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The Harbour is at the heart of what makes Sydney the place that it is. A visitor that did not head down to the waterside would be missing out (and would be rare indeed). There are plenty of shops and restaurants in the harbour area, but it is also great to take the opportunity to leave the land behind.

There are a large variety of cruises that are available to take from Sydney harbour. There really are ones to suit every taste and every budget. Ranging from five star champaign sipping elegance to a quick tootle round in an old fishing boat. The headlands and beaches around Sydney are absolutely beautiful, and taking the opportunity to see them from the vantage point of the sea is something that even the biggest landlubbers will thank themselves for doing.

Of course it is not just cruise boats that operate out of Sydney Harbour. This is pretty much one of the best spots to go fishing. Sitting by a rainy canalside in Britain is nothing like heading out into Sydney harbour on a bright cloudless day. Equipment rental is no problem, and you can find guides who will help out the novice. Be sure to find out about the fish that you are catching, ask for some tips to ensure that you get the best out of it when you are barbecuing it on the beach later!

The marine life in Sydney harbour is fascinating in its own right. Taking a SCUBA diving trip is an amazing chance to have a glimpse into this magical underwater realm. Diving is serious business however, so if you have never done it before you need to be aware that you will need to allow time to be trained using the equipment, as responsible diving instructors will not ‘throw you into the deep end’ without making sure that you will be safe.

Yacht racing is a popular sport in this part of the world. There are many races throughout the year and the harbour provides many excellent vantage points to watch. Just the views across the harbour to the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and opera house are worth taking time to drink in.

Nobody understands seafood like the Australians. Sydney Harbour has a very high concentration of absolutely amazing restaurants. Prices are high as a rule, but with that comes very high standards. Don’t hesitate to ask for wine recommendations to go along with your meal – Australia has become one of the great wine producing nations and there will certainly be a bottle that will perfectly compliment what you eating.

One way to get to Sydney Harbour is by sea. If you don’t happen to have a yacht and six months free then flights to Sydney are among the standard options for flights to Australia.

Although it is not as widely know as nearby Dubai, the number of people who are finding out about what makes Abu Dhabi special is growing. Lots of westerners find themselves visiting or staying for a time because of business or for tax reasons, however there is a lot that commends the place as a holiday destination in and of itself. Here are some of the great reasons to go to Abu Dhabi:

Experience a different culture

There are many in the west who have little or now experience of other cultures, their ways of life, and what they have to offer. Abu Dhabi is perhaps the best place in the Arab World for outsiders to come and see because it is both safe and welcoming to outsiders.

See the desert

Nothing can prepare you for how different it is in the desert compared to anywhere else. It is an unforgiving environment, but it is stunningly beautiful. Whether it is going on a peaceful camel trek or blasting through the dunes in a vehicle, getting out into the desert is highly recommended for thrill-seekers.

Hit the beach

Being where it is, there is sunshine year round in Abu Dhabi. There is also no shortage of sand. The combination of these things with the azure waters of the Persian Gulf makes for an ideal beach experience. There are plenty of opportunities for water sports, as well as all kinds of cruise available, including on traditional ‘Dhow’ boats.

Shop ’til you drop

The shopping malls of Abu Dhabi have to be seen to be believed. Gigantic palaces of everything consumer. If a brand is not here, then it is a brand that is not worth owning. It is an intoxicating experience, many is the visitor that has found that they need an extra suitcase for their journey home!

Ice skate in the desert

Where else are you going to get the chance to do this? Worth doing just to say that you have, but for what it is worth the facilities are actually very good, and it makes an ideal activity for families especially.

Learn to shoot

Marksmanship and shooting are not very accessible sports most of the time, and many folks, especially in the UK will have no opportunity to experience them. The Caracal Shooting Club offers well supervised and safe lessons for as little as AED 205 for first time shooters. This is open to anybody aged 12 and up and is a great chance to experience target shooting.

Just about any time of the year is a good time to visit Abu Dhabi. The ‘flag carrier’ airline Etihad Airways is now operating flights to Abu Dhabi from a large number of cities worldwide, including London and Manchester.

In  this video you see a car being slammed into a wall at 120mph. Before you think that this is overkill, because most people will not drive at this speed, you have to take into consideration that this is the equivalent to two cars that are both travelling at 60mph. Not for the faint hearted.