sydney - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T12:19:06Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/sydney5 of Australia's Top Mustshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/australia-attractions-tourism-travel2023-09-05T13:50:00.000Z2023-09-05T13:50:00.000ZCalida Jenkinshttps://tripatini.com/members/CalidaJenkins<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11019233857?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> The <strong>Land Down Under</strong> is a traveller favourite thanks to its warm weather, stunning beaches, exciting cities, and diverse landscapes. And if you´re visiting from the <strong>Northern Hemisphere</strong>, keep in mind that the seasons are reversed. So this month through November is spring, and December through February is summer - <a href="https://schoolholidaysaustralia.com.au/when-does-summer-and-winter-start-in-australia/" target="_blank">which is an especially fantastic time to visit</a> - including these iconic destinations:<br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/48722974@N07/5093723696" target="_blank"><br /> </a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12215054261,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12215054261,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12215054261?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></span><strong><br /> </strong></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.australia.com/en-us/places/cairns-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-great-barrier-reef.html" target="_blank">The Submarine Magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef</a></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">No trip to Australia is complete without a visit to the world's largest coral reef system, spread out over some 900 islands off the <strong>Queensland</strong> coast, with key destinations including <strong>Cairns</strong>, <strong>Fitzroy Island</strong>, <strong>Green Island</strong>, <strong>Hamilton Island</strong>, <strong>Townville</strong>, and the <strong>Whitsunday Islands</strong>. During the summer months the water is warm and clear, making it the perfect time to snorkel or scuba dive among the colorful fish and corals. You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour or go on a helicopter ride for an eye-popping bird's eye view. Don't forget to learn about the reef's conservation efforts and how you can help protect this fragile ecosystem.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12215096888,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12215096888,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12215096888?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/3WKcQkq_SVE" target="_blank">Nico Smit</a></em></span><br /> </span></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.goldcoastaustralia.com/tour-gold-coast-beaches.html" target="_blank">The Stunning Beaches of the Gold Coast</a></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Also in Queensland, this coastline of more than 70 kilometers (43 miles) offers dozens of terrific strands, each with its own unique vibe. <strong>Surfers Paradise</strong> is the most famous and popular, known for its high-rise buildings and bustling atmosphere. For a quieter experience, head to <strong>Burleigh Heads</strong> or <strong>Coolangatta</strong>. And don't forget to catch a sunrise or sunset over the ocean – it's truly breathtaking.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mkuhn/65419352" target="_blank"><br /> </a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12215098069,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12215098069,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12215098069?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mkuhn/65419352" target="_blank">M Kuhn</a></span></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Great-Ocean-Road.aspx" target="_blank"><br /> The Inspiring Great Ocean Road</a></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">One of the most iconic road trips stretches for more than 240km (149 mi.) along the coast of Australia´s southernmost state, <strong>Victoria</strong>. Along the way you'll see stunning coastal scenery, including the legendary <strong>Twelve Apostles</strong> rock formations (above). Make sure to stop at the seaside towns of <strong>Lorne</strong> and <strong>Apollo Bay</strong> for some delicious seafood and beachside relaxation. And if you're feeling adventurous, take a helicopter ride over the coastline for some spectacular vistas indeed. <br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12215102459,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12215102459,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12215102459?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/parque-nacional-kings-canyon-gm184111894-16777506?phrase=kings+canyon+australia" target="_blank">kerriekerr</a><br /> </span></span></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.australia.com/en-us/things-to-do/nature-and-national-parks/guide-to-the-australian-outback.html" target="_blank">The Varied Vistas of the Outback</a></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">This vast and rugged landscape that covers more than 80 percent of the country's is a place of stunning natural beauty, ranging from the red-rock formations and vast deserts of the ¨red centre¨ to tropical settings up north. Along with these striking landscapes you´ll encounter unique wildlife and local culture including the Aboriginal and that of the sheepranching ¨jackaroos¨ and ¨jillaroos.¨ One of the best ways to experience the Outback is by taking a road trip along the famous <strong>Stuart Highway</strong> which runs from <strong>Darwin</strong> in the north to <strong>Adelaide</strong> in the south. Along the way, you'll see iconic landmarks like <strong>Uluru</strong> (aka <strong>Ayers Rock)</strong>, <strong>Kings Canyon</strong> (above), and the <strong>MacDonnell Ranges</strong>. Make sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, as the Outback can get hot and dry, especially during the summer months.</span></p>
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<p><em><span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12215106452,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12215106452,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12215106452?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Melburnian_Skyline.jpg" target="_blank">Melbpal</a></span><br /> </span></em></p>
<h2><strong>Vibrant <a href="https://visitsydney.com/" target="_blank">Sydney</a> and <a href="https://www.visitmelbourne.com/en" target="_blank">Melbourne</a><br /> </strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Oz also ffers vibrant and cosmopolitan urban experiences in cities like <strong>Brisbane</strong>, <strong>Canberra</strong>, <strong>Darwin</strong>, <strong>Perth</strong>, and its two largest, <strong>Sydney</strong> and <strong>Melbourne</strong>. In Sydney, <strong>New South Wales</strong>, take a stroll along iconic Bondi Beach, visit the even more iconic <strong>Sydney Opera House</strong> (top), and climb the <strong>Sydney Harbour Bridge</strong> for breathtaking views . In <strong>Melbourne</strong>, down in Victoria and considered the country´s cultural capital, explore the lanes and street art of the famous graffiti alleys, indulge in the renowned local coffee culture, and visit the <strong>Royal Botanic Gardens</strong>. In both you´ll enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences, from museums and galleries to live music and theater performances.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p>
<p> </p></div>Blue Mountains Tours from Sydney Australiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/blue-mountains-tours-from-sydney-australia2020-04-15T09:21:53.000Z2020-04-15T09:21:53.000ZSydney Tourshttps://tripatini.com/members/SydneyTours<div><p>Sydney's majestic Blue Mountains, only 80 kilometres from the centre of Sydney City, provides a stark contrast. Whilst the city has its harbours and skyscrapers, the Blue Mountains is a picture perfect wilderness the size of a small country. <br /><br />Many companies take tours to the Blue Mountain. However, one, Travel Ideology comes out on top when you are looking for a nature- and wildlife-based <a href="https://www.sydney-tours.com.au/blue-mountains-tour/" target="_blank">private tour of the Blue Mountains</a>, including the most amazing views of the golden sandstone escarpments. </p><p><br />Here are a few don't misses in the Blue Mountains:</p><p></p><p><strong>Wentworth Falls</strong></p><p>This is the largest fall in the park and a beautiful sight to see, especially when the water is running over the top.</p><p></p><p><strong>The Three Sisters</strong></p><p>This is the most popular viewpoint of the sandstone cliffs as well as the Three Sisters, a formation of three pillars of sandstone said to represent the bodies of 3 girls. There are many legends around them.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jenolan Caves</strong></p><p>A set of limestone caves in a beautiful area. The heritage listed Caves House was lovingly restored and the whole Jenolan Caves Village was given a facelift in the mid 1990s. </p><p></p><p>There are also many other beautiful small villages with their own charm.</p></div>4 Fab Restaurants in Sydneyhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/sydney-australia-dining-restaurants-cuisine-foodie2020-02-21T05:34:11.000Z2020-02-21T05:34:11.000ZClaire Joneshttps://tripatini.com/members/ClaireJones<div><p><a href="http://ippudo.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_cuisine.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://ippudo.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_cuisine.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="750" alt="img_cuisine.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Whether it’s some of the finest dining the country has to offer, or a hole-in-the-wall experience providing wonderful cheap eats, Sydney has a wide variety of styles and flavours to treat anyone’s tastebuds. And from Bondi to Barangaroo, there’s also plenty to suit your wallet.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="http://fivepointsburgers.com.au/" target="_blank">Five Points Burgers</a></strong></span></p><p><br /> "Five points" refer to New York City's five boroughs, and this North Sydney spot is all about U.S.-style hamburgers with all the trimmings, one named after each borough. For example, the Bronx Burger is a medium rare patty between two slices of American cheese, sweet onion jam, sour pickles, and iceberg lettuce. The Queens chicken and meat-free Staten Island burgers are also considerable favourites of the fast food loving crowd. And don’t forget a side of crunchy beer-battered fries and dessert of chocolate milkshake with the added scoop of ice cream on top! Sometimes you may have to stand in line, depending on the day and time, but many Sydneysiders will tell you - it's well worth it.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="http://ippudo.com.au/gogyo/" target="_blank">Gogyo</a></strong></span></p><p><br /> Just a ten-minute drive south of the harbour in the Surry Hills neighbourhood, this cosy three-year-old spot offers some of the best ramen (top) in New South Wales - and not just any ramen, but <em>kogashi</em> (meaning "charred” in Japanese), with a dollop of miso paste and deglazing of chicken broth gives the ramen a smoky, hearty aroma - and the texture of the slurp-friendly noodles is pretty enticing, too. The gyoza and edamame here are also cooked to perfection, while the peculiar half-and-half Asahis are a thirst-quencher like no other.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hong-Ha/164309643586596" target="_blank">Hong Ha Bakery</a></strong></span></p><p><br /> Vietnam's crusty <em>banh mi</em> sandwiches are a favourite of many across Sydney, and not many do it better than this Vietnamese bakery in southeastern subrb Mascot. From the soft yet crunchy roll, they then throw in three types of meat (Vietnamese devon, along with cured and barbequed pork), a handful of greenery and some mayo and pate to provide a diverse flavour you won’t soon forget. The lines outside the bakery are a testament to the popularity of Hong Ha’s delicacies, which also include chicken and meatball rolls. Chewy rice paper rolls are on offer as well, which can be combined with a can of soft drink for a cheap-as-chips lunch you’ll definitely want to come back for.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.saintpeter.com.au/" target="_blank">Saint Peter</a></strong></span></p><p><br /> The Harbour City loves its seafood, and there may not be a more decadent - yet environmentally sustainable - place to get some than this tiny, narrow establishment in Paddington. Chef Josh Niland, dishes out a wide variety of the sea’s finest delicacies, with heavy hitters such as Murray cod with rosemary and artichokes and bass groper curry with lemon zest. Even their brunch menu samples the sea, with the likes of smoked eel on pikelets. We’re not even scraping the surface here; suffice it to say that Saint Peter demands your attention if you love your seafood.</p><p></p><p></p><p>All these spots are accessible by car, so why not take the hassle out of finding a car space as well, by making sure you get there with <span><a href="https://www.parkhound.com.au/how-it-works">Parkhound</a></span>. The spaces are cheap and easy to book, so you can focus instead on having a wonderful meal!</p><p></p><p></p></div>Ever wanted to see kangaroos in the wild?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/ever-wanted-to-see-kangaroos-in-the-wild2016-09-08T01:10:53.000Z2016-09-08T01:10:53.000ZTravel Ideologyhttps://tripatini.com/members/TravelIdeology<div><p><a href="http://www.sydney-tours.com.au" target="_blank">Sydney Tours</a> by Travel Ideology specialise in showing international guests kangaroos in the wild. If you want to see a kangaroo and are not into seeing wild animals trapped in cages and small unnatural surroundings take a private tour with Travel Ideology.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gi-P_5KJfSU?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div>6 Best Luxury Hotels for This Season's Racing In Sydneyhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-best-accommodation-for-autumn-racing-in-sydney2018-03-27T15:00:00.000Z2018-03-27T15:00:00.000ZEmma Palmerhttps://tripatini.com/members/EmmaPalmer<div><p><strong><span> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009252491,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009252491,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="525" class="align-center" alt="9009252491?profile=original" /></a></span></strong></p><p><br />Sydney is the place to be in autumn (that's spring to you all in the Northern Hemisphere!). The weather has cooled down and leaves are falling but the sun is still shining. Most importantly, the event of the season begins - the autumn racing carnival. This means fifty days of trackside fun, with world-class racing action to be seen and amazing events to attend. There are four Sydney race tracks that are part of the carnival: Royal Randwick, Rosehill Gardens, Warwick Farm and Canterbury Park, So it's time you <a href="https://www.thevolte.com/" target="_blank">find an outfit for the races</a> and a place to stay. Whether you’re a Sydneysider looking for a staycation or you’re flying in for a mini-break, you want to stay somewhere where you can be a part of all the fun and also enjoy everything Sydney has to offer. Here are the top places to stay for autumn racing in Sydney.<strong><span><br /> <br /> <br />Avonmore On The Park Boutique Hotel, Randwick</span></strong></p><p><span><br />Less than a five-minute drive and an easy stroll away from the <a href="https://www.australianturfclub.com.au/royal-randwick/">Royal Randwick Racecourse</a>, Avonmore on the Park is the place to be if you don’t want to spend any time travelling to your destination. The hotel is in a restored Victorian terrace featuring stained glass windows and wood carvings. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning so you can cool down after a day in the autumn sunshine and there are secure parking spots for guests should you have driven to Sydney. It is conveniently located near restaurants, cafes, Randwick shopping centre and Alison Park. The area is well serviced by buses if you want to spend some time exploring Sydney and you’re only a 5-minute drive from Coogee Beach.</span></p><p><strong><span> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span>William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm</span></strong></p><p><span><br />Warwick Farm is home to a new equine-themed M Gallery boutique hotel. The <a href="http://www.williaminglis.com.au/">William Inglis Hotel</a> at Riverside Stables celebrates Australia's racing history and the thoroughbred industry making it the perfect place to stay if you’re really looking to immerse yourself in the racing culture. Not only can you enjoy the close proximity to the racecourse, you can learn a little something too. With plenty of fine-dining options, sweeping views of the Georges River and the racecourse, and a wellness centre, you’ll find everything you didn’t know you needed here. Best of all, there’s a rooftop pool and bar which means that you can enjoy the last of the summer sunshine before winter well and truly hits. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you can take a tour of the racecourse and watch the horses in their element before the races begin.</span></p><p><strong><span> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span>Skye Hotel Suites, Parramatta</span></strong></p><p><span><br />Parramatta is fast developing as Sydney’s second CBD and it’s easy to see why. A vibrant and lively area, there is plenty happening to keep you entertained when you’re not watching those horses gallop down the track. Only a short walk from Parramatta Park and the riverside, Skye Hotel Suites offer luxury serviced apartments and a range of facilities, like a resort pool and access to the gym. Their restaurant, <a href="http://huskandvinekitchen.com.au/">Husk & Vine Kitchen and Bar</a>, combines Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours with fresh Australian produce, so you can enjoy a tasty dinner after a day of standing on the grass. Just a ten-minute drive from Rosehill Gardens and only half an hour from Warwick Farm, it’s the most convenient location for a weekend of autumn racing. And if you party a little too hard, every room is fitted with blackout blinds, so you can get the rest you need the next day.</span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><strong><span>Admiral Collingwood Lodge, Drummoyne</span></strong></p><p><span><br />The perfect halfway point between Rosehill and Randwick racecourses, Drummoyne gives you the best of both worlds being close to the water and a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located in a charming back street of the harbourside suburb, Admiral Collingwood Lodge is a heritage-listed, country-style mansion built in 1888 and repurposed into a beautiful boutique hotel. It was originally owned by millionaire Duncan Mcmaster who came from a wealthy grazing family. Many of the original features of the house have been retained such as the high ceilings, the kauri timber floors, gorgeous marble fireplaces and the skirting boards. With a communal kitchen, a dining room, garden and outside patio area, this is the perfect place to wind down after a weekend of racing events.</span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><strong><span>The Hughenden Boutique Hotel, Woollahra</span></strong></p><p><span><br />One of Sydney’s inner-city, eastern suburbs Woollahra allows you to be close to the coast, the city and parkland as well as being in a convenient location for racing at Randwick. A 140-year old property, the <a href="https://www.thehughenden.com.au/">Hughenden Boutique Hotel</a> is a stunning Victorian residence originally built by Dr Frederick Quaife. The grand, historic hotel is pet-friendly and has an intimate speakeasy bar, a terrace, a rooftop sundeck, a cafe open to residents and the public and function rooms. This is an elegant alternative to a chain hotel and gives you the chance to enjoy the leafiness of this charming area of Sydney without being too far away from the city’s centre.</span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><strong><span>The Urban, Newtown</span></strong></p><p><br />Sydney’s trendy Newtown is the place to be if you want to be amongst the buzz and excitement of inner-city life. With bars, cafes and restaurants to try and vintage shops and markets galore there is no shortage of things to do when you’re not getting ready for a day at the races. Plus if you haven’t sorted out your outfit yet, you won’t have any problems finding something to wear. With a train station and plenty of metro buses, staying in Newtown makes travelling around Sydney easy and convenient. You’re just a 15-minute drive from Canterbury Park, 20 minutes from Royal Randwick and 30 minutes from Rosehill Gardens. The urban offers boutique studio rooms, complete with a kitchen and espresso machine, so it’s the perfect spot for a mini-break racing getaway. They also offer regular wine tastings and local beer sampling so you can try out your sommelier skills before you hit the track.</p><p></p></div>8 Must-Do Events in Sydney This Seasonhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/must-see-events-in-sydney-this-spring2017-09-16T03:38:31.000Z2017-09-16T03:38:31.000ZAmy Sky Piperhttps://tripatini.com/members/AmySkyPiper<div><p><a href="https://www.broadsheet.com.au/media/cache/77/4f/774f88755e3af27fc56a4865e487d41b.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.broadsheet.com.au/media/cache/77/4f/774f88755e3af27fc56a4865e487d41b.jpg" class="align-center" alt="774f88755e3af27fc56a4865e487d41b.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Another of the reasons I love living in Sydney is that there are events here all year round, many of them free to attend. If you are visiting the city this spring, there are some events on the calendar that you just can’t miss. You will have a fantastic time if you schedule your trip around one of these, though make sure you book your tickets in advance so you can definitely get a place!</p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong><a href="https://antidote.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Antidote</a></strong></span></p><p><br /> Let’s start off with a new festival which I love. <a href="http://www.antidote.sydneyoperahouse.com/">Antidote</a> is all about art and social change and takes place over two days at the iconic Sydney Opera House in early September. There are free art performances, installations, talks, debates, and even interactive pieces which allow you to get involved. It’s a lot of fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously.</p><p></p><p><strong><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://antidote.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Surry Hills Festival</a></span></strong></p><p><br /> Taking place this year in this central neighbourhood on September 23, this one (top) has been going on for over 15 years already, so the word has spread and it’s very popular. The whole day of entertainment is free and it’s great for families, so everyone can come along. My favourite part is the live music, but a close second is the street food and market stalls which are packed with local produce. If you have kids they will have plenty to get up to as well.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/assets.whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/2016/07/SFF17_dig_assets_1400x710pxl.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/assets.whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/2016/07/SFF17_dig_assets_1400x710pxl.jpg" class="align-center" alt="SFF17_dig_assets_1400x710pxl.jpg" /></a></p><p><strong><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://sydneyfringe.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9O3NBRB3EiwAK6wPT_ptzumbMRTQxEc8amAmCUgmBJG5HC702DOoUHlrK_v6AWJ0H9LiFBoCIJMQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Sydney Fringe</a></span></strong></p><p><br /> Taking place throughout the month of September, this is one of the biggest events of the year, and so many people flock here to see it – you might have trouble deciding <a href="https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/city/hotels-sydney-v5577.shtml">where to stay around Sydney</a> at this time because hotels get booked up quickly. Comedy, theatre, art installations, a circus, and parties across the city will be part of this fantastic event. It is very well-established and there were over 300 different productions in various venues last year, so you can expect this year to be on the same or an even larger scale.</p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong><a href="http://suff.com.au/" target="_blank">Sydney Underground Film Festival</a></strong></span></p><p><br /> Film festivals usually showcase the best of the newest films out there, and the underground festival now underway (Sept. 14-17) here is all about indie productions which can’t quite make it to the bigger events. There’s never any telling what kind of films you’ll be able to see as all genres are welcome. I love it when you find a real gem that no one else knows about – and the <a href="http://www.suff.com.au/TICKETS">Sydney Underground Film Festival</a> is definitely the place for that!</p><p><b> </b></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296627896,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296627896,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="9296627896?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><strong><span class="font-size-4"><a href="http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/calendar_of_events/fow" target="_blank">Festival of the Winds</a></span></strong></p><p><br /> used to love flying a kite when I was a kid, and that’s why the Festival of the Winds really captures my imagination. It’s one of the most colourful events that Sydney puts on, with kites flying high over Bondi Beach (this year, Sept. 10). You can buy spectacular handmade kites, join a workshop to make your own, or just watch the international kite flyers with their most spectacular creations.</p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong><a href="http://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/moonfestival" target="_blank">Cabramatta Moon Festival</a></strong></span></p><p><br /> Cabramatta is an area of Sydney where many Vietnamese families have settled, and on Sept. 24 the Moon Festival celebrates their culture and cuisine in a street festival which draws up to 100,000 attendees. The party starts on John Street on the spring equinox, where daylight and darkness are at equal lengths. It’s a truly special day and night, with gourmet food, market stalls, parades, and a fireworks finale.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009201065,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009201065,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="9009201065?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong><a href="http://sculpturebythesea.com/" target="_blank">Sculpture By The Sea</a></strong></span></p><p><br /> This installation lasts from October 19 to November 5, bringing more than 100 sculptures to the coastal walk which joins Bondi with Tamarama, just as it has done for over 20 years. The line-up includes both local and international artists, with a generous prize available for those whose work is exhibited. You just have to go for a walk along Bondi when this is in place!</p><p><span class="font-size-4"><b><br /> <a href="http://www.newtownfestival.org/" target="_blank">Newtown Festival</a><br /> <br /></b></span></p><p>Its 39th edition being held this November 12th, this is all about celebrating this bohemian little slice of the city southwest of Darling Harbour, with around 90,000 people coming down to enjoy it – including me! There will be live music, street food, markets, and a park venue which makes the whole atmosphere relaxed and fun. It’s a day of love and embracing the local culture, which is a really nice way to spend the day. I never miss it when I’m in Sydney!</p><p><br /> <br /> I can’t recommend any of these events enough – they are all a great part of life in Sydney and attract huge amounts of visitors to spend the day or night in celebration. Don’t miss out on any of them if you’re around when they happen!</p><p></p></div>Vacations in Sydneyhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/vacations-in-sydney2011-01-19T12:38:43.000Z2011-01-19T12:38:43.000ZLonely Planethttps://tripatini.com/members/LonelyPlanet<div><p align="justify">Sydney receives millions of international visitors each and every year. What is the reason behind its amazing popularity? Well, there are several reasons behind it.</p><p align="justify">There are various aspects behind its unmatchable popularity, which has helped the city to win the hearts of the visitors, irrespective of their ethnicity.</p><p align="justify">The beautiful Australian city was formed on 26th of January, in the year 1788 by Arthur Phillip. Sydney is surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature, and is located in the south east coastline of the exotic Tasman Sea. The area covered by the city is around 12,144.6 square kms, which contains some of the <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/destinations.htm">best attractions</a> of the world.</p><p align="justify">Sydney is certainly the most advanced city of Australia, from the social and economical point of view. It provides shelter to around 4.5 millions of people, and they are known as the Sydneysiders. The cosmopolitan way of thinking of Sydneysider is one of the prime reasons behind the huge number of visitors.</p><p align="justify">The number of international visitors in the year 2009 stood around 2.7 millions. And, as a result of it, the hospitality and tourism industry in Sydney has turned into a huge sector. Sydney <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/international-hotels.html">hotels</a> are known for their warm hospitality, and the services offered by them are simply amazing.</p><p align="justify">There are several websites in the web world, through which you can extract information about the various hotels in Sydney. You can compare their <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/packages.htm">travel packages</a> to search out the best and the most convenient package of your requirement.</p><p align="justify">It always feels nice to spend some days of happiness and fun with the family members. These days, our lives have become so jam packed with the never ending work schedule and stressed out with the work load, that sometimes it feels like a nightmare.</p><p align="justify">For this reason, it becomes extremely necessary to provide some relief to our mind, body, and soul as well. In such a case, nothing can work better than spending a holiday with the family members or close friends. And, when the holiday destination is a city like Sydney, the happiness and fun gets double.</p><p align="justify">If you do not have much information about the wonderful city of Australia, then let me give you some of basic details and interesting facts about it. Sydney is the <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/cities/delhi.htm">capital city</a> of the Australian state, New South Wales. And, it is the most heavily inhabited city in Australia.</p><p align="justify">The population of the city stands around 4.5 millions, and the inhabitants are known as the Sydneysiders. It really feels nice to know that the inhabitants welcome people from every section of society. This cosmopolitan side of the city makes it quite popular among the global visitors. And, the figure of 2.7 million international visitors in the year 2009 is the proof of its worldwide popularity.</p><p align="justify">Owing to the temperate climate of the city, the hotels in Sydney remain jam-packed with visitors all through the year. In Sydney, you can find out <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/hotels.asp">online hotels</a> of every price range, which can easily suit your budget.</p></div>The 5 Best Places to Go Biking in Australiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/australia-biking-cycling2018-01-29T15:06:02.000Z2018-01-29T15:06:02.000ZSophie Andersenhttps://tripatini.com/members/SophieAndersen<div><p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009240453,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009240453,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009240453?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
<h2 class="western"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Cycling is an awesome hobby. It is both fun and healthy and if we were to list all the good sides of it you’d stay here for a long time. Instead, we would like to try and find a few great tracks that you could check out next time you decide to get out and pedal a bit. Feel the freedom and that cool breeze as you’re cruising down some of the best tracks in the country!</strong></span><br /> <br /> Heavenly Melbourne</h2>
<p><br /> The whole city of Melbourne is a cycling heaven. Many believe that Melbourne is <a href="https://www.strava.com/local/paths?parent_region=au&region=melbourne&activity_type=cycling">the cycling capital of the land down under</a>. And there is no surprise since it has safe cycling networks, a bike share scheme, flat topography and a mild climate. When you head to Melbourne for a ride, you are basically spoilt for choice. However, we’d advise you to ride down the Capital City Trail. It’s a car-free path that loops around inner Melbourne and it is the perfect track for those who are looking for an easy ride through Melbourne’s main sites such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground or the Federation Square.</p>
<h2 class="western"><br /> Scenic Adelaide</h2>
<p><br /> It doesn’t matter whether you are a local or a tourist; in Adelaide, you can borrow a bike for the day without having to spend a single cent. And we have to thank the free bike hire scheme for that. When you get your bike, helmet and chain, go for the bike track along the River Torrens. The track will lead you to West Beach. Explore the city’s coastline by cycling north from the scenic suburb of Glenelg up to Outer Harbour along the shared use track. If you want to get out of the city centre you have to try the Coast to Vines Trail. But beware, it is a 37-kilometre ride, so make sure that you have a decent bike or simply get one of <a href="https://eurocycles.com.au/bosch-ebike-australia">the reliable electric bikes</a>.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009241091,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009241091,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009241091?profile=original" width="500" /></a></p>
<h2 class="western"><br /> Sunny Perth</h2>
<p><br /> Behold, Australia’s sunniest city! Many visitors come to Perth for the terrific mix of urban culture and natural wonders such as pristine clean beaches and lush parkland but Perth also has a variety of bike trails. Cycle around the Swan River on the easy 3-km Windan Bridge Loop or discover the coast through the 14-km stretch from Marmon to Burns Beach. And don’t worry about a thing, you’ll stumble upon dozens of bike hire stores should you need something.</p>
<h2 class="western">Over-Hill-and-Dale Sydney</h2>
<p><br /> Many claim that Sydney’s steep hills present an obstacle that no cyclist wants to deal with, but did you know that 19 percent of Sydneysiders hop on their bikes for a ride at least once a week? We had to figure out the story behind the impressive figures. Firstly, this city has a festival devoted to cycling! Sydney Rides Festival promotes cycling participation by increasing awareness, improving bike skills and helping people enjoy events from the bike seat. However, if you just want to pedal around by yourself, try the 8-km Bay Run loop in Iron Cove Bay. That way you’ll see the <a href="https://uk.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/sydney-harbour">Sydney Harbour</a> in the best possible way. Bring your bike with you to Manly if you’d like to pedal to secluded coves and popular seaside locations.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009241493,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009241493,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009241493?profile=original" width="600" /></a></p>
<h2 class="western">Carfree Hobart</h2>
<p><br /> Welcome to the non-car transportation city! That really opens up the opportunity for a great cycling experience! Head down the old railway track in the northern suburbs. If you do it, you’ll get to enjoy the scenic 10-km stretch that overlooks the beautiful waterfront. On top of that, Hobart takes pride in its high-quality bike paths, so you don’t have to worry about your bike getting damaged. Hobart’s best paths are completely separated from roads. One of those is the Mona path that is extremely popular with visitors and locals alike.</p>
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<p>Even if you’re nowhere near some of our tracks, we believe that it will be worth your time to visit<br /> and give them a go. Especially if you are a cycling enthusiast. And if you happen to live near some of our tracks, what are you waiting for? Pack up and jump on your bike! You’ll thank us later.</p>
<p> </p></div>6 of the World's Choicest Chinatownshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/chinatowns-chinese-new-year2016-02-08T16:01:04.000Z2016-02-08T16:01:04.000ZJosé Balidohttps://tripatini.com/members/JoseBalido<div><p><em><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Chinese_draak.jpg/640px-Chinese_draak.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Chinese_draak.jpg/640px-Chinese_draak.jpg?width=640" alt="640px-Chinese_draak.jpg?width=640" width="640" /></a></em></p>
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<p>恭喜發財 (That's <em>Kung hei fat choy! </em>to you). As hundreds of millions ring in the <strong>Year of the Monkey </strong>for <strong>Chinese New Year</strong> (aka <strong>Lunar New Year</strong>) today, I'm reminded of one of the Chinese diaspora's great gifts to travelers across the planet: funky <strong>Chinatowns</strong> where the age-old culture of the Middle Kingdom (and increasingly, other parts of Asia) meets a variety of others in sometimes fascinating ways. <br /> <br /> The best ones are the traditional ones, which developed organically, as opposed to a recent trend of "Chinatowns" fabricated in various cities like <strong>Las Vegas</strong> and <strong>Dubai</strong> which are essentially themed malls. But ersatz or historic, today is a big day in all of them.<br /> <br /> Here's my shortlist of favorites:</p>
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<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Chinatown%2C_London.jpg/640px-Chinatown%2C_London.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Chinatown%2C_London.jpg/640px-Chinatown%2C_London.jpg?width=640" alt="640px-Chinatown%2C_London.jpg?width=640" width="640" /></a></p>
<p><strong><br /><span style="font-size:14pt;"> London </span><br /> <br /> </strong> The U.K.'s first Chinatown grew up in Liverpool all the way back in the 1830s, but perhaps <a href="http://www.chinatownlondon.org/" target="_blank">the most vigorous today is to be found in <strong>Soho</strong></a> between <strong>Shaftesbury Avenue</strong>, <strong>Leicester Square</strong>, and <strong>Picadilly Circus</strong>, with its central thoroughfare <strong>Gerrard Street</strong> (above), which started to grow in the 1970s; its central appeal today is more than 80 restaurants - not just Chinese but featuring all manner of Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai. Food can be divine but often not the service (one eatery, the multi-storey <strong><a href="http://wongkeilondon.com/" target="_blank">Wong Kei</a></strong>, actually attracted a following due to its ostentatiously rude waiters, and many were disappointed when it reopened in 2014 after a refurbishment with - gasp - less nasty service. WTF, Wong Key?!). Today's New Year celebrations are held mostly in <strong>Trafalgar Square</strong>.</p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Chinatown_manhattan_2009.JPG/640px-Chinatown_manhattan_2009.JPG" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Chinatown_manhattan_2009.JPG/640px-Chinatown_manhattan_2009.JPG?width=640" alt="640px-Chinatown_manhattan_2009.JPG?width=640" width="640" /></a></p>
<p><strong><br /><span style="font-size:14pt;"> New York City</span><br /> <br /> </strong> <a href="http://www.explorechinatown.com/" target="_blank">The biggest of the Big Apple's nine Chinatowns</a>, in lower <strong>Manhattan</strong> along <strong>Canal Street</strong> and side streets south of it (though it's also starting to encroach upon <strong>Little Italy</strong>, north of Canal), is the largest Chinese enclave outside Asia, and one of the oldest. It's a mix of shops (both traditional and tourist-orientated); bakeries; sidewalk stands hawking cheap designer knockoffs; and a plethora of restaurants large and small (on my last trip back, I was again blown away by the exquisite dim sum at the gargantuan <strong><a href="http://www.jingfongny.com/" target="_blank">Jing Fong</a></strong>). You can also visit the extremely well-done, multi-media <strong><a href="http://www.mocanyc.org/" target="_blank">Museum of Chinese in America</a></strong>, and rub shoulders with the locals lighting incense and chanting Buddhist prayers at temples like <strong>Mahayana</strong> (133 Canal St.) and the venerable, much smaller <strong>Eastern States Temple</strong> (64 Mott St.).</p>
<p><br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12218402060,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12218402060,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12218402060?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><strong><span class="font-size-1"><em><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paris-olympiades-wikimedia.jpg" target="_blank">thbz</a></em></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">Paris </span><br /> <br /> </strong> Arranged around <strong>Avénue de Choisy,</strong> <strong>Avénue d'Ivry</strong>, and <strong>Rue de Tolbiac</strong> in the 13th <em>arrondissement</em> near <strong>Place d'Italie</strong>, the <strong>Quartier Chinois</strong> (aka <strong>Quartier Asiatique</strong>) is Europe's largest Chinatown. And while may not be quite as classically picturesque as the others on this list, but still offers a fascinating cultural experience with a particularly French twist in the form of various businesses run by immigrants of former <strong>Indochina</strong> colonies Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. One must stop is an unforgettable sensory experience at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tangofficiel" target="_blank"><strong>Tang Frères</strong></a> (48 Avénue d'Ivry), one of the continent's largest Asian markets, and I would also encourage visitors to sample probably unfamiliar cuisines such as Laoatian (for example at <strong>Lao Lane Xiang</strong>, 102 Ave. d'Ivry) and Cambodian (<strong>Mondol Kiri</strong>, 159 Ave. de Choisy).</p>
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<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/1_chinatown_san_francisco_arch_gateway.JPG/640px-1_chinatown_san_francisco_arch_gateway.JPG" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/1_chinatown_san_francisco_arch_gateway.JPG/640px-1_chinatown_san_francisco_arch_gateway.JPG?width=640" alt="640px-1_chinatown_san_francisco_arch_gateway.JPG?width=640" width="640" /></a></p>
<p><strong><br /><span style="font-size:14pt;"> San Francisco </span><br /> <br /> </strong> America's oldest Chinatown, by virtue of massive 19th-century immigration from across the Pacific (which has helped give this city the most Asian cast of any in the country), <a href="http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/" target="_blank">San Fran's version</a> vies with New York's as the country's most classic, as well as the largest outside Asia. Its covers 24 blocks of downtown, centered on <strong>Grant Avenue</strong> (with the classic "dragon gate", above) and <strong>Stockton Street</strong> (a bit less trafficked by tourists and more by locals, giving it the feel of a Hong Kong neighborhood). Ethnically most of said locals are Cantonese, and they and previous generations have created a fantastic array of dining and shopping options, as well as places to learn about Chinese-American history and cutlure such as the <strong><a href="http://www.c-c-c.org/" target="_blank">Chinese Cultural Center of San Francisco</a></strong> and the <strong><a href="http://chsa.org/" target="_blank">Chinese Historical Society of America Museum and Learning Center</a>. <br /> <br /> </strong></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Chinese_Garden_of_Friendship_%28looking_back_at_city%29.jpg/640px-Chinese_Garden_of_Friendship_%28looking_back_at_city%29.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Chinese_Garden_of_Friendship_%28looking_back_at_city%29.jpg/640px-Chinese_Garden_of_Friendship_%28looking_back_at_city%29.jpg?width=640" alt="640px-Chinese_Garden_of_Friendship_%28looking_back_at_city%29.jpg?width=640" width="640" /></a><br /> <strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Sydney</span><br /> <br /> </strong> Asians are the main source of immigration in <strong>Australia</strong> these days, and the <a href="http://www.sydney-chinatown.info/" target="_blank">Chinatown in the country's biggest city</a> (as does that of <strong>Melbourne</strong> not far to the north) reflects that. It's located in the <strong>Haymarket</strong> area between <strong>Darling Harbour</strong> and <strong>Central Station</strong>, and along with a variety of eateries and shops on streets like <strong>Factory Street</strong> and <strong>Little Hay Street</strong>, there are also many of them occupying a large complex on <strong>Hay Street</strong> called <a href="http://www.marketcity.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong>Market City</strong></a>. It's also well worth popping over to nearby Darling Harbour for a visit to the lovely <strong>Chinese Garden of Friendship</strong> (above), built in 1988 in cooperation with Sydney's sister city <strong>Guangzhou</strong> (<strong>Canton</strong>).</p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Vancouver_Chinatown_16.JPG/640px-Vancouver_Chinatown_16.JPG" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Vancouver_Chinatown_16.JPG/640px-Vancouver_Chinatown_16.JPG?width=640" alt="640px-Vancouver_Chinatown_16.JPG?width=640" width="640" /></a></p>
<p><strong><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">Vancouver</span><br /> <br /> </strong> San Francisco's fellow Pacific-Rim North American city also been receiving enormous immigration from across the pond for more than a century, and these days Wong, Chan, and Lee are among the most common names here (some have waggishly dubbed the city "<strong>Hongcouver</strong>"). <a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/2015/01/vancouver-british-columbia-canada-travel/" target="_blank">Vancouver</a>'s bustling main <a href="http://www.vancouver-chinatown.com/" target="_blank">Chinatown</a> (which touts itself as "North America's cleanest", lol), revolving around downtown's <strong>Pender Street</strong> (above), dates back to the <strong>Shanghai Alley</strong> and <strong>Canton Alley</strong> of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Besides the usual pan-Asian restaurants, herbal shops, and other traditional emporia, there are a number of landmarks and attractions well worth noting, such as the <strong><a href="http://www.cccvan.com/#!about1/c1iek" target="_blank">Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver</a></strong>, <strong>Sam Kee Building</strong> (the world's narrowest!), and the <a href="http://vancouverchinesegarden.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden</strong></a> (which hosts a multi-day "temple fair" to mark the new year).</p>
<p><span class="font-size-1"><em><br /> photos | <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_draak.jpg" target="_blank">Caseman</a>, <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chinatown,_London.jpg" target="_blank">Aurelien Guichard</a>, <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chinatown_manhattan_2009.JPG" target="_blank">chensiyuan</a>, <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paris-olympiades-wikimedia.jpg" target="_blank">thbz</a>, <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_Garden_of_Friendship_(looking_back_at_city).jpg" target="_blank">Wyncliffe</a>, <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vancouver_Chinatown_16.JPG" target="_blank">Xicotencatl</a></em></span></p>
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