The best time to visit is December through February, which is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Starting New Year's Eve, the city goes into celebration mode with a fireworks extravaganza over the harbor and then continues the fun for three weeks during its Summer Festival, which features about 80 cultural events. Sydney's festive fever peaks on Australia Day, Jan. 26, when a parade of tall ships re-enact the first fleet landing by the British in 1788 to establish a penal colony at Sydney Cove, ironically a move thought necessary because of the recent loss of their 13 American colonies.
Take a Harbor Tour The best way to kick-start
your visit is with a tour of Sydney Harbour via ferry, yacht, seaplane, helicopter or kayak. Adventurous types can do the bridge climb, a two-hour-plus trek that costs around $200 but rewards with breathtaking views.t Best seat in town to catch the spectacular harbor vista is in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, carved from a rock ledge in the early 19th century for the wife of a New South Wales governor. Braid notes that the gardens stage a Moonlight Cinema for $20 during the summer, and are also a popular running spot. Like its renowned fireworks displays, Sydney bursts with places to go, all within easy reach by public transport. Start with a visit to The Rocks, the city's historic district lined with cobblestone streets full of sandstone cottages. Learn about Aboriginal history at the
WINTER 2012-2013 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE 85
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