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.

Local

From the seriously tasty Mod-Oz menu and sharp wine list to the relaxed services, this is dining at its best.
London Hotel

Established in 1870, this might be the most atmospheric pub in Sydney. Grab a tractor seat on the balcony and sip the local Red Back beer while enjoying the Harbour Bridge view.
Longrain

At this hip restaurant, modern Thai food lends itself well to sharing, with dishes such as spiced curry of duck with peanuts and mandarin juice. Snack at the bar or sip offerings from the wine list.
Looking for Alibrandi (1992)

Melina Marchetta’s coming-of-age novel features a young girl struggling to find her identity.
Lord Nelson

Get a taste of Colonial Sydney in the pretty rooms at this famous sandstone pub. The accommodation includes modern necessities such as dataports. Breakfast is included.
Los Tres Amigos

Fantastic tapas restaurant. Beautiful Spanish decor with huge paintings and typical Spanish furniture. Excellent tapas menu, huge portions and very reasonably priced. Attentive and charming staff.
Lotus

A comfortable bistro offers simple and hearty food and an effortlessly stylish crowd.
Luna Park

Luna Park has been a harbourside icon and favourite with Sydney children since the 1930s. Modelled on New York’s Coney Island, this amusement park on the North Shore (see Milsons Point), beside the Harbour Bridge, reopened in 2004 following major renovations. Enter through the 9-m (29.5-ft) clown face to enjoy classics such as the dodgems and the carousel, and newer attractions such as the UFO.
Lynwood Café

Just off the highway from Sydney to Canberra, this eatery offers hearty food to ease the long haul. Take home some jam.
L’Otel

A large terrace house has been converted into a stylish hotel with small but lovely rooms. There’s a hip bar and restaurant downstairs, and the hotel is close to Oxford Street’s cafés and bars.

Jump to top

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