Green Travel in Sydney

Description:

Author: JennyMM

Day 1 - Sydney

The Hotel InterContinental is one of Sydney's finest hotels, and is located perfectly within walking distance of many of the city's most exciting sights. The hotel is also taking strong steps toward sustainability, down to their commitment to source their food from local, ethical farmers and producers. The incredible harbor views don't hurt, either. To start out your vacation, take the famous walk from the Botanic Gardens to the Opera House, but in reverse. The Botanic Gardens are a lush set of buildings and acres of green that provide some fabulous views of some of Sydney's best landmarks. Nearby is Mrs. MacQuarie's chair, built by British Governor MacQuarie for his wife to have a beautiful view of the harbor. Continue your walk to the Opera House, one of the world's most famous architectural feats. There are several guided tours of varying length that give you a view of the interior performance spaces. Although the sound can be iffy on these tours, it's worth it to get a guided walk around the interior of this remarkable building. Late morning is a good time to go for one of the more exciting activities in the Sydney area, the climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The high climb consists of long staircases up to the top of the bridge, where you'll see spectacular views of the city and entire harbor. The Pylon Lookout is less time- and energy-intensive, and you'll still see some great views, but isn't quite as breathtaking. The Old and New Parliament buildings are some more examples of Sydney's impressive architectural history. In the afternoon, hop on the bus and head north of town to visit some of the beaches up on the northern peninsula. Avalon is a perfect beach for surfing, swimming, and windsurfing. Newport is good for those activities as well, and there is some good snorkeling and diving off this beach. Bilgola is another surf-ready beach that also has lots of greenery surrounding it. You can enjoy the sunset at one of these beaches, or head back into the city and watch the sunset from Blues Point Reserve, a park on the north side of the bridge that looks out over the harbor. Try Aria for dinner, which is one of Sydney's finest restaurants and is committed to using the freshest local produce. The views are great, too.


1

InterContinental Sydney

Location:

view in google maps
117 Macquarie Street
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

61 2 9253 9000


2

Royal Botanic Gardens

Location:

view in google maps
Mrs Macquaries Road
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

61 2 9231 8111


3

Opera House to the Botanic Gardens Walk (The)

Location:

view in google maps
Start at East Circular Quay
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

61 2 9255 1788


4

Sydney Opera House

Location:

view in google maps
Off 2 Macquarie Street
(Circular Quay)
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

61 2 9250 7111


5

Sydney Opera House Guided Tours

Location:

view in google maps
2 Macquarie Street
Circular Quay
1225 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 2 9250 7250


6

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Location:

view in google maps
Cumberland St
(or Milsons Point on the north shore)
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9255 1788


7

Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout

Location:

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Via Cumberland Street
(The Rocks)
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9240 1100


8

BridgeClimb

Location:

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3 Cumberland Street
The Rocks
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

8274 7777


9

Parliament House

Location:

view in google maps
6 Macquarie Street
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 2 9230 2111


10

Avalon Beach

Location:

view in google maps
Avalon Beach
2107 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9977 1088


11

Newport Beach

Location:

view in google maps
Barrenjoey Road
Newport
2106 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9977 1088


12

Bilgola Beach

Location:

view in google maps
Barrenjoey Road
Bilgola
2107 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9977 1088


13

Blues Point Reserve

Location:

view in google maps
Blues Point Road
McMahons Point
2060 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9255 1788


14

Aria Restaurant

Location:

view in google maps
No. 1 Macquarie St
East Circular Quay
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

61 2 9252 2555

Day 2 - Sydney

Get out early in the morning for a hot-air balloon ride with Balloon Aloft, which offers a breakfast ride -- a peaceful way to start your day off with an unparalleled view of the beautiful countryside surrounding Sydney. Southwest of the city are some great places for a long hike, like the Royal National Park, which has miles of hikes through the forest and lots of sand to lay on and surf off of. There's also some wineries that are fun to visit. The Gledswood Homestead and Winery has an interesting historical touch, and there are a number of sustainable wineries in the area such as the biodynamic Krinklewood Wines. If you're still hungry after snacking at wineries, go eat at a local favorite, Bodega, known for the best tapas in town.


2

Balloon Aloft

Location:

view in google maps
Camden Airport, Macquarie Grove Rd
2570 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

Toll Free: 1800 028 568


3

Royal National Park

Location:

view in google maps
Farnell Avenue
Audley Heights
2232 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

61 2 9542 0648


6

Gledswood Homestead and Winery

Location:

view in google maps
900 Camden Valley Way
Catherine Field
2171 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 2 9606 5111

Day 3 - Sydney

Get into the water to see the harbor from a different angle with Natural Wanders, a small-scale kayak tour that runs along several shores in the harbor. There are two harbor tours, one for beginning kayakers and a longer tour for more experienced ones. After you've relaxed a bit and gotten cleaned off after, take a walk around downtown to see some of the on-land sights. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is such a popular destination for a reason - surrounded by lovely gardens, there's an extensive and unusual art collection here, as well as movies and a library - and the whole thing's free. Don't linger too long, though, since there's more to see! Also in the city center is St. Mary's Cathedral, the largest church in Australia, which is quite architecturally impressive. The Hordern House building is in itself a historical artifact, but it is also full of some fascinating rare books and other printed materials. Another impressive print collection is in the State Library, which is in a beautiful old sandstone building near the Botanic Gardens. If you need to unwind after your active day before dinner, stop into the Ginseng Bath House, where saunas, baths, and massages will erase any stress you may have. Then, you can enjoy the best sustainable produce at Becasse, which also happens to be one of Sydney's best restaurants. Try the seven course dinner degustation menu.


2

Natural Wanders

Location:

view in google maps
45 Wharf Road
Forestville
2041 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9899 1001


3

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Location:

view in google maps
Art Gallery Road
The Domain
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 2 9225 1744 / +1 800 67 9278 (Toll free)


4

Australian Museum

Location:

view in google maps
6 College St
2010 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9320 6000


5

St Mary's Cathedral

Location:

view in google maps
St Mary's Road
College and Cathedral sts
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

61 2 9220 0400


6

Hordern House

Location:

view in google maps
77 Castlereagh St
Potts Point
2011 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9356 4411


7

State Library of New South Wales

Location:

view in google maps
Macquarie Street
Macquarie St
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 2 9273 1414


8

Ginseng Bath House

Location:

view in google maps
Level One, 111 Darlinghurst Road
The Crest Hotel, Kings Cross
2011 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 2 9356 6680


9

Becasse

Location:

view in google maps
204 Clarence Street
Between Market and Druitt Streets
2000 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

61 2 9283 3440

Day 4 - Sydney

When the weather's nice, everyone in the city goes out in Centennial Park, and you should too. With parks, ponds, birdlife, and some interesting decorative structures, this is a lovely place for a morning stroll. As a midday activity, you can explore the Blue Mountains and their canyons with a knowledgeable guide who can explain a ton about the flora and fauna in the area. There are beautiful streams and waterfalls that you'll come across while hiking through the rainforest, and the friendly guides are always careful to not disturb the natural landscape. To relax after on your last afternoon in Sydney, head to Bondi Beach, right in the city and one of its more recognizable spots. It's great for swimming, surfing, and people-watching, not to mention a great vantage point to enjoy the sunset. When you get hungry, head over to Billy Kwong, where Kylie Wong sources solely sustainable and ethical seafood and other products. With such a strong focus on reducing their ecological footprint, you can truly enjoy the delicious, seasonal Asian cuisine.


2

Centennial Park

Location:

view in google maps
Between Oxford St & Alison Rd
Paddington
2021 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9339 6699


3

Wildframe Ecotours

Location:

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12 Leverton Close
St. Ives
2032 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 2 9314 0658


5

Bondi Beach

Location:

view in google maps
Bondi Beach
2026 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

+61 (0)2 9130 5311


6

Billy Kwong

Location:

view in google maps
355 Crown Street
Surry Hills
2010 Sydney, Australia

Phone:

61 2 9332 3300

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