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Stylish and tailor-made Sydney experience

No one denies that Sydney is a beautiful city – in fact it’s probably one of the prettiest in the world.  And for first-timers to Australia, a Sydney experience is must – the Harbour sparkles, the Bridge stands proud and the Opera House radiates.

But there’s the Sydney that most tourists see and then there’s the real Sydney, which in our eyes is even better. At Alquemie we like to reveal this side of our stunning city with bespoke private tours, introducing you to the locals that live and breathe it and taking you to secret places only locals know about.

Here are some ideas of what’s available…

Experience Sydney harbour like the school children do - by stand-up paddle board
Experience Sydney Harbour like these school children do – by Stand-up Paddle board

Bespoke Sydney Experience – An Alquemie Exclusive (half, full, multi-day – as required)

This is one of the most creative Sydney experiences you’ll find. See the icons from a local’s perspective, meet with the locals and, based on your own interests, explore and learn about daily life in this beautiful city. Explore the back streets, local cafés & parks, and experience the most important and defining element of Sydney, our spectacular harbour. Starting with a rough schedule this raved about experience is highly-tailored yet ticks all the boxes of Sydney’s must see locations. Please enquire for examples of just how tailored and creative these Sydney experiences have been for our past clients.

Discover Sydney's fabulous roof-top bars
Discover Sydney’s fabulous roof-top bars in The Rocks – perfect for sunsets

See Sydney by Bike & Walk (full day)

You don’t need to travel by vehicle to enjoy some of the best aspects of Sydney. This Sydney experience helps you slow down to see the city more intimately by foot and pedal power.

  • Walk the historic Rocks quarter, the oldest part of Sydney’s colonial township
  • Meet an indigenous guide at Barangaroo to learn about the native plants and foods and hear about the Aboriginal culture and history in Sydney
  • Climb the pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Take a 3 hour biking tour of Sydney, crossing the Harbour Bridge, cycling through the Quay and seeing all the sights at at a relaxed pace
Swim at beautiful harbour beaches
Swim at beautiful beaches around Sydney

New Years Eve Harbour fireworks & Pittwater by luxury yacht

Why stay in a hotel when you can celebrate New Years Eve in the best way possible – on board a luxurious yacht with your friends and family. Frock up, dine on Australia’s freshest seafood, then let the party begin. Fireworks explode at 9pm for the kiddies and then the big bang goes off at midnight. As you sleep, your captain will relocate the boat to a beautiful bush setting just north of Sydney. Enjoy breakfast with the smell of the gum trees and the noise of galahs in the surrounding bushland. This is a day to relax and spend time together in beautiful, natural surrounds.

Even wth grey cloudy skies, a swim at Manly beach looks appealing!
Even wth grey cloudy skies, a swim at Manly beach looks appealing!

Australia’s Best Guides – Jenny Garber | Contemporary art

Jenny Garber specialises in bespoke contemporary art tours. With a passion for art and through her extensive art networks, developed over many years of personal interest and professional pursuits, Jenny offers clients private introductions to the leading galleries, exhibitions, gallery directors, artists and curators who define Sydney’s vibrant arts scene.

Please explain a little bit about who you are and what you do?

My company, inART, specialises in private and unique art experiences in Australia and Internationally. With an extensive personal and professional network of global art world contacts, I’m able to provide private introductions and personal access to leading galleries, gallery directors, artists, curators, public and private collections as well as VIP guest status at art fairs.

I have conducted tours to Art Basel Hong Kong; MONA in Hobart, Tasmania; Sydney Contemporary, Canberra and Melbourne as well as hosting many international visitors on contemporary art tours in Sydney. Next year I’m including the opening of the Venice Biennale and a trip to Rome.

What got you started with your passion and what do you find most interesting about it?

I have had a lifelong interest in art and would always visit the public art institutions and museums and commercial galleries whenever and wherever I was travelling. I wanted to have a more formal basis to my interest in art, so attended the University of Sydney as a mature age student and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Art History & Theory and Literature.

Initially I started doing local contemporary art tours in Sydney and that expanded into the international tours as well. The art world is a fascinating world in which to work, not only do I have the pleasure of constantly viewing wonderful collections and exhibitions but also meet the most fascinating and interesting people. Dream job!

How do you bring contemporary art to life on your tours?

In the run-up to a local or international tour, I spend a lot of time researching the exhibitions, and artists, at the galleries I will be visiting so I can provide background information. Also, having the gallery director, or the artist, talk about their work provides a level of depth and expertise that is always insightful and knowledgeable. Contemporary art can sometimes be difficult to understand and its important that people feel relaxed in being able to express their opinion – I don’t want them to be intimidated, I ensure they are relaxed, engaged and interested.

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about contemporary art?

Many visitors to Australia are not aware of the rich cultural life we have here and it is a privilege for me to be able to take them on an art tour to show them the diversity of our visual artists, from traditional and contemporary Indigenous art to our contemporary Australian artists. When I am on an International art tour, it’s very exciting to be able to provide access to some of the world’s greatest galleries and art museums that teaches us so much, not only about history but also our contemporary view of the world.

If people wanted to find out more about contemporary art are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

That is a book in itself! There is a lot available online about Australian and Indigenous art. Also, the institutions such as The National Gallery of Australia, The National Gallery of Victoria, The Art Gallery of New South Wales all have excellent websites.

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

The Tasmanian Tiger – which is supposedly extinct. I grew up in Tasmania and there was often passionate debate about whether it was actually extinct or could still be living. If it is still in existence, then it’s certainly a wily little creature that has managed to elude all those who have been tracking it for many years.

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

The west coast of Tasmania

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

Ayres Rock – it’s a sacred and symbolic place and everyone I know who has been there has been moved by the experience.

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/inartsydneyarttours/
Twitter – @inartsydney
Instagram – @inarttours

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie