Why We Love Sydney (and Exploring Australia)
FIT runners at the iconic Sydney Opera House — where culture, coastal air, and community come together.
A Destination That Delivers More Than Just a Race
Australia isn’t just a place—it’s a vibe. Stylish, sun-drenched, and full of contrasts, it’s where world-class cities meet raw natural beauty. Think fashion-forward cafés in converted warehouses, surf breaks just minutes from skyscrapers, and sunsets over landscapes that feel almost surreal in their beauty.
And Sydney? It’s the heart of it all. From the iconic Opera House to the creative energy of Newtown and the vineyard-dotted Hunter Valley just outside the city, Sydney blends culture, wellness, and outdoor adventure like nowhere else.
💡 Why Do They Call It ‘Oz’?
Australians love abbreviations, and “Oz” comes from shortening “Aus” (for Australia). With an Aussie accent, “Aus” sounds like “Oz”—and the nickname stuck.
While our focus is Sydney, we’re always tempted to explore beyond. From red deserts to reef-lined coasts, Oz feels a bit magical.
At Fitness International Travel, we travel the globe chasing finish lines—but Sydney has us returning for more than just race day. Here's why it’s one of our all-time favorite places to explore:
1. It’s Fashion-Forward, Outdoorsy, and Fun
Sydney isn’t trying to be cool—it just is. Picture barefoot surfers heading straight from the waves to boutique cafés. Streetwear meets coastal chic. Locals live in activewear, but it’s styled to perfection. From Bondi Beach to Barangaroo, the city nails the effortless balance between relaxed and refined. You can surf at sunrise, hit a gallery by lunch, and be clinking wine glasses on a rooftop by golden hour.
Bondi Beach blends Sydney’s love of fitness, sunshine, and coastal living into one unforgettable scene.
2. Excitement Down Under: A City That Moves
Want to climb a bridge? Ferry to a waterfront carnival? Stumble into a speakeasy in a leafy suburb? Welcome to Sydney. You can walk across the Harbour Bridge, climb its iconic arch with BridgeClimb, ride vintage rollercoasters at Luna Park, or take the ferry to Manly for beach and bites.
Markets brim with handmade goods, secondhand treasures, and local produce. In Newtown, street art meets espresso bars. The city buzzes with energy, but there’s always a moment to slow down.
Sydney’s Harbour Bridge frames the city skyline and anchors one of the world’s most scenic marathon routes.
3. Coastal Rituals & Ocean Rhythms
Sydney’s relationship with the sea isn’t just scenic—it’s part of the daily rhythm. Locals swim year-round at Bondi Icebergs, jog the clifftop path to Coogee, and gather for sunset takeout on the rocks at Bronte. It’s a city where the beach isn’t a weekend escape—it’s part of the morning commute. Whether you join a sunrise yoga class with the waves as your soundtrack or just dip a toe in at Shelly Beach, you’ll feel why the ocean matters here.
Bronte Beach blends Sydney’s coastal beauty with laid-back local vibes, where ocean pools and cliffside walks create the perfect seaside rhythm.
4. Nature, Neighborhoods & Native Wildlife
Australia has its wild side, and Sydney lets you live in it. Lorikeets flutter across your breakfast table. Cockatoos call from the treetops. Kangaroos? A short drive away. But it’s not just the wildlife—it’s how nature blends seamlessly with city life.
Neighborhoods are full of character: leafy streets, art deco apartments, sandstone buildings, and cafés tucked behind flower-covered gates. The University of Sydney campus alone looks like it belongs in a fairytale.
Rainbow lorikeets bring color and charm to Sydney’s everyday scenes — a reminder that wildlife is never far from city life.
5. The Sydney Marathon: The Cherry on Top
By the time you’ve climbed cliffs, wandered markets, tasted local wine, and soaked up the Sydney sunshine, you might forget there's a world-class marathon waiting for you, too.
But then comes race day. Running across the Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House, and through cheering crowds in one of the world’s most beautiful cities? That’s when it hits you—this is the cherry on top.
The Sydney Marathon isn’t the whole trip. It’s the grand finale—a high-energy, unforgettable way to celebrate a destination that’s already stolen your heart.
Post-marathon celebration in Sydney — medal in hand, FIT gear on, and the Opera House in full view
Let FIT Take You There
From beach towns to bush trails, from chic neighborhoods to outback adventures—Australia is more than a destination. It’s an experience. And Sydney? It’s the gateway to it all.
Whether you dream of a marathon moment or simply want to travel in style, FIT will help you design the perfect Australian adventure.
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