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.

Lavender Bay & Blues Point

East of Berry’s Bay, this cove has great views of the Opera House framed by the Harbour Bridge. It was named after George Lavender, a boatswain who married the daughter of his neighbour Billy Blue (see William “Billy” Blue). In 1817 Governor Macquarie granted Billy Blue 32 ha (80 acres) west of Lavender Bay. In 1830, at the age of 82, Billy Blue established a ferry service from Dawes Point to the headland that now bears his name. There is a small reserve at its end, but the point is dominated by a Harry Seidler (see Rose Seidler House) apartment building that many consider an eyesore.
Le Kiosk

Saunter around the bay from Manly Beach to Le Kiosk, where it’s all about location. It looks like a beach house but has serious food. Request a table on the verandah.
Le Petit Crème

French café au laits and croque monsieurs.
Lebanese

The central Lebanese mosque is at Lakemba but the best food can be found at the suburb of Punchbowl. Head to The Boulevarde for hummus, falafel and baklava. Jasmin1 is a good place for a very quick, cheap and tasty meal. Nearby Summerland is a bit more swish and has bellydancers most nights.
Leichhardt Hotel

More a bar than a pub, with a feisty Italian crowd. In summer the doors fold back to make an outdoor party, and in winter gas heaters keep you snug.
Leichhardt Post Office

Designed by James Barnet (see Martin Place), Leichhardt Post Office is no longer in use, but it is possible to admire its strong lines and severe shape from the street. It is a good example of the Victorian Italianate style, popularized in Australia by architectural pattern books and used in many homes. The tower, designed to accommodate a clock that never arrived, provides a formal divide between the public and residential parts of the building.
Leichhardt Town Hall

Designed by Drake and Walcott and built in 1888, the style of this ornate building is described as Victorian Free Classical. The structure reflects the creativity and craftsmanship applied towards significant buildings of its time. When it opened, the Town Hall was considered the best municipal building outside the city centre. Many of the Italian migrants who settled in Leichhardt became Australian citizens in Town Hall ceremonies between 1920 and 1960.

Leichhardt Post Office

Leichhardt Town Hall
Lesley McKay’s Bookshop

A great bookshop with helpful and knowledgable staff, and couches for settling in with your finds.
Letterbox Restaurant

Tasty Mod Oz food in a delightful converted post office. For a true comfort meal, try the chicken Saltimbocca with creamy potato mash
Light Brigade Hotel

Bypass the spruced-up sports bar and head upstairs to a fantastic bistro-pub for an Asian feast.

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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