Doug Nysse
Principal, Arrival Partners LLC
Doug Nysse works on the development of hotels and mixed-use projects. He travels extensively for work and leisure and every few years, he travels back to his homeland of New Zealand with his family. Sydney, Australia is a popular and convenient stopover on the way there or back, so he offers these suggestions.
Transportation:
“Sydney is a short, three-hour flight from New Zealand or 15 hours from the U.S. west coast. Don’t worry, it’s an easy flight – movies, food and sleep. Flights from the U.S. usually arrive early to mid-morning in Sydney. I suggest you book your hotel stay to begin from the night before you arrive so your room is ready when you get there in the morning.”
Excursions:
“If you want great views of the city, you can climb Sydney Harbour Bridge. Unfortunately, you can’t take your own camera up there or anything else that you might drop. So for a more convenient and much less expensive trek with similar views (cameras allowed!) walk up the southeast pylon of the bridge.”
Accommodations and food:
“Expect to pay a premium for guestroom views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The Four Seasons, Shangri-La and Park Hyatt hotels offer some of the best views. If your work is in the central business district, the Westin, Hilton and others are convenient and just a short walk to Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. Australian foods worth trying include Pavlova, a dessert, and Vegemite, a delicious treat.”
Travel tip:
“Do you want to see koalas, kangaroos and wallabies? One option is Taronga Zoo, which overlooks Sydney Harbour. It’s a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay. However, if you want to get even closer to the animals, I recommend you head to Featherdale Wildlife Park in the western suburb of Doonside.”
