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.

Greycliffe House

After WC Wentworth’s (see Wentworth, Blaxland & Lawson) daughter was married, her husband commissioned the architect John Hilly to construct this Gothic residence. However, the couple left for England before its 1851 completion. It later became a home for mothers and babies, before the NSW government purchased the property in 1911. The ground floor is now open to the public, while the NPWS (see The Islands) occupies the rest of the building.
Guillaume at Bennelong

You can’t beat dining at the Opera House (see Sydney Opera House). Celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi prepares Australian food with French skill. A less expensive option is to order tapas-style dishes from the cocktail bar.
Hambledon Cottage

Close by Elizabeth Farm, this cottage was named after a village in Hampshire, England. The Macarthurs built this cottage in 1824 as a retirement home for their governess, Penelope Lucas. The furnishings of the rendered sandstone cottage reflect the 1820s to the 1850s.
Harbour kitchen & bar

Peace, spectacular views and exciting food make for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Hawkesbury River

This broad river runs from Windsor (see Windsor) in the west to Broken Bay (see Pittwater & Broken Bay) in the east, passing massive sandstone escarpments, historic riverside towns, national parks, mangrove islands, fishing villages and holiday homes, as well as the spectacular Berowa Waters and Cowan Creek (see Sail Pittwater & Cowan Creek) coves and Pittwater (see Pittwater & Broken Bay). Berowa Waters is home to the famous Berowa Waters Inn. Cowan Creek peters out near pretty Bobbin Head. Although parts of the river are popular with water-skiers, it’s actually best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

The picturesque Hawkesbury River
Headquarters

This is a men-only cruise club with all kinds of facilities, including a video lounge, saunas and steam rooms, a gym and more. They hold regular skin and themed parties.
Hellfire Club @ Icebox

Dark trance and techno, fetish shows and S&M gear. Discounted entry if you arrive in a fetish costume
Henry Lawson (1867–1922)

Lawson’s writing is often humorous and inspired by romantic notions of the Australian “character”. In stories such as 1892′s The Drover’s Wife he exalted the “mateship” of rural Australians surviving the harsh and isolated environment. He often led an itinerant life and struggled with alcoholism. He was the first Australian writer granted a state funeral.
Hilton

Re-opening in 2005 after massive renovations, the Hilton Sydney is one of the city’spremier land-marks. Alongside super chef Luke Mangan’s glass brasserie and New York designer Tony Chi’s Zeta bar, the luxurious guest rooms include relaxation suites.
Hitch a Ride with the Riverboat Postman

Join this unique postal service as it delivers mail to isolated Hawkesbury River settlements.

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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
- $35–$60
- $60–$120
- $120–$200
- over $200
Hotel price categories

For a standard double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $80
- $80–150
- $150–250
- $250–350
- over $350