Speed dating with ... Sydney

Monday, 2 April 2012 3:29 PM

Not sure where you want to go on your gap year, why not spend five minutes speed dating with Australia’s most famous city – Sydney, getting to know a bit more about her.

So what kind of people do you usually date?
I attract almost anyone, from backpackers, to those on a working holiday, beach bums, surfer dudes, those with young children and even the rich and famous. Almost everyone wants to meet me and most who do, end up wanting to get to know me better.

How would your friends describe you?
Loud, glamorous and maybe a bit of show off, but even so, no one can deny my natural beauty. I am well known for spectacular events and world monuments, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and have a pretty vibrant arts scene too with many museums and galleries.

What’s your favourite food?
It has to be a good old fashioned Aussie barbecue by the beach. We tend to put almost anything on the barbie, but if you’re in Sydney then it really should be seafood. I am also getting well known for my gourmet food though and have many restaurants for fine dining and great wines.

When are you at your best?
I’m pretty great all year round, but to really experience my fine hot weather and hit the beaches, then visit between December and March. I’m also especially fun around Mardi Gras when the gay and lesbian community organise big festivals and parties. The whole of Sydney joins in creating a brilliant atmosphere.

If you want to see me at my best then, you get the best view oddly enough, from the bird show at the Taronga zoo.

Tell me something not many people know about you...
I am one of the only cities in the world that actually has a national park within my city limits and you can feel like you are out deep in the countryside or in the bustling city, within a few minutes of each other.

Tell me something to remember you by...
The Sydney Opera House was designed to look like a ship sailing on the harbour.

Speed dating with... Phnom Penh

Not sure where you want to go on your gap year, why not spend five minutes speed dating with the capital of Cambodia to see if this place is for you? Discover its turbulent history, unique food, friendly locals and why most people who come here fall in love with the city, even though they’re not expecting it.

STA Travel is offering free working holiday visas

Tourism Australia has now revealed the 23 candidates shortlisted for one of the six ‘Best Jobs in the World’. However, if you missed out on one of these, you can still enjoy a working holiday down under as STA Travel is now offering free Working Holiday Visas for a limited period, as well as savings on travel around Australia.