Sydney, the capital of Australia's most populous state (New South Wales), has plenty of eye-candy for the visitor. It sits in geographic wonderland, a submerged ancient river valley that gifted it more than 70 beaches and pretty coves. Its plucky residents have spent the last two centuries building on that natural splendour. The solid arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge now nicely sews together the two halves separated by the sea. Sydney's cultural coming-of-age is anchored in-place by the sculpted white beauty of the Sydney Opera House. And the needle of the Sydney Tower provides a 30-metre vantage over it all, opening the city out for your viewing pleasure.
But your stay in Sydney really should dip into the less well-known, if you want to find its heart. To take in the charm of the rough-edged diamond of The Rocks, the city's oldest and hardest-done-by district. To share a crooked smile with the Syndeysiders at their beloved Luna Park, an amusement park stuck in a 1930s time-warp. Or to pick up a board and test the surf at one of Sydney's two iconic beaches: the trend-setting Bondi Beach on the south shore. Or the scene-defining Manly Beach to the north, where surfing was born, and men (apparently) are made.
Sydney has also done a superb job at helping conserve Australia's wildlife, with two innovative zoos and a world-class aquarium. Taronga Zoo shows how zoos should work, with a wide expanse of bush-land for its denizens to roam, and ground-breaking conservation projects. And the Sea Life Centre, located next to Sydney's window on the sea, Darling Harbour, does its bit too. Both by astounding and educating its thousands of visitor to the wonders of Australia's rivers, seas and oceans. And by making them aware of their vulnerability.
With its sun, sea and sand, there's no shortage of reasons to come to Sydney. And it's pretty easy to sum up Sydney in a few snapshots. This is a city that wears its icons on its self-cut short-sleeves, after all. But Sydney is far more than just a folder in your photo album. It's an attitude. A brash prankster with a devilish glint in its eye. A caring custodian of the spectacular (and quirky) natural world that this continent has bred, in its 100-million years of isolation. A big-hearted bloke that welcomes the world in, with a barbie and a tinny. Look Sydney in the eye with a smile, and you'll be paid back ten-fold.
The best place to get acquainted with Sidney's nautical passions – sailing, pleasure-boating, whale watching – or the Maritime Museum if you prefer dry land.
Top hotels in Sydney
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
NZ$285
per night
17 Nov. - 18 Nov.
Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Museum of Contemporary Art and Circular Quay. The Rocks Markets and ...…Located in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Museum of Contemporary Art and Circular Quay. The Rocks Markets and ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (3,603 reviews)
"Efforts made to allow us to have early check in and a staff member proactively sought us out when she noticed we were tired whilst waiting, quickly updating us. Horizon club staff are a credit to the hotel, looking after guests with a genuine approach, including bringing me out a plate of pastries ..."…""Efforts made to allow us to have early check in and a staff member proactively sought us out when she noticed we were tired whilst waiting, quickly updating us. Horizon club staff are a credit to the hotel, looking after guests with a genuine approach, including bringing me out a plate of pastries ..."WWW…"
Located in Darling Harbour, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Harbourside and Australian National Maritime Museum. Chinese Garden of Friendship ...…Located in Darling Harbour, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Harbourside and Australian National Maritime Museum. Chinese Garden of Friendship ...WWW…
4/5Very Good! (6,175 reviews)
"spacious ,clean ,a broken tap ,bath spout, but spa had too much chlorine burned eyes so couldnt stay in long ,front desk people were very helpful ,lovely,"…""spacious ,clean ,a broken tap ,bath spout, but spa had too much chlorine burned eyes so couldnt stay in long ,front desk people were very helpful ,lovely,"WWW…"
Located in Darling Harbour, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Sydney Town Hall, International Convention Centre Sydney, and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. ...…Located in Darling Harbour, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Sydney Town Hall, International Convention Centre Sydney, and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (3,144 reviews)
"Very welcoming my only criticism is there are no mini bar facilities. For a hotel of the level of the park Royal I would expected a well stocked mini bar."…""Very welcoming my only criticism is there are no mini bar facilities. For a hotel of the level of the park Royal I would expected a well stocked mini bar."WWW…"
A colossus of engineering, the Harbour Bridge brings the pieces of Sydney together, and offers you a different perspective on the city's wide-angle drama.
Lying just a ferry-ride away, on the north shore of Sydney's harbour, Manly will soon have you surfing and swimming – or just watching others getting all-manly.
Discover the streets of Sydney and the sandy shores of Bondi Beach as you cruise around town on an open-air, double-decker bus. Experience all the excitement of Australia's famous harbour city, hopping on and off at more than 30 stops near great attractions.
Climb to the arched peak of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for unforgettable panoramic views of the city skyline and harbor. With a professional climber to lead the way, scale catwalks and ladders to reach the 440-foot (134-m) top and soak up bird's-eye views of the Sydney Opera House and beyond.
Discover the history and magic of the world-renowned Sydney Opera House with this Guided Tour that takes you beneath the world-famous sails. Go behind the scenes and hear the controversial story of the building's construction, as emotional and dramatic as any opera plot.
Journey to the majestic Blue Mountains from Sydney on an all-day nature sightseeing tour to experience must-see Australian landscapes and landmarks. On your all-inclusive, small group tour, explore lush rainforests, see native Australian wildlife, and relax on a river cruise, all with a professional guide.
Taronga Zoo is a non-for-profit conservation society situated amongst lush bushland with harbour views. It is a short 12 minute ferry ride from the city and is Sydney's premium location to discover wildlife from Australia and beyond.
Take in Sydney Harbour at its finest while the varied colors of sunset wash over the cityscape and harbor. Feast your eyes on exceptional surroundings while dining on contemporary Australian cuisine.
