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.

Nilgiri’s

A low-key Indian restaurant with a small, well-chosen menu. Sunday nights are especially popular when thalis , which are like tasting plates, present a fun option. They also offer private cushion rooms and cooking classes.
Noah’s Bondi

Spectacular views come at only a tiny premium at this friendly hostel. Rooms are clean, bathrooms were recently renovated and Noah’s staff speak Japanese, Hebrew and Swedish.
North Head

This windswept, heath-covered highlight of the Sydney Harbour National Park is home to the North Fort Artillery Museum.
North Head

The more rugged of the two Heads, this section of the Sydney Harbour National Park features windswept heathlands, shaded gullies, secluded Collins Beach and the Old Quarantine Station. Pretty Cabbage Tree Bay and Shelly Beach (see Cabbage Tree Bay) are to the north.
North Sydney

In 1932 John Bradfield (see Bradfield Park) predicted that, with the opening of the Harbour Bridge, North Sydney and Mosman would merge into a second Brooklyn. He was certainly on the money regarding North Sydney’s development, as indicated by the area’s many skyscrapers. Sydney’s second CBD is home to major Australian banking, finance and insurance giants. Its attractions include a small museum, chapel and tomb dedicated to the memory and works of Australia’s only saint, Mary MacKillop (1842–1909), who was beatified in 1995.
North Sydney Olympic

Swim looking up at the Harbour Bridge. Indoor and outdoor.
Northern Beaches

This stretch of stunning ocean beaches runs from Manly to Barrenjoey Head. Palm Beach is a haven for Sydney millionaires, as well as being the outdoor location for the popular TV soap opera Home and Away . The Barrenjoey Lighthouse overlooks Broken Bay, the Central Coast and the Hawkesbury River. Behind Palm Beach lies lovely Pittwater.
Norton Street

Named after James Norton, an English attorney who arrived in 1818 and established a thriving legal practice in the colony, Norton Street has long been the heart of this district. Much of the large estate purchased by Norton in 1834 is now the bustling shopping and dining strip that runs from Parramatta Road to Allen Street. You’ll find a range of stores with an Italian flavour, from bridal fashion to books, clothing and shoes, as well as bakeries, delis and butchers.
Nortons on Norton

A traditional pub revamped with a restaurant and giant screens. The upper level has a clubby feel with DJs and pool tables.
Novotel Darling Harbour

Enjoy the benefits of staying in a very large hotel by choosing one of many different room configurations. This hotel is at the top end of the four-star range.

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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