Travel to Sydney
Travel to Sydney – Sydney, city, capital of the state of New South Wales, Australia. Located on Australia’s southeastern coast, Sydney is the country’s largest city and, with its magnificent harbor and strategic position, is one of the most important ports in the South Pacific. In the early 19th century, when it was still a small convict settlement and the first settlers had barely penetrated the interior, it had already established trade with the Pacific Islands, India, China, South Africa, and the Americas.
Greater Sydney is spread over a vast area that stretches from the Blue Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east and from the southern shore of Lake Macquarie in the north to south of Botany Bay. Only about one-third of this region is classified as urban, but the great bulk of the region’s population lives in the urban area. A pattern of suburban sprawl, caused partly by the cheapness of land in earlier days and by the determination of ordinary Australians to own their own houses and gardens, has caused problems for the authorities responsible for sewerage and transport. The sprawl is also in marked contrast to the comparatively small and compact central business district, which is crammed into a narrow rocky peninsula between two arms of the harbor within the City of Sydney proper.
Travel to Sydney – Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbor front Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbor and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbor Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.
Sydney’s famous beaches are some of the city’s most popular attractions for locals and visitors alike. Although they can get crowded on warm Aussie days, beaches like Coogee, Bondi and Manly cannot be missed. And if you’d rather take to the water, exploring Darling Harbor or Sydney Harbor by boat is a must. Sydney Harbor also offers prime views of some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. There are plenty of museums to explore, too, such as the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Australian National Maritime Museum, while the Royal Botanic Garden and The Rocks neighborhood are ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Travel to Sydney – Neighborhoods of Sydney
Neighborhoods of Sydney – Balmain
Take the ferry to the inner west suburb of Balmain and be enchanted with this picturesque and eclectic waterside area.
Balmain is an affluent neighborhood with a trendy restaurant scene. Relaxed pubs and cafes occupy Victorian buildings on Darling Street, alongside boutique stores, artisan bakeries and happening eateries.
Well-heeled families, artists and media figures reside in the restored sandstone workers’ cottages lining the leafy streets.
A stroll down Darling Street will take you on a tour of coffee shops, boutique delicatessens and shops offering whole food products and organic cuisines.
Yoga studios abound, and live music emanates from the hotels at night.
As the place where the Australian Labor Party formed in 1891, Balmain has commonly been known for its “working class culture”. It has evolved into a health-conscious heaven with a laid back attitude, offering one of the most vibrant food and bar scenes in Sydney.
Travel to Sydney – Neighborhoods of Sydney – Bondi Beach
Sweeping white-sand crescent of Bondi is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Reliable waves draw surfers while, nearby, hardy locals swim in the Icebergs ocean pool year-round.
Bondi Beach boasts impressive ocean views all along the many restaurants and bars on Campbell Parade. Wake up early and take a dip in the surf before walking the scenic stretch from Bondi to Coogee Beach.
Trendy, health-conscious Sydney-siders head to laid-back cafes around Hall Street, while hip backpackers frequent the area’s casual pubs. Walkers and joggers use the clifftop Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, with its dramatic scenery.
Stroll through the Saturday organic markets in North Bondi or grab some fish and chips and relax in the grassy area opposite the beach.
For more upscale cuisine, head down to Hall Street where a range of new eateries have recently opened. Just make sure to save enough energy for the buzzing nightlife Bondi Beach has to offer.
Neighborhoods of Sydney – Central Business District
The Sydney Central Business District is abuzz with energy.
Power brokers run to and from high rise buildings and after-work drink places, high-end shoppers tour venues like the QVB, and fine diners frequent the many celebrity chef restaurants.
For a dose of culture, walk to the NSW Art Gallery, or visit the Sydney Museum.
To escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature at the Sydney Botanical Gardens or picnic lunch at High Park.
No matter your interest, be sure to check the full calendar of events hosted by the city, from the Sydney Festival in January to October’s Good Food Month at Hyde Park.
Neighborhoods of Sydney – Chinatown
Chinatown is an urban enclave situated in the southern part of the Sydney Central Business District, in New South Wales, Australia. It is located and comprises the majority of the Haymarket suburb, between Central station and Darling Harbor.
Tiger-flanked archways on Dixon Street mark the entrance to the “little Asia” of Sydney.
A walk through Chinatown is a feast for the senses where aromas, tastes, sounds and visions of dancing tigers transport you to a different world.
Chinatown visitors can expect a melting pot of Asian food at the neighborhood’s specialty delis and groceries.
From yum cha to handmade noodles, BBQ ducks hanging in the window to Asian sweets and bakeries, there is something for all tastes.
Paddy’s Markets is the largest flea market in Sydney where you can find souvenirs, clothing, gifts and fruit and vegetables at unbeatable prices.
At night, Chinatown comes alive with entertainment including theater, nightclubs and bars that are open until the early morning.
Travel to Sydney – Neighborhoods of Sydney – Coogee
Coogee is a relaxed coastal suburb. Its broad, sandy beach appeals to both swimmers and surfers, and the ocean pools cut into the headlands are popular with families.
Very accessible by public transport, Coogee is the smaller, friendlier, more intimate version of Bondi Beach.
There are laid-back pubs and bars on the beachfront, while the surrounding streets are filled with alfresco cafes.
Joggers take in dramatic ocean views on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
Coogee is the only beach in the Eastern suburbs that does not have big waves, making it an excellent family beach.
Nearby Gordon’s Bay has snorkeling trails and rich marine life.
The Coogee Bay Hotel, located right across the beach, has one of the biggest beer gardens in Australia and plenty of entertainment every night of the week.
A little further south is Wylie’s Baths, offering sweeping 180 degree views over the Pacific Ocean, and it is perfect for a swim or a few laps.
Travel to Sydney – Neighborhoods of Sydney – Darling Harbor
Darling Harbour is a harbour adjacent to the city centre of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia that is made up of a large recreational and pedestrian precinct that is situated on western outskirts of the Sydney central business district.
The original docklands of Darling Harbor have been transformed into a tourist mecca with entertainment for the whole family.
Cockle Bay Wharf offers dining options from budget to upscale and million dollar views of the harbor.
Young crowds gather on weekends for nightlife that ranges from salsa clubs to DJ’s.
Families can visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship or the Sydney Aquarium, one of the largest in the world.
The Australian National Maritime Museum and the IMAX theatre are also popular attractions.
The Harbourside Shopping Centre is a site unto itself, with hundreds of shops, restaurants and bars.
On Saturdays in the summer, the city puts on a spectacular fireworks show along the harbor’s shore and there are plenty of other free events during the year – Darling Harbor Fiesta, VIVID’s light installations and the Sydney Festival, just to name a few.
Neighborhoods of Sydney – Darlinghurst
Inner-city Darlinghurst is a funky, high-energy area with cafes, sleek multicultural restaurants and intimate cocktail bars.
Oxford Street, a centre of the city’s LGBT scene, has nightclubs that thump with music, plus stylishly restored pubs.
Edgy shops on Crown Street sell records, offbeat fashion and vintage apparel. Art galleries, independent theatre companies and live music venues draw a young, chic crowd.
Darlinghurst is home to the small bar revolution in Sydney, Darlinghurst has more bars per capita than any other suburb.
Themes range from American whiskey bars and 1950’s theme bars to hidden bars requiring secret passwords.
Travel to Sydney – Neighborhoods of Sydney – Double Bay
Located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Double Bay is a one of the city’s most beautiful harbor neighborhoods.
Double Bay is a ritzy harbourside suburb.
Its upscale boutiques, beauty salons and restaurants cater to well-to-do shoppers and diners, while trendy coffee spots and cocktail bars attract a young, hip crowd.
Designer boutiques provide a decadent shopping experience and dress some of the most beautiful people in Sydney.
Popular Redleaf Beach draws sunbathers and swimmers to Murray Rose Pool, a large tidal enclosure.
The beach’s walkable jetty has sweeping views across the water to Darling Point and Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Sit down at one of the open air cafes for a latte or a meal and enjoy the people-watching.
Neighborhoods of Sydney – Glebe
Glebe is a central district with a laid-back, intellectual feel and atmospheric heritage buildings.
Bookshops and galleries draw students from the nearby University of Sydney, while Saturday’s Glebe Markets attract deal-hunters seeking vintage finds.
Ethnic eateries, eclectic cafes and pubs define bustling Glebe Point Road.
Dog walkers and cyclists hit the paved Glebe Foreshore Walk for views of the Anzac Bridge.
Glebe has a deep-rooted sense of cultural history and heritage.
Glebe has transformed into a student-centric melting pot.
Glebe is accepting of the eccentrics and aboriginals that roam the streets, integrating students and people of all economic statuses into the multi-cultural fabric that distinguishes this suburb.
Neighborhoods of Sydney – Kings Cross
Kings Cross is an inner-city locality of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
It is located approximately 2 kilometers east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Sydney.
It is bounded by the suburbs of Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay and Darlinghurst.
Changing liquor laws are remodeling “The Cross,” Sydney’s red light district. These new rules have encouraged trendy cafes and boutiques to pop-up in the area, as well as organic markets on Saturdays.
The area’s nightclubs are still popular with youngsters, however, who will dance to the early morning hours on weekend nights.
There are plenty of artifacts from Kings Cross’ shady past when gangsters and liquor houses owned the place. Today, one can still find a variety of adult entertainment venues in this evolving area.
Travel to Sydney – Neighborhoods of Sydney – Manly
A 40-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay will take you to the famous northern beach of Manly.
Sandy, tree-fringed Manly Beach is one of the city’s famed surf spots, and there are broad coastal views on the oceanfront walk to sheltered Shelly Beach.
The walk from Spit Bridge to Manly is a great way to experience Sydney Harbor Bay and the Australian bush land.
The Corso is a buzzing pedestrian strip lined with laid-back pubs and family-friendly eateries. Bush trails on North Head offer sweeping views of the harbor and city skyline.
Along the foreshore, there are plenty of watering holes and wine bars with excellent cuisine. There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants as well, especially along the family-oriented areas like Shelly Beach.
An excellent way to experience Manly is to rent a bike and explore the dedicated bike paths and off road trails.
The North Head National Park is another must-see. Located on the southern tip of Manly, North Head National Park offers great bush-walks and panoramic views of the city.
Neighborhoods of Sydney – Mosman
Mosman is an affluent harbor side suburb where well-heeled locals frequent the boutiques and bistros along Military Road.
Chowder Bay is a popular kayaking spot, surrounded by 19th-century buildings and a few chic waterfront restaurants.
Families head to Taronga Zoo for native wildlife and to Balmoral Beach for swimming and sandcastles.
Bungaree’s Walkway is a bushland trail leading to harbor views at Georges Head
Shoppers can stroll Military Road for its unique offering of antiques, designer labels, and hip restaurants and cafes.
History lovers enjoy exploring the fortifications at the end of Old Fort Road in Middle Head, which date back to the 1800s.
Even the exhibitionist set can find entertainment in Mosman, with several nude beaches located in the area.
Neighborhoods of Sydney – Newton
A Bohemian inner-west suburb known for its alternative music scene, Newtown is a diverse community offering a multitude of restaurants, art galleries, performance spaces, thrift stores and bars.
Shoppers head to King Street’s indie bookshops and thrift stores.
Hip bars and eateries with multicultural fare cater to locals and University of Sydney students.
Newtown has evolved into a foodie’s paradise with a delightful array of highly innovative cuisines from around the world. It is still possible to eat on a budget, but if you crave a more sophisticated menu, Newtown will not disappoint.
The Enmore Theatre hosts comedy revues and live music. Restored Victorian buildings and street art, including a mural of Martin Luther King, round out the scene.
Neighborhoods of Sydney – Paddington
Paddington is a lively, upscale area with busy shops in the Victorian terraced buildings along Oxford Street and Five Ways.
Named after its London namesake, the suburb of Paddington showcases streets lined with restored Victorian terrace houses with very distinctive features, like high ceilings and cast-iron balconies.
A cluster of boutiques at the Intersection showcases Australian design, while Paddington Markets sells trendy crafts and clothes.
It is home to some of Sydney’s most prestigious art galleries. The galleries of the contemporary art precinct form a local creative hub. Art galleries include the Wagner Art Gallery and the Butler Good Gallery.
Nearby, Reservoir Gardens is a stylish park. Hip bistros and gay bars draw crowds at night.
Paddington is a hub for high-end shopping featuring famous contemporary Australian designers, as well as up-market spas.
Foodies are drawn to Paddington for well-known Australian chefs, modern and traditional Italian food, fantastic coffee, passionate brewers and even handmade chocolates.
Travel to Sydney – Neighborhoods of Sydney – The Rocks
The Rocks is a neighborhood of historic laneways in the shadow of Sydney Harbor Bridge.
The first residents of the Rocks were convicts and sailors from the old nation.
As the oldest neighborhood in the city, the area’s cobblestone streets host more than 100 heritage sites and buildings, including the oldest house in Sydney, Camden Cottage, which was built in 1816. Taste a “midi “ or a “schooner” of beer and dine “al fresco” on the waterfront at some of the oldest pubs in Sydney.
The weekend markets at the Rocks are where you can find local artists’ hand-made souvenirs, organic food and designer jewelry in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
To enjoy some of the best Australian and international contemporary art, the MCA museum is open every day and select evenings.
The area has some of Sydney’s oldest pubs, many of the upscale restaurants have harbor views and you can dance the night away at the area’s many late night entertainment venues.
Travel to Sydney – Neighborhoods of Sydney – Surry Hills
Surry Hills is an evolving area known for its stylish cultural and cafe scene.
Once regarded as the traditional fashion area, Surry Hills has broadened its appeal. This neighborhood continues to distinguish itself as a shopping destination, offering the best collection of one-of-a-kind boutiques, designer brands and flagship stores in the city.
Terraced houses on Crown and Cleveland streets showcase hip coffee joints, fashion boutiques and global eateries. Trendy pubs, wine bars and galleries dot the area around Surry Hills Library, a community hub with a contemporary, sustainable design.
Today, this area has evolved into a hub of media, design and professional services – a colorful and diverse place equally known for its antique dealers, art galleries, cafes and pubs.
In this vibrant neighborhood you will find bohemian chic and modern style co-existing side by side.