SYDNEY

SYDNEY (Australia)

A city so full of British references, from the street names and buildings to the language and the people, that we just had to experience it for real.

The names of the streets and districts have a British and Aboriginal influence from Woolloomooloo to Kings Cross.  Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a luxury shopping centre on George Street.  Hyde Park (after London’s famous park) is a good place to have a rest.

The city centre is vibrant and the suburbs stretch for mile after mile.  Pockets of skyscrapers dot the landscape and the streets are filled with the sights of a rich, multi-ethnic society.  China town offers a good selection of restaurants and eateries.  We loved the fresh fish and seafood on offer throughout the city but especially at the Fish Market, where the local Asian population try and find their catch of the day.

Life here revolves around the harbour.  With the world famous Opera House (opened in 1973 by the Queen) on one side and the Harbour Bridge on the other, it is a bustling place with ferry boats coming in and out every few minutes.  Across the harbour is Luna Park, an old-fashioned theme park and a fun place to spend a few hours.

Heading out of the city there are plenty of beaches to try surfing and swimming.  The most famous is Bondi Beach although probably more attractive is Manly with its huge stretch of sand.

The people of Sydney are very warm and friendly and with such a mix of nationalities, Sydney really is a great cultural experience.

Mission: APPROVED!

British Native Speaker rating: NATIVE SPEAKING

Summary: Australian English is somewhere between British and American English but is distinctive because of its rising intonation at the end of sentences.

PICTURES OF LUNA PARK, SYDNEY