Associate travel editor Carolyn McGuire spent two weeks in Australia last August, and although she didn’t get to Melbourne or Cairns, she did visit Sydney and Adelaide and some points beyond. Here are her picks for must-see, must-do things in both cities.
Sydney
1. Sydney Opera House. Yes, there are tours, but if you love opera, go. Venues for concerts and plays, too, and the location for Bennelong Restaurant, with fine food and a dramatic view of the city and harbor.
2. Harbor ferries. THE best way to see Sydney. Take a harbor tour or travel at your own pace with a travel pass.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain. A lovely oasis of flora and fauna. Nearby is the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
4. Sydney Aquarium.In Darling Harbour, filled with sharks and Australian sea life.
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5. The Rocks and Circular Quay. Australia’s history began here, and now it’s headquarters for the ferry system. Lots of shops and restaurants too.
6. Tetsuya’s. If you call yourself a foodie, this is the place to go. Multi courses of exceptionally creative, delicious food with European and Japanese influences. In the suburb of Rozelle at 729 Darling St. Call far ahead for reservations: 011-61-2-9555-1017 or fax 011-61-2-9810-4824.
7. Seafood. Like seafood? You’re in the right place to try some exotic creatures like blue swimmer crabs, coffin bay scallops, Tasmanian ocean trout, barramundi, blue-eyed cod and Balmain bugs.
8. Hunter Valley. Think Napa Valley with an accent. Drive an hour north of Sydney to one of Australia’s most famous wine areas. About 40 wineries (many with tasting rooms).
9. Bondi Beach. Take a train to Bondi Junction and then Bus 380 to Bondi Beach, a popular beach for surfers. Lots of sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Also recommended: walking the 2 1/2-mile oceanside and clifftop scenic trail from Bondi to Clovelly Beach, then catching a bus back to downtown Sydney.
10. The Regent or the Park Hyatt. Expensive, yes, but views (Opera House, Harbour Bridge) from some rooms might be worth the splurge at these top spots. Ask about special weekend rates.
Adelaide
1. North Terrace. Most museums are on this street, including the South Australian Museum with huge whale skeletons in the front windows and a good collection of Aboriginal art inside. Also on this street, the Adelaide Casino in the old railway station.
2. The Migration Museum. Tells the story of immigration to Australia. Located just off North Terrace at 82 Kintore Ave.
3. Tandanya Aboriginal Cultural Institute. Changing exhibits and a well-stocked gift shop. At 253 Grenfell St.
4. The Central Market. Behind the Hilton Hotel and between Gouger and Grote Streets. Dozens of stalls with Australian food products (samples galore).
5. Bush food. Red Ochre Grill (Ebenezer Place, off Rundle Street East) is the top spot for this (products on sale too). Food made with products from the bush like waddle seed, quandong, warrigal greens, and, if you must, kangaroo, emu and wallaby.
6. Rundle Street. Dining and shopping heaven. Top spot for tasting lots of Australian wines (lunch and dinner too): Universal Wine Bar (285 Rundle St.).
7. The Grange. In the Hilton Hotel, Cheong Liew’s cutting-edge restaurant is a mecca for foodies. Lots of Asian influences and a superb wine list.
8. The Barossa Valley. More than 50 wineries about 30 miles northeast of Adelaide.
9. The Clare Valley. Near the Barossa is this wine area, about 80 miles north of Adelaide with about 30 wineries. Top place to stay is Thorn Park Country House in Sevenhill, where owners David Hay and Michael Speers run an exquisite inn with beautiful rooms and excellent food. Phone 011-61-8-8843-4304; fax 011-61-8-8843-4298.
10. Kangaroo Island. A quick hop by plane or boat takes you to a fascinating place where you can find wallabies, koalas, sea lions, birds and, of course, kangaroos.