Sydney Archives - The Trusted Traveller

35 Free Things to Do in Sydney

June 13, 2018 by Jen Seligmann 3 Comments

Australia is notorious around the world for being one of the most expensive travel destinations and Sydney, Australia’s biggest city, is no doubt the most expensive of them all.

For those travelling on a budget it can be quite a turn off finding out how expensive Sydney really can be. However, with the right mix of paid and free (or really cheap) activities, you’ll be able to visit Sydney without busting the budget.

Don’t skip out on one of the most beautiful cities in the world (modest local speaking!). Check out my list of best free things to do in Sydney below. And as a bonus, I’ve added a few extra money saving tips specific to Sydney at the end too.

Free Things to Do in Sydney

1. Take a walk around the outside and up the stairs of the Sydney Opera House.

2. Browse through the free modern and contemporary art exhibits at the Art Gallery of NSW.

3. Enjoy the harbour views from the North Head Lookout.

4. Explore the expansive Centennial Parklands and maybe enjoy a picnic.

5. Take in a bit of Sydney history at the Rocks Discovery Museum.

6. Stare in awe at one of Sydney’s loveliest buildings, St Mary’s Cathedral.

7. Explore one of Sydney’s oldest buildings, Government House, on a free guided tour.

8. Watch, or even join, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian community in March each year as they celebrate Mardi Gras with lots of glitter and feathers.

9. Browse for souvenirs at the weekend market in The Rocks.

10. Take a stroll through Hyde Park under the leafy trees and around the Archibald Fountain.

11. Enjoy the beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens, perfectly positioned on Sydney Harbour.

12. Peruse Sydney’s latest catches at the Sydney Fish Market.

13. Join in on Sydney’s annual cultural arts celebration at the free events offered as part of the Sydney Festival.

14. Enjoy the free fun for the whole family activities at Sydney Olympic Park.

15. Find a bargain by the beach at Bondi Beach Community Market.

16. Bring in the new year on the world’s most beautiful harbour watching the best New Years Eve fireworks there is.

17. Don’t climb, rather walk over a Sydney icon, the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the footpath.

18. Spend Saturday in the sun at the cool Paddington Markets.

19. Absorb the beauty of Queen Victoria Building and watch the famous clock chime on the hour.

20. Let the kids run wild at the adventure playground in the Darling Quarter.

21. Enjoy the spectacle of Sydney’s most famous structures lit up with colour for Vivid Festival.

22. Learn about Australia’s maritime history at the Australian National Maritime Museum

23. Enjoy the aromas at the Carriageworks Farmers Market.

24. Hike around the edge of one of the world’s most spectacular habours on the Sydney Harbour Circle Walk.

25. Walk the famous Bondi to Coogee path to enjoy the views of some of Sydney’s beaches.

26. Cool off after all that walking with a swim at one of Sydney’s best beaches.

27. Snorkel through the reef at Shelley Beach, Sydney’s most accessible reef.

28. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art to see ground-breaking contemporary art displays.

29. Join the daily free walking tour of Sydney to get yourself orientated.

30. Soak up the atmosphere at Sydney’s coolest market, Glebe Markets.

31. Soak up the fun at Luna Park.

32. Hike up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Palm Beach.

33. Test your knowledge at a local pub with some evening trivia.

34. Enjoy the views of Sydney from Observatory Hill.

35. Check out the views from The Gap at Watsons Bay and walk out to the South Head.

Extra Money Saving Tips for Sydney

Walk as much as you can. The CBD, Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Circular Quay and The Rocks areas are all close to one another and can easily be explored on foot.

If you need to take public transport, grab an Opal Card with top up available from as little as $AU10.00.

Buy groceries at the supermarket to make your own lunch. And if you have cooking facilities in your accommodation, stock up on basics to cook an easy dinner too.

Eat out in pubs and RSL clubs. Meals are cheaper and portions are generous, often big enough to share.

Check if an attraction you want to visit has a free or reduced rate day or evening.

Save by buying tickets to multiple attractions at once with attraction passes.

You’ll find free wi-fi in select cafes, McDonald’s and public libraries. Don’t pay the extortionate prices at your hotel.

Take day trips yourself rather than booking expensive tours. The train runs right to Katoomba in the heart of The Blue Mountains.

Where to Stay in Sydney for Cheap

Hotel prices in Sydney are quite honestly ridiculous! If you don’t want to stay way out of town, schlepping in on public transport each day, then you do have a few options to help you save some money.

Hostels are not just for backpackers and young people. They also have private rooms, some with private facilities and are much cheaper than hotels. Here are three that I recommend:

Sydney Harbour YHA
Hostels don’t come better located than this one. With stunning harbour views from the rooftop, Sydney Harbour YHA is located in the heart of The Rocks and walking distance to everything. Rooms come in all configurations and some have private facilities.
Check availability, prices and book

Hostel Bounce Sydney
Conveniently located next to Central Station giving you quick access to all of Sydney. This is one of newer hostels in Sydney so accommodation is super modern and full of great facilities. You’ll find dorms and private rooms, some with private bathroom.
Check availability, prices and book

Siesta Sydney
Located right in the heart of the CBD. You can walk everywhere including Darling Harbour, The Rocks and Circular Quay. Rooms are simple but the hostel itself is packed with useful facilities to help you make the most of your cash. Rooms are either shared or private.
Check availability, prices and book

Or why not book an Airbnb stay. There are many value for money options in the CBD and outskirts that could help you save money on your visit to Sydney. Plus, if you use this link to sign up, you will get up to $45AUD off your first booking.

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35 Free Things to Do in Sydney - The Trusted Traveller

Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you found this article helpful, please consider using them to book your trip. It costs you no extra and helps to keep The Trusted Traveller running.

Over to you!

What have I missed? Add your suggestions for free things to do in Sydney to the comments. Or tell me what you’d most like to see and do in Sydney?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

The Best Surf Spots in Sydney

November 26, 2017 by Jen Seligmann Leave a Comment

Australia is known to have some of the best beaches in the world. From long white sandy stretches of perfection to wild and virtually untouched beaches, there is a beach in Australia to suit everyone.

If you’re someone who loves to surf, or you’ve never tried it, but you love to try out new sports when you travel, then you will want to hit the beach to ride the waves when you visit Australia.

One place that is popular with surfers both local and overseas, is Sydney. With over 50km of coastline, Sydney has over 100 beaches a lot of which have excellent waves and some in the further north and south reaches of the city are less crowded.

Before you hit the waves, you’ll need to gear up. You could bring your surf board from abroad, but you will probably have to pay extra fees to the airline to check it in and it is also quite inconvenient to carry. You could also rent one every day, but you may not get the best quality and the fees could add up. If you are planning to spend some time exploring the best spots, you might want to consider getting your own used surf board which you can then resell when you leave.

You can find a cheap wetsuit in one of the beachside suburbs stores and you’re all set and ready to hit the waves.

From north to south, these are my top picks for the best surf spots in Sydney.

Avalon

There is always lots of talent on show in the waves of Avalon which can make it a bit hard to grab a wave to yourself. But it is popular for a reason! Southeast swells up the north end of the beach bring the most quality waves both in size and formation.

Newport

Head to the north end of the beach to surf The Peak, a rock bottomed spot that can attract a bit of a crowd when the waves are pumping. The Reef at the southern end of the beach also offers up some quality waves when the sand builds up.

Bungan

This break requires a bit of effort to get to, so it doesn’t pull as big a crowd. This means more waves for those who take the long walk down the cliffs. The waves are smaller here compared with neighbouring beaches, but they are still quality waves. Sometimes quality and less crowds is better than the size of the wave.

North Narrabeen

North Narrabeen is where you will find some of Australia’s greatest pro surfers hanging out and catching waves. This is because it is known to have the most reliable waves in Sydney. When there is NW-NE winds blowing you’ll find some pretty perfect barrel waves.

Curl Curl

Curl Curl’s exposure makes this an excellent surf spot in most conditions. But it’s when there are easterly swells that you will find the best waves. Watch out for strong rips caused by the sand bar that forms here after bad weather.

Queenscliff

While this spot can get super crowded, you can avoid this if you paddle out to the Queenscliff Bombie where you’ll find only the brave big wave riders. 10ft plus swells are not for the amateurs and shouldn’t be attempted if you’re a rookie.

Read More: 35 Free Things to Do in Sydney

Winki Pop / Fairy Bower, Manly

Don’t let the silly names fool you, this spot has some pretty serious waves. Situated on Manly’s southern headland, not only does this spot pull some excellent righthand pointbreaks, it also pulls a decent crowd of spectators when the weather is good.

Maroubra

If you are staying in the city then and don’t want to travel too far, then Maroubra is your beach. It has the most consistently good waves in the eastern suburbs and doesn’t get anywhere near as crowded as the likes of Bondi and Coogee nearby.

Shark Island, Cronulla

The only break on this list accessible by train, Shark Island is a pile of rocks off the point of South Cronulla Beach that is popular with locals. It is also home to surf competitions throughout the year because of its quality and consistent waves.

Get an up to date surf report of the conditions at each of these top surf spots on Magic Seaweed.

Best Holiday Destinations in Australia

May 22, 2017 by Jen Seligmann 2 Comments

Australia is a huge country with a lot of destinations to choose from for your holiday. While in other countries you might choose to do an extended road trip, it’s not so simple in Australia, where it can take days to travel between cities. If you want to land in the right place for the best holiday, read these recommendations for the best destinations where you’ll want to spend the whole holiday.

Sydney

Sydney is the most popular Australian city for travellers, and has become hugely iconic. Sights like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are comparable with London’s Big Ben or New York’s Statue of Liberty.

There are attractions for all the family, like the Taronga Zoo and the Museum of Contemporary Art, and there’s a busy events calendar year-round too (like Vivid Sydney).

Sydney is the classic choice, and is rewarding both on and off the beaten track. You can stay in the CBD or go for a quieter district with your family, as the public transport system here is very good.

Melbourne

Melbourne is another busy city which has something going on at all times of year. If you’re a sports fan, you already know that it is home to both the Australian Open and the Melbourne Cup, not to mention an annual Formula 1 Race.

But there’s also more to Melbourne than an events calendar, and the city has plenty of attractions all year long. There’s an aquarium and a zoo in the city itself, nature reserves and Phillip Island within day trip distance, and Yarra Valley wineries ripe for the picking.

Melbourne is a great break for those who just aren’t satisfied with staying in the same city centre for the whole holiday.

Read More: What Not to Do When Visiting Australia on Birdgehls

Brisbane

This city is a great place for culture, with a bustling art scene. Visit the Brisbane Powerhouse for culture, or look into history at the Museum of Brisbane.

For current happenings, check out the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Cultural Centre. Visitors always love the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which offers the chance to cuddle a koala. Who could turn that down?

Brisbane may not be the best-known out of this selection of Australian cities, but it definitely has a lot to offer.

Read More: Travel Guide to Your First Time Visit to Australia on Travel See Write

Canberra

Though it may be the capital of Australia, Canberra is often overlooked. That’s a shame, because it’s a fascinating place.

It was built for the purpose of becoming a capital city, resulting in a much more spacious and well-thought-out offering than many capitals around the world.

It’s pleasant for a walking or cycling city break, and the public transport system allows you to get around easily. You can visit the seat of power of the Australian government, as well as plenty of other monuments.

For a less hectic city break and a very interesting look into the history of Australia, you can’t do much better than Canberra.

Great Barrier Reef

While the rest of these suggestions may be cities, you can’t overlook one of the greatest attractions that Australia has to offer. The Great Barrier Reef really does live up to its name, covering a huge distance.

It’s home to millions of sea creatures, including the coral and anemones that make up the reef itself. Most people would put it on their bucket list, but if you want to see it, you should think about going as soon as possible.

A large part of the reef has already fallen victim to coral bleaching, meaning that it is no longer the colourful paradise it once was. Scientists speculate that it won’t be long before the reef begins to die off entirely unless something changes.

While the reef may still be saved, you may begin to see restricted access as part of a concerted effort to reduce stress on the underwater structures, so go now before it’s too late.

Be Inspired: Top 6 Places to Snorkel in Australia

Each of these destinations could easily lay claim to being the best holiday spot in Australia, so it’s down to you which appeals to you the most. Though a trip taking in more than one may be tricky, there are ways to do it – so think about how long you want to stay in the country for to fit in as much as possible!

Over to you!

What is top of your Australian bucket list?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway

June 23, 2016 by Jen Seligmann 2 Comments

Sydney is the perfect place for a quick weekend getaway because most of its main attractions are close together or simple to get to. But if you have just 48 hours in Sydney, and this is your first time to the city, then you need to be organised and plan your time well.

In this guide we’ll help you decide where to stay, what to see and make a few suggestions on places to eat so you can maximise your precious weekend time while still getting to experience the best of the harbour city.

Where to Stay

First up you need to pick somewhere to stay that is centrally located and a comfortable base to rest your aching feet after all the walking you’ll be doing. TFE Hotels has a range of accommodation in Sydney that fit the bill and are affordable with per night rates from $128.00. Plus if you join their eClub you get 10% off all future bookings!

48 Hours in Sydney

Friday Evening

Arriving into Sydney on Friday evening after work is an excellent idea and enables you to have a good nights’ rest before hitting the streets of Sydney first thing the next morning.

If you arrive early enough you’ll need to eat or you might want to grab a drink. Bar 100 in The Rocks has you covered with casual meals like burgers and pizzas, plus an excellent cocktail menu and wine list. They also have acoustic music on a Friday evening on the covered outdoor terrace.

But don’t forget you’ve got a big two days ahead so make sure you get to bed early and rest up!

Saturday Morning

Start the morning with a good breakfast, either from your hotel, or stop at one of the many cafes on the walk to the morning’s first stop. Sydney has excellent coffee, just look out for places that have a queue of people waiting, this will tell you it’s going to be good!

With coffee in hand it’s time to start the day with a self-guided walking tour along part of one of the worlds most beautiful harbour’s. We’ve put together this map to help guide you along the route.

The walk takes about an hour without stops so allow at least two to three hours to do it properly, including time for morning tea, photo stops and even a longer stop at one of the attractions along the route if time permits.

We’ve numbered a few places worth noting along the route and they are:

1- Mrs Macquarie’s Chair – Not only are the views of the harbour great here, it has an interesting history too. In 1810, convicts carved the rock here into a seat so that Mrs Macquarie, the wife of Governor Macquarie, could sit and watch the ships from Great Britain sail into the harbour.

The view from Mrs Macquaries Chair - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — The view from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

2- Farm Cove & The Royal Botanic Gardens – Farm Cove is a U-shaped bay and the land here was set aside soon after the first European settlement in 1788 as farming land. The land is now home to the lovely Royal Botanic Gardens which is well worth some time to stroll around.

The Royal Botanic Gardens - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — The Royal Botanic Garden

3- Sydney Opera House – One of the most iconic buildings in the world, this unique structure was opened in 1973 and was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. It is used to host performing arts and you can take a tour inside or if you have time later on, see a performance.

A close up look of the Sydney Opera House - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — A close up look of the Sydney Opera House

4- Circular Quay – Circular Quay is one of the major transport hubs in Sydney with trains, buses and ferries coming and going throughout the day. Remember this spot because you’ll need it later in the day!

Circular Quay - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — Circular Quay

5- Museum of Contemporary Art – Sydney’s premier modern art gallery. The MCA has a large permanent exhibit and constantly changing visiting exhibits making it a place you can enjoy time and time again. If you’re in need of another coffee or a morning tea break, there is an excellent café on the level four which also happens to have excellent Sydney Opera House and harbour views.

6- Sydney Opera House view – As you walk past Sydney’s cruise terminal you’ll notice the view of Sydney Opera House gets better and better. We think the point at the end of the wharf is the perfect spot to take a photo or two of this iconic building.

Sydney Opera House - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — Sydney Opera House

7- Dawes Point – The walk along the edge of the harbour from the cruise terminal to Dawes Point under the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of our favourites in Sydney. You get excellent views of the harbour, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from both sides.

Dawes Point and the Sydney Harbour Bridge - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — Dawes Point and the Sydney Harbour Bridge

8- Observatory Hill – After a stroll through one of Sydney’s oldest areas, The Rocks, you’ll come to a hill called Observatory Hill. Take a quick walk up for the best open air views over Sydney Harbour.

9- The Rocks – Finally finish up the morning walk with a stroll through the heart of The Rocks. Browse through the weekend markets and enjoy the atmosphere.

Read More: Check out more of the Best Sydney Walks on The World on My Necklace

Saturday Lunch

You’re already in The Rocks so we are going to suggest a few places to stop for a bite to eat in the area:

Market Food – There are tons of great food stalls at The Rocks Markets. Grab a plate or two and find a seat down by the harbour to soak up the amazing view.

Fortune of War – Grab a seat in Sydney’s oldest pub (since 1828) for a decent pub meal and a refreshing beer.

Glenmore Hotel – This pub not only has excellent pub style meals, it also has a rooftop terrace with incredible harbour views.

Saturday Afternoon

Make your way back to Circular Quay and grab yourself a ticket to ride an iconic Sydney Ferry. We recommend taking the ferry over to Manly. This gives you the best opportunity to see more of the harbour on the 30 minute ferry ride and it drops you in a beautiful part of Sydney.

Sunsetting on Sydney Harbour as seen from the Manly Ferry - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — Sunsetting on Sydney Harbour as seen from the Manly Ferry

The ferry rounds the Sydney Opera House; takes you past some of the harbour islands like, Fort Denison; gives you a peak into the many yacht filled bays along the way; and lets you see the headlands and opening to the harbour.

Once you’re in Manly, walk the Corso that connects the ferry on the habourside, to the beach. Browse through the shops if you like and stop to see one of the many talented street performers that are regulars along there.

Manly Beach - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — Manly Beach

Take a walk along the long white sandy beach, and if the weather is warm enough, a dip in the ocean. Walk around to Shelley Beach, where the water is calmer, if the waves of the main beach are a bit daunting for you.

Finish off your visit to Manly and day exploring Sydney with a drink in one of the many beachside bars like Hemingways for a cocktail or Manly Wine to pick from an extensive wine list.

Read More: 5 Things to Do in Sydney on a Rainy Weekend on Universal Jetsetters

Saturday Evening

The best place in the city to watch the sun go down is Opera Bar. Nestled under the Sydney Opera House with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s the perfect place to end your day exploring Sydney.

Opera Bar - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — Opera Bar

Opera Bar also has great food, so you can choose to stay there for dinner or pick one of our suggestions below:

Harts Pub – Honest pub grub and also home to The Rocks Brewing serving delicious craft beer.

Chinatown – Lots to choose from here and some great specials to be had because it is so competitive.

Mejico – Market-to-table fresh Mexican food made to share with excellent margaritas and atmosphere.

Fratelli Parlamento – Fratelli do Italian well and their newest venue is no exception serving up gourmet pizzas, pastas and salads perfect for sharing or to enjoy on your own all.

Chophouse – If meat is your thing then Chophouse is your restaurant. Top notch food, wine and service. Its our favourite restaurant in Sydney.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Sydney on Mindful Travel by Sara

Sunday Morning

Hopefully you didn’t overindulge too much last night, but if you did start the morning off with a strong coffee and a hearty breakfast to get you going.

Bondi Beach - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — Bondi Beach

Navigate your way to Bondi (see the extra resources below for our Getting Around Guide), Sydney’s most well-known beach. Maybe you might like an early morning swim, otherwise make your way to Bondi Icebergs to begin the Bondi to Coogee walk.

The walk, which takes you along the coast past some of Sydney’s best beaches, is about 6 km long and should take you about two to three hours to complete depending on your level of fitness and how many stops you choose to make along the way.

Coogee Baths - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — Coogee Baths

Sunday Lunch

You’ll be in need of refuelling by this point so lunch in Coogee is an excellent idea. We suggest either grabbing yourself some take-away fish and chips to enjoy on beach or do what a lot of the other Bondi to Coogee walkers do and find a spot in the popular Coogee Pavilion Hotel for a bite to eat and a beer.

Sunday Afternoon

Depending on what time you need to leave, you may have time for one more activity before leaving Sydney. We’re going to give you a few options to choose from to complete your time in the city.

The Museum of Contemporary Art - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — The Museum of Contemporary Art

Visit a Museum or Gallery – Sydney has some excellent museums and galleries and most of them are free. For modern art check out the Museum of Contemporary Art; or classic pieces at the Art Gallery of New South Wales; the Powerhouse Museum is full of hands on experiences; while the Maritime Museum is great for families; and finally you could take a quick ferry ride over to Fort Denison to learn more about Sydney’s settlement.

Walk Over the Sydney Harbur Bridge – You can do this in two ways. The FREE way is to just walk along the pedestrian path which takes about 15 minutes and offers amazing views of the eastern side of the harbour. Or you can go one step further and book yourself in for the ultimate Sydney experience, the Sydney BridgeClimb.

Sydney Chinese Garden of Friendship - 48 Hours in Sydney: The Perfect Weekend Getaway - The Trusted Traveller — Sydney Chinese Garden of Friendship

Sydney’s Chinese Garden of Friendship – For something a little different, take some time to wander around Chinatown and into this lovely garden. It’s an oasis inside a busy city and could be the perfect way to unwind and end your time in Sydney.

More Sydney Resources & Inspiration

Got more than 48 hours to spend in Sydney? Check out some of the best places to visit outside the city.

On a budget? Check out this mega list of the best FREE things to do around the city.

For information on how to get from the airport and around Sydney, check out our Getting Around Guide.

Looking for more things to see and do in Sydney? Check out our article on the best things to see and do around Sydney Harbour.

Maybe you want to visit more beaches or more markets? We’ve got you covered with both the best of Sydney’s beaches and markets.

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Over to you!

What interests you most about visiting Sydney? If you’ve been, what else would you add to this guide to 48 hours in Sydney?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Top 5 DreamTrips Destinations in Australia and New Zealand

April 14, 2016 by Jen Seligmann 6 Comments

The way in which each of us travels can vary greatly. Travel is a big investment of our money and our time. And ensuring that we each travel in a way that makes us feel comfortable is very important.

Some like the thrill of independent travel, being out on the road with little to no plans, making decisions where the mood takes them. Others are more comfortable with guided group travel and having the peace of mind that not only has someone done all the hard work of planning for them but they’ll also guide them around throughout most of their trip.

And then there’s those in the middle who like to have a bit of flexibility but also want the bigger more complicated details taken care of for them. We know that one of the hardest parts of travel planning is putting together your itinerary and we’ve found an organisation that takes that burden away from you, helping you take that dream trip sooner.

Global travel company WorldVentures are not new; they’ve been around for many years and have helped over 100,000 people worldwide take well deserved vacations. Its travel club membership called DreamTrips, specialise in putting together itineraries that take the chore of planning away from you.

Top 5 DreamTrips Destinations in Australia and New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

They want you to arrive at your destination with a basic plan for peace of mind but still have the flexibility of not being locked into any rigid schedules. And most importantly they negotiate the best deals on your behalf. So not only do they save you time, but they also save you money.

DreamTrips isn’t just for one type of traveller either. They offer trips that appeal to all tastes from adventure-seekers to those looking to immerse themselves in culture, indulge in a luxury experience or give back to a community in need.

They make planning your next trip so much easier and leave you with only one tough decision to make; where will you go on your next trip?

If visiting Australia and/or New Zealand has been on your bucket list for some time now, we’ve got you covered here with what you can expect to see and do when you book a trip in one of the top 5 DreamTrips destinations.

The Gold Coast, Australia

The Gold Coast - Top 5 DreamTrips Destinations in Australia and New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

A popular part of Australia for families, thrill seekers and those who love the outdoors. One day you could be riding some of the world’s biggest rollercoasters, the next meeting Australia’s cute and cuddly wildlife. Or you might even find yourself learning to surf on a golden sandy beach.

Hayman Island, Australia

Hayman Island Resort - Top 5 DreamTrips Destinations in Australia and New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

How does staying on a one resort island which has been consistently voted one of the best in region while spending your days snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, lazing by the pool and indulging in spa time sound? Well you’ll get all that with a stay on Hayman Island, which offers Queensland luxury at its very best.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney Harbour Bridge - Top 5 DreamTrips Destinations in Australia and New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

We might be biased but we think Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Why? Well it’s perfectly positioned on an amazing harbour to start. It also offers dozens of beautiful beaches, fantastic weather year round, close proximity to The Blue Mountains (a must-see in Australia) and an ever changing array of events throughout the year to make you want to keep coming back for more.

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland from a volcano - Top 5 DreamTrips Destinations in Australia and New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

While Auckland is worth a visit itself for its scenic harbour and stunning views from the city’s many volcanoes, it’s also the jumping off point for cruises around New Zealand and over to Australia. On a cruise you’ll visit some of the best New Zealand and Australia has to offer like the French settlement of Akaroa, the incredible sounds of Fiordland, unspoilt Tasmania and the melting pot that is Melbourne.

Cairns, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef - Top 5 DreamTrips Destinations in Australia and New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

Cairns is the gateway to two of Australia’s biggest attractions, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Stay a few days in this vibrant little city to experience snorkelling or diving the world’s largest living thing, marvel at one of the world’s oldest rainforests and come face to face with a croc and many other species of Australia wildlife.

These are just five destinations you can visit in Australia and New Zealand with the help of DreamTrips. The membership also offers trips to many more incredible places in the region like Adelaide and its wineries, Australia’s top end and the foodie paradise of Melbourne.

More About DreamTrips

To go on a DreamTrip you first need to join the DreamTrips travel club and pay a monthly membership fee. These fees can then be used to offset the cost of your DreamTrip.

There are different tiers of membership with different inclusions at each level but most trips include accommodation, tours, some meals and transfers. Many also have a dedicated host to make sure your trip is hassle free.

To join the club you’ll need to be invited by an existing member or look out for a DreamTrips travel party in your area.

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The Gold Coast - Top 5 DreamTrips Destinations in Australia and New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

The Great Barrier Reef - Top 5 DreamTrips Destinations in Australia and New Zealand - The Trusted Traveller

This article was brought to you in conjunction with WorldVentures.

Over to you!

Which of these DreamTrips destinations would you like to visit on your next vacation?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Free Things to Do in Sydney

Extra Money Saving Tips for Sydney

Where to Stay in Sydney for Cheap

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Over to you!

Avalon

Newport

Bungan

North Narrabeen

Curl Curl

Queenscliff

Winki Pop / Fairy Bower, Manly

Maroubra

Shark Island, Cronulla

Sydney

Melbourne

Brisbane

Canberra

Great Barrier Reef

Over to you!

Where to Stay

48 Hours in Sydney

Friday Evening

Saturday Morning

Saturday Lunch

Saturday Afternoon

Saturday Evening

Sunday Morning

Sunday Lunch

Sunday Afternoon

More Sydney Resources & Inspiration

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