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.

Riders in the Chariot (1961)

A satire by Patrick White.
Riverview Hotel

This tiny local with much charm and fin-de-siècle interiors is hidden in a backstreet but is certainly worth seeking out.
Rock Art in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Prior to white settlement, the area from Broken Bay to Sydney Harbour was inhabited by the Guringai people. However, by the 1840s, most had been wiped out by smallpox or driven away. Over 800 sites record the Aboriginal culture and their bond with the land, including rock engravings, axe-grinding grooves, burial sites, cave shelters, middens (sea-shell mounds) and ochre hand stencils.
Rock Your Frocks Off!

Celebrates the Sydney live music scene with a range of bands and entertainers.
Rockpool

Star chef Neil Perry’s seafood restaurant.
Rose Bay

The largest cove in Sydney Harbour is embraced by Point Piper to the west and Vaucluse to the east. Northeast of Point Piper is Shark Island (see The Islands). To the east is Hermit Point, reputedly the haunt of a reclusive former convict. In 1942 a Japanese submarine lobbed shells into Rose Bay, presumably aiming for the former flying-boat base; it’s still the base for Sydney Harbour’s seaplanes (see Sailing on Sydney Harbour). If you’ve followed New South Head Road over from Double Bay, you’ll enjoy the walk along the waterfront from Rose Bay Park to Lyne Park.
Rose Bay Marina Kiosk

This café is on the marina’s wharf, right on the water - they even provide bread for kids to feed the fish. Sit out in the sun or choose a shaded table to enjoy the changing homemade menu.
Rose Seidler House

Sydney’s most significant architect, whose work spans over 50 years, Harry Seidler was almost single-handedly responsible for bringing Bauhaus and European Modernism to Australia. This modest but lovely house, commissioned by Seidler’s mother in 1950, assimilates the best Modernist features. Also check out its interesting collection of original furniture and appliances.
Roslyn Oxley9

Renowned contemporary Australian artists.
Rouse Hill Estate

Richard Rouse (1774–1852), Superintendent of Public Works and Convicts at Parramatta, once occupied this estate and was succeeded by seven generations of descendants. The 1813 Historic Houses Trust property features a convict-built Georgian residence, outbuildings and gardens. The furniture dates from the 1830s to the 1960s.