Culture
Enjoy world-class performances, blockbuster musicals, wonderful exhibitions, amazing museums and fabulous festivals in Sydney, the cultural heart of Australia. From the light sculptures of Vivid Sydney to marvellous shows at the iconic Sydney Opera House, the events calendar is exhilarating all year.
Begin your discovery at World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House, on the edge of one of the great natural harbours in the world. More than 1,600 performances are held each year inside the iconic white sails, from ballet and opera to classical music, contemporary dance, stage plays, and more.
There are outstanding neighbourhood theatres. Reserve your tickets for plays at the Belvoir St Theatre, in Surry Hills, where Oscar winners Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett have performed. Some of the big international concerts are held in the ICC Sydney and at Sydney Olympic Park.
In Sydney’s museums you’ll find everything from dinosaurs and ancient artefacts to colonial and indigenous history, tall ships and warships, and even one of Don Bradman’s cricket bats. And the leading public art galleries hang extraordinary collections, from old masters to contemporary art.
Shopping and Entertainment
Love to shop? Then Sydney is fabulous, with all its international labels, innovative designers, master artisans and beautiful arcades. In the vibrant city centre, the 19th century grandeur of the Queen Victoria Building defines shopping elegance with three levels devoted to fashion, jewellery and gifts.
A stroll away is the Strand Arcade, another gorgeous colonial arcade where you’ll find hatters, shoemakers, dressmakers, jewellers, cafes and restaurants. Walk through this charming arcade to the Pitt Street Mall and Westfield Sydney, a gleaming complex with more than 250 enticing stores.
For tailored shopping tours with your own personal stylist, join Chic in the city for designer boutiques in the city centre and fashionable neighbourhoods where famous celebrities shop. You can even combine high tea with a style consultation and shopping tour at the Tea Salon in the city.
The sparkling blue Sydney Harbour is one of the great natural harbours in the world. Enjoy harbour sightseeing with a shopping trip on the Shopper Hopper, a ferry to Birkenhead Point and Sydney’s largest factory outlet centre. And for the perfect day out, unwind with a luxurious spa treatment.
Romantic Getaways
In the beautiful Hunter Valley, Wild Edge Retreat is a deluxe couples-only destination with four private spa rooms. There’s room for two in the generous bath, and you can enjoy the amazing views while relaxing by the log fire. On your private deck, you’ll find a king-size daybed, barbeque, and outdoor dining area. Even the kitchen area is luxurious, with Caesarstone benchtops. Best of all, some rooms even have their own plunge pool.
An award-winning luxury destination, Spicers Vineyards in the Hunter Valley has 12 beautiful spa suites. All accommodation options include bluestone open fireplaces, and the choice of a private courtyard or balcony with views of the vineyards and mountains. There’s also a private dining room, serving up fresh seasonal produce, and, of course, a well-stocked wine cellar!
