.
WHAT TO BRING (NOT)