Destination Guide to Sydney, Australia

With world-famous landmarks, top tourist attractions, award-winning museums, high-quality restaurants and a bustling nightlife, Sydney is one of the planet’s most popular tourist destinations. A full spectrum of Sydney hotels and accommodation are available, from backpacker hostels in Kings Cross, to luxury apartments on the waterfront. It’s relatively easy to get to, and finding cheap hotels in Sydney and accommodation is not usually a problem, but with so much to see and do, where do you start?

Top Tourist Attractions

A great place to start sightseeing in Sydney is Circular Quay. As well as being a major transport hub, the quay is also a key focal point, located between Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Boasting some great Sydney hotels, shops, parks, restaurants and bars all located beside the peaceful backdrop of Sydney Cove.

The Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. The former is the world’s widest long-span bridge. Sydney Opera House hosts a wide range of events, and has received architecture’s highest honour for its magnificent structure. Sydney Tower makes up the third of the city’s great landmarks, and is the third-tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere, with views of all Sydney hotels, gardens and beaches.

Entertainment

Sydney’s nightlife caters for everyone, from swanky Sydney hotels and bars to noisy backstreet clubs that party throughout the night. King Cross is perhaps the most well-known area for nightlife, and has undergone significant redevelopment over the last few years boasting a large number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to meet all tastes. Nearby Darlinghurst continues the theme, and offers more of the same. At cheaphotels.com.au you can get some great deals on Sydney hotels near both Darlinghurst and Kings Cross.

Nature and Culture Options

On the eastern side of Darling Harbour is Sydney Aquarium, which displays over 650 species of aquatic life. Wildlife World continues the theme, and is an enclosed alternative to Taronga Zoo. The zoo is home to over 2,600 animals, which means native Australian wildlife can be witnessed close by Sydney hotels and doesn’t require a trip into the bush.

The city’s Royal Botanic Gardens are free to access and hoat regular events and festivals throughout the year. Ask your Sydney hotels concierge for more information on upcoming events in the gardens.

Of course you could just head to one of the amazing beaches. Bondi Beach is the most famous, but Coogee and Manly are just two of the many other options. Check cheaphotels.com.au for great deals on Sydney hotels in these beach areas.

With world-famous landmarks, top tourist attractions, award-winning museums, high-quality restaurants and a bustling nightlife and a great range of hotels and accommodation, Sydney is one of the planet’s most popular tourist destinations, with nearly three million foreign visitors every year.

The city is covered by an extensive public transport system, covering bus, rail, taxi and ferry options, meaning almost anywhere in the city and its surrounding suburbs is easily accessible. A full spectrum of accommodation is available, from backpacker hostels in Kings Cross, to luxury apartments on the waterfront.

It’s relatively easy to get to and finding accommodation is not usually a problem, but with so much to see and do in Sydney, the question is: Where do you start?

Top Tourist Attractions in Sydney

A great place to start sightseeing in Sydney is Circular Quay. Situated Between The Rocks and Bennelong Point, this is the sight of the initial landing of the First Fleet in Port Jackson. As well as being a major transport hub with connections all over the city, the quay is also a key focal point of the area, being located between Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Shops, parks, restaurants and bars can all be enjoyed to the peaceful backdrop of Sydney Cove, and enjoying a cold drink and soaking up the sun and laid-back atmosphere is highly recommended while you decide where to visit next.

It is a toss-up between the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as to which is the Sydney’s most iconic landmark. The former is the world’s widest long-span bridge, and carries trains, vehicles and pedestrians between the CBD and North Shore. Daredevils can perform a Bridge Climb, winding up ladders and along catwalks to the summit, whilst the more faint-hearted can stroll across at their own pace and take in the panoramic views as they go. The Harbour Bridge is also a key part of the course for the famous Sydney Marathon, which is held every autumn and attracts top runners from across the globe.

Sydney Opera House plays host to a wide range of events throughout the year, and has received architecture’s highest honour for its magnificent and instantly-recognisable structure. The Australian Ballet and the Sydney Theatre Company perform here on a regular basis, as well as many top touring acts.

Sydney Tower makes up the third of the city’s great landmarks, and is the third-tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere, standing at an impressive 325 meters. Express lifts shuttle visitors to the top, where they can relax with a coffee, enjoy a meal in one of the two revolving restaurants, and take in the panoramic views.

Leisure and Entertainment in Sydney

Sydney’s nightlife caters for everyone, from swanky bars to noisy backstreet clubs that party throughout the night and well into the next morning. King Cross is perhaps the most well-known area for nightlife, and though it has a reputation as a Red-Light district, has undergone significant redevelopment over the last few years and makes for a vibrant and enjoyable night out, with a large number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to meet all tastes. Nearby Darlinghurst continues the theme, and offers more of the same.

More leisure and entertainment options can be found at Darling Harbour, with even more bars and restaurants, a casino, the largest IMAX theatre in the world and the Chinese Garden of Friendship just some of the many attractions to be found in this modern pedestrian precinct. Amusement park fans should head to historical Luna Park, on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour, which has been in operation for over 70 years.

Nature and Culture Options

On the eastern side of Darling Harbour is Sydney Aquarium, which displays over 650 species of aquatic life, along with an excellent recreation of a Great Barrier Reef environment. Next door, Sydney Wildlife World continues the theme, and is an enclosed alternative to Taronga Zoo.

Taronga Zoo itself is located on the shores of Sydney Harbour in the Mosman suburb. The zoo is home to over 2,600 animals, including kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, wallabies and wombats, meaning you don’t have to head out into the bush to witness native Australian wildlife at its finest.

The Museum and Art Gallery enthusiast is not neglected either, and can take their pick from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Australian Museum (anthropology and natural history), the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum (science, technology and design) and many more.

The city’s Royal Botanic Gardens are free to access and open every day of the year and are a beautiful place to relax on a summer’s day. There are also regular events in the gardens for all the family including music and drama as well as festivals throughout the year.

Of course you could just head to the beach, and with an average temperature of 22C throughout the year, and summer highs well above 30C, it certainly makes sense to do this. Bondi Beach is the most famous, and lies just 7km from the CBD, though can get a little crowded in the height of summer. Coogee Beach (in the south-east of Sydney) and Manly Beach (in the north-east) are just two of the many other options.

Sydney is home to a plethora of events and festivals that cater for a wide range of tastes. Whether you are attracted to the party atmosphere of the Christmas period, or the more cultural attractions of the Sydney Film Festival in winter, you are sure to enjoy the quality of events that Australia’s most iconic city has to offer.

Summer

Summer is a great time to visit Sydney, when the festivities of the Christmas period combine with the searing hot temperatures to make Christmas on Bondi Beach a particular favourite of many visitors. Just a few days later is New Year’s Eve, with Sydney Harbour arguably the most desirable place to be on the planet when the big countdown begins and the world-famous firework display kicks into action but make sure you book your accommodation in Sydney months in advance as hotels sell out.

The period from December to February is also a busy one with regards to events, and many people stumble out of bed with a Boxing Day hangover in order to witness the start of the Sydney to Hobart Boat Race, the premier event in the Australian yacht racing calendar. Yachts ranging in size from 30-feet to 90-feet start the race from Sydney Harbor, and race a 630 nautical mile course that ends on New Year’s Eve.

The New Year starts with a bang with the Sydney Festival, the country’s largest cultural event. The festival combines outdoor events, music, theatre and arts to attract over one million people every year. January also sees the beginning of the Twilight at Taronga Summer Concert series, a weekly music event held at Taronga Zoo, and Australia Day, the official national day of Australia, which is marked by an array of weird and wonderful activities, often involving cricket and/or alcohol.

February is a busy month for festivals, and most notably Chinese New Year. Traditional entertainment and Chinese food can be enjoyed on the streets of Sydney, culminating in the spectacular Dragon Boat Races along Darling Harbour.

This is also the time of the world famous Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, an extravagant array of daily events that are held over a four week period. The party atmosphere begins in Hyde Park (usually in the second week of February), and culminates with a parade on the last Saturday of the festival.

Autumn

After the extravagance of February, March and April are relatively quiet on the events front, with the Royal Easter Show – an agricultural event that exhibits rodeo, farm machinery and commercial stalls, the only real exception. The 25th April is also the date of Anzac Day, a public holiday and national day of remembrance for those that fought for their country during the First World War.

Business picks up again during May, and foodies will love the Hunter Valley Harvest Festival, the Kings Cross Food & Wine Festival and the Jazz and Shiraz Food and Wine Festival, as Sydney flaunts in culinary talents to the world.

Winter

The renowned Sydney Film Festival is the biggest event of its type in the Australian calendar, and runs for two weeks in the first half of June. First established back in 1954, the festival has evolved into a major social event, and showcases contemporary films from all around the world.

The newly-launched Sydney Winter Festival occupies the latter half of the month, and is a great place to enjoy roasted chestnuts, outdoor ice skating and other joys of winter as the city heads towards its coldest month. Don’t expect snowflakes though – it has not snowed in Sydney CBD since 1836!

New tastes and culinary trends are back on the agenda during July, with the Good Food & Wine Show. Free samples, cooking demonstrations and exclusive offers can all be enjoyed at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The fact that it is the final month of winter does not put off the competitors in the annual City 2 Surf run, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The race is open to all ages and all levels of fitness for the 14km fun run from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach. Some take it seriously, others have a habit of stopping off for a beer along the way – but it’s all in the name of charity.

Spring

The running theme continues into September, but there’s no stopping for quick half during the Sydney Marathon. The course is something of a sightseeing tour, with Sydney Harbour Bridge an integral part of the scenic 26.2 mile route.

Other delights of September include the Darling Harbour Fiesta – a celebration of Latin American and Spanish cultures, and the Festival of the Winds – Australia’s most colourful kite flying event.

There are more niche events to be enjoyed during October, including the bizarre Granny Smith Festival, a weekend-long event to celebrate the accidental discovery of the Granny Smith apple.
October is also a great month for the motor sports enthusiast, with both the Bathurst 1000 race and the Australian International Motor Show to be enjoyed.

With the exception of the Balmain Arts & Crafts Show, November is a quiet month in the Sydney events calendar, but with Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day all just a few weeks away, perhaps a month off is required to re-charge the batteries.

Sydney CBD can be divided into a number of different areas, each of which offers its own unique experiences and atmosphere when it comes to eating out. Whether you fancy Indian, Chinese, Greek, Italian or just good old Australian tucker, a light snack or a five course feast, you will never be short of options when eating out in Sydney. In the following areas you will also find a hotel to suit any budget.

The Rocks

The Rocks is a historic area that hides a number of restaurants amongst its 19th Century buildings. Here you can expect a lively and tourist-friendly atmosphere, and a mixture of food outlets to suit all budgets. As well as the usual range of take away chains along the harbour, those seeking a light meal can choose from freshly cooked noodles at the Wok On Inn Noodle Bar, gluten-free options at DARE, and Japanese cuisine at Hero Sushi Box. Those looking for something a little more substantial have many unique dining options. Just some of the recommended restaurants include Altitude, which offers spectacular views of the Sydney skyline, more Japanese fare at Nakashima, and award-winning seafood at Rockpool.

Circular Quay

Circular Quay lies on the northern edge of the CBD, just a short walk from the Rocks, and boasts a good number of restaurants interspersed with shopping outlets and bars. Many of these offer great views out over Sydney Cove. Cafe Sydney Lounge describes itself as ‘Modern Australian’, though it is the seafood that draws many visitors to its rooftop location. More Australian cuisine can be enjoyed at Peter Doyle at the Quay, where the traditional fish and chips are a particular favourite. Also consider Rossini (Italian) and Haemil (Korean).

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is one of the city’s premier destinations for eating and entertainment, with no less than 40 restaurants split across King Street Wharf, Cockle Bay and Harbourside. Whether you are enjoying a spot of shopping and fancy a quick bite to eat, or if you are planning a romantic meal for two at a stylish waterfront restaurant, Darling Harbour has something to offer.

The Harbourside shopping centre offers a good mix of casual and fine dining options, epitomised by the open-air Jordan’s Seafood Restaurant, the traditional Italian flavours of Al Ponte and the all-day accessibility of Olivio, where you can pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There is also a food court here, offering everything from spicy Indian dishes to freshly-made sushi.

King Street Wharf is home to some of the most popular restaurants in the city, including the Mediterranean ambience of Georges Bar & Grill and the value for money Wagamama.

Many of the restaurants in Cockle Bay offer waterfront views, including the funky and modern Ice Cube Seafood Grill and the renowned Nick’s Seafood Restaurant.

Haymarket

Adjacent to Darling Harbour, Haymarket is home to Sydney’s Chinatown, so it is perhaps unsurprising that Asian dishes are the order of the day here. Visitors can choose from food halls that allow you a large portion of various dishes for just a few dollars – such as the 24-outlet Market City shopping centre, noodle bars, and small cafe restaurants for a spot of Yum Cha. Some of the more popular restaurants include Crocodile Senior Thai and Miliore Restaurant, both on George Street.

Kings Cross

Many people regard King’s Cross as a seedy red light district, but substantial recent investment is transforming the area into a modern and vibrant dining option. Modern Australian cuisine can be enjoyed at Iguana – a popular spot with local celebrities, whilst the Bayswater Brasserie offers outdoor dining and Mediterranean dishes. Of course Kings Cross is Kings Cross, and there always will be McDonalds, Hungry Jack’s and the usual other fast food joints to choose from.

Darlinghurst

Just around the corner from Kings Cross lies Darlinghurst, which has a vibrant nightlife, a number of cafe bars and many dozens of restaurants, the majority of which are dispersed along Victoria Street and Stanley Street. This is also the home of Little Italy, with A Tavola, Il Vicoletto and Lucio Pizzeria just some of the many pizza and pasta choices on offer. Just some of the other options in this area of the city include Mahjong Room (Asian), Raquel’s Spanish Kitchen (Mediterranean, vegetarian friendly) and Mykonos on Crown (Greek).

Coogee, Bondi, Manly and Beyond

Coogee, Bondi and Manly are all suburbs of Sydney that can easily be reached by using the city’s substantial public transport system. Though restaurants can be found in all of these areas, it is beach cafes that are the place to be seen, combining a laid-back atmosphere with light and tasty meals. There are many other areas of Sydney that offer top-quality eating experiences, both in the CBD and on its outskirts. These include Broadway – home of Thai Lanna (Thai), Dim Sum House (Chinese) and Tomodachi (Japanese), and Dawes Point – which boasts a highly-rated Turkish restaurant in Ottoman Cuisine.