Final Impressions On My Trip To Sydney
I really enjoyed my first trip to Sydney. I mean, really enjoyed it. Can’t wait to go back. But, one of the big reasons to take this abbreviated trip Down Under was to get the chance to fly first class on Qantas. Here’s a quick flashback to the earlier posts from my trip:
- Which Lounge At SFO International Terminal?
- Qantas Business Class Review
- Public Transportation In Sydney
- Park Hyatt Sydney
- A Look Inside The Luxurious Suites At Park Hyatt Sydney
- Bridge Climb! Bucket List Item
- The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale, A Member of Design Hotels (SPG Redemption)
- Qantas First And Business Class Lounges at Sydney Airport
- Qantas First Class Review. 14 Hours Of Luxury
- How Many Miles To Fly To Australia?
Australia is a place I imagine most people dream about going to. Even though it’s one of the places furthest away from where we call home, the presence of so many native English speakers makes it an easy place for someone who isn’t a seasoned world traveler.
Many folks questioned why I would go to Sydney for just a few days, given how long the flights are. It’s a valid question. I’m fortunate enough to have the miles to make such a trip possible. I’m even more fortunate to have a wife who allows me to do so. In the end, 54 hours in Sydney is way better than none at all.
I found Sydney to be an extremely approachable city. It was clean and walkable. The public transportation is clean and efficient. Sydney had a big city feel at times and a small city feel at others. There’s no questioning it’s a city. Sydney is a city of about 5,000,000 people, which puts it in between the size of Los Angeles and New York. The tall buildings that pepper the landscape cast a shadow over my walk numerous times. Crowds of folks walking the streets or packing a train car certainly gave it a big feel. Local markets and small parks made it feel welcoming, less overpowering.
I put together a post that walks through how many miles it costs to fly to Sydney, in case you’re planning a trip yourself. Airfare to Australia can be pricey. In case you’re wondering, anything under $1,000 in coach is “good”, while $800 or less would be what I’d consider a pretty nice deal. If you’re hunting for cheap airfare, The Flight Deal is one of the very best resources I rely on.
The Final Two Pennies
While I wish I had more time in Sydney the desire to be with my family is stronger. As I look back on my time in Sydney, I can’t wait to show it to them. I know they’ll enjoy the city as much as I did. We’ll probably hold off a couple of years until Charlie is 8. Bridge Climb was a defining moment of my trip, and he needs to be a couple of years older to participate.
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I love flying to Sydney, only downside is losing almost 2 days getting there. I’d totally do a 3 day trip if it wouldn’t make me so exhausted. I did a 2 day trip to Greece for a wedding (well worth it!) But the recovery time was brutal.
Alex, I wouldn’t do either of those short trips in coach. But, because I was able to sleep on the plane I was able to hit the ground running. I consider myself very lucky to be able to sleep on planes so well. Absent that, not sure I could pull off a short trip like that.
Alex, and a two day trip to Greece? That sounds rough!
I totally didn’t realize that was your first visit to Sydney… Rose and I had a similar first deal – got a ~$700 fare on UA, upgraded to J on the way out, upgrade Rose to J on the way out (funny stories from my ride in Y+), and we had 80 hours on the ground. It is still one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken together. I can’t wait to hear about the trip you take the whole family on, Melbourne’s another great city to include, too!
Trevor, sounds like you guys got a great deal. Too bad you couldn’t score two upgrades! I can’t wait for the family trip, either!