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.

Park Hyatt Sydney

Many rooms in this luxurious six-star hotel have Opera House views, as does the rooftop heated swimming pool. Perfectly equipped for business travellers, the hotel offers high-speed Internet access in every room and a dedicated business centre.
Parramatta

The fertile soil found here in the 1780s spared the fledgling colony from probable starvation and spawned Sydney’s original satellite township. It was a rural retreat for Governor Phillip, who built a cottage here in 1790. Old Government House, which replaced Phillip’s cottage in 1799, is one of Sydney’s most historic sites. Other highlights include Experiment Farm Cottage, Elizabeth Farm, Hambledon Cottage (see Historic Sites & Townships) and Australia’s oldest cemetery, St. John’s. Here you’ll find the grave of “The Flogging Parson”, Reverend Samuel Marsden, the early colony’s notoriously sadistic magistrate.
Passionflower

With a fabulous range of original flavours such as lychee, taro and sticky rice, this dessert café makes a great pit stop.
Patrick White (1912–90)

Australia’s Nobel prize-winning author for the Eye of the Storm (1973) hailed from a family of wealthy Australian pastoralists. He spent much of his early life in Europe but settled near Centennial Park in 1964. Although he wrote poetry and plays, he is best remembered for his novels, which often explore individuals’ efforts to divine meaning from the circumstances of their lives.
Peel

Mostly devoted to the label Peel, this store also offers several other great Aussie and imported labels.
Pemulwy

This Eora warrior resisted white settlement until he was caught and beheaded in 1802.
Periwinkle Guesthouse

A striking Federation-era mansion has been converted into a B&B with antique furniture and tasteful colour schemes. Rooms with a view attract only a small premium.
Peter Corris (b. 1942)

Sydney’s Raymond Chandler, Peter Corris writes hard-boiled crime fiction set in and around Sydney. His main protagonist, Cliff Hardy, is a private detective forever sorting through the trash of the powerful and wealthy.
Phamish

Fun, cheap and bustling, this Vietnamese café serves fresh and spicy food.
Pier

Enjoy wonderful quality fish overlooking the harbour.

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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