Sydney Experience
Australia’s oldest city is also its largest and most multicultural, offering an enormous number of things to see and do. The less-than-sophisticated reputation Sydney had some 20 years ago is long gone, replaced by an explosion of top-end restaurants, a thriving nightlife, and an increasingly progressive social attitude. At the heart of the city lies sparkling Sydney Harbour, made the more photogenic by its famous arched bridge and iconic Opera House. Tucked along the harbour’s many coves and points are gardens, parks, zoos and sandy beaches, all perfect for taking advantage of the city’s mild climate. Sydney residents are a cheerful, fun-loving, sun-loving bunch, and who can blame them? The city averages 340 sunny days a year. Cafes, galleries and shops abound, along with plenty of places to sit outdoors and enjoy the view.
From the historic Rocks district, to the museums of Darling Harbour, to the renowned surf at Bondi Beach, exploring Sydney can easily fill several days. We spent one full day taking a driving tour of the southern side, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Double Bay (where I once lived), South Head, Watson’s Bay (where we had lunch at the venerable Doyle’s), and Bondi Beach. The next day, we visited the large and wonderful Sydney Aquarium, and my daughter and I hit the designer shops along Oxford Street in Paddington. The New Year’s Eve fireworks were beyond spectacular – no others in the world can match them. We ended our trip with a relaxing few days at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, in the magical Blue Mountains a few hours outside of Sydney.
topDistricts
The Rocks
Sydney’s first European settlement was built here in 1788. Today, it’s the city’s best-preserved colonial district, filled with restored historic buildings. Circular Quay, surrounding Sydney Cove, is a busy commuting and recreation hub, home to some of the city’s finest restaurants and the famous Sydney Opera House.
Darling Harbour and City Centre
Site of a massive redevelopment project in the 1980s, Darling Harbour is home to a busy ferry terminal, a number of excellent museums, the Sydney Aquarium, and Sydney’s Chinatown. The nearby City Centre is the city’s business hub, and also houses several major shopping arcades, Sydney Tower and the Australian Museum.
The Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens
Tranquil and filled with green open spaces, this district contains the grassy parkland known as the Domain, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and elegant Macquarie Street, lined with many of Australia’s oldest public buildings.
Kings Cross and Paddington
A series of building booms in the 1800s filled the streets of these neighborhoods with wonderful Victorian houses, many with gingerbread trim or deep verandas. Though they fell into decline or disrepute in the early 1900s (Kings Cross was once the Red Light District and still has its sleazy areas), the homes have recently been protected and restored. Kings Cross’ Potts Point is now a charming place to stroll, and Paddington offers a wealth of cafes and galleries, as well as the best local designer shops.
Places to go in Kings Cross: Victoria Street, Challis Ave, McElhone Stairs
Places to go in Paddington: Duxford, Broughton, Union, and Paddington Streets; Five Ways at Heeley Street and Glenmore Road
Shopping: Oxford Street and Glenmore Road, Paddington
topGetting Around
Crossing the harbour by ferry is a fun, cost-effective way to experience the harbour views. Water taxis are even more efficient, but can get expensive. Sydney’s newly built monorail doesn’t cover much distance, but it’s a convenient and scenic way to travel around the City Centre and Darling Harbour. City Circle, Sydney’s underground railway, stops at or near several main tourist destinations: Circular Quay, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Powerhouse Museum, Paddy’s Markets, the Queen Victoria Building, and the Australian Museum.
Sydney Heli-Tours
If you want to see all of Sydney but don’t have much time, consider a 30-minute helicopter tour. You’ll sweep along the coast over Sydney’s golden beaches, then fly over the harbour on the return trip for incredible views.
topSights
Sydney Opera House
General inquiries: +61 2 9250 7111
Performance inquiries and bookings: +61 2 9250 7777
Tour inquiries and bookings: +61 2 9250 7250
Email: infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com
Curved and gleaming white, Sydney’s most iconic structure sits at the tip of Bennelong Point in Circular Quay. Opened in 1973, it was one of the most innovative and controversial buildings of its day, and is still considered an architectural masterpiece. It’s home to the Australian Ballet, Australia Chamber Orchestra, Opera Australia and the Sydney Symphony, among others; taking a tour or seeing a performance here is an experience not to be missed.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The second most-recognized symbol of Sydney, this arched steel bridge crosses the Harbour from Dawes Point in The Rocks district to Milson’s Point. Known locally as “The Coathanger,” it was built during the Great Depression. Today, visitors can climb the span on an unforgettable 3.5 hour guided tour.
Bridge Climb
Every day except Dec 30-31; climbs take place in all weather.
Dawn, daytime, twilight and night climbs.
Until 1998, no one except authorized workers could climb the bridge. Since it was opened to the public, millions have taken the exhilarating climb to the summit. Two different climbs are available: the traditional Bridge Climb and the Discovery Climb, which takes visitors inside the workings of the bridge. It’s very safe for anyone in reasonable health – climbers are attached to a line by a safety harness. Children ages 10 and up can climb provided they are over 1.2 meters tall.
Museum of Contemporary Art
140 George Street. The Rocks
Tel: +61 2 9245 2400
Open daily 10am-5pm (Thu until 9pm); closed Dec 25
Established through a bequest by Australian expatriate artist John Power, this museum offers ground-breaking exhibitions of contemporary art from Australia, the Asia Pacific region and around the world. The collection includes works by Hockney, Lichtenstein, Warhol and other major modern artists. It was reopened in March, 2012 after a significant expansion.
Sydney Aquarium & Wildlife World
Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour
Aquarium Tel: +61 2 8251 7800
Wildlife World Tel: +61 2 9333 9288
Aquarium open daily 9am-10pm (closes 6pm Dec 25 and Dec 31)
Wildlife World open daily 9am-6pm
With over 12,000 animals on display, including rays, big sharks, and even dugongs (relatives of the manatee), this spectacular aquarium offers a wonderful overview of Australian aquatic life. Right next door, Sydney Wildlife World showcases Australia’s unique flora and fauna.
Australian National Maritime Museum
2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour
Tel: +61 2 9298 3777
Open 9:30am-5pm (6pm in Jan) daily; closed Dec 25
Australia’s history has always been linked to the sea, and this museum explores the country’s maritime heritage, including Aboriginal traditions, journeys of exploration, the arrival of convict ships, recreation and naval life. Moored outside the museum, a Navy destroyer (HMAS Vampire) and a submarine (HMS Onslow) are available for touring. Captain Cook’s ship, the HMS Endeavor, is also here currently, but will sail to Queensland in mid-2009.
Powerhouse Museum
500 Harris Street Ultimo, Haymarket (near Darling Harbour)
Tel: +61 2 9217 0111
Open 10am-5pm daily; closed Dec 25
Housed in a former power station, this museum is filled with engaging, hands-on exhibits of industry and invention from around the world. From steam engines to robots to fashion design, there’s plenty to interest everyone in the family.
Australian Museum
6 College St, City Centre (across from Hyde Park)
General enquiries: +61 2 9320 6000
Open 9:30am-5pm daily; closed Dec 25
Australia’s first museum, founded in 1827, provides a journey through the biology, natural and cultural history of Australia. There’s a fascinating Skeleton Gallery, exhibits of local birds and insects, and a display tracing Aboriginal history and the Dreamtime.
Sydney Tower
100 Market Street, City Centre
Tel: +61 2 9333 9222
Open Sun-Fri 9am-10:30pm, Sat 9am-11:30pm; closed Dec 25
This futuristic tower features the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere. At 250 meters (820 feet), the deck offers views as far as the Blue Mountains on clear days. Admission also includes OzTrek, a virtual reality ride across Australia. For an upgrade, you can take the Skywalk, an outdoor walk over a glass-floored platform 260 meters above Sydney. Combination deals are available with the Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Mrs Macquaries Road
Tel: +61 2 9231 8111 (weekends: 9231 8125)
Open daily Nov-Feb 7am-8 pm; Mar & Oct 7am-6:30pm; Apr & Sep 7am-6pm; May & Aug 7am-5:30pm; Jun-Jul 7am-5pm (Tropical Center 10am-4pm)
Established in 1816, these gardens are the oldest scientific institution in the country. Within their 75 lush acres are an amazing variety of plants from the South Pacific and around the world. The Tropical Center, made up of two glasshouses, contains miniature tropical ecosystems.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery Road, The Domain
Information: +61 2 9225 1744
Open daily 10am-5pm (9pm Wed); Closed Good Friday and Dec 25
The state’s primary art museum houses significant collections of Australian, Asian and European works, including the Yiribana Gallery (the country’s largest and broadest display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art). Among the highlights are a group of carved pukumani grave posts from Melville Island.
Taronga Zoo
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosmon
General Inquires: +61 2 9969 2777
Tours: +61 2 9978 4782
Email: tourism@zoo.nsw.gov.au
Open 9am-5pm daily
A 12-minute ferry ride northeast from Circular Quay, this excellent zoo is home to some 2,600 animals, many from Australia, but also from Asia. Africa and the Americas. Its hilltop location along the waterfront offers spectacular views of the harbour – for the best experience, enter the zoo at the top, make your way downhill, and return by the Zoo Sky Safari chairlift. A range of hands-on, behind-the-scenes guided tours are available.
Bondi Beach
Located less than five miles from central Sydney, this is the city’s most famous and popular beach. It offers good-sized waves for surfing and a long stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing and people watching.
Sydney Olympic Park
1 Showground Road (9 miles west of central Sydney)
Tel: + 61 2 9714 7888
Email: info@sydneyolympicpark.com.au
Open daily 9am-5pm
Built for the 2000 Olympic Games, this 1581-acre site contains nine sporting and events venues surrounded by one of the world’s largest urban parklands. Guided tours of the Olympic facilities, including ANZ Stadium and the aquatic center, are available.
Featherdale Animal Park
217-229 Kildare Road, Doonside, NSW (40 mins from central Sydney)
Tel: +61 2 9622 1644
Open daily 9am-5pm; closed Dec 25
This park offers a chance to experience Australia’s unique wildlife in a natural bush setting. Visitors can hand-feed a wallaby, kangaroo or emu, get face-to-face with a koala, and discover the world’s largest collection of Australian native animals, many of them rare and endangered. Facilities include a café and picnic areas.
topHotels
topSydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks district, this elegant hotel is within walking distance of the city’s shopping and business centers. A full renovation of the luxurious, two-bedroom Presidential Suite was just completed.
Park Hyatt Sydney
Sophisticated, modern hotel, located on the water’s edge of Sydney Harbour. Most rooms offer private balconies with views of the Opera House. Spa, fitness center, rooftop pool, 24-hour butler service. Scheduled to close April, 2011, for its largest-ever renovation.
The Observatory Hotel
An Orient Express boutique hotel located in the colonial Rocks district. It’s a great base for exploring Sydney’s harbour and the heart of the city.
Shangri-La Hotel
Located in the Rocks district, Sydney’s leading five-star deluxe hotel offers stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and the Bridge.
topOutside of Sydney
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Blue Mountains about 3 hrs from Sydney, this environmentally responsible resort is the only property within a 3,600-acre wildlife reserve. Accommodation consists of 40 free-standing suites, each with their own private deck and swimming pool.
Lilianfels Blue Mountain Resort & Spa
In the Blue Mountains just 40 miles from Sydney, this five-star Orient Express resort is located in a historic country house surrounded by two acres of English-style gardens.
Kims Beach Hideaway
Luxury spacious bungalows and spa villas located on a splendid horseshoe bay one hour north of Sydney. This hotel is associated with Small Luxury Hotels.
topRestaurants
topThe Rocks
Aria
Level 1, 1 Macquarie Street, East Circular Quay (adjacent to the Sydney Opera House)
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm Dinner Mon-Sat 5:30-11.30pm, Sun 5:30-10pm
Pre & Post Theatre Supper: 1 / 2 / 3 Courses: $38 / $58 / $75 (nightly 5:30-7pm & 10–11:30pm)
Spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are offered by this intimate and romantic restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine. Smart dress.
Café Sydney
Level 5, The Customs House, 31 Alfred Street (Corner Loftus & Alfred Streets), Circular Quay
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-6pm, Sun 12-4pm; Dinner Mon-Fri 6-11pm, Sat 5-11pm
Dark and seductive setting with a buzzing atmosphere, magnificent views of Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour, and a wonderful outside balcony perfect for lunch and warm evenings. Modern Australian cuisine. Smart casual dress.
EST
Level 1, 252 George Street
Tel: +61 2 9240-3010.
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm; Dinner: Mon-Sat 6-10pm
Reservations recommended.
Overseen by Chef Peter Doyle, member of the aforementioned Doyle family and one of the founding fathers of modern Australian cuisine, this restaurant features an award-winning menu, an extensive wine list, and sublime interiors. Smart dress.
Fish At The Rocks
29 Kent Street
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm, Dinner daily 6-10pm
Busy atmosphere – where the locals go for seafood. Casual dress.
Guillaume at Bennelong
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
Tel: +61 2 9241-1999.
Open: Lunch Thur-Fri 12-3pm; Dinner Mon-Sat from 5:30pm; Closed Sun.
In an ionic setting with the city’s finest views, Bennelong is a Sydney institution, balancing modern appeal with a traditional French approach. Executive Chef: Guillaume Brahimi. Smart dress.
The Dining Room
Ground Floor, Park Hyatt Sydney, 7 Hickson Road
Open: Breakfast Mon-Sun 6:30-11am, Sun 6:30-11am; Lunch daily 12-2:30pm; Dinner Sun-Thu 6-10pm, Fri-Sat 6-10:30pm
Floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors create a light, airy environment where you can actually hear water lapping and see the food prepared. With a special focus on the flavors of the Mediterranean, the menu is a perfect balance of game, meat, fresh fish & soft spices. Smart casual dress.
Pony Lounge & Dining
Shop 14-15, The Rocks Centre, Playfair Street
Open: Lunch Sun-Fri 12-3pm, Dinner Daily 6-10pm
The restaurant features a long deck, dominated by a 12-yard communal table, from which diners can look out over picturesque Kendall Lane or back towards the open kitchen. Head chef Damien Heads and his team whip up wood-fired contemporary Australian dishes. Smart casual dress.
Quay
Overseas Passenger Terminal
Tel: +61 2 9251-5600
Open weekdays: 12 noon-2:30pm, 6-10pm; Weekends: 6-10pm
Reservations required.
Winner of numerous awards, this restaurant offers spectacular harbour and Opera House views, along with excellent modern Australian cuisine from Executive Chef Peter Gilmore. Smart dress.
Rockpool
107 George Street
Tel: +61 2 9252-1888.
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-3pm; Dinner Mon-Sat 6pm-12am. Closed Sunday.
Reservations recommended 2 weeks in advance.
Matching inspiration with a strong philosophy, Chef Neil Perry creates exciting modern Australian cuisine using the freshest possible seafood and produce. Smart casual dress.
Sailors Thai
Lower Level, 106 George Street
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6-10pm
Canteen open: Mon-Sat 12 noon-10pm (no reservations accepted)
Located on the lower level of the historic Sailor’s home, this restaurant’s Thai silk-lined walls offer the perfect backdrop for fine Thai cuisine. On the upper level, Sailor’s Thai Canteen offers a more casual dining experience at a long communal table. Smart casual dress.
sushi – e
Level 4, The Establishment Hotel, 252 George Street
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm, Dinner Mon-Thur 6pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 6:30pm-10:30pm
An intimate, 28-seat sushi bar within Hemmesphere lounge, serving superior quality sushi and conventional Japanese delicacies. Known for attracting a glamorous who’s who of Sydney. Smart casual dress.
topCity Centre
Azuma
Level 1, The Chifley Plaza, 2 Chifley Square (Corner of Phillip & Hunter Streets)
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6-10pm
Comment Traditional authentic Japanese cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere and with ‘Tatame’ booth-like rooms for parties of 4 to 8 people. Smart casual dress.
Forty One
Level 42, The Chifley Tower, 2 Chifley Square
Open: LunchTue-Fri 12-2:30pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6-10pm
Truly elegant dining experience with wonderful city and harbour views. French cuisine. Smart dress.
Prime
Lower Ground Floor, GPO Complex, 1 Martin Place (entry via the Westin Hotel)
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-3pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6-10pm
Located within the former General Post Office building, this is an exclusive, club-like atmosphere which specializes in the very best of Australian and New Zealand wines along with perfectly cooked steaks. Easily Sydney’s best steakhouse. Smart dress.
Tetsuya’s
Highly recommended529 Kent Street
Tel: +61 2 9267-2900
Open: Lunch, Saturday only from 12pm; Dinner Tue-Sat from 6pm. Closed: Sun – Mon.
Reservations required.
This sophisticated restaurant in a refurbished heritage-listed site serves innovative Japanese cuisine enhanced by French technique. 10-course degustation menu, but also kid-friendly. Named 2008 “Restaurant of the Year” by the Sydney Morning Herald’s Food Guide. Smart dress (jacket required for gentlemen).
topDarling Harbour
Coast
The Roof Terrace, Cockle Bay Wharf
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6-10:30pm
Tucked up high overlooking Cockle Bay through full-length timber windows, the menu focus of this relaxed restaurant is on seafood. Smart casual dress.
Flying Fish
Jones Bay Wharf, 19-21 Pirrama Road
Open: Lunch Tue-Fri 12-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 12-3:30pm; Dinner: Mon 6-10:30pm, Tue-Fri 6:30-10:30pm, Sat 6-10:30pm. Closed Sun.
Raw Bar Open: Tue-Fri 12-10:30pm, Sat 6-10:30pm, Sun Lunch 12-5pm. Closed Mon.
Chef Peter Kuruvita emphasizes freshness and seasonality at this sexy restaurant designed by award-winning designer Michael McCann. Smart dress.
Golden Century
393-399 Sussex Street, Haymarket
Open: Lunch daily 12 noon-5pm, Dinner daily 5pm-4am
Located in the hub of bustling Chinatown, this restaurant is a popular late night dining venue for Sydney’s best chefs. Casual dress.
topSurry Hills
Becasse
204 Clarence Street
Tel: +61 2 9283-3440.
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm; Dinner Mon-Sat 6-10:30pm. Closed Sun-Mon.
Reservations recommended.
One of Sydney’s premier dining spaces, this award-winning restaurant combines modern French cuisine with professional, friendly service. Smart dress.
Billy Kwong
3/355 Crown Street
Open Mon-Thu 6pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-10:30pm, Sun 6pm-9pm
No reservations accepted
Owner and executive chef Kylie Kwong's distinct signature is splashed all over this restaurant where traditional Asian cuisine gracefully meets Sydney chic. Her renowned Chinese eatery feels very much like a Shanghai teahouse. Smart casual dress.
Foveaux Restaurant + Bar
Shop1, 65-67 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills
Open: Lunch Fri 12-3pm, Dinner Tues-Sat 6-10:30pm
The venue's warehouse-style exterior belies a warm, carpeted interior with exposed brick walls and a sultry bar. Modern European cuisine. Smart dress.
Longrain
85 Commonwealth Street
Open: Lunch Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6-11pm, Sun 5:30-10pm
Reservations taken for lunch only
Modern mix of a glossy bar and long communal tables highlighted by excellent food and a fun, casual and exciting atmosphere. Modern Asian/Thai cuisine, smart casual dress
Marque
355 Crown Street
Tel: +61 2 9332-2225.
Open: Mon-Sat, dinner only, from 6:30pm; Friday lunch from 12pm
Reservations recommended.
Inventive French-Australian Cuisine from Executive Chef Mark Best, served in quietly luxe surroundings. Smart dress.
topKings Cross / Woolloomooloo
Manta
The Wharf, 7 Cowper Wharf Road (Adjacent to the Blue Hotel), Woolloomooloo
Open: Lunch Mon-Sun 12-3pm, Dinner Mon-Sun 6-10:30pm
Located on the Finger Wharf, this restaurant commands a prime harbourside location, with views stretching across the water to the Botanic Gardens and the city skyline. The Mediterranean-influenced menu is crafted from the finest ingredients and changes daily depending on what is available. Smart casual dress.
Otto Ristorante
The Wharf, 6 Cowper Wharf Road (Adjacent to the Blue Hotel), Woolloomooloo
Open: Lunch daily 12-3:30pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6-11pm, Sun 6-10pm
Stylish and chic, this restaurant has become the place to be seen in Sydney. Serves fine Italian cuisine in one of Sydney’s best waterside locations. Smart casual dress.
topPaddington / Wollahra
Buon Ricordo
108 Boundary Street, Paddington
Open: Lunch Fri-Sat 12-3pm Dinner Tue-Sat 6:30-10:45pm
Traditional Italian setting, a small and intimately elegant neighborhood restaurant serving food as true to its origins as the Tuscan pink and green shuttered façade. Smart casual dress.
Claude’s
10 Oxford Street (between Queen Street & Jersey Road), Woollahra
Open Tue-Sat from 7.30pm
The most stylish French cuisine, served in intimate surroundings. Smart dress.
Grand National
161 Underwood Street, Paddington
Open: Lunch Fri-Sat 12-3pm, Dinner Tue-Sat 6-10:30pm, Sun 6-9pm
A popular pub with the Paddington locals, but the food goes far beyond mere pub grub. Separated from the pub proper, the restaurant has a comfortable bistro feel, with white linen on the tables, bistro chairs and friendly staff. Modern Australian cuisine, casual dress.
Lucio’s
47 Windsor Street, Paddington
Open: Lunch Mon-Sat 12:30-3pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6:30-11pm
Following a food philosophy that focuses on seasonal produce, this Italian restaurant continues to please their established clientele of eastern suburbanites and bohemia. The walls of Lucio's feature a large private art collection by many leading contemporary Australian artists.
topRose Bay / Watson’s Bay / Bondi Beach
Doyle’s Restaurants
Highly recommendedDoyle’s on the Beach – 11 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay. Open daily 12-3pm, 6-9pm
Doyle’s on the Wharf – Watsons Bay. Open daily 11am-5pm (later during summer)
Doyle’s at Sydney Fish Market – Gipps Street, Pyrmont. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm (3pm Sat-Sun)
The Doyle family opened Australia’s first seafood restaurant in 1885, at its current beach location. A meal of Doyle’s fish and chips is a true Sydney experience – each of the restaurants offers fresh, delicious meals at affordable prices, along with magnificent views.
The Bather’s Pavilion
4 Esplanade, Balmoral Beach
Tel: +61 2 9969-5050
Open: Breakfast Sun only; Lunch daily Mon-Sun 12-2:30pm; Dinner daily 6:30-9:30pm
Housed in a casually elegant building on Balmoral Beach, this is the locals’ preferred spot for Sunday lunch. Chef Serge Danserau, considered the father of the fresh-food movement in Sydney, offers a well-crafted seasonal menu. Smart casual dress.
Iceberg’s Dining Room & Bar
Top Floor, Bondi Icebergs Club, 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach
Open: Lunch Tue-Sun 12pm-3pm, Dinner Tue-Sun 6:30pm-10pm
A stunning, long dining room graced with silk cushions and ocean colors looks over the southern end of Bondi Beach and out to the Pacific Ocean. Modern Mediterranean cuisine, smart casual dress.
Pier
594 New South Head Road, Rose Bay
Open: Lunch daily 12-3pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6-10pm, Sun 6-9pm
Located on the water at Rose Bay, with fantastic views of the harbour, and an atmosphere with a buzz complimented by attentive service. Widely regarded as the best seafood restaurant in the country. Smart dress.
topNorth Sydney
Aqua Dining
Corner of Paul & Northcliff Streets, Milson’s Point
Open: Lunch daily 12-2:30pm Dinner daily 6:30-10pm
The premier location restaurant on the northern foreshores of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy glorious views of both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from your balcony table high above the North Sydney Olympic pool. Modern Australian cuisine. Smart casual dress.
Le Kiosk
1 Marine Parade, Shelly Beach (Manly)
Open: Lunch daily 12-3pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6:30-10pm
This beachside sandstone cottage enjoys the reputation as one of Sydney's best-located and most atmospheric restaurants. Modern Australian fare, casual dress.
topShopping
topStreets
Fashionable Oxford Street begins at Hyde Park and continues all the way to Bondi Beach. The portion that goes through Paddington is home to Sydney’s best boutiques, offering high-end clothing and accessories by local designers. Ask to be dropped off near Glenmore Road (another good shopping street) and continue west on foot towards Wollahra. Queen Street in Wollahra has some of Sydney’s best antique and decorator shops.
Harlequin Market
94A Oxford Street, Paddington
Tel: +61 2 9357 4433
Fax: + 61 2 9357 4133
Women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry.
Kirrily Johnston Sydney
6 Glenmore Road, Paddington
Tel: +61 2 9380 7775
Email: sydneyboutique@kirrilyjohnston.com
Contemporary Australian women’s fashion.
Manning Cartell
110 Oxford Street, Paddington
Tel: +61 2 9326 0700
Feminine but classic Australian fashion, founded by three sisters.
Willow
3A Glenmore Road, Paddington
Tel: +61 2 9358 4477
Whimsical, casual designs by Australian designer Kit Willow.
Josh Goot
104 Glenmore Road, Paddington
Tel: +61 2 9356 2233
Email: shop@joshgoot.com
Body conscious, beach and scuba-inspired fashions by local designer Josh Goot.
topArcades & Malls
Queen Victoria Building
455 George Street, City Centre
Affectionately known as the QVB, this gorgeous, ornate Romanesque building fills an entire city block. Beneath the mighty copper dome are more than 190 high-end retail shops, cafes and restaurants.
Strand Arcade
412-414 George Street, City Centre
The last of Sydney’s grand Victorian arcades, the elegant, glass-roofed Strand showcases many of Australia’s top designers.
MLC Centre
Martin Place, Corner of King and Castlereagh Streets, City Centre
Sydney’s prime luxury shopping destination, with retailers such as Jimmy Choo, Cartier, Gucci and Ferragamo.
topMarkets
Paddy’s Markets
Corner of Thomas & Hay Streets, Haymarket
Open Thu-Sun and Public Holiday Mondays, 9am-5pm
Sydney’s oldest and best known-market dates back to 1834. Open every week from Thu-Sun, it features over 800 stalls selling everything from produce and housewares to CDs and jewelry.
The Rocks Weekend Market
George & Playfair Streets
Sat and Sun, 10am-5pm
Sheltered by a distinctive sail-shaped canopy, 150 stalls offer unique designer fashion, housewares, photography and more.
Paddington Markets
395 Oxford Street, in the grounds of the historic Paddington Uniting Church
Tel: +61 2 9331 2923
Saturdays from 10am
Probably Sydney’s most colorful market, with 250 stalls where artisans and designers sell their cutting-edge arts and crafts, fashions, and health and beauty products.
topGalleries
Aboriginal Art Galleries
Opera Quays: Shop 13, 2 East Circular Quay Shop 25, 1A Macquarie Street
QVB: Queen Victoria Bldg, Level 2
The Rocks: 1-5 Hickson Road
Bondi Beach: Shop 138, Campbell Parade
topFestivals & Events
Australia Day
Jan 26Also known as Foundation Day, this holiday commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet to Sydney Cove in 1788. It’s a public holiday throughout Australia – in Sydney, it’s celebrated with a parade, concerts, BBQs, a regatta, military demonstrations and fireworks.
Sydney Festival
Annually in JanuarySydney’s largest and best-attended cultural event features three weeks of music, dance, film and theater performances at venues all over central Sydney, many of them free.
Twilight at Taronga
Weekends, Feb-MarA summer institution – open-air night concerts at the Taronga Zoo, featuring an outstanding array of Australian talent.
Royal Easter Show
Annually in AprilA country fair on a massive scale, the Show features two weeks of exhibits, competitions and entertainment, including carnival rides, the Sydney Royal Rodeo, parades, fireworks, and a food dome with more than 60 outlets.
ANZAC Day
April 25Probably Australia's most important national occasion, it marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during WWI. Commemorative ceremonies are held all over the country – in Sydney, services and marches take place around the city throughout the day.
Biennale of Sydney
Held every two years, this festival of contemporary art features the latest in sculpture, photography, painting, video and live performances. Major venues include the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Sydney Opera House, various other galleries, and city parks and gardens. June-August.
Darling Harbour Fiesta
Annually in late Sept/early OctThe most significant Latin American and Spanish festival in Australia, featuring free performances of salsa, tango and flamenco, South American-inspired food and arts, and a fireworks spectacular.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
Annually in December (begins Dec 26)Going on its 64th year, this sailing race attracts the kind of national interest rivaled only by the Melbourne Cup and Davis Cup. The course covers 628 nautical miles and is often described as the most grueling long ocean race in the world.
Boxing Day
Dec 26A public holiday throughout Australia, Boxing Day got its name from the old tradition of employers giving boxed gifts to their workers on the day after Christmas. It’s also the start of the Sydney to Hobart race and the post-holiday bargain-hunting season.
New Year’s Eve
Dec 31Sydney celebrates the New Year in a big way, starting with aerial displays and harbor activities in the early afternoon. At 9pm is the beautifully synchronized Family Fireworks display, followed by the Harbour of Light Parade, with dozens of creative, illuminated vessels cruising the harbour. Capping it all off is the Midnight Fireworks, the world’s greatest pyrotechnic display.