DK Travel : Sydney

Sydney is blessed with stunning ocean beaches, magnificent national parks and a wonderful subtropical climate that makes the great outdoors irresistible to its four million inhabitants. The Eora people, the Aborigines who settled around Sydney Harbour, arrived approximately 50,000 years ago, while the white settlers arrived just over 200 years ago. Free settlers soon followed in the wake of the First Fleet of transported convicts, and after them several waves of migrants seeking a new life. Now, two centuries later, the once far-flung penal colony has matured into a culturally diverse, tolerant and mesmerizing city. Ideally located on the world’s most beautiful harbour, Sydney is as exciting and bustling as it is laid back and relaxing.

David Wenham

The critically-acclaimed actor is at home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
Dawn Fraser Pool

See where the world record breaker got her start. Outdoor, saltwater.
Dinosaur Designs

The team behind this original jewellery and homewares are some of Australia’s most celebrated designers. They craft their pieces from jewel-coloured resin.
Dinosaur Heaven

The Australian Museum is just the place for those parents with Jurassic-obsessed youngsters. The museum conducts tours of the museum and runs special events, workshops and activities for children on weekends and school holidays. Kids might take part in a “mini dinosaur dig,” climb into a hot air balloon, learn how to create their own fossil cast, or enjoy the interactive Kids’ Island.
Dive

A stylish hotel featured in design magazines, its rooms have high ceilings and designer bathrooms. Complimentary breakfast and unlimited tea and coffee are available. The two front rooms have spectacular views.
Done Art & Design

Loud prints of Sydney icons such as the Opera House and cockatoos adorn bright T-shirts and swimwear, hot souvenir items since the 1980s.
Double Bay

The immense wealth of “Double Pay” is almost a joke; people call it the plastic surgery capital of Australia. To the west is exclusive Darling Point, where you’ll find Major Mitchell’s (see A Walk from Circular Quay to the QVB) former harbourside residence on Carthona Avenue. To the east is Point Piper, which was home to Sir Lawrence Hargrave (see Hargrave’s Box Kites) from 1902 to 1915. In between is Steyne Park and the delightful Redleaf Pool, just below the lovely Blackburn Gardens on New South Head Road. William Street, Bay Street and New South Head Road border the main shopping precinct, where you’ll find all the best international retail stores.
Downhill From Newtown to Glebe

Morning

Start your day in classic Newtown style with a strong coffee at Barmuda, 283 Australia Street. Then follow Australia Street to Lennox Street and turn right. At the end is St Stephen’s Church, designed by Edmund Blacket (see St Andrew’s Cathedral). Beside the church is the entrance to the historic, peaceful Camperdown Cemetery. Soak up the Gothic atmosphere before heading back to hectic King Street. Check out the bookshops, cafés and funky clothing stores that run almost as far as Little Queen Street. Turn left, cross over Carillon Avenue and enter the manicured grounds of the Sydney University. Turn right into Physics Lane, left into Fisher Road, and right into Manning Road, reaching the archway that leads through to the Main Quadrangle. Pass beneath the Gothic Revival clock tower and wander down University Avenue to the open space of Victoria Park. Finally, head to bohemian Glebe Point Road to Badde Manors for lunch.

Afternoon

Follow Glebe Point Road to Pendrill Street, turn left and follow the scent of incense downhill to the Sze Yup Temple. Turn right into Edward Street, left into Eglington Lane, and right again into Edward Lane to reach Jubilee Park. The Pope Paul VI Reserve can be found in the northeast corner. When done, catch a 431 or 434 bus back to town.
Doyles Wharf Takeaway

For a lunch break from Sydney CBD, get on a ferry from Circular Quay heading for Watsons Bay. Enjoy the cruise past the Opera House, Gardens and Harbour front mansions for your destination of Watsons Bay. On the wharf at Watsons Bay is Doyles Seafood Takeaway (the most economical of all the Doyles establishments in the area), great fish and chips, and a park opposite for your picnic with the "triffecta" of views (Harbour, Opera House and Bridge). Other nearby attractions include a walk to "The Gap"a popular suicide point, or a harbourside pool for a swim. You can return to town either by bus or ferry. All in all its a great afternoon out, and very easy on the budget.
Doyle’s On The Beach

A stalwart of the Sydney scene that has seen better days, but still draws in the crowds for fish and chips on a private beach.

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Restaurant price categories

For a two course meal for one with a drink (or equivalent meal), plus taxes and extra charges.
- under $35
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Hotel price categories

For a standard double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $80
- $80–150
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- over $350