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.

Southern Highlands

A quaint English-village feel permeates towns such as Bowral and Mittagong. Their main streets are lined with tea-houses and antiques shops.
Spanish

In a corner of the CBD you’ll find the Torres Deli, selling chorizo and jamon, as well as several tapas joints. The Spanish Club serves yummy but lethal sangria. La Campana has Latin dance lessons on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Spanish Film Festival

Often very cheeky, always great fun.
Spring Espresso

Get coffee and snacks with Sydney’s most glamorous people, where it’s all about being seen.
Springwood

Artist and writer Norman Lindsay (1879–1969), much loved for his 1918 classic children’s book The Magic Pudding and his paintings and sculptures of satyrs, nymphs and sirens, occupied this Blue Mountains property from 1912 until his death. Springwood, as it came to be known, is now a museum and gallery with an extensive collection of Lindsay’s work, including novels, watercolours and sculptures. The main house, studios and pleasure gardens are all open to the public.
St Albans

The highlight of this quaint historical village is the charming Settlers Arms Inn. Built by convict labour between 1836 and 1848, this National Trust-classified pub overlooks the Macdonald River and offers good food and accommodation.
St Andrew’s Cathedral

Australia’s oldest Gothic Revival cathedral was designed in 1868 by Edmund Blaket, who also designed St Stephen’s (see Camperdown Cemetery). It contains many memorials to Sydney pioneers, such as the 19th-century merchant-prince Thomas Mort, a major figure in the history of Sydney’s harbour.
St Mary’s Cathedral

One of the world’s largest Gothic Revival churches, the original 1833 structure of this cathedral was destroyed by a fire in 1865. Its replacement was designed by William Wardell and work began on it the same year. The twin spires, which featured in Wardell’s original plans, were only completed in 2000. The design of the magnificent terrazzo floor in the crypt is based on the Story of Creation and the Book of Kells ; it took 15 years to complete.
Stamford Plaza

Live old-world style at this sumptuous hotel. The lounge and dining areas are magnificent, the rooms are large and traditionally decorated, and the hotel’s proximity to the classiest shopping precinct in Sydney is unbeatable.
Star City Hotel

You might think the casino tacky, but the hotel is first-rate, with stylish rooms and an endless list of facilities. Drawcards include king beds in the standard rooms, 13 restaurants and bars, 24-hour entertainment and a health club with a pool. Choose between hotel and apartment-style accommodation.

Jump to top

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