Travel guide: 24 hours in Sydney, Australia

What to do
OK, quick! Hightail it back to the hotel and drop off your shopping bags. Fortunately, as we mentioned earlier, the location of the Four Seasons Sydney hotel just can't be beat. It's just steps from the harbour and that's where we're headed next. Head straight to Circular Quay -- you can't miss it, it's where all the ferries come in. Get on a ferry bound for the Taronga Zoo -- it's about a 12-minute ride and ferries depart at quarter past and quarter to every hour. The Taronga Zoo, opened officially in October of 1916, is home to over 2,600 animals and is a must-see attraction for adults and children alike. Get your picture taken with a loveably lazy koala -- it's a keepsake you'll always cherish. For more information, check out: zoo.nsw.gov.au

Where to eat
If you're too knackered to venture far and wide in search of good eats, you're in luck. Staying at the Four Seasons means good food is close at hand. The on-site hotel restaurant Kable's is a cosmopolitan restaurant dishing up an extensive menu of modern Australian fare like Queensland scallops, West Australian marron and Tasmanian salmon. If you want to get out for a night on the town, there are lots of dining options nearby, depending on what you're in the mood for. Try Cruise, located at West Circular Quay, just steps from the hotel. With views of the Sydney harbour and opera house that will leave you breathless, this restaurant also features a menu dedicated to kicking up the taste factor in dishes made with fresh, seasonal produce. The only thing possibly better than the views from this prime location is the dessert menu. The Valrhona chocolate fondant, chocolate sauce and chocolate ice cream sounds just about right, no?

But if you've got time (and money!) to spare, take the 20-minute taxi ride from the Four Seasons Sydney to Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, on Bondi Beach. Bondi Beach is arguably one of the world's most beautiful beaches and a prime dinnertime seat at Icebergs offers up a panoramic view of the beach and at night, if you're lucky like I was, an unforgettable view of the moon. The menu is full of good choices, from Risotto Quattro Formmagio with Pistachios ($23) to Hand Dived Wild Hervey Bay Scallops, Tomato, Green Chili, Garlic and Radish Salad ($43). Top the evening off with a sweet treat; the Affogato is a tasty combo of vanilla ice cream with espresso, liqueur, fine grated chocolate and coffee ($17).

Fully satisfied with a day well-spent, head back to the Four Seasons Sydney where you're sure to sleep comfortably and soundly. For more great ways to enjoy a vacation down under, visit australia.com or aussieweek.com .




Your tour guide
An avid traveler, Natalie Bahadur is a contributor to ElleCanada.com and the editor of StyleAtHome.com . Photos courtesy of Natalie Bahadur

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