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Sydney Travel Guide

About Sydney

Glistening, vibrant and dynamic, the sun-soaked, beach-strewn metropolis of Sydney is the epitome of easy-going Aussie living.

Here, world-class cuisine and cutting-edge street culture, sport and fashion intersect on a daily basis, making it one of the world's top cities to live in.

From the much-loved sights on the tourist trail (the iconic Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach) to the myriad of small, bustling bars and hidden art galleries, Sydney truly has something for all tastes.

Regarded by locals as the country's capital in all but name, Sydney is a thriving centre for both business and the arts with a buzzing, cosmopolitan scene to rival New York or London. Its busy social calendar means that festivals, sporting events or carnivals are underway all year round, especially during the summer.

Fresh produce and a cosmopolitan population mean there is a plethora of dining options. Some of the city's most exciting cuisine is fusion food, merging Asian, Middle Eastern, European and Pacific Rim dishes, often paired with home-grown wines.

Speaking of wines, Australia has asserted itself globally as a leading plonk producer, and recent liquor law changes have resulted in a prolific rise in wine bars across the city.

When it comes to nightlife, the choice is second to none. Watering holes here cater to everyone from hippies and trannies to jazz aficionados and pub-lovers.

Sydney is divided into distinctive pockets, so it pays to spend time exploring. The vibrant inner eastern suburbs around East Sydney, Darlinghurst and Kings Cross are LBGT-friendly, especially during Mardi Gras. And on the coast, you'll find Sydney's better-known beaches, like Bondi and Coogee. Head to the northern beaches like Manly for more sophisticated vibes.

Visitors will be struck by the overwhelming choice of experiences here – whether you're scaling the dizzy heights of Harbour Bridge, cruising open waters from the deck of a tall ship, or immersing yourself in Aboriginal history, there's something for everyone. And it's this endless list of things to do that will constantly remind you of Sydney's reputation as an unforgettable world-class city.

Key facts

Latitude:
-33.867139
Longitude:
151.207114
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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The Woolbrokers Hotel

In the heart of Darling Harbour, Woolbrokers Hotel is located near some of Sydney’s main attractions, including the Sydney Aquarium, Harbourside shopping complex, and Sydney Wildlife World. The heritage building has been redesigned with 27 rooms to accommodate groups, families, or solo travellers.

 

King’s Cross Backpackers

 Located in vibrant King’s Cross, KXB is popular among travellers looking to be in the heart of Sydney at a cheap price. Newly renovated in 2017, the hostel holds weekly rooftop barbecues, day and night activities, and free breakfast.

Cambridge Hotel

Close to the restaurant and shopping areas of Oxford and Crown Streets is this moderately priced hotel with 149 modern rooms and an on-site Italian restaurant. Adjacent to the hotel is an area that used to be a notorious no-go zone in the 1920s frequented by the city’s worst criminals.

Park Hyatt

Occupying a unique position on the water's edge of Sydney's Harbour, The Park Hyatt has a wide range of rooms to choose from all offering deluxe amenities including shoeshine, turndown, robes, gym access and 24-hour butler service. The hotel's restaurant, the Harbour Kitchen & Bar, offers incredible views of the harbour and opera house through floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors. This Sydney hotel also features a spa, fitness centre and rooftop swimming pool.

Four Seasons

The original luxe Sydney hotel the Four Seasons boasts one of the best views around. Located in the historic Rock’s area overlooking the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge the hotel’s 531 luxurious guestrooms and suites all feature a 42- inch LCD television iPod/MP3 player connectivity and wireless internet access. The spa is one of the best in the city and facilities include steam sauna and Sydney’s largest heated outdoor pool.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

One of the most boldly conceived hotels in Sydney, Ovolo Woolloomooloo (formerly Taj BLUE Hotel) occupies the renovated interior of an old loading wharf, jutting out into the harbour at Woolloomooloo Bay. Retaining the original exterior and many of the interior beams, the refit is an ingenious exercise in industrial chic. Business travellers are well catered for with luxury meeting spaces with amenities such as AV equipment, TV screens, and other high tech features.