Continuing my theme of the world’s most desirable cities in which to live, today I’m revisiting Sydney, Australia. I’ve been to Sydney twice, but I admit not for a long time. So I am sure it has changed substantially since my last visit, as it had between my first and second times there.

The first time I went to Australia, I was a mere slip of a girl and accompanied by my parents and younger brother. We stayed in the Kings Cross neighbourhood, which was undergoing a transition at the time, from red-light to trendy tourist. My second visit was in my twenties and I stayed first at a youth hostel in Glebe and then with some girls I met in Crow’s Nest.

I did all the normal tourist fare, the ferry ride to Manly Beach, visiting the Rocks, the Opera House and Darling Harbour. I’m not a huge city fan but there is enough adventure within Sydney to keep a person happy for days. Then, when you get tired of the city, jump on the train and go up to the Blue Mountains, so named for their blue hue, due to the amount of Eucalyptus oil in the air. The fresh air and stunning scenery will leave you breathless. Definitely do some of the hikes, being mindful to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. More than one person has gone missing in this incredible landscape.

So, you’ve been delighted at the sights of Sydney, exhausted your body in the Blue Mountains, where else can you go to get the full New South Wales experience. My suggestion would be the wineries of the Hunter Valley. Head up to Newcastle, itself a great destination for beaches and eclectic culture, then head inland. With amazing wines, local produce, and interesting art galleries there is plenty to experience.

Yes, I could definitely live in Sydney. How about you?