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.

Mosman & Balmoral

Mosman Bay was named after Archibald Mosman, who established a whaling business nearby in 1830. The suburb is best known for Taronga Park Zoo and Bradleys Head (see Bradleys Head). Lieutenant William Bradley arrived with the First Fleet and later served in the Napoleonic Wars, before he was found guilty of fraud and exiled to France in 1814. Clifton Gardens and Middle Head, a former military reserve, are popular destinations in Mosman. Balmoral has three pleasant beaches, including the tiny Chinaman’s Beach.
Mother Chu’s Vegetarian Kitchen

Warm Buddhist hospitality, canteen decor and delicious vegetarian food. Try the hot pot dishes.
Mount Annan Botanic Gardens

Set amidst hills and lakes, these lovely 416-ha (852-acre) botanic gardens are Australia’s largest. Opened in 1988 and located near Camden, they showcase the diversity of Australian native flora, including over 4,000 exotic species. Also cultivated are rare and endangered species such as the Wollemi pine.
Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens

Covering 28 ha (60 acres), these botanic gardens are located on a summit of the Blue Mountains. The rich basalt soil lies 1,000 m (3,281 ft) above sea level. Along with stunning views, the gardens feature an excellent collection of cool-climate plants, a large rock garden, a herb garden and the Plant Explorers Walk.
Mu Shu

A slick ambience and modern Asian food and cocktails make this the hippest joint at the beach.
Museum of Contemporary Art

This 1950s mock Art Deco edifice housed the Maritime Services Board until it became a gallery in 1991. The MCA displays the best of international art.
Museum of Sydney

The MOS is the site of the first interaction between Sydney’s Cadigal people and the British First Fleet. See what the city looked like 100 years ago and discover the history of its indigenous people.
Museum of Sydney

This stunning museum occupies the site of Sydney’s first Government House, a prefabricated structure that was shipped over with the First Fleet in 1788. That structure was demolished in 1846, but some of its original footings are still visible through glass panels set into the floor. The museum places the history of white settlement against the Aboriginal custodianship of the land. The museum’s plaza features Edge of the Trees (see Edge of the Trees), an installation and soundscape which explores Aboriginal history and culture.
Museum of Sydney Café

The food at a museum’s café isn’t normally a reason to visit, but this café is a treasure, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to an appreciative crowd. Opening onto the paved forecourt, it offers excellent café standards such as sandwiches, salads and cakes, as well as bistro-style dishes such as steaks and tea-smoked trout.
NAIDOC Week

The Australia-wide National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week celebrates the survival, diversity and strength of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal cultures. Themes change annually, but regular events include a prestigious art award and prizes in a variety of categories ranging from sports to community leadership.

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