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.

Sundays at Mars Lounge

A night for the beautiful people, in a bar popular with the fashion set thanks to its glamorous decor. Laid back beats and great food and cocktail menus.
Superdome

Seating 21,000 people, the Superdome is the largest indoor entertainment and sporting arena in Australia. One of the major venues for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the venue hosted the basketball finals, artistic gymnastics, trampoline and wheelchair basketball.
Surf at Palm Beach

There may be better waves to the south, but it’s hard to beat the setting.
Surfeit

Stop in at this café/food store to stock up on treats for a picnic. Try the rolls and risotto balls.
Susannah Place Museum

Built in 1844, Susannah Place Museum is as much a historic site as it is a museum; the row of quaint terrace houses evokes life in early Sydney. The houses have original outdoor laundries and brick lavatories that are some of the city’s oldest. One of the houses has been recreated as a corner shop that sells goods from that historical era.
Swim at Pearl Beach

This National Trust hamlet is cradled by Brisbane Waters National Park. The calm waters and rockpool are simply magical.
Swimming & Surfing

Sydney has dozens of beaches and most are very safe for swimming. The harbour beaches are generally calm, good for a relaxing paddle and for children. The ocean beaches are likely to have a rougher swell, perfect for surfing, body-boarding and body-surfing; you can take lessons at Let’s Go Surfing. At ocean beaches, make sure to swim between the flags, in the lifeguard-patrolled area.
Swiss-Grand Resort & Spa

This luxurious all-suite hotel has an unbeatable location at Bondi. It has full resort and day spa facilities, a rooftop swimming pool, and four bars and restaurants.
Sydney

At the time of booking, we purchased (for about £100) a Sydney and Beyond travel pass. This enabled us to travel on the ferrys,trains and buses for free-and entrance to numerous attractions ie. Taronga Zoo, Blue Mountains, guided tour of the Opera House etc. There`s a craft market on the steps of the Opera House, and my favourite stall was one that sold hand-made jewellery, clocks, necklaces-at a fraction of the price one would expect to pay in the UK.

There`s plenty to see and do in Sydney and spectacular views are everywhere.
Sydney Beachouse YHA

At this hostel on the northern beaches, spend days lounging by the pool, surfing or cycling. There are free didgeridoo lessons, there’s a cinema next door, and Manly is only a bus ride away.

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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