After the unprecedented events of 2020 and 2021, exploring the globe is something we no longer take for granted. Many travel bucket lists that had sat gathering dust for years are suddenly being re-examined with a renewed sense of purpose. There are some destinations that most of us dream of visiting, and Australia is one of them. Of course, for those living is South Wales, one particular state has a special resonance.
Travel options from South Wales to New South Wales
Flying from Cardiff to Sydney is possible, and there is a certain elegance to getting on a plane in South Wales and getting off it in New South Wales. Of course, you won’t exactly be doing that, as there will be a few connections to make along the way. If this is your chosen way to travel, the most practical route is via Amsterdam. From there, the quickest flights are either with Singapore Airlines via Singapore, or via Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific.
The alternative is to take a train to Manchester or Heathrow. From either of these, you then have other options. In addition to flying via Singapore or Hong Kong, you can choose to hub through Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Kuala Lumpar.
Price-wise, much depends on when you are flying, but if you book well in advance and are prepared to tolerate a longer connection time at your chosen hub, then that £1,000 return ticket price is achievable. Next, you need to decide what to do when you get there.
Clubbing and casinos with the rich and famous
Sydney has plenty of attractions, but the biggest draw of all is its nightlife. Forget New York, Sydney is the city that genuinely never sleeps, and the main hub of activity is an area known as The Rocks. Overlooking Darling Harbour, with amazing views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s a fabulous area for people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere.
There are two major casinos at The Rocks, and both are magnets for the rich and famous. Australians are renowned for their love of slot machines, which are known as pokies in Australia. While plenty of tech-savvy Aussies prefer to play online these days, The Star and The Crown in Sydney are both casinos that make you feel like James Bond for the night – or Vesper Lynd, as the case may be.
Once you have made or lost your fortune at the pokies, blackjack and roulette, both casinos are based in luxury hotel complexes, so there is no shortage of options if you want something to eat and drink. But don’t head for your room too soon – there is no better way of staving off the jet lag than dancing the night away at one of Sydney’s many nightclubs.
The Ivy is Sydney’s most famous celebrity hangout, with multiple dance floors and lounge areas. If live music is more your scene, Oxford Art Factory is well worth the 30 minute walk from The Rocks to Darlinghurst – or indeed the $15 Uber fare!
Life’s a beach
While the city is most famous for its entertainment, Sydney also happens to have one of the most glorious beaches in the world right on its doorstep. Bondi Beach is a 20 minute drive from the city centre, so you would be mad to miss it.
If you love surfing, this is the place to do it, and if you’ve never tried, this is the place to learn! Bondi Beach also has a wealth of eateries, and is an ideal place to kick back and enjoy a light lunch. Icebergs is one of the most popular venues and boasts some famous clientele including Oprah Winfrey and Sienna Miller. According to media rumours, Sienna even considered taking up residence in Wales during her brief engagement to Rhys Ifans, so she clearly has amazing taste!
