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.

Object

Also known as the Australian Centre for Craft and Design, this gallery exhibits works by textile designers, jewellers, furniture designers, ceramicists and glass-blowers, demonstrating crafts as real art forms. Its store sells a great range of limited edition design-pieces.
Observatory Park

Given its location beside the southern approach to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this small park below the Observatory (see Sydney Observatory) is surprisingly peaceful. It offers great views of the working harbour. Near the bandstand is a memorial to the Australians who served in the South African War (1899–1902).
Oceanfoods

On a sunny day, nothing beats eating fish and chips on the beach. Get your fish grilled and a healthy salad on the side – and don’t feed the seagulls.
Oceanworld

Snakes. Crocodiles. Sharks. Whatever terrifies you, you’ll find it here. There are several live shows, and your pass allows you multiple entries until closing.
Oh Calcutta

Imaginative Indian sub-continent cuisine served with a flourish from the ever-attentive staff. Try the dégustation taster.
Old Government House

Governor Phillip’s cottage and country retreat, constructed in 1790, was rebuilt by Governor Hunter in 1799. Governor and Mrs Macquarie, who preferred it to their city residence, later made numerous alterations to the structure and interior design. The oldest public building in Australia, it is now a museum.
Old Government House

Overlooking the Parramatta River, this distinguished plastered brick residence (see Old Government House) is located on 105 ha (260 acres) of parkland. Australia’s oldest public building, it was built by Governors Hunter and Macquarie between 1799 and 1818. The porch is credited to Francis Greenway. The interior faithfully reflects the Macquaries’ era and their tastes, and houses one of Australia’s finest collections of 19th-century furniture. Tours explore the people who lived here as well as the eras they lived in.
Old Quarantine Station

Until 1984, Sydney’s infected arrivals were quarantined at this bulwark against infectious diseases. The NPWS runs tours.
Opals On The Rocks

Buy some of Australia’s unique opals at this store in The Rocks.
Opera Australia

It is a joy to see Australia’s acclaimed national opera company perform in the Opera House. This world-class company stages a 14-week season in summer and a 17-week season in winter in Sydney.

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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
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- over $200