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.

Badde Manors

Stop in to enjoy the bohemian charm of this busy café-cum-meeting spot, but expect haphazard service.
Ballooning

Dawn balloon flights over the Sydney region are a great experience, tranquil yet exhilarating, with lovely views of the sprawling city and the hazy Blue Mountains. Weather permitting, Balloon Aloft offers daily flights from Camden, followed by a barbecue and champagne breakfast. Ballooning might not be appropriate for those scared of heights.
Balls Head Reserve

On the headland east of Manns Point and the Parramatta River (see Birchgrove) lies this pleasant park, site of Aboriginal rock art and bushwalking trails. It offers stunning views across the harbour to Goat Island and Balmain (see Balmain East). BBQ facilities are available, and it’s easily accessible from Waverton Railway Station. The park is cradled by the dormitory suburbs of Waverton and Wollstoncraft, the latter named after Edward Wollstoncraft, nephew of Mary Wollstoncraft, the author of Rights of Women . Edward was an enterprising local merchant who operated a shipping business with his partner Alexander Berry, after whom the bay to the east was named.
Balmain East

At the eastern end of the Balmain peninsula is the Darling Point Wharf, overlooked by manicured Thornton Park. A sign tracing the route of the Balmain History Trail can be found near the bus stop. On Darling Street, check out the former Dolphin Hotel and the Waterman’s Cottage. To the south, Peacock Point offers great views over Millers Point, Darling Harbour and the Anzac Bridge. Mort Bay Reserve to the north features two massive ships’ propellers and views over the ferry and tugboat maintenance yards in Mort Bay.
Balmoral

Another excellent children’s beach, Balmoral has a large enclosure of shark nets bordered by a wooden boardwalk which kids love to jump off. Grassy picnic areas abound, the water is warm and calm, and there are many places to buy the kids an ice cream.
Bangarra Dance Theatre

This unique company blends traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture with international contemporary dance. Powerful, startling and inherently spiritual, Bangarra speaks with an ancient yet completely modern voice.
Bar Cleveland

Trendy but unpretentious, open ’til the small hours.
Bar Europa

In a city of glitzy views, this underground bar makes a pleasant change. Try the delicious cocktails and bar food, but avoid Friday nights when it’s packed full of suits.
Barefoot Bowls & Beer

It may be every Aussie grandma’s pastime, but it has also been recently undergoing a surge in popularity, thanks main-ly to the patronage of certain Sydney celebrities and a bunch of trendy kids. Try the original and the best, Sunday arvo bowls at Paddington Bowling Club.
Baron’s

This night-owl haunt is full of faded glamour. Cocktails and backgammon until 6am.

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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
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- over $200