Recently in Australia Category

It's nice to be transformed by an experience, but at a special park in Sydney, the feeling is almost magical. Located at the southern end of Darling Harbor, the Chinese Garden of Friendship was created by the local Chinese community in 1988 to acknowledge the close bond between sister cities Sydney, Australia and Guangzhou, China. But a visit to this natural oasis doesn't just hold reminders of the Middle Kingdom, it's like a journey into China itself. Pavilions, lakes, waterfalls, and a traditional Chinese teahouse will have you feeling like you're in a Chinese paradise, if only for an afternoon. Examples of traditional Chinese landscape, architecture, and garden design are everywhere, from the Lotus Pond and Lake of Brightness to the Hall of Longevity, Dragon Tower, and Seven Sages in Bamboo Forest. Take a stroll past the Sleeping Boy Buddha and into the Blue Sapphire room if you like, but be sure to save enough time for a cup of jasmine tea, which is a perfect natural way to calm down and enjoy the scenery. Starwood has three hotels in Sydney, including the nearby Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbour, Sydney.

I'm a big fan of walkable cities, and Sydney certainly fits in that category, with plenty of neighborhoods that are perfect for wandering aimlessly and enjoying the day. One of the best areas in Sydney for urban exploration is called The Rocks, a place of Australian history that's enjoyed a renaissance of late. The area was originally the home of the indigenous Cadigal people, and on January 26, 1788 it became the site of Australia's first European settlement, beginning an expansion across this vast island continent. Today it's a fantastic place to go for a stroll to see some of the city's earliest colonial dwellings, browse through 33 galleries, museums, and art institutions, shop to your heart's content, and enjoy a meal in Sydney's best restaurants. You might want to get your bearings at the Rocks Discovery Museum, which tells the story of the Rocks from its pre-European days to the present, before moving on to the Susannah Place Museum, a terrace of four houses that recreates a 1915 corner store complete with penny candy. Your historical journey doesn't end when it's time to hit the pub, either, as the area boasts 13 heritage pubs with local wines, boutique beers, and traditional Australian cuisine. A good day indeed. Guests at the nearby Westin Sydney or any of Starwood's Sydney properties will want to lace up their walking shoes to explore the best of old and new Australia.

A sweeping staircase rises from the lobby of the Westin Melbourne and curves gracefully through the expansive room to the floor above. The open space allows positive energy to flow freely, creating a harmonious atmosphere filled with chi, one of the basic principles of Feng Shui. A unique opportunity awaits visitors to Melbourne who are interested in this ancient science. Jodi Brunner has studied the practice extensively. She was awarded the title of Master of Feng Shui and now leads tours through Melbourne's Chinatown. During the two-hour stroll, Brunner points out aspects of Feng Shui featured in the buildings, parks, and public spaces along Little Bourke Street, Chinatown's main thoroughfare. She leads the group into small shops and big office buildings, where the principles of Feng Shui can be observed, and explains why for example, Chinatown Square, with its big arch, red phoenix, and black tortoise, is an advantageous location to set up shop.

Brunner leads tours on select Sundays throughout the year. The next scheduled outings occur January 13, and February 17, 2008. Reservations are compulsory, and group tours of ten or more can be arranged any time. Once you've had your fill of Feng Shui, you'll be lead to one of Chinatown's wonderful restaurants for a Yum Cha feast of Dim Sum and hot tea. Culinary perfection on tiny little plates and bowls.