DESTINATIONS SYDNEY | AUSTRALASIA


AGENTS’ verdict


Chloe Rawlins, Villair Travel “I’d recommend the Journey Beyond dinner cruise. I also


enjoyed Taronga Zoo – not only the animals, but also the Wildlife Retreat, which is a slightly


different place for families to stay in Sydney. Overall, I’d suggest mixing Sydney’s most


famous sights with its shopping, local events and markets.”


ABOVE: Hunter Valley; a koala at Taronga Zoo PICTURES: Destination NSW/Jeremy Shaw, Guy Dixon Geoff Wessell, Ginge Tours


“The Sydney BridgeClimb was a wish-list activity. Even if you


don’t think you’re fit or don’t like heights, they really take care of you. I hadn’t heard about Hunter Valley, but now I’d


recommend it for wine lovers and foodies; it’s a nice area with lots of different vineyards and wine-tasting experiences.”


who have performed at the Opera House, ranging from Bob Dylan to One Direction. To soak up the full experience, suggest clients book the Tour & Dine ticket (commissionable via Cultural Attractions of Australia), which includes lunch at the Opera Bar or House Canteen overlooking Sydney Harbour. Just 12 minutes by ferry across the water lies Taronga


Lisa Bowman, Howard Travel “My favourite was Taronga


Zoo – late afternoon is best for seeing dingoes, tigers and koalas awake. I was impressed by the


food at Me-Gal in the Wildlife Retreat and its view of Sydney


Harbour. Sydney Opera House was also a highlight, but clients who do the tour-and-dine package should arrive early as it’s a popular spot.”


Zoo. Known as the ‘zoo with a view’, tigers, giraffes and lions stretch out against a backdrop of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Zookeeper Ryan takes us round, offering unbridled excitement about the animals and bounding away excitedly to check if the lions are awake. While we wait, we spot at least five koalas – which sleep up to 18 hours per day – snoozing in the trees above our heads. For clients in search of a unique Sydney stay, consider the luxurious Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. Monika Townsend, trade sales manager, says: “At the Wildlife Retreat, guests will wake up to nature and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences. It’s the perfect alternative to traditional city stays in Sydney.” Clients can enjoy a guided tour, breakfast and complimentary zoo access.


COUNTRY LIFE The Hunter Valley lies just north of Sydney and is considered the birthplace of Australian wine. The region promises more than 100 wine cellars, farm-to-table restaurants and experiences such as hot-air ballooning or horse riding through rolling vineyards. Hunter Valley Resort and Farm is set over 40 hectares,


with cosy rooms, cottages and a roster of activities. Wine and beer tasting are the top choices, with tasting rooms,


travelweekly.co.uk While we wait, we spot at


least five koalas – which sleep up to 18 hours per day – snoozing in the trees above our heads


barrel rolling and even grape stomping also available. Clients looking for a hassle-free option can try the resort’s Wine Train package, which departs Sydney daily and includes two nights’ accommodation, a vineyard tour and private tasting – with no car required, so they’re free to sample the goods to their hearts’ content. On our last morning, we depart for the airport. In just


two hours we pass rolling hills, national parks, sandy beaches and, finally, drive right over the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge. There’s a new adventure around every corner in New South Wales.


TW BOOK IT


Gold Medal offers a seven-night stay in Sydney from £2,439 per person, based on two sharing, including Etihad flights from Heathrow via Abu Dhabi, four nights at the Shangri-La Sydney, three nights at Hunter Valley Resort and Farm (both room-only), four days’ car hire, the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb and Opera House tour, plus a hot-air balloon ride over the Hunter Valley with breakfast. Departures throughout September. www.goldmedal.co.uk


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