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Sydney : Overview & Top 10

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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.

  • Imperial & Newtown Hotels

    Some of the classic drag show venues have closed down, but these stalwarts are still going strong. The Imperial was featured in the cult film Priscilla, Queen of the Desert . There are shows at both venues every night, so call ahead to find out events and times.

  • Incu Clothing

    A great clothing store selling men and women's clothing by hip and trendy Australian and overseas designers. This boutique sums up what's currently hot in Sydney or even Australian fashion. Brands such as: American Apparel, A.P.C., Gorman, Alice McCall, Karen Walker, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Deborah Sweeney, Camilla and Marc, Lover, Tsubi, Rag & Bone etc.

  • Indian

    Many of Sydney’s Indian community choose to eat at the authentic restaurants in Surry Hills, several of which are packed into a small section of Cleveland Street between Crown and Bourke Streets. Have a South Indian flavoured thali or masala dosa at the vegetarian restaurant Maya, and then sample some of the traditional sweets. The neighbouring shops sell Indian ingredients, spices, incense, and Bollywood movies.

  • Not so original but highly affordable men’s clothes range from smart to casual. Part of a chain, this is the place to go if you want a lookalike of the latest Diesel.

  • The café, bar, restaurant and club is infused with the flavour and spirit of the French Riviera, all the way from breakfast through to dinner, drinks and dancing.

  • A beautiful 1851 Treasury building offers five-star luxury. The soaring foyer has a lovely lounge. All rooms have window seats, a chaise longue and views of the city or harbour and Botanic Gardens.

  • Indomitable media doyen and former editor-in-chief of the Australian Womens Weekly during the 1970s and 1980s.

  • Leichhardt’s thriving strip boasts a wonderful range of Italian food. The main section of Norton Street, running from its corner on Parramatta Road, is packed with cafés, bars and restaurants. Try the great pasta and gelato in the cheap and cheerful surroundings of Bar Italia.

  • Classic and contemporary cinema.

  • Italian Forum

    This kitsch development evokes reminiscences of Italy, and has a sundial and a statue of Dante based on a similar one in Verona. On the mezzanine level, you’ll find boutiques selling imported and local Italian fashion. Descending the stairs finds the piazza, surrounded by cafés and restaurants that offer wonderful, sunny positions for languid lunches. On the piazza level, Leichhardt Library contains a local history section with many photos of Norton Street, the surrounding areas and the people who once lived there.

    Restaurant at the Italian Forum

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