Australia

My work travels took me to Sydney Australia last June, and I really enjoyed the city and the Australian people. Their motto seemed to be "No worries" since you heard it everywhere you went. This made it very nice for visitors to relax and enjoy their new surroundings. The transportation including a free bus for tourist areas of the city (during most of the day), overhead railways and the ferries were easy to use and allowed you to see many sights in the city and nearby towns like Manley. If it is a beautiful day, take the ferry to Manley for some fish and chips. There are picnic tables along the beach so get your fish and chips to go (take away is the Australia term.)

Of course, don't miss the Sydney Aquarium and the Wildlife Experience. You can get a package priced ticket for the aquarium, wildlife experience and the Sdyney Tower for $48. It is well worth it even if you don't use all three. I also loved touring the Sydney Opera House. Watch out for the photo packet they sell at the end of the tour that costs more than the standard tour. It is a nice photo package if you want that kind of souvenir. I saved my money to attend a performance later in the Opera theater.

For tours outside the city, I would recommend the Hunter Valley Wine tours, the Blue Mountains and go to one of the zoos for more experience with the unique Australian wildlife. I went to the Featherdale Zoo which is in one of the suburbs and is accessible by city bus (if you are the independent type) or get a group together and arrange a van to take you there. Don't miss Paddy's Market for economical souvenir shopping.

For those crazy folks who didn't get to go bungee jumping in New Zealand, you can walk on the archway of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. You pay about $100 for the experience, and you can't take your camera or anything with you. You wear a pajama like jumpsuit over your clothes, and you have to pass a breathalizer test. Everyone is attached to a rope for your safety. When you have completed the climb over the bridge, they sell you that photo package!! Sound like fun to you?  Since everyone is different, they will still be offering the bridge climb when you get to Australia. Go you will definitely enjoy it!!