SYDNEY GUIDE 2010

The best places to eat, sleep and play in Sydney

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 INTRODUCTION

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SYDNEY
520,000 hotels, 125,000 vacation rentals,
155,000 attractions and 715,000 restaurants on
TripAdvisor.com. Learn from other travelers
what to expect before you make your plans.
Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities on the planetbuilt around
the sparkling waters of the enormous harbor, filled with iconic
architecture and glittering skyscrapers, surrounded by glorious
beaches and blessed with days of endless sunshine, its hard to beat.
Migrantsmostly from Europe and Asiahave been flocking to the
city since the British first started shipping in convicts over 200years
PACKING TIPS ago. This amazingly cosmopolitan mix has given it a cultural vibrancy
and a culinary diversity that visitors and Sydneysiders alike adore.
1. Cover upYoull need maximum-
strength sunscreen as well as a sun hat Once youve wandered Sydneys streets soaking up the lively
and shades with UV protection. The sun
is very strong in Australia; the UV rays atmosphere, admiring the sights and dining at its many world-class
can be extreme.TripAdvisor Member, restaurants, theres still plenty left to dotheaters, museums,
Sydney, Australia
cinemas, bars, adventure climbs
2. Leave it behindIf youre thinking
about bringing food from home, forget When should you do all this? Well, theres a season for everyone.
about it. Apparently, its against Summer is perfect for the beach, while autumn and winter are
Australian law to enter the country with
most food. Do not attempt to bring any pleasant for bush walks and indoor activities. And remember, the
food with you into Australia. seasons in Australia are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere.
TripAdvisor Local Expert for Sydney
So Sydneys summer and fall run from November through March.
3. Keep the bugs at bayBring insect
Just one more of the citys alluring attributes!
repellent, especially for dining alfresco
at dusk.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney,
So, the choice is yours. Sydney awaits.
Australia

tripadvisor.com 2
 Top
VIEWS
SYDNEYS BEST VIEWS
Sydney has a number of locations providing The 10-kilometer Manly Beach to Spit Built by Governor Macquarie in the early
great views and photographic opportunities Bridge Scenic Walk offers fabulous views days of British settlement as a present for
of the city and suburbs. Take the roadway and historical interests along the coastal his wife, who loved the views from this
from Taronga Zoo Ferry Wharf up the path. Take in the beauty of Delwood and peninsula and the tranquility it gave her,
hill for a few hundred meters for great views Fairlight beaches, Forty Basket, Dobroyd Mrs. Macquaries Chair provides some
of city skyline.TripAdvisor Member, Head, Crater Cove, Castle Rock, Washaway really great views of the Harbour, Bridge
Sydney Beach, Grotto Point, Fisher and Sandy and Opera House.TripAdvisor Member,
Taronga Zoo Ferry Wharf, Bradleys Head Bay.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney Kent, U.K.
Road, Mosman, 131 500 Manly Beach, Steyne Street, 0299761430 Mrs. Macquaries Chair, Mrs Macquaries
Road, Royal Botanic Gardens, 02 9231 8111
Spit Bridge, Spit Bridge Road, Middle
Harbour, 0299771088

PLAY
Where
to
TOP 10Attractions
1. Sydney Harbour 6. The Rocks, 02 9240 8500
2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Road, 02 9231 8111 7. Darling Harbour, 02 9240 8500
3. Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb, 5 Cumberland St., 02 8274 7777 8. Coogee Beach, Arden Street, 02 9665 0468
4. Sydney Ferries, Circular Quay, 02 9246 8300 9. Manly Beach, Steyne St., 02 9976 1430
5. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, 02 9250 7777 10. Watsons Bay

FAMILIES
If its Australian fauna youve come to see, Armed with a six-year-old and a spare Kids will love the boat ride and crumbling
you wont be disappointed. Taronga Zoo is morning, we headed off to Wildlife World. stone walls and adults will love the view
one of the best days out in Sydney, with one The standout attraction for my daughter from Fort Denison, a former prison
of the largest ranges of native and exotic was the butterfly enclosure, where located in the middle of the harbor, about
animals in the country, over 4000 animals in stunning butterflies would occasionally land half a mile off the opera house. You wont
total.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney on your hand or in your hair.TripAdvisor find a better place to take photos.
Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Member, Sydney TripAdvisor Member, Reading, U.K.
Mosman, 0299692777 Sydney Wildlife World, Aquarium Pier, Fort Denison Island, Sydney Harbour,
Darling Harbour, 02 9333 9288 02 9247 5033

ROMANCE
Royal Botanic Gardens is a must see The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a Take a romantic break for two to Bradleys
for all visitors to Sydney. A stroll through breathtaking oasis in Darling Harbour. Grab Head, a national park area on a peninsula,
parts of the gardens is well worth itIts a a picnic lunch on the way and eat by the giving you some great views of the city
peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of lake. Its hard to believe that youre in the and harbour, as well as some great nature
the city, and a 15-minute walk will get you to middle of a bustling city.TripAdvisor walks.TripAdvisor Member, Kent, U.K.
fantastic views of the Sydney skyline over the Member, Belfast, Northern Ireland Bradleys Head, Ashton Park, Mosman,
water.TripAdvisor Member, Boston, Mass. Chinese Garden of Friendship, 0292475033
Royal Botanic Gardens, Darling Harbour, 0292816863
Mrs. Macquaries Rd., 0292318111

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 PLAY
Where
to

BUDGET
It costs nothing to wander around Manly BeachSeven miles from Sydney With galleries that are free as well as
fascinating Sydney Fish Market. There and a thousand miles from careis one of fee-based boat tours on historical vessels,
isnt cheaper or better quality than this Sydneys most popular beaches. the Maritime Museum is an excellent
anywhere.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia day out. Visitors get to tour battleships
Australia Manly Visitor Information Centre, The and submarines and see lots of stuff from
Sydney Fish Market, Bank St., Pyrmont, Forecourt, Manly Wharf, 0299761430 Australias nautical past.TripAdvisor
02 9004 1100 Member, London, England
Australian National Maritime Museum, 2
...eye-popping, head- Murray St., Darling Harbour, 02 9298 3777

turning, jaw-dropping
ADVENTURE
The experience with Royal Coast Walks Challenge your fear of heights with the Theres no better way to experience
was nothing short of awesome! From start Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb. Climbing Sydneys charm and beauty than taking
to finish, there was eye-popping, head- the bridge is not hardeven young children Bonza Bike Tours. We took a route
turning, jaw-dropping beautiful scenery. You can do it. The experience is something into the western portions of Sydney. Very
Aussies have got an amazing back yard to you cannot forget!TripAdvisor Member, hilly but very scenic. A+ all around.
play in!TripAdvisor Member, Shanghai, Rome, Italy TripAdvisor Member, Ontario
China BridgeClimb, 5Cumberland St., Bonza Bike Tour, 30 Harrington St., The
Royal Coast Walks, Royal National Park, 0282747777 Rocks, 02 9247 8800
0424 546 921
...something you
cannot forget!
EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL
The Sydney Opera House is the Eiffel The Sydney Jewish Museum is one of Whether you believe in ghosts or not, its
Tower of Sydney. Theres a very instructive the friendliest museums Ive ever visited. very exciting to imagine who or what might
guided visit that allowed us to see the The staff, all volunteers, took great pride be on the Quarantine Station Ghost
whole building and the different rooms. We in the museum and Jewish culture and Tour with you. The history was fascinating,
also went to a comedic opera, and we had were always eager to explain. It was a very and I was really able to imagine what it
a good time.TripAdvisor Member, Paris, informative experience.TripAdvisor might have been like to be quarantined
France Member, Sydney there.TripAdvisor Member, St. Louis, Mo.
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney Jewish Museum, 148 Darlinghurst Quarantine Station Ghost Tour, North
0292507777 Road, 02 9360 7999 Head, 02 9466 1500

TripAdvisor members have posted more

than 8,000,000 traveler photos on the
site. The good, the bad and the very
candid. Its almost like being there!
RELAXATION
To chill, go to the famous Bondi Beach. If you wish to see typical day-to-day life Take one of the many harbor cruises,
The sand, the waves, the scenery, the in Sydney, pop by the cute little beach which is a great way to get a different
friendly people... a truly cosmopolitan, at Sirius Cove. Youll see dozens of perspective on some of Sydneys sights.
diverse, family-friendly place to visit on a local residents out wandering the beach TripAdvisor Member, Vancouver, British
hot, sunny day.TripAdvisor Member, with their kids and dogs. The beach is Columbia
Charlottesville, Va. surrounded on both sides by walking Captain Cook Cruises, No. 6 Jetty, Circular
Bondi Beach, Bondi Road trails.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney Quay, 02 9206 1111
Sirius Cove

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 TOUR
Whats
the

How to Get Around

Public transportationWhen we visit Sydney, we use the public Harbor viewsIf youve got budget on the mind, see the harbor
transport. Traffic and parking are pretty horrendous.TripAdvisor from one of the inexpensive commuter ferries.TripAdvisor
Member, Fremantle, Australia Member, Sydney, Australia
City Rail, http://www.cityrail.info

Cheaper travelBuy yourself a TravelPass, a seven-day pass that

gives unlimited travel on buses, trains and ferries for the citys four
centermost zones.
TravelPass, http://www.cityrail.info/tickets/commuter/travelpass

Want more information on Sydney?

WHERE
TripAdvisor.com offers free weekly e-mail
to updates filled with new deals, reviews
and articles for Sydney or any other

eat destination you choose.

You don't have to tip in Australia.

You can leave the change at a cafe or at a fancy restaurant but,
for everything else, save your money!TripAdvisor Member, Sydney

FAMILIES
The dumplings at Din Tai Fung are the I dont often opt for pancakes for breakfast, Chat Thai offers wonderful flavors,
best! Delicate and very tasty. There are but at Pancakes on the Rocks, its almost authentic and prompt service. It was fun to
instructions on the table on the best way to mandatory. There are so many interesting watch some of the kitchen work in the front
enjoy them. You can even watch the staff combinations to try. I chose the Aussie of the restaurant. TripAdvisor Member,
make the dumplings by hand, which will Sunrise: two pancakes, fried egg, delicious Minneapolis, Minn.
keep both kids and adults entertained. pile of bacon, and grilled banana and Chat Thai, 20 Campbell St., Haymarket,
TripAdvisor Member, Sydney pineapple. The fresh squeezed juices and 02 9211 1808
Din Tai Fung, World Square Shopping smoothies are also something special.
Centre, 644 George St., 02 9264 6010 TripAdvisor Member, Washington, D.C.
Take in stunning views whilst
Pancakes on the Rocks, 4 Hickson Road,
02 9247 6371 enjoying modern Australian
seafood cuisine.
ROMANCE
Many travelers rave about opulent Galileo Not only does Caf Sydney have fantastic Le Kiosk is beautifully positioned
at the Observatory Hotel. Service, wine views of the harbor, but the food was overlooking Shelley and Manly Beach in
and foodthe best we had in Australia. delicious and the service impeccable. We a historic sandstone cottage. Dine inside
TripAdvisor Member, Guntersblum, went on a Sunday afternoon, when they had a or under the huge Morton Bay Fig tree
Germany classical quartet playing and we sat outside. and take in stunning views whilst enjoying
Galileo, The Observatory Hotel, 89-113Kent TripAdvisor Member, Atlanta, Ga. modern Australian seafood cuisine.
St., 0292562215 Caf Sydney, 31 Alfred St., Circular Quay, TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia
02 9251 8683 Le Kiosk, 1Marine Parade, Shelly Beach,
0299774122

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 WHERE
to
eat

BUDGET
Theres an absolutely fantastic Vietnamese Harrys Cafe de Wheels is a Sydney Pub grub is widely available at affordable
restaurant called the Old Thanh Huong. institution, according to many TripAdvisor prices. Our favorite pub was Tailors on
Its super-cheap, and the food is fabulous. members. Best meat pies in Sydney. Dont Central. Their slow-roasted lamb is melt-
Ive never had better salt and pepper squid let the fact its a caravan put you off! Ask in-the-mouth delicious and well worth
anywhere.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney anyone about its credentials.TripAdvisor the effort to find.TripAdvisor Member,
Old Thanh Huong, 356 Illawarra Road, Member, Leeds, England Queenstown, New Zealand
02 9558 0863 Harrys Cafe de Wheels, Cowper Wharf Tailors on Central, 84 Mary St., Surry Hills,
Road, Woolloomooloo, 0293573074 02 9281 4178
HEALTH-CONSCIOUS
Burger Fuel serves large, tasty, gourmet Raw Bar has the best Japanese Food The Green Gourmet has some excellent
burgers. The spud fries are great with the in Bondi! Everythings always fresh and vegan fare at some VERY excellent prices. All
to-die-for aioli dip! The large menu also nothings better than edamames and asahi my omnivore friends loved it despite being
offers veggie wraps, low-fat snacks and for an entree.TripAdvisor Member, Sao skeptical about it. Especially delicious are the
gluten-free bread.TripAdvisor Member Paulo, Brazil yum cha dishes at lunch time.TripAdvisor
Burger Fuel, 172 King St., 02 9519 4700 Raw Bar, Shop 1, 136 Warners Ave., Member, Auckland, New Zealand
02 9365 7200 The Green Gourmet, 115-117 King St.,
02 9519 5330
HIDDEN GEMS
I cant say enough about Bondi Icebergs. We were very lucky to get a seat at Fratelli We ordered the mixed dessert plate at
It has THE best view in all of Sydney. The Paradiso. The place is tiny and reminds one Medusa. Oh my, it was wonderful. Baklava,
atmosphere is fabulous, the service is of a small cafe in a back alley of Milan. pastries, poached pears and vanilla bean
outstanding and the food is divine. TripAdvisor Member, Sydney ice cream. TO DIE FOR!TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor Member, Melbourne, Australia Fratelli Paradiso, 12-16 Challis Ave., Member, Australia
Bondi Icebergs, 1 Notts Ave., Bondi, 02 9357 1044 Medusa Greek Taverna, 2 Market St.,
02 9365 9000 02 9267 0799

SPECIAL EVENTS
Learn the true meaning of a warm, summer Christmas during Carols in With a program that includes regattas, gourmet food, ceremonies,
the Domain, Australias largest Christmas event. The festivities include a parades and a dazzling fireworks display to top off the evening,
variety of food vendors, a childrens carnival and some of the continents Darling Harbour is the only place to celebrate Australia Day.
brightest stars performing all the classic Christmas carols. (December 17) (January 26)
Carols in the Domain, The Domain - Royal Botanic Gardens, Australia Day Spectatular, Darling Harbour, 02 9240 8500,
03 9676 2355, http://www.carolsinthedomain.com http://www.darlingharbour.com

Catch a flick under the stars during the Flickerfest International Short Test your swimming chops in the choppy ocean waters during the
Film Festival, an accredited short film competition that features entries prestigious Cole Classic. With 1 and 2 kilometer courses through
from around the world. The festival has an extended opening in Sydney the open water, the race presents a fun challenge to several thousand
and then tours the rest of the country for three months. (January 6 15) swimmers each year. (February 5)
Flickerfest International Short Film Festival, Bondi Beach Pavillion, Cole Classic, Starts at Shelly Beach and finishes at Manly Beach,
02 9365 6888, http://www.flickerfest.com.au http://www.coleclassic.com

The Sydney Festival is one of the worlds most well known cultural Celebrate diversity on the wild side during the Sydney Mardi Gras, a
experiences. Celebrating art in all its forms - music, visual art, theater month-long extravaganza of parties, plays, gigs and parades designed
and more - the festival reflects the energy and cultural of the city. to explore every possible angle of GLBT life. (February 12 March 4)
(January 7 29) Sydney Mardi Gras, Various venues, 02 9568 8600,
Sydney Festival, Various venues, 02 8248 6500, http://www.mardigras.org.au
http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au

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 STAY
Where
to

FAMILIES
Quay Grand Suites is a great spot for first- We were trying to find a city location that The location of the Marriott Sydney
time visitors to Sydney. It features spectacular was accessible to local transport and also Harbour is hard to beat. Its just two blocks
views and is a good choice for families with offered nice views. Meriton had it all. The from Circular Quay and walking distance to
children. Stayed for four nights here and it staff were excellent. They secured a stroller the Rocks and the Opera House, plus its
is the most stunning location for a hotel for our young one in less than three hours close to transportation to anywhere else.
very accommodating with the kids, too. and at a good pricethat saved my neck The ferries to the zoo or Darling Harbour
TripAdvisor Member, Dunedin, New Zealand from carrying her around!TripAdvisor are just minutes away.TripAdvisor
Quay Grand Suites, 61Macquarie St., Member, Adelaide, Australia Member, Manila, Philippines
0292564000 Meriton Serviced Apartments World Tower, Marriott Sydney Harbour, 30 Pitt St.,
95 Liverpool St., 02 8263 7500 02 9259 7000
...the most stunning
location for a hotel.

ROMANCE
BLUE Sydney is a great place for a couples Establishment Hotel was a highlight of Simply fabulous Simpsons of Potts Point
weekend. The hotel is built on the old our round-the-world honeymoon. The was the accommodation highlight of our Oz
Docks storehouses, and integrates some room was big, with very nice modern and trip. Staff went out of their way to give us
of the old features in its design. It has a minimalistic decor, a comfy bed, great assistance. The house is beautiful. Rooms
pleasant ambience and trendy atmosphere stereo. And a domotic system to control are well-appointed, with elegant furnishings
without being pretentious.TripAdvisor temperature, do not disturb sign, lightsall and nice touches.TripAdvisor Member,
Member, Canberra, Australia through the phone. Very nice to change Tokyo, Japan
BLUE Sydney, 6 Cowper Wharf Road, the mood of the room from the bed. Simpsons of Potts Point, 8Challis Ave.,
12 9331 9000 TripAdvisor Member, Madrid, Spain Potts Point, 0293562199
Establishment Hotel, 5Bridge Lane,
0292403100
Change the mood of the
room from the bed.
BUDGET
The warm welcome at Hotel 59, when I got Dont miss the Altamont! Its a charming Wake up in style at Wake Up!, a hostel
there totally jet-lagged, made me immediately place to stay. Our modern room was with private rooms available. Where to
feel at home. The hotel rooms are very clean lovely, and the pure bath design was an begin! This has got to be the best place to
and cozy, and the shower is very nice, too. The eye-catcher. You will find a lot of tasteful stay in Sydney. The rooms are spacious,
wonderful breakfast was a good start to the and interesting stores for shopping, as well well-lit and well-decorated. Although its
day.TripAdvisor Member, Switzerland as excellent eateries and bars around. mainly aimed at back packers, Id have no
Hotel 59, 59Bayswater Road, Kings Cross, TripAdvisor Member, Cologne, Germany problems bringing a family there to stay.
0293605900 Altamont Hotel, 207 Darlinghurst Road, 02 TripAdvisor Member, Limerick, Ireland
9360 6000 Wake Up!, 509Pitt St., 0292887888

LUXURY
Shangri La Hotel is another top luxury Scoring high on the TripAdvisor Popularity If you want to be in an elegant hotel near the
hotel in Sydney. The rooms were very Index for luxury, the Park Hyatt Hotel Opera, the Botanic Garden and the Rocks,
comfortable the beds divine and the service offers big rooms, pleasant contemporary dont hesitate to stay at Sir Stamford at
outstanding at every turn.TripAdvisor atmosphere, a magnificent location Circular Quay. Nice lobby with beautiful
Member, Auckland, Australia and particularly remarkable service. antiques and carpetslike an English club.
Shangri La Hotel, 176Cumberland St., TripAdvisor Member, Switzerland TripAdvisor Member, Paris, France
0292506000 Park Hyatt Sydney, 7Hickson Road, Sir Stamford at Circular Quay,
0292411234 93Macquarie St., 0292524600

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 STAY
Where
to

HIDDEN GEMS
After a terrible few nights elsewhere, I Scotland Island Lodge is located in If you like a home away from home feeling,
entered the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel Pittwater, with views over the Kuringai definitely go and stay with Declan and
with some trepidation, only to find Sydneys National Park. Pittwater took our breath Peter at Ardmore House. You wont
best kept secret. A great hotel the away. We fell in love with Scotland Island, be disappointed. Nothing was a problem
sound proofing stopped any noise from its rustic charm and laid-back lifestyle. for themwe were spoiled to death.
the brewery down stairs. We had a lovely TripAdvisor Member, Seoul, South Korea TripAdvisor Member, Seychelles
glimpse of the harbour bridge from our Scotland Island Lodge, 2 Kevin Ave., Ardmore House, 24a Albermarle St.,
spacious room. I should not tell you more or Scotland Island, 02 9979 3301 Newtown, 02 9516 2251
I might miss out on a booking when I want
it!TripAdvisor Member, Perth, Australia
Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, 19 Kent Street,
Have questions about Sydney? Get
The Rocks, 02 9251 4044
insider advice from local experts in our
forums. The majority of questions are
answered within 24hours.

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Edited/compiled by Vivienne Crow, Michelle Schwartz and Kris Horton

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