30,000 readers of the famous travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller have taken a survey which has resulted in Sidney being the top destination in the world, in fron of Paris, New York, and Rome.

In the top countries category, Australia was placed fourth, behind India, Italy and Thailand and the 10^th best island destination was given to the Great Barrier Reef.

Last year, travelers were impressed by Sydney's clean and friendly feel as well as its restaurants, ranking it third in that survey.

"I'm happy that our Conde Nast Traveller readers have voted for Sydney as their favorite overseas city," editor Kim Mitchell said.

"Many people think that Sydney is great because of its friendly people but they really admire the varied cuisines, as the city scored the highest ranking for food. As a lover of Sydney, I firmly agree with the readers' choice."

Although Australia fell one spot in the countries category from this year's survey (the 10^th annual poll by the magazine), tourists are still interested in visiting the country.

"Australia came out on top on the scenery and the friendly people category, but also consistently ranked high in all other categories" she said.

"I agree with the readers that Australia is one of the best cities I have ever been to."

The Maldives and Greek Islands took the top two spots, as the Great Barrier Reef made its first appearance in the favorite islands category.

Hobart's Henry Jones Art Hotel took first place in a survey that rated the best place to sleep to stay after traveling across Australia and the South Pacific. Followed by the Great Barrier Reef's Angsana Resort & Spa, Longitude 131 at Uluru in the Northern Territory, Lilianfels in the NSW Blue Mountains and Huka Lodge in Taupo, New Zealand.

Sydney Airport was ranked the world seventh best, while Hong Kong International is in first.

Quantas, Australia national carrier, got seventh place for best long-flight airline.

When you get a chance to visit Sydney make sure to buy tickets to the world famous Sydney Opera House for an Opera you will never forget!

When to Fly

Peak Season:

December to February is cold season for Europe and the United States, whereas it is Australia summertime. It does get hot during the summertime, but this is the most traveled season for tourists who travel to Australia's famous white sandy beaches. Make sure to book early if you are looking for cheap flights during this time.

Off Season:

June to August is winter time in Australia, which attracts skiers and snowboarders to New South Whales and Victoria where there are great skiing conditions. Tickets are cheaper during the off season.

Australia Airports:

Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Sydney Airport (SYD)

Perth Airport (PER)

Adelaide Airport (ADL)

Cairns International Airport (CNS)

Flying Around Australia:

Australia's outback wildlife and unpopulated areas are best traveled by the airline below:

Virgin blue flies on the eastern side of Australia connecting Sydney with Melbourne, Cairns, the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the gold coast. It also flies to Adelaide, Perth, Broome and Darwin.

Jetstar - Operates out of Melbourne Avalon Airport, the airline flies to 14 destinations within Australia including Adelaide, Cairns, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth and the Sunshine Coast.

Skywest flies in Western Australia (Broome, Perth), the Northern Territory (Darwin), and to Bali.

If flying across to neighbouring New Zealand, Freedom Air connects Melbourne and Sydney, the Gold Coast and Brisbane with Dunedin and Palmerston North in New Zealand.