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• Where to Stay in New South Wales

  
  The Langham Sydney

  

  Lobby | Photo Credit: The Langham, Sydney

  The Langham Sydney is tucked away in a residential area in the historic Rocks district. Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Sydney Harbour, this charming hotel has a residential feel. It is a tranquil oasis after a busy day of sightseeing. I especially love that each of the 98 rooms and suites is decorated in an elegant and classic style. Each room overlooks the Western Harbour or the city. You can treat yourself at the wonderful Spa by Chuan. Also, you can enjoy the beautiful indoor heated pool with its star-covered ceiling – a Sydney icon! A favorite of mine is afternoon tea with Wedgwood in the Palm Court. You certainly don’t want to miss this indulgent experience!

  

  Grand Langham Room | Photo Credit: The Langham, Sydney

  

  Afternoon Tea | Photo Credit: The Langham, Sydney

  

  Pool | Photo Credit: The Langham, Sydney

  Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

  

  Wolgan Valley | Photo Credit: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

  Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a conservation-based resort set in a 7,000-acre nature reserve in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains area. The resort is an easy three-hour drive or a 45-minute helicopter flight from Sydney. A stay at Wolgan gives a unique opportunity to explore the Australian bush in style, with superb accommodation and outstanding food and wine!

  One of the highlights of this property are the charming individual villas. These villas are complete with a double fire place and each with their own plunge pool and veranda allowing for beautiful views over the valley. Above all, there is never a lack of things to do! Activities range from 4WD adventures that allow you to spot local wildlife to colonial heritage tours and stargazing. The spa at Wolgan Valley is outstanding, but I would recommend pre-booking any treatments. A stay at Wolgan Valley is the quintessential Australian experience. It is one of my favorite places in New South Wales for a relaxing, authentic adventure in understated luxury.

  

  Horses | Photo Credit: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

  

  Picnic | Photo Credit: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

  

  Wildlife Drive | Photo Credit: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

  The Byron at Byron Bay Resort and Spa

  

  Exterior | Photo Credit: The Byron at Byron Bay

  The Byron at Byron Bay Resort and Spa sits in a coastal rainforest, minutes from a stunning beach and coastline. The resort has a casual, laid-back yet elegant vibe. Dining at the Byron at Byron Bay is a true fine dining experience where you will enjoy fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced food in the restaurant overlooking the rainforest. The comfortable suites are located within the sub-tropical rainforests with screened in porches and spacious living areas.

  Complimentary yoga classes are offered, and the multi-award-winning spa is definitely worth a visit! You can visit the gym, tennis courts or go on a guided walk through the rainforest – this resort certainly has something for every traveler! Also, the resort has a complimentary shuttle to take you to the center of Byron Bay, a beachside town with a quirky style and a thriving food scene. The Byron at Byron Bay is an oasis of tranquility where you can enjoy wonderful hospitality!

  

  Deluxe Spa Suite | Photo Credit: The Byron at Byron Bay

  

  Infinity Pool | Photo Credit: The Byron at Byron Bay

  

  The Restaurant | Photo Credit: The Byron at Byron Bay

  

  Anne Pace

  Anne Pace, born and raised in Australia has traveled extensively throughout the world. She returns frequently to her favorite destination, her hometown of Sydney.

  Where to Stay in New South Wales was last modified: July 26th, 2018 by Anne Pace

  May 22, 2018 • Anne Pace, Articles, Australia, Destinations, Property Highlights, Travels • Views: 2621

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• Barangaroo – The New Sydney Suburb

  
  Barangaroo is the newest suburb of Sydney. This area is receiving much attention because of the beauty of the location and the diversity of experiences found there. Barangaroo was a wife of Bennelong, an aboriginal. He was instrumental in helping the British colonists of Sydney during the early days of settlement. As a result, the area is rich in aboriginal and maritime history.

  

  Aerial View of Barangaroo | Photo Credit: Destination New South Wales

  Exploring the New Suburb

  The two main areas of Barangaroo are the Barangaroo Reserve in the north and the Dining and Retail precinct in the south.  There is easy access from the city which makes a visit to this inviting waterfront precinct a great addition to any exploration of Sydney. Because it’s close, visitors can drive, bike, walk or take a ferry.  There are fully accessible walking paths from Circular Quay and from the train station at Wynard. The Wynard Walk is an easy way to reach the Reserve. Or a ferry can take you right to Wulugul Walk, the heart of the restaurant and retail complex.

  

  South Barangaroo | Photo Credit: Destination New South Wales

  The Reserve features a re-created Sydney Harbour headland, with the foreshores built from local sandstone as they would have looked in the earliest days of Australia’s history. The Cutaway is a unique cultural venue underneath the Reserve. It has hosted many special art exhibits and Fashion Week.  There are extensive gardens with native Australian plants, ideal for walking and biking. You can also enjoy the lovely views with a picnic or observing the public art throughout the area. Fishing and hunting were an important aspect for the Aboriginal people, who were the first inhabitants of this land; therefore an Aboriginal guided tour to learn of the significance of Sydney Harbour is a must.  Through artworks and special events, the Aboriginal culture is celebrated in Barangaroo.

  

  Street in South Barangaroo | Photo Credit: Destination New South Wales

  What To Do

  The southern precinct is a foodies delight! There is a wide range of restaurants to appeal to different palates and budgets. Options range from fine dining to more casual places, coffee shops, artisan bakeries and hip bars.  This is a fun waterfront area with world class dining.  There are impressive shopping options here as well, with boutiques offering both international and local designers. David Jones, the major Australian department store has opened a world-first concept store in Barangaroo.

  

  Cuisine from Anason Restaurant | Photo Credit: Destination New South Wales

  

  Anason Restaurant | Photo Credit: Destination New South Wales

  There is definitely something for every visitor to enjoy in this new dynamic location!

  

  Anne Pace

  Anne Pace, born and raised in Australia has traveled extensively throughout the world. She returns frequently to her favorite destination, her hometown of Sydney.

  Barangaroo – The New Sydney Suburb was last modified: May 23rd, 2018 by Anne Pace

  November 13, 2017 • Anne Pace, Articles, Australia, Destinations, Travels • Views: 14284

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• Sydney’s Gem – The Strand Arcade

  
  One of my favorite places to return to when I am back in Sydney is The Strand Arcade. I recommend this beautiful old, Victorian-style building reminiscent of similar arcades in London to any overseas visitors as well. The Strand was built in 1891 and joins two busy Sydney streets, George and Pitt in the central shopping district. The arcade is an easy walk from the harbour where many of the leading Sydney hotels are located.

  

  Entrance | Photo Credit: Destination New South Wales

  

  The Strand Arcade | Photo Credit: Anne Pace

  Shopping at The Strand

  There are a number of unique Australian shops here, which makes it fun to visit if you are looking for a local gift. Dinosaur Designs has brilliantly colored resin homewares and jewelry. Also within The Strand is Aesop Skin care line where all of the items are made from naturally sourced ingredients. A must-visit is Haighs, Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker for delicious samples or a gift. On the higher floors, you’ll find top local Australian fashion and jewelry designers, which make The Strand a great place to browse as well as shop.

  

  Shopping | Photo Credit: Destination New South Wales

  

  View of the Shops | Photo Credit: Destination New South Wales

  If you get hungry…

  While shopping, stop for some lunch at La Rosa wine bar on Level Two; their pizza is amazing! Enjoy a coffee in one of the coffee shops on the lower level for a flat white or just to people watch. Visiting The Strand is a special experience. It’s so different from the modern shopping malls which we are all familiar with, yet you’ll find a variety of stores here. The Strand has everything from bespoke services offering made-to-measure shirts, custom gowns, and antiques or contemporary jewelry to more practical offerings such as a shoe repair establishment and The Nut Shop. The Nut Shop has been a Sydney icon since 1940!

  

  Outside View | Photo Credit: Destination New South Wales

  Make sure to include time to wander The Strand Arcade when you are in Sydney, New South Wales.

  

  Anne Pace

  Anne Pace, born and raised in Australia has traveled extensively throughout the world. She returns frequently to her favorite destination, her hometown of Sydney.

  Sydney’s Gem – The Strand Arcade was last modified: May 23rd, 2018 by Anne Pace

  September 25, 2017 • Anne Pace, Australia, Travels • Views: 3606

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