Sydney is the best loved city in Australia, and the oldest. Today, Sydney has grown into a lively city with lots of get-up-and-go and is definitely one of the most preferred holiday destinations for a number of reasons. Known as The Harbour, due to its location on the south-eastern coast and situation around Port Jackson, it has a booming tourism industry attributable to stunning natural attractions, soaring skyscrapers, excellent shopping and restaurants, awe-inspiring architecture and its friendly and warm locals.

The city has to be most well-known for Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Its beautiful beaches stretch for miles, and for those who like fresh air then this is a city that can provide a city feel with the cool wind of the ocean, and is within easy travelling distance to national parks, rivers, bays and coves.

Sydney has the most amazing natural views, the perfect warm climate, and long stretches of tropical beaches. Whatever your interest you are guaranteed to find sights and attractions that will keep you entertained and grabbing for your camera at every opportunity. Culture is found at various venues around the city, check out the Sydney Opera House, the City Recital Hall, Griffin Theater Company, Company B and the Wharf Theater online for their programme of events.

If it is architecture you are fascinated with then the city has fine examples of Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian architecture. With the vast array of festivals organized you are certain to catch one of them, particularly in the summer months, people flock here in their thousands for the Sydney Festival, Australia's largest celebration, the Big Day Out which is a rock music festival, and the Sydney Film Festival, to name just a few.

One of the more famous is the Mardi Gras, an annual gay pride parade and festival for the LGBT community that offers a great way for visitors to soak up the atmosphere. Organized events over 3 weeks generally start off with an outdoor fair, ideal for anyone with a family and children as there is entertainment, music, theatre and an art show. The Parade is a part of the festival definitely not to be missed, commencing at Hyde Park, turning up Oxford St and into Flinders Street before finally coming to a halt at Moore Park. Once the parade is over then the partying begins!

There is no similar event in the world that is as large as Sydney’s Mardi Gras and the parade is a mix of community groups from Sydney itself or from all over Australia, as well as individual participants. Float after float streams through the streets of the city with costumes getting more and more elaborate and extravagant, and colourful.

The parade and following party draws in thousands of visitors both from Australia and abroad. If you are planning on going to join in the party then it’s advised you book accommodation well in advance as the city is packed and hotels are taking bookings months before.

And finally if all you want to do is lie on a sun-soaked beach and chill out the where better than Sydney? With its oceanic climate it’s perfect for beach lovers. Take the short trip to Bondi Beach and take a swim or go surfing in its deep blue waters.

There is a range of Sydney accommodation and hotels just book early to avoid having to pay more than you intended or not able to stay in the area of your choice. Instead of a hotel why not choose to stay somewhere a little more private whilst you’re in the city? Fully serviced two and three bedroom executive apartments can be found in a central location and with a balcony and views of the city skyline. You can be close to all the major tourist attractions and entertainment whilst feeling as if you are at home!