Business trip

About the only thing a business traveller can find wrong with Sydney is that it is so far away from the rest of the world.Other than a little jet lag after the 25-hour journey from Europe, the 14-hour slog from California, or the 10-hour flight from Tokyo, Sydney is all positives: a gorgeous harbour, Mediterranean climate and a sophisticated food and wine scene. Its hotel stock is modern and upscale. Every day the Qantas fleet of giant Airbus A380s float in at Sydney’s newly expanded, bright and airy international terminal at Kingsford Smith airport from cities around the world.When it comes to business, there is little sign of ahow Sydneysiders refer to that unfortunate global financial crisis that has cast a pall on nearly every other city in the world. But in Australia, a stable government, massive raw materials exports to Asia, a strong currency and a talented, optimistic workforce have helped it weather the global economic storm better than almost any other advanced nation in the world.
Spurred on by robust business and consumer confidence, economists expect Australia’s economy to expand even faster in the next five years. Through 2015, Australia’s GDP should grow about 5% annually.
When it re-opens in early 2012 after a seven-month closure for a tip-to-toe renovation, the harbourfrontwill likely resume its rank as the top choice for visiting business travellers. This contemporary three-storey hotel is known for its breezy indoor-outdoor public areas and spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House through floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. A few blocks uphill on a quiet street above theRocks you will find the classically elegant 100-roomfavoured diplomats. Nearby is the 563-roomultramodern marble and glass tower hotel offering equally expansive rooms and views, freethe 36th floor with a very popular happy hour. CloserAustralians refer to a city’s central business districthotel, a modern 362-room boutique-style hotel built inside an 1800s sandstone façade that once housed Bank of New South Wales. Here “business class” rooms get complimentary lounge access, wi-fi and a hot breakfast buffet among other extras.Two of Sydney’s hippest hostelries are housed in reclaimed buildings. The popular 136-roomhotel serves as the anchor for a lovely marina, outdoor dining and apartment complex in a repurposed wharf building at Woolloomooloo near Sydney’s famous Royal Botanic Gardens. The hotel’s wide variety of rooms and lofts retain the rustic authenticity of the building (like its exposed timber) while providing a modern five-star experience and water views. Fashionistas and celebs hole up in themodernist chic 31-roomlocated in a converted warehouse building in the middlehottest restaurants and bars in the city. If you are looking for more space or a longer stay, consider the newnear Darling Harbour, with 201warmly functional luxury
If you have some free time, head to the city’scatch any of the many ferries to get some fresh air, establish your bearings and see locals on their way to or from work. (Sydney ferries carry more than 14 million passengers each year.) The ferry ride to nearby Manly for an outdoor meal and stroll to its picturesque beach is perhaps the most iconic choice for visitors. On Saturdays, catch one to Balmain for a walk through its famous outdoor market and surrounding fisherman’scottages. Stick around for a long lunch take a tour of its many pubs, which AustraliansThe harbour’s Cockatoo Island, which once housed a prisonamong other structures is an increasingly popular playground, and now includes the quirkyarrive early because the last ferry departs the island at 8:30 pm.