Make the most of your time at the conference by visiting some of the many attractions in Sydney and its surrounds
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is more than just an architectural marvel set on beautiful Sydney Harbour, it's also a world-class working opera house. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed building offers daily guided tours, available in English, Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. Not only is it the largest steel arch bridge on the planet, but it also spans one of the globe’s finest natural harbours. You can walk or cycle across it and even book a Bridge Climb to see the incredible views from its peak.
Bondi Beach
Home of the world famous Bondi Rescue, Bondi is arguably Sydney's most famous beach. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a picturesque 6km track carved into sandstone cliffs with uninterrupted views of the ocean, is a memorable way to appreciate the beauty of the area.
Royal Botanic Garden
An oasis of 30 hectares in the heart of the city, the Royal Botanic Garden occupies one of Sydney’s most spectacular positions: wrapping around the harbour and sitting adjacent to the Sydney Opera House. With a long history dating back to 1816, it is home to an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas. Enjoy a stroll, pack a picnic lunch, or join a free guided tour - the Aboriginal Heritage Tour is a highlight.
Taronga Zoo
Just 12 minutes from the city by ferry, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals. Open 365 days a year, admission includes daily keeper talks and shows. You can also book additional experiences like animal encounters, wild ropes obstacle courses, or a ride on the cable car.
Cockatoo Island
Known as Wareamah by the Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal Peoples, Cockatoo Island is a former convict penal establishment and naval shipyard, located in the heart of Sydney Harbour. Popular attractions include its heritage buildings, distinctive terrain, panoramic views, and guided history and paranormal tours.
Take a day or two to visit some of beautiful spots within a few hours of the Sydney CBD.
Royal National Park
One hour south of the city centre, The Royal National Park offers 15 hectares of thick bush, clifftop walks and hidden swimming spots. Walk the beginning section of the 26-kilometre (16-mile) Coast Track, where the traditional owners – the Dharawal people – used to gather on rocks and create art. You can see engravings that are more than 1000 years old, find shell middens and discover Depression-era cave dwellings where hard-up locals used to live. In whale watching season (May to November) the cliffs are a great places from which to spot humpback whales as they head along the coast.
Blue Mountains
Two hours west of Sydney, The Blue Mountains is best known for its soaring sandstone ridges blanketed in native bushland. Nestled within the wilderness lie charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art and the iconic Three Sisters rock formations at Echo Point Lookout. Find after-dark excitement spotting glow worms in an underground cave, or indulge in a touch of luxury at a wilderness retreat. Whether cloaked in clouds or glowing golden in the sunset, the endless vistas of the Blue Mountains will take your breath away.
The Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley, less than three hours from Sydney, is one of Australia's premier wine regions, offers a range of adventurous ways to explore the region, from an early morning hot air balloon to horse riding through the vineyards. But most people come for the food and wine. Have lunch at Muse in Pokolbin, considered the best restaurant in the valley, or try nearby Restaurant Botanica, that has its own kitchen garden. Taste wine at Tyrrell's, a winery that dates back to 1858, try the more modern Tempus Two with its striking cellar door, or sip local bubbles at Peterson House.
4th Australia and New Zealand Refugee Trauma Recovery in Resettlement Conference
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