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.

Sherman Galleries

Exhibits top contemporary Australian artists.
Shop Yourself Stupid

The largest shopping day in the gay and lesbian calendar offers an array of yearly attractions.
Showgrounds Exhibition Building

From Royal Easter Shows to international baseball games and rock concerts, this site has host-ed them all. The Showground features a main arena, a Clydesdale pavilion inspired by the architecture of 18th- and 19th-century English churches, an open-air woodchop stadium and numerous pavilions.
Simpsons

A charming B&B at the “Paris” end of Potts Point, where the complimentary breakfast is served in a glass-roofed conservatory. Guests staying in the romantic cloud suite receive champagne, fruit and chocolates to enjoy in their private spa bath.
Sir Henry Parkes

A five-time premier of NSW, Parkes was a major proponent of Federation in the late 1890s (see Federation Pavilion).
Slip Inn

Made up of three levels and an outdoor courtyard, this pub and restaurant serves modern Italian food and has a good pizza menu.
Sofitel Wentworth

This building is a Sydney classic thanks to its curved, copper-clad façade. Inside, modern chandeliers feature hundreds of glass tear-drops, and throughout the hotel pale wood and rich, dark fabrics are used to maximum effect.
Solitary

Serving wonderful modern Australian food often made with ingredients from its own organic garden, Solitary offers warm service and a beautiful view of the Jamison Valley.
South Head

Governor Phillip spent his first night in Sydney Harbour, 22 January 1788, inside South Head (see Camp Cove & South Head). The headland features the red-and-white striped Hornby Lighthouse, so-painted to distinguish it from the Macquarie Lighthouse. It’s a prime vantage spot for viewing the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Southern Highlands

The coastal hinterland and the city of Wollongong, one or two hours south of Sydney, is a popular weekend getaway destination. With no shortage of antiques and crafts shops, galleries, B&Bs, English-style pubs, ivy-clad Georgian buildings and cottage gardens, this region is reminiscent of the English countryside. Since 1993, a major attraction has been Bundanon, the former estate and studio of artist Arthur Boyd, who bequeathed his property to the nation. Other popular attractions include the historic townships of Bowral, Berrima, Kiama (see Kiama Blowhole), Berry and Kangaroo Valley. The movie Babe was filmed in nearby Robertson.

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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