DK Travel : Sydney : Places of interest

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Rushcutters Bay Park

Rushcutters Bay, now the mooring of choice for some of Sydney’s finest yachts and the home of the Cruising Yacht Club, was the site of one of the settlers’ first run-ins with the local Eora people, on 30 May 1788. The Eora speared two convicts, who were collecting rushes for roof thatching after having stolen a fishing canoe. Today, this pleasant park contains tennis courts, a quaint picket-fenced cricket ground and stadium, lovely Moreton Bay fig trees and a pleasant kiosk and café. The park is much loved by both locals and their poodles.
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.
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.
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.
State Theatre

Originally a cinema with over-the-top Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco elements, this 1929 National Trust-classified “Palace of Dreams” was designed by Henry White, who also worked on the Capitol Theatre. Sweeping staircases embrace its lavish Grand Assembly foyer, and the massive 20,000-piece Koh-iNor chandelier dominates the 2,000-seat auditorium. Since 1974, this theatre has been the premier venue for the Sydney Film Festival. During the year it presents live acts and musical performances, which have included Bette Midler and kd lang, among others.
Storytime Readings

Children under five who fancy some downtime can attend Preschool Storytime sessions at the Balmain Library.
Strand Arcade

Although Melbournians will disagree, this may be Australia’s most impressive Victorian-era glass-roofed shopping arcade. Designed by John Spencer and opened in 1892, this quiet and elegant arcade (see Strand Arcade) is home to boutiques, jewellers, tailors, coffee shops and groovy home-ware stores such as Funkis and Dinosaur Designs. Pressed-metal stairs and quaint lifts service the three levels. After browsing the arcade, take a seat at the small tables on the western end of the upper levels, and enjoy a cup of tea overlooking the shoppers below.