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.

Macleay Apartments

There are excellent value weekly rates available at this hotel. The clean apartments have well-equipped kitchenettes and are a great choice for busy travellers. There’s a rooftop pool and barbecue area.
Macleay Museum

Also at the University of Sydney, Macleay Museum was built in 1887 to house the vast entomological collection of the Macleay family. Since then, the collection has been added to by various ethno-graphers, naturalists and anthro-pologists. The pieces exhibited, which were mostly collected in the 1870s, include the oldest Aboriginal bark paintings in existence. The collection now includes over 1,000 antique scientific instruments.
Macquarie Lighthouse

This lighthouse on the grassy, windswept clifftops was built between 1816 and 1818 to Francis Greenway’s (see Francis Greenway: Convict Architect) design. It was the first of many projects Greenway completed for Governor Macquarie, earning him a conditional pardon. After more than 60 years of service the stately Doric tower fell into disrepair, and in 1880 the architect James Barnet (see Darlinghurst Court House & Old Darlinghurst Gaol) redesigned the lighthouse. Although almost a perfect copy of the original, the new lighthouse featured several technological advances when it opened in 1883, including an electric lantern.

Macquarie Lighthouse
Macquarie Takes Charge

Governor Lachlan Macquarie took charge of the colony in 1810 and restored order. During his 12-year governance, he managed to transform the outpost from a ramshackle penal colony into a town with regular roads and civic amenities. He also encouraged Emancipists, convicts who had served their time, to stay and contribute to the colony’s growth, thus ensuring a thriving future for Sydney.
Magnolia & Palm

Bronwyn Oliver. Giant seeds recall botanical studies by Australia’s explorers.
Mahjong Room

Shanghai-style Chinese food, served on carved wooden mahjong tables, offers that important comfort factor.
Maisys

Tasty snacks and light meals at this 24-hour café.
Mambo Friendship Store

Australia’s favourite surfwear store for adults and kids, Mambo sells swimsuits, shorts, T-shirts and many accessories such as caps, watches, bags and surfboards. Look out for the new M-line, which is more fashion-oriented.

A Mambo T-shirt
Manacle

A men-only bar specializes in fetish theme nights, encouraging patrons to don their uniform, rubber, leather or biker gear. All men are welcome; costumes are not essential.
Manly

On the peninsula’s ocean side, this popular long beach is the homeground of many of Australia’s ironmen and women, and the site of surf lifesaving championships. The esplanade is good for jogging and rollerblading, and goes all the way round to lovely, sheltered Shelly 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
- $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