MCQMC 2012 Conference Page

Sydney Panorama

Sydney

A near-perfect climate, world-famous architecture, beautiful harbour and friendly people make Sydney the ideal choice for combining business with leisure.

Sydney is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, home to three of Australia's most potent symbols - Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour. It sets the scene for all international visitors to Australia.

Sydney is also the gateway to Australia, a great base from which to explore Australia's magnificent natural attractions. World Heritage areas such as the Blue Mountains and Great Barrier Reef, the outback, tropical islands and lush rainforests are all less than three hours flight from Sydney.

The city's love affair with food is well known and best enjoyed with an exclusive dine-around experience in local 'eat streets' or at a waterfront location - by the harbour or the beach. Three Sydney restaurants - Quay, Tetsuya's and Marque - currently star in the S. Pellegrino World's Best Restaurants for 2010.

Sydney has national parks, botanic gardens, pristine waterways, green space and golden beaches in abundance. Outdoor experiences unique to Sydney include sailing on the harbour, a surf lesson at Manly or Bondi beach, or teeing off at a golf course overlooking the Pacific Ocean. So make sure you find some time in your diary to have experience some of these activities in Sydney.

Ten Sydney sites recommended by Gareth Peters

1.	Sydney Centre Point Tower For a great view of Sydney and a fine dining experience consider the rotating restaurant. Details of the tower, prices and restaurant information are provided on the website. (Google map)

2.	Sydney Art Gallery For a unique perspective on Classical and Contemporary Australian art it is well worth a trip the Sydney art gallery. You will have an opportunity to view many pieces of art with direct cultural significance to Australia, rarely found in art galleries outside of Australia. There are regular daily tours, a wonderful restaurant and admission is free for the whole family. (Google map)

3.	Botanical Gardens This is a large central city park split up into several garden zones. Each has a selection of interesting international flora and fauna. Easily accessible with a short walk from Circular Quay, great for a picnic or a stroll in the sun. For example there is an interesting cactus garden, an oriental garden and a selection of Australian native flowers. There is a good little cafe where you can enjoy a light meal while watching the Sydney harbour. (Google map)

4.	Taronga Zoo This zoo is set on the picturesque Sydney harbour and accessible by a short Ferry ride from Circular Quay. It has a great cable car ride, a live bird show over the harbour and a special collection of native Australian animals and reptiles. (Google map)

5.	Sydney Opera House This is an iconic piece of architecture known throughout the world and set in the Sydney harbour. It is well worth a visit to this architectural marvel, with great cafes for lunch and a vibrant atmosphere. There are restaurants all around this location in Circular Quay to dine at, including some of the most exclusive restaurants in Sydney. My recommendation is for Wild Fire though bookings are expected in advance. There is also a world renowned degustation menu at Benelong the Sydney Opera house restaurant. In addition you can take in a play, a ballet or an opera in the Opera House, see the website for details of the full program, the restaurant and the museum. Bookings for opera tickets are essential in advance as many sell out early. (Google map)

6.	Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sky Walk The opportunity to get a clear view over the harbour from the top of the bridge is an amazing sight. The bridge walk is around 2 hrs total with safety cables and staircase access. See the website for price and options for times to take the walk. The walk can also include a photo and video.

7.	Manly and ferry schedule Take a ferry past the opera house and the Sydney harbour bridge, through the bay and past the heads to Manly beach. This is a picturesque back beach and one of the most famous beaches in Sydney. The Ferry ride on its own is an experience and why not stay for a meal at Manly before returning to Circular Quay.

8.	China town restaurants Enjoy some of the best Chinese restaurants in Australia in China town precinct of Sydney city. A strong recommendation of the conference organisers is to consider experiencing a famous Hong Kong meal known as Yum Cha (a lunch session) which involves many trolleys of interesting Asian foods. One particularly good restaurant is known as East Ocean located in the main China town walk. Yum Cha has been described as a bewildering and fantastic way to eat. Take pleasure in the wide selection of scrumptious offerings such as assorted steamed and fried dumplings, vegetable, seafood and selected meat rolls, the well known spring rolls, calamari and a range of traditional Chinese desserts.

9.	Newtown night life and jazz club vanguard This is an area of Sydney full of interesting restaurants and edgy night life. In particular there is a famous jazz club located at the edge of Newtown typically with some top jazz performers, details can be found at the URL. In addition there is also another famous jazz restaurant/bar well worth checking out in Sydney. It is known as the basement and has been voted in several jazz club reviews as one of the top 5 jazz venues in the world, details are at the URL.

10.	Power House Museum of Science and Chinese Garden (kids day out) This is a science museum based in Darling Harbour, on the edge of the city central area, it is also located next to the Chinese Garden. Why not take in both these venues for a fun day out. The Chinese Garden, though small, is a great place to take some relaxing jasmine tea. Then take the kids to expend some energy at the science works kids museum.