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.

Oxford Street Shops

Called the Golden Mile, the stretch of Oxford Street (see Oxford & Crown Streets) between Taylor Square and Hyde Park has long been home to gay and lesbian bars, clubs and shops. Each February the Mardi Gras parade (see Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras) passes this route. Check out Aussie Boys for Sydney Speedos and the Grumpy Baker for a snack and coffee.
Paddington Market

This just might be Sydney’s best loved weekend market. It’s held every Saturday in the pleasant, shaded grounds of Paddington Village’s St. John’s Uniting Church. Ever since 1973, this al fresco bazaar has been a great place to shop for jewellery, crafts, fashion, pottery, soaps, second-hand clothing and the like. It’s always had a New Age bent, so you’re also likely to find someone who can massage those travel-weary shoulders, read your tarot cards or fine-tune your chakras.
Paddington Markets

For up and coming designers, crafts and arts take a trip to the Paddington Market, held every Saturday on the corner of Oxford Street and Newcombe Street (www.paddingtonmarket.com.au).
Paddington Town Hall

This Classical Revival Town Hall on Oxford Street was designed by J Kemp, a local architect who won an international competition to design a civic centre that matched the suburb’s increasing status. The main building was completed in 1891, and the clock tower that now dominates was added several years later. The hall underwent extensive restoration work in the 1990s and is no longer used by the council. But it does house the suburb’s library, offices, cinemas and a radio station. It is also a regular venue for private functions and corporate events.
Paddy’s Markets

Especially on weekends, people swarm to the fresh food section of this Chinatown hub. From clothes to souvenirs, you’ll find almost anything at this market.
Palace Cinema

Catch the latest quality films at this small, stylish cinema.
Palisade

At this cherished institution in the heart of The Rocks you‘ll be torn between the cosy local pub downstairs, the justly praised dining room upstairs and harbour views from some of the rooms.
Palm

An hour and a half’s drive north of Sydney, the area around this beach is a magnet for the city’s glitterati. “Palmie” is a lovely beach fringed by pine trees, and was made famous by the soap opera Home and Away . For a cruisy afternoon, catch the Pittwater ferry for a loop around the bay (see Pittwater & Broken Bay).
Parade

Thousands attend the notorious and colourful Mardi Gras Parade.
Paragon

Get a sense of Katoomba in its heyday at this atmospheric Art Deco café. Sit snug in a booth, choose from handmade chocolates on display, and be sure to check out the lovely back rooms.

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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