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Sydney is an Australian city where you get breezy harbors with modern architectural marvels. You can visit the city for a thrilling adventure. Meet koalas, enjoy sunsets while whale watching, and visit perfectly manicured parks, all of this in just one city. 

If you are an art lover, Sydney has a lot in store for you. Visit the museums adorned with antique ships and the stories of brave holocaust survivors.  Learn about the Australian Aboriginals through their traditional art and stories at museums, parks and theater. 

If you seek wonderful celebrations then Sydney is your place to be for all the Holidays. Enjoy New Year’s Eve like never before on an island and witness the gleaming harbor bridge amidst fireworks. 

You can also be at the top in Sydney with a 268m high skywalk on the Sydney Tower. Travelers love Sydney because it has access to some of the most exciting cities nearby where you can enjoy the full Australian experience. 

Let’s visit the best cities near Sydney.

Canberra 

4 hours away from Sydney, Canberra is the Capital of Australia, famous for its natural landscapes, government structures, and vibrant city life. Beautifully situated at the heart of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin is the main attraction of the city. You can hire a love boat to have an exclusive boat picnic on this lake. Art lovers can have an enriching visit to the National Gallery of Australia, where the largest collection of Aboriginal art is located for viewers. Many other galleries are spread across the city for everyone to enjoy with their coffee and food.

Canberra is also known for its festivals highlighting the four seasons of Australia. From the Enlighten Festival of Autumns to the Truffle festival in winter, enjoy festivities all year long. You can find some of the most unique stays of Australia in this city, like a tree house next to lovely giraffes at the Jamala Wildlife Lodge. Canberra is home to internationally acclaimed wineries, so you can book wine-tasting sessions for a perfect experience in the city.

Wollongong 

Towards the south of Sydney, you will find Wollongong, a city with serene beaches and Cathedrals. Wollongong is known for its natural landscape. Travelers looking for a digital detox can enjoy several activities in Wollongong. Surfing and swimming are common activities enjoyed by locals and visitors. You can also enjoy cycling from North Wollongong to Sandon Point. Trek to the top of Mount Keira and Bulli Tops to have a hearty meal at the Cliffhanger restaurant. 

Another heritage site is the Nan Tien temple, one of the two cathedrals of this city situated in the southern suburbs of Wollongong. It is a Buddhist temple where you can also get accommodation in the temple’s motel and learn about Chinese culture while enjoying statues of Buddha. 

For a perfect sunset and internet-approved photos, visit the pier at the Wollongong Foreshore Park, and you won’t be disappointed. Light and miniature train rides in Illawarra Light Railway Museum are fun for kids. They can also be taken to the science center and planetarium. For a relaxed evening, try the Five Islands brewery in the city.

Newcastle

This harbor city near Sydney is home to many historical sites and beautiful beaches. You can find delicious eateries, striking street art, and music of your taste in this city. At a distance of 2.5 hours from Sydney, you can easily reach the city via train or your vehicle, making it a must-visit spot for your Australian holiday. The city offers huge ocean baths for swimmers, it is a thrilling experience you can have at Merewether or the bogey hole. 

Nature lovers can visit the Blackbutt Reserve to enjoy picnics and meet furry friends. At the east end of Newcastle City, enjoy cafes and boutique stores to shop for local products and souvenirs. Nightlife is as vibrant as the beaches in Newcastle. Enjoy pubs and restaurants at Hunter Street or experience the coastal walks like Bathers Way Walk to see the panoramic view of the sea. 

Melbourne 

Melbourne is the trendy place to be for its exquisite art scene and beautiful cafe decor. It is a fun place to enjoy food and culture. If you enjoy the nightlife of cities then Melbourne is the place for you. Take the City Circle Tram as your fun ride and enjoy the laneways of Melbourne on foot for its unique street art and quirky cafes. Find hidden gems, boutique shops, and pubs in this city. Cricket lovers can enjoy Melbourne Cricket Ground to experience a live cricket match. 

For a culturally rich experience, you can visit the Shrine of Remembrance, dedicated to wartime heroes and adorned with more than 800 artworks. The balcony situated at the shrine is a must-visit for a beautiful view of Melbourne. The most thrilling experience in Melbourne is the Balloon flight where you get the best view of the city at sunrise in a basket of hot air balloons. Rise above the skyscrapers of Melbourne and enjoy the majestic view of the city. 

Then a century-old Queen Victoria market is a bustling place where you can get local, handmade products in Melbourne from more than 500 shops. Food tours are also organized at this intercity market for food lovers.

Gold Coast 

Gold Coast is known for its Rainforest walks and stretches of sand. If you enjoy water sports and food then this is your place to be. Gold Coast is a lively place where adventures never stop. You can go for a skydive at Tandem Skydive Byron Bay and watch the spectacular view of the city through the Skypoint observation deck while enjoying delicious food. Right next to the deck is Dream World, where kids and adults can experience fun rides and wildlife. 

Gold Coast’s main beach offers a whale-watching session with a 360-degree view where you can see migrating humpback whales in action. 

The rainforest of the Gold Coast is a thrilling place to be at night, where you can witness Nocturnal creatures and gleaming waterfalls with tea and cake in the Tamborine National Park. A cool dinner experience awaits you where you get the feel of -10 degrees Celsius and enjoy cold waves every season. Another extraordinary dinner experience is the Outback show, where acrobats perform with friendly animals and perform tales of farmers with drinks and a 3-course meal.

Brisbane 

Brisbane is situated on the Brisbane River, where art and science are the epicenter of everyday life. Brisbane is the whole package with both indoor and outdoor activities and iconic nearby attractions like the Great Barrier Reef. The Brisbane River provides a unique picnic experience on their electric Goboats from where, at the banks of the river, you can enjoy a fine wine and dine experience with Howard Smith Wharves under the Story bridge. You can climb to the top of the story bridge and enjoy the panoramic view of the whole city. Brisbane’s islands provide some of the most amazing experiences, like hand-feeding dolphins at Moreton Island and kayaking through the clear waters of Bribie Island.

These towns close to Sydney have much to offer and must not be missed out on your amazing Australian tour. 

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