Sydney
Australia’s largest city stretches from the shores of the Tasman Sea to the foot of the Blue Mountains. Along with outstanding natural assets – stunning beaches, extensive parklands and the vast expanse of the harbour – Sydney boasts an impressive list of urban attractions, including world-class shopping and a host of superb restaurants and nightclubs.
Sydney began life in 1788 as a penal colony, a fact long considered a taint on the city’s character. Today, echoes of those bygone days remain in areas such as The Rocks, Macquarie Street and the western suburb of Parramatta.
Since those early days, the one-time prison settlement has become one of the world’s great cities. Home to two of Australia’s most famous icons, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, Sydney attracts more than two million international visitors a year. For a true Sydney experience, try watching a Rugby League Grand Final at ANZ Stadium with a crowd of 80 000 cheering fans. Or if good food and fine wine are more your style, sample the waterfront dining at Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, and multicultural flavours in inner-city Darlinghurst.
With a population of 4 340 000, Sydney offers a multitude of activities. Surf the breakers at Bondi Beach or jump on a Manly ferry and see the harbour sights. Whatever you do, Sydney is a great place to explore.
Visitor information
Sydney Visitor Centre
Sydney Visitor Centre
Level 1, cnr Argyle and Playfair sts, The Rocks
33 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour
(02) 9240 8788 or 1800 067 676
Getting Around
Sydney has an extensive network of rail, bus and ferry services. When negotiating the inner city, buses are probably best, with regular services on George and Elizabeth streets, between Park Street and Circular Quay, including the free 555 CBD Shuttle. The Red Explorer bus covers city attractions, and the Blue Explorer bus focuses on the eastern beach and harbourside suburbs. Trains are another option, with services every two or three minutes on the City Circle line, which runs in a loop between Central Station and Circular Quay.
The monorail, an elevated ride through the streets of Sydney, is an experience in itself. It runs in a circle that includes the north, west and south sides of Darling Harbour, and Liverpool, Pitt and Market streets.
The light rail service runs from Central Station to the inner-west suburb of Lilyfield. As Sydney’s only tram service, it is particularly useful for accessing places such as Star City and the Sydney Fish Market.
Ferries are also a great way to travel, with services to many locations on the inner and outer harbour . Inquire about Travel 10, MyMulti Day Pass and weekly tickets, as these can considerably reduce the cost of your trip.
If you’re driving, an up-to-the-minute road map is essential. There are ten tollways in Sydney, including the Harbour Bridge and the Cross-City Tunnel. Tolls can sometimes be paid on the spot, but the Cross-City Tunnel, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Lane Cove Tunnel, Falcon Street Gateway and M7 will only accept payment by E-tag, an electronic device that can be obtained through the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA).
Public transport
Train bus and ferry information line 13 1500
Tollways
Roads and Traffi c Authority (RTA) 13 2213.
Motoring organisation
NRMA 13 1122.
Harbour cruises
Sydney Harbour Ferries 13 1500; Captain Cook Cruises (02) 9206 1111.
Car rental
Avis 13 6333; Bayswater Car Rental (02) 9360 3622; Budget 13 2727; Hertz 13 3039; Thrifty 1300 367 227.
Specialty trips
Monorail and Metro Light Rail (02) 8584 5288.
Taxis
ABC Taxis 13 2522; Legion Cabs 13 1451; Manly Warringah Cabs 13 1668; Premier Cabs 13 1017.
Airport rail service
Airport Link (02) 8337 8417.
Water taxi
Water Taxis Combined 1300 666 484; Yellow Water Taxis 1300 138 840.
Tourist bus
Red Explorer, Blue Explorer 13 1500.
Bicycle hire
Centennial Park Cycles (02) 9398 5027; Bonza Bike Tours (02) 9247 8800
Getting Around on Ferries
Ferries are a great way to get about and see the harbour. Sydney Ferries and private operators run daily services from Circular Quay to more than 30 locations around the harbour and Parramatta River. Timetables, network maps and information about link tickets (combining a ferry fare with admission to various tourist attractions) can be obtained from the Sydney Ferries Information Centre at Circular Quay. Matilda Catamarans and Captain Cook Cruises are the main private ferry operators. They run ferry cruises and some express services to various points around Sydney Harbour, including some not serviced by Sydney Ferries.
Experience
Bondi Beach
Bodysurfing at Bondi
Sydney Visitor Centre
Wandering through the lanes and alleyways of The Rocks
Sydney Tower
Views from Sydney Tower
Manly
A trip on the Manly Ferry
Watsons Bay
Fish and chips at Watsons Bay
Kings Cross
Soaking up the atmosphere of Kings Cross
Taronga Zoo
A picnic at Taronga Zoo
Royal Botanic Gardens
Harbour views from Mrs Macquaries Chair
Sydney Opera House
A performance at the Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Balmain
A stroll through Balmain
South of the harbour
Bargain hunting at Paddy’s Markets
Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay
Following the Games Trail at Olympic Park
Elizabeth Farm, Rosehill
Visiting Elizabeth Farm in Parramatta
City precincts
Museums & Galleries
Paintings and sculptures in the former studio and home of this great Australian artist. 2 Raper St, Surry Hills; open 10am–4pm Sat–Sun.
A tribute to this remarkable woman who brought education to the children of the bush. 7 Mount St, North Sydney; open 10am–4pm daily.
Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre
Over 100 years of navy history in the harbourside setting of Garden Island. Take Watsons Bay ferry from Circular Quay to Garden Island; last ferry departs Garden Island 4.06pm Mon–Fri, 4.16pm Sat–Sun. Open daily; admission free.
A history of the Jewish people in Australia, along with a poignant tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. Cnr Darlinghurst Rd and Burton St, Darlinghurst; closed Sat and Jewish holidays.
Located in the old Water Police Station, with exhibitions on crime and punishment in Sydney, including the city’s most notorious cases. Cnr Albert and Phillip sts, Circular Quay; open 10am–5pm Sat–Sun, daily Jan.
Military pride in a colonial setting, with a stirring flag-raising ceremony, followed by a guided tour of the barracks and the museum. Oxford St, Paddington; open 10am–1pm Thurs, 10am–4pm Sun; admission free.
Historic trams from Sydney, Nagasaki, Berlin and San Francisco. Entry fee includes unlimited rides on the trams. Cnr Pitt St and Princes Hwy, Loftus; open 10am–3pm Wed, 10am–5pm Sun, daily during school holidays.
A fascinating glimpse into the chequered past of The Rocks, featuring both interactive technology and archaeological artefacts. 2–8 Kendall La, The Rocks; open 10am–5pm daily; admission free
Australian Centre for Photography
Exhibitions of work by the world’s best art, fashion and documentary photographers. 257 Oxford St, Paddington; open 12–7pm Tues–Fri, 10am–6pm Sat–Sun; admission free.
Grand Old Buildings
Elegant sandstone building designed by colonial architect James Barnet in the Classical Revival style. Alfred St, Circular Quay.
This building is particularly noteworthy for the statues of famous explorers and legislators that grace the exterior. 22–33 Bridge St.
Much altered, but the castellated facade still recalls Macquarie’s fancy Government House Stables. Macquarie St.
Sydney’s oldest surviving residence, now a NPWS office. 110 George St, The Rocks.
Built from bricks made by convicts, its serried roof has long been a Sydney landmark. Hickson Rd, The Rocks.
View the red-cedar pulpit and the beautiful stained-glass window. Lower Fort St, Millers Point.
Exotic and remarkable in its originality, with a gorgeous mix of Byzantine and Gothic architecture, and sumptuous interiors. Elizabeth St.
With twin towers that recall York Minster, it is best seen in November through a cloud of purple jacaranda. Cnr Bathurst and George sts.
Landscaped grounds and historic sandstone buildings. Parramatta Rd, Broadway. See also Queen Victoria Building, p. 7 , Sydney Town Hall , p. 7 , Hyde Park Barracks Museum , p. 10 , Government House , p. 11
Landscaped grounds and historic sandstone buildings. Parramatta Rd, Broadway.
Other Suburbs
Where old Sydney meets new urban chic, with 19th century streetscapes, trendy cafes, bars and clusters of fashion warehouses close to Central Station.
A suburb with a funky, alternative feel, Newtown seems to sleep late and party late. It is best visited in the afternoon and early evening, when the shops and cafes of King Street come alive.
Sydney’s little Italy, with some of the city’s best Italian restaurants, superb shopping in Norton Street and the unique shopping and dining precinct of Italian Forum.
The heart of the Vietnamese community, with a vibrant shopping strip specialising in good-quality fabrics, fresh Asian produce and fabulous pho (rice noodle soup).
Pretty beachside village with a stunning backdrop of bush-clad hills, and a laid-back shopping precinct crammed with delis, cafes and some very up-market clothing and homewares stores.
Close to the Nepean River, this is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts, with the Cables Waterski Park and the Whitewater Stadium located here. There is a pleasant shopping precinct with some good eateries, and an excellent regional gallery.
One of Sydney’s most far-flung suburbs, with a pleasant rural atmosphere, pretty, old-world streetscapes and good cafes.
Cronulla
With some interesting shops and cafes in the main street and a superb beach close by, this is a good starting point for trips to Royal National Park and the important historical site of Kurnell (Captain Cook’s landing site and the birthplace of modern Australia).
Harbour Islands
Sydney Harbour is dotted with islands, but only five of them are open to the public. Four come under the authority of the National Parks & Wildlife Service, which charges a $7 landing fee per person. Visits must be prebooked and prepaid, so the information and tour booking office located in Cadmans Cottage, George St, The Rocks, is the starting point for any tour or visit to the islands (except Cockatoo Island).
Islands
Fort Denison Crime, punishment and the defence of Sydney Harbour are all part of Fort Denison’s past. Now it plays a vital role in assessing and predicting the tides, and is the site of the One O’clock Gun. Access is by guided tour only, and there is a restaurant on the island.
Shark Island Sandy beaches, shaded grassy areas and superb views of the harbour make this the perfect place for a picnic. Matilda Catamarans runs a daily ferry service from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay to Shark Island, with the fare including the landing fee.
Clark Island Named for Ralph Clark, an officer of the First Fleet who once planted a vegetable garden here, Clark Island is now a place of unspoiled bushland and pleasant grassy areas, and is popular with picnicking families. Access by private vessel or water taxi.
Rodd Island Another favourite picnic place, Rodd Island has a colonial-style hall, which dates back to 1889, and 1920s summer houses that shelter long tables, making the island suitable for picnicking in all seasons. Access by private vessel or water taxi.
Cockatoo Island A former prison and shipyard, Cockatoo Island has abandoned workshops and wharves, a camping ground and cafe, and hosts art and concert events. Tours are available. It’s free to visit and accessible by regular ferries from Circular Quay Wharf 5 or 4.
Shopping
Sydney’s major shopping area.
Sheer indulgence with some of the world’s leading designer labels.
A dazzling array of top-quality fashion and lifestyle brands.
The place to go for top-quality Australian art, jewellery and clothing.
Up-to-the-minute street fashion and funky alternative clothing.
Cutting-edge designers and a mecca for antique hunters.
Sydney’s most exclusive shopping suburb.
Designer shopping at bargain prices in a historic venue.
Classy shopping in a village atmosphere.
Walks & Tours
The history of The Rocks and its many colourful characters are brought to life during this 90-minute tour. Bookings on (02) 9247 6678.
For a comprehensive overview of Sydney’s harbour, starting and ending at Observatory Hill, this walk covers 26 kilometres and could take you the whole day. Download a map from: planning.nsw.gov.au
Various tours of the Sydney Harbour Bridge that involve climbing to the top of the span clad in protective clothing and secured with a harness. Bookings on (02) 8274 7777.
During November, this free outdoor exhibition on the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk draws large crowds viewing over 100 modern art pieces with the sea as their backdrop.
Discover some of Sydney’s more out-of-the-way places on foot. Pick up a brochure at the Sydney Ferries Information Centre at Circular Quay, take a ferry to any of the listed destinations, and start walking.
Tales of scandal and intrigue unfold on this pub crawl with a difference, as you knock back a schooner or two at The Rocks’ most famous hotels. Bookings on 1300 458 437.
Tour the harbour in a high-performance V8 jet boat. Bookings on (02) 9808 3700.
Stories of sex, scandal and the supernatural. Explore Sydney’s darker side on this night-time minibus tour. Bookings on (02) 9487 2895.
See Sydney from the back of an East Coast Harley-Davidson. Bookings on 1300 882 065.
Choose from a range of foodie tours that uncover Sydney’s multicultural world of gourmet food. Experienced chefs will take you to local shops and invite you to try traditional Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Portuguese, Turkish or Vietnamese cuisine. Bookings on (02) 9960 5675.
City Sightseeing Sydney and Bondi Tours
Cover the city and the eastern suburbs in a double-decker, open-topped bus, hopping on and off as often as you like. (02) 9567 8400.
Tour the city’s CBD and shopping districts, with a focus on either coffee or chocolate. Bookings on 0417 167 766.
Experience the Dreamtime of The Rocks with an Aboriginal guide. Bookings (02) 9240 8788.
Sport
Sydneysiders have always been passionate about their sport. As a city that has recently hosted the Olympic Games, Sydney is now home to some of the best sporting facilities in the world.
Football, cricket and racing dominate the sporting scene. Although Sydney does have an AFL (Australian Football League) team – the Sydney Swans – Rugby League and Rugby Union hold more sway here, with the season for both codes beginning in March. Key games throughout the Rugby League season are played at the Sydney Football Stadium at Moore Park, with the Grand Final taking place in September at ANZ Stadium, in Olympic Park. A particular highlight is the State of Origin competition, which showcases the cream of Rugby League talent in a series of three matches between Queensland and New South Wales. These take place in the middle of the season, and the New South Wales matches are played at ANZ Stadium.
The Waratahs are the New South Wales side in the Super 12s, the Rugby Union competition in which local and overseas teams go head to head. These games are played at Sydney Football Stadium, while the Bledisloe Cup games (between Australia’s Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks) are played at ANZ Stadium and attract up to 80 000 spectators.
In summer, cricket takes centre stage. The highlight is the New Year’s Day Test, followed by the One-Day Internationals, all of which are played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Sydney’s official soccer (football) team is Sydney FC, which competes in the Hyundai A-League at Sydney Football Stadium.
Other sporting highlights include the Spring and Autumn Racing Carnivals, with the world’s richest horserace for two-year-olds, the Golden Slipper, being held just before Easter.
Entertainment
Located in George Street, between Bathurst and Liverpool streets, the 17-screen Event Cinemas George Street complex is the major cinema centre in the CBD. Arthouse cinemas include the Chauvel at Paddington Town Hall; the Dendy at Newtown and Circular Quay; and the Cinema Paris at the Entertainment Quarter. For a unique cinema experience, try the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne, famous for its Art Deco interior and Wurlitzer pipe organ. See the newspapers for details of fi lms being shown.
Day Tours
Nestled into the folds and hills of the Great Dividing Range, the Southern Highlands offer pretty rural scenery, historic townships with superb European-style gardens, a variety of festivals, and wonderful guesthouses and restaurants.
Stretching north from Sydney Harbour to Broken Bay, the northern beaches are one of Sydney’s loveliest natural assets. Pittwater Road takes you from Manly through the beach suburbs of Dee Why, Long Reef, Collaroy and Narrabeen. Barrenjoey Road leads to more exclusive beaches, culminating in posh Whale Beach and Palm Beach. The Upper Hawkesbury, north-west of Sydney, encompasses a scenic river landscape dotted with charming Georgian villages. It is Australia’s most historic rural area.
North of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park encloses a magnificent stretch of bushland, set around the glittering waters of the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay. Fishing, river cruises and bushwalking are popular activities here.
Abutting Sydney’s southern suburbs, Royal National Park encloses a landscape of sandstone outcrops, wild heathland, rainforest, plunging cliffs and secluded beaches – perfect for walks, fishing, wildlife-watching and camping. Beyond the park you’ll find the city of Wollongong and a magnificent stretch of surf coast dotted with pleasant resort towns.
Located about 160 kilometres north-west of Sydney, the Lower Hunter area is Australia’s oldest winegrowing district, with over 60 wineries radiating from the town of Cessnock. Take a tour of the wineries, starting with a visit to the wine centre in town, or book into one of the many excellent restaurants. For more details see
Eco-friendly activities
Bushwalking in and around Sydney
Surprisingly, Sydney does offer some superb bushwalking through secluded bushland. Aboriginal engraving and art sites are quite common, and many are not publicised, simply leaving you to discover them, appreciate them, and leave them alone. In the north of the city, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a must – particularly the river walk from Apple Tree Bay along Cowan Creek, or any of the steep tracks down to the water from West Head Road. In the south, Royal National Park’s Coast Track is a 26-kilometre overnight classic, with dramatic cliffs, isolated beaches and pockets of rainforest. Alternatively, for an informative guided day walk and tour of the sights in this park, using public transport from Sydney or a carbon-positive bus ride, try Understand Down Under, which has an admirable environmental policy. One of the newest long-distance walks in Sydney is the 100-kilometre Great Coastal Walk, from Barrenjoey Headland, at the end of Palm Beach in the north, right through to Cronulla, crossing the Harbour Bridge along the way. It is anticipated that most people would take about seven days to complete the walk, and there is a wide range of accommodation available. The website has maps and plenty of information, including where to buy food and drink.
Surprisingly, this activity has only taken off in Sydney in the past few years. With a city centred on such great waterways, there is plenty to explore, whether just for an hour or two, or a whole week. Sydney Harbour Kayaks at the Spit Bridge runs a four-hour guided kayak tour through parts of Garigal National Park every Saturday and Sunday morning, and will also hire gear and recommend other great paddles. Bundeena Kayaks at the other end of Sydney, offers tours into Royal National Park, including an unusual Night Owl Kayak Tour, which starts among jumping fish about an hour before sunset.
With mother nature supplying the power, surfing is a great way to experience eco-friendly thrills and spills, and Sydney has plenty of people keen to help you get on your feet. Try Let’s Go Surfing, on world-famous Bondi Beach, or the Manly Surf School at various beachside locations (Manly, Collaroy Beach, Long Reef Beach and Palm Beach).
Snorkelling and diving in Sydney
A growing number of Sydneysiders and visitors are discovering the joys of snorkelling in and around the harbour city. There are marine reserves to explore and an ever-changing aquarium of sea creatures. Some of the larger fish that are easy to find include friendly blue groper and the unusual wobbegong sharks and Port Jackson sharks, but seahorses and weedy sea dragons are also surprisingly common in some locations. Great, safe spots to try snorkelling include the Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, along the swimming nets at Manly Cove and in the narrow Clovelly Bay. On a clear summer’s day, another great option is to make a day of the 10-kilometre Spit to Manly walk by carrying a mask and snorkel, and diving in for a swim or two at any of the sheltered coves along the way. Diving shops abound in Sydney, and all will offer advice and boat-based dives nearly every weekend. Easy shore dives include Gordons Bay, Clifton Gardens and the very popular Cabbage Tree Bay off Shelly Beach. Recommended dive shops include Deep 6 Diving.
One of the world’s best zoos, Taronga is involved in a wide variety of threatened species recovery operations, wildlife rehabilitation and animal research work. As well as having a great day by Sydney Harbour, among a menagerie of animals from Australia and around the world, zoo-goers are encouraged to contribute directly to wildlife programs. You can also stay overnight in luxury tents as part of the Roar & Snore experience.
Many Sydneysiders used to travel elsewhere to do their whale-watching, not realising that between May and November, hundreds of the mammals were passing them by. Some now even enter the harbour to pose by the Opera House. You do not need to get in a boat to see them – just keep an eye out from any of the headlands from Palm Beach to Cronulla – but several companies run trips of a few hours from the city. Sydney Eco Whale Watching operates a yacht with small groups of only 20 passengers.
Cafes & restaurants around town
a tavola 2 km
‘To the table’ indeed. Nestled in one of Sydney’s trendiest areas, a tavola bursts with Italian warmth, rustic charm and an incredible selection of homemade pasta dangling just outside the kitchen,... Find out moreThe Ivy is Sydney’s new playground for the city’s ultra groovy A-list, a gaudy, fabulous labyrinth of dining and drinking pleasures, most of them delightfully over the top. Thankfully, this stunning,... Find out more
North of the harbour, Bathers’ Pavilion is a pearl in Sydney’s waterfront dining scene. Reclining above beautiful Balmoral Beach, this restaurant’s casual, comfortable ambience deftly complements the... Find out more
Bécasse 1 km
Bécasse is a star in the galaxy of established Sydney restaurants, with chef Justin North winning the coveted 2009 Chef of the Year award in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. A master of innovative and... Find out moreBerowra Waters Inn 31 km
Recently renovated but still remarkable, the Berowra Waters Inn has reopened its doors to reveal a contemporary dining room nestled in its landmark location on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, encircled by bushland.... Find out moreTony Bilson, cherished ‘godfather of Australian cuisine’, has enchanted palates with his sublime French food for over three decades. Bilson’s masterful technique, loyal to his passion for French... Find out more
Bodega gleams from its unlikely location on a gritty inner-city street. It’s easily recognisable by the guests clamouring for a seat, as this establishment honours a no reservations policy. However, this is one... Find out more
Burlington Bar and Dining 5 km
Burlington Bar and Dining is revolutionising fine dining on Sydney’s North Shore. Diners from across the harbour in east Sydney have done the unthinkable and actually crossed the water to dine in the north, lest... Find out moreNestled at the far end of Glebe Point Road, near the harbour, this colourful, contemporary restaurant bursts with charm, vivacious style and delectable dining. It’s perfect for leisurely lunches and dinners, the... Find out more
Lavished with awards and nestled in a sail of the Opera House, Guillaume at Bennelong eclipses the mantle of tourist destination, beguiling guests with classic French style blended with modern Australian cuisine. Harbour... Find out more
Jonah’s is a luxurious, contemporary dining room overlooking one of Sydney’s prettiest slices of coastline and enjoying panoramic views of Whale Beach below. The French-influenced menu offers a sumptuous... Find out more
Chic little sister of ultra-glamorous Icebergs, North Bondi Italian Food reclines above an iconic strip of Sydney’s coastline, boasting stunning Bondi views. Those vistas include a bevy of hip locals vying for the... Find out more
Quay 1 km
Quay is simply the jewel in the crown of Sydney dining, winner of multiple awards and accolades. Rather than rely on its coveted location at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, looking straight onto Sydney Opera House, this... Find out moreRestaurant Arras is a delight. Located close to Sydney Theatre Company in Walsh Bay, it’s a convenient option for a night out at the theatre or a terrific dining destination in its own right. Excellent food and... Find out more
Committed to innovation and excellence, Rockpool continues as it began 20 years ago, capturing an incredible cross-section of flavours. Chef Neil Perry is a visionary, creating a union of Asian and European seafood... Find out more
Sailors Thai Canteen is a fantastic alternative to its fancier namesake restaurant located downstairs, Sailors Thai. This upstairs canteen offers relaxed dining at a fraction of the price, with guests enjoying pared-down... Find out more
Spice I Am 1 km
Welcome to one of the worst-kept dining secrets in Sydney’s history. When the proprietors of this unassuming little Thai restaurant opened their doors a few years ago, apparently their sole wish was to provide... Find out moreTabou is a hands-down favourite for Sydney locals, keen to enjoy more of its rustic French fare. The cosy inner-city dining room is an elegant retreat from the noise and clatter outside, and offers an authentic French... Find out more
Tetsuya’s 1 km
Internationally adored culinary wizard Tetsuya Wakuda bewitches diners with inspired dishes such as his signature confit of Petuna Tasmanian ocean trout with kombu seaweed, daikon radish and fennel green salad.... Find out moreChristine Manfield has done it again. Emerging after a seven-year hiatus, Universal is a testament to the famous Sydney chef’s world travels and her passion for creating exciting, eclectic dishes covering every... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to eat
These totally vegan restaurants have fascinating dishes including mock fish, made from taro, mushroom steaks and desserts such as green tea moon cake.... Find out more
Nearby breweries
Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 1 km
Sydney’s longest-running brew-pub is many things rolled into one fine watering hole – an institution for ale lovers, a tourist magnet and a haven for homesick Poms. The historic sandstone pub is as comfy as a... Find out moreSchwartz Brewery 1 km
Tucked away in the basement of the heritage-listed Macquarie Hotel in Surry Hills, this 8-hectolitre microbrewery is the hub of a burgeoning craft-beer empire run by owner Dr Jerry Schwartz. Apart from supplying the pub,... Find out moreMalt Shovel Brewery 4 km
US-born Dr Charles ‘Chuck’ Hahn has enjoyed two separate craft-beer careers over two decades, operating out of the same Camperdown brewery. In the late ’80s he opened it as the independent Hahn Brewery,... Find out moreSt Peters Brewery 5 km
Matt Donelan is someone who marches to a different drum from most other craftbrewers. He doesn’t have a website or own a mobile phone and doesn’t believe in cardboard packaging. He matches his keg prices... Find out more4 Pines Brewing Company 10 km
What do Margaret River and Manly have in common? Well, they both have popular surfing spots and craft breweries or, at least, they do now. The Mitchell family had seen the burgeoning Margaret River microbrewing scene... Find out morePaddy's Brewery 13 km
There may be more unlikely venues for a craft brewery but, offhand, I can’t think of one. The Markets Hotel is a 24-hour pub opposite Sydney’s Flemington fresh produce market, where you’re more likely... Find out moreTooheys Brewery 15 km
Tooheys remains the last of Sydney’s long-running mainstream breweries still currently operating. Founders James and John Toohey were cattle farmers before they entered the beer game, buying the Darling Brewery (it... Find out moreFive Islands Brewing Company 67 km
Started by local Illawarra rugby league legend Michael Bolt in 2001, the Five Islands Brewing Company has travelled a markedly different course to most other craft-beer enterprises. FIBC began life as a beachside bar and... Find out moreBluetongue Brewery 114 km
Set up in 2004 by a consortium of Hunter region identities, including wine man Bruce Tyrell and hotelier Ian Burford, Bluetongue Brewery soon established a significant regional market for its premium lager and alcoholic... Find out moreHunter Beer Company 118 km
Potters Brewery, as this microbrewery is also known, might seem like a rather odd addition to this convention-based accommodation complex, which is named after the historic beehive-shaped pottery kilns scattered around... Find out moreSteel River Brewery 120 km
Every brewhouse has its own distinct personality – new ones are punched out in uniform fashion and pretty much look the same, but pre-loved ones tend to have a bit more character and, more often than not, a... Find out moreMurray's Craft Brewing Company 141 km
But there’s a-nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear, Than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer. So sang the late country singing legend Slim Dusty and, more importantly, the words of the famous song were penned... Find out moreThis beer-marketing company takes its name from the Belgian patron saint of brewing and was launched in 2001 with a range of draught beers, produced under contract at various breweries (latterly, Australian Independent... Find out more
Scharer's Little Brewery 65 km
Country publican Geoffrey Scharer was one of the first people in decades to apply for a new brewing licence in New South Wales in the early 1980s. By 1987, he was producing an unfiltered Bavarianstyle lager from a... Find out moreFish Rock Brewery 97 km
Craft beer is a sideline for winemakers Anton and Mark Balog, who operate Mundrakoona Estate outside Mittagong. Despite the decidedly inland location, the fish-themed beers include Leatherjacket Lager and Red Emperor... Find out moreMudgee Brewing 207 km
When the last brewery closed down in 1956 the local drop was referred to, unkindly, as Mudgee Mud; since then, the area has boomed as a wineproducing region and Mudgee Brewing came to the party in mid-2007. Started by... Find out moreZierholz Premium Brewery 247 km
Alphabetically, the last word in Australian craft beer belongs to the Canberra-based Zierholz Premium Brewery. A champion home brewer and soil-andwater boffin, Christophe Zierholz took the plunge to setting up a... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Barrenjoey House has been attracting visitors since it first began operating as a guesthouse back in 1923. Brilliantly restored, its light-filled rooms combine coastal elegance and contemporary comfort. Seven boutique... Find out more
BLUE Sydney 1 km
Offering magnificent boutique accommodation in a coveted location – the legendary Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo – this place boasts 100 guest rooms, including 36 loft-style rooms. Exposed timber and... Find out moreDiamant Boutique Hotel sparkles from its enviable location in the heart of Sydney, where Kings Cross, Potts Point and Darlinghurst connect. Guest rooms cater for every taste, with a variety of options available but all... Find out more
This small boutique hotel overlooks Coogee Beach in Sydney’s east. All the contemporary-style guest suites are self-contained and their cutting-edge, stainless-steel bathrooms are a favourite with design magazines.... Find out more
The first stop on any luxury tour of New South Wales has to be the Establishment Hotel. There are 33 guest rooms and two penthouse suites, all with Bvlgari bath and shower toiletries. Combining colonial heritage with... Find out more
Blessed with a spectacular location overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks district, this contemporary international hotel is perfectly situated for relaxing or exploring the city streets beyond its doors.... Find out more
Located in Parramatta, Harborne B&B is a restored Georgian sandstone mansion (c. 1858) encircled by gardens. The eight guest rooms are appointed in two different themes – the Governor or the Settler. Breakfast is... Find out more
Following a complete restructure and facelift, the Sydney Hilton is once again a contemporary city landmark. Luxury is on a grand scale here, enveloping guests in comfort and refined style. There are a variety of... Find out more
On the border of Paddington and Woollahra, two of Sydney’s most elegant eastern suburbs, this place offers B&B accommodation. Housed in an 1870s Victorian manor, there are 33 ensuite guest rooms, all individually... Find out more
Kathryn’s on Queen is a B&B tucked away inside a heritage-listed Victorian terrace in the sophisticated suburb of Woollahra. The three luxurious guest rooms – Le Grand, Le Attic and Le Petit – are furnished in a... Find out more
Medusa 2 km
Medusa mirrors the eclectic ensemble of life beckoning on the streets outside its front door. Located in eastern Sydney’s bohemian suburb of Darlinghurst, there are 18 guest suites providing luxurious comfort and... Find out moreObservatory Hotel 1 km
Located in the heart of Sydney’s historic Rocks district, the Observatory Hotel is a landmark of old-world opulence with every modern convenience at your fingertips. Steeped in colonial elegance, each room is... Find out moreShangri-La Hotel 1 km
Shimmering on a rise overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the Shangri-La is a statuesque beauty – 36 floors high – whose 563 luxurious rooms have incredible views. The Rocks location is... Find out moreOverlooking one of Australia’s most coveted patches of coastline at Bondi, the Swiss-Grand offers a smorgasbord of luxurious suites, including a family suite that boasts private balconies and incredible ocean views.... Find out more
Located on a secluded Darlinghurst street, The Chelsea Guesthouse straddles two Victorian terraces, complete with overhanging verandahs and intricate iron lacework. The interiors surprise with their light-filled spaces... Find out more
For style, luxury and a location right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Darlinghurst, book a room at The Kirketon. The entire building pays homage to the great Parisian boutique hotels, and its cutting-edge... Find out more
Who would have dreamt you could find a charming B&B right in the heart of one of Sydney’s most sought-after locations? Housed in a building dating back to 1887, The Russell offers warm and friendly hospitality... Find out more
Luxurious coastal chic is just a ferry ride away at this Manly boutique establishment. Overlooking the ocean, the majority of the hotel’s 83 contemporary guest rooms have fantastic views of Manly’s iconic... Find out more
Located inside an Art Deco building, The Storrier art hotel is Sydney’s newest contemporary boutique hotel, its decor inspired by Tim Storrier’s painting Point to Point (Evening Blaze). The suites at The... Find out more
Eco-friendly places around town
Lane Cove River Tourist Park
Wake to kookaburras, cockatoos and a stroll along the misty Lane Cove River in this ecocertified camping and caravan park tucked into a national park. It is a quiet oasis only 10 kilometres from the CBD, and offers safe... Find out morePopular events around town
A two-week cultural festival culminating in a spectacular street parade. February–March.... Find out more
The country comes to the city in the Great Australian Muster. Easter.... Find out more
The Archibald national portrait prize and exhibition is one of Sydney’s most controversial events. March–May.... Find out more
A showcase for the newest offerings in cinema. June.... Find out more
A showcase for the newest offerings in cinema. June.... Find out more
A 14-kilometre fun run, from Hyde Park to Bondi. August.... Find out more
A month-long festival of food and outdoor art, including the Sydney International Food Festival, Darling Harbour Fiesta and Art & About. October.... Find out more
The leaders of the football competition compete for the title in the final match of the season. October.... Find out more
Classic blue-water sailing event. 26 December.... Find out more
