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Sydney has such a rare mix of qualities; it's not uncommon for visitors to make it their home, the introduction of a little guide I picked up proclaimed.
It was no idle boast. Sydney really is a superb holiday destination with so much to see and do. To think, once upon a time, the Brits used to send shiploads of vagabonds to these shores as a form of punishment. You could just imagine the prisoners looking ashore at the vast land of golden opportunity and thinking - Bondi Beach or Bermondsey, who says crime doesn't pay?
Almost a third of Sydneysiders were born overseas, and after just a day or two in the city, it's easy to see what drew them here and why they decided to stay.
Sydney's climate is one of its biggest assets. For most of the year locals and visitors alike enjoy the outdoor lifestyle the city is famous for, and where better to do this than around the harbour?
Nestled in a corner of Darling Harbour is the Crowne Plaza, one of the jewels in Sydney's hotel sector.
My spacious room was beautifully appointed with an array of features to ensure easy living, business essentials such as quick to connect internet, alongside a comfortable bed to ensure a great night's sleep.
The food and beverage was of the top order and executive chef Humi Zaidi has created mouth-watering menus from the best and freshest Australian seasonal produce.
The 'local' bar Connections also proved to be the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of seeing Sydney's sights.
Buzzing both day and night, the hotel is situated in a contemporary waterside hub which plays host to major attractions, entertainment venues, cultural experiences and a multitude of shops, restaurants and bars and is literally just around the corner from the full of flavour Chinese Quarter.
To expore further afield I jumped on the Sydney Explorer bus which at 39 dollars (BD14) is a real snip as the ticket also allows you to hop on and off and leap aboard the Bondi Explorer.
Many of Sydney's top attractions can be found on the harbour foreshore, from Taronga Zoo and Sydney Opera House to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World. And, of course, tourists cannot miss the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydneysiders are also spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. Bondi - Australia's most famous stretch of sand and surf - is just 30 minutes by bus from the heart of the city.
The beach is clean, well supervised by lifeguards and facilities such as public toilets are impeccably clean forcing any travel writer to award it a 'five star' rating.
Though comparatively young as cities go, Sydney also has a rich and fascinating history. Indigenous people have lived in the area for more than 45,000 years, leaving behind dozens of ancient Aboriginal cultural sites.
It's amazing to think that European settlement only began in 1770 when Captain James Cook landed at Botany Bay. The transportation of convicts which followed resulted in a gritty, colourful history.
With its sparkling harbour waters, cosmopolitan cafŽ culture and interesting history, visitors cannot fail to have a wonderful time in Sydney.
Of course, I didn't want to leave ... but I can always go back!
Hotel details: Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Day Street, Sydney.
Email: reservations.sydds@ihg.com or visit the website at www.crowneplaza.com.au
