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.

Manta Ray

Stylish setting; fish straight from the tank.
Mardi Gras Film Festival

Screens worldwide gay cinema and camp classics.
Mardi Gras Film Festival

A great collection of global queer cinema is screened over two weeks.
Mardi Gras is Born

Over 1,000 gay rights activists took to Sydney’s streets demanding equal rights in 1978. Several protestors were arrest-ed, but they vowed to return the following year. The parade that followed in 1979 established an annual event that is now a major tourist attraction (see Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras).
Marigold Citimark

Choose from the indulgent banquet menus or stop in at lunchtime for the famous yum cha.
Marina Kiosk Rose Bay

Right on the water, this café is on the marina’s wharf. Sit out in the sun or choose a shaded table.
Market City

Situated above Paddy’s Markets, this centre contains a mix of quirky Korean clothes, discount outlets and Asian food. Keep in mind that “small” is the most common size.
Maroubra

The Eastern Suburbs’ most serious surf beach has big waves and a wide stretch of sand. When you’re done with the water, walk round the coast to see a series of rockpools brimming with sealife. Maroubra offers good facilities such as a shaded playground, changing rooms and a kiosk.
Mars Lounge

Latino groove and fine cocktails until late in this chic bar.
Martin Place

Martin Place runs from the General Post Office on George Street uphill to Macquarie Street. The 1891 GPO was designed by James Barnet (see Darlinghurst Court House & Old Darlinghurst Gaol) and built over the Tank Stream. Check out the amusing characters above the Pitt Street colonnade (see A Walk from Circular Quay to the QVB) and the grand 1912 Commonwealth Bank Head Office. The bank’s equally impressive 1928 sibling resides just up the hill. Opposite the GPO is the striking 1925 NeoClassical National Australia Bank, and the Cenotaph commemorating Australia’s war heroes.

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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