New South Wales Travel Guide - Going Out

Cuisine in New South Wales, and Sydney in particular, reflects the state's multicultural makeup with Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Greek, Italian, African and Indian dishes all represented. Generally food preparation is of a high standard and some would argue the selection available is approaching that of Melbourne. Gourmet food and wine trails exist throughout the state.

Regional specialities:
• Sydney rock oysters are renowned and utterly delicious. 
• Fruits are plentiful due to the pleasant climate: you can find avocados, guavas, passion fruit, pears and berries.
• Fish such as red mullet, yellowfin tuna, whiting, snapper and John Dory.

Regional drinks:
• Fine red (especially Shiraz) and white (look out for Semillion) wines from the Hunter Valley.
• James Squire beers are absolute quality: look out especially for their Porter and Amber Ale.

Sydney is known for being a city that never sleeps, and has a diverse selection of bars, pubs, nightclubs and music venues. Kings Cross in Sydney is an exciting nightlife area attracting a very diverse crowd. For gig and club details pick up a copy of free mags such as Drum Media or Brag. The famous Sydney Opera House (website: www.sydneyoperahouse.com) regularly hosts theatre, dance, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Sydney Philharmonic Choirs. Theatre from amateur playhouse to large-scale productions can be found all over the city. Check out the Sydney Theatre Company (website: www.sydneytheatre.com.au), the city's premier theatre outfit, for upcoming performances. There are also some night-time cruises on Sydney Harbour offering dinner and dancing.

Best buys are opals, precious and semi-precious stones, Aboriginal arts and crafts, woollen and sheepskin goods and fashion by top Australian designers. There's plenty of retail therapy to be had in the central business district, which is choc-o-block full of department stores, speciality shops and high-end fashion boutiques. Paddington is also good for fashionistas; head to Woollahra to peruse antiques; or if you're after Australiana souvenirs then The Rocks area is your best bet: there's a market there on weekends where you'll find opals, Aboriginal art and other items directed towards tourists. The best weekend market is Paddington Market especially for funky fashions, books and designer jewellery.

Shopping hours: In Sydney, shops open Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1600 and Sun 1000-1600. Many shops also stay open until 2100 on Thursday.