SYDNEY GUIDE 2010

The best places to eat, sleep and play in Sydney

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 INTRODUCTION

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Youll find reviews for more than

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

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

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

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 PLAY
Where
to
BUDGET
It costs nothing to wander around
fascinating Sydney Fish Market. There
isnt cheaper or better quality than this
anywhere.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney,
Australia
Sydney Fish Market, Bank St., Pyrmont,
02 9004 1100
...eye-popping, head-
turning, jaw-dropping
ADVENTURE
The experience with Royal Coast Walks
was nothing short of awesome! From start
to finish, there was eye-popping, head-
turning, jaw-dropping beautiful scenery. You
Aussies have got an amazing back yard to
play in!TripAdvisor Member, Shanghai,
China
Royal Coast Walks, Royal National Park,
0424 546 921
EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL
The Sydney Opera House is the Eiffel
Tower of Sydney. Theres a very instructive
guided visit that allowed us to see the
whole building and the different rooms. We
also went to a comedic opera, and we had
a good time.TripAdvisor Member, Paris,
France
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point,
0292507777
RELAXATION
To chill, go to the famous Bondi Beach.
The sand, the waves, the scenery, the
friendly people... a truly cosmopolitan,
diverse, family-friendly place to visit on a
hot, sunny day.TripAdvisor Member,
Charlottesville, Va.
Bondi Beach, Bondi Road
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 8776333716
Manly BeachSeven miles from Sydney
and a thousand miles from careis one of
Sydneys most popular beaches.
TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia
Manly Visitor Information Centre, The
Forecourt, Manly Wharf, 0299761430
Challenge your fear of heights with the
Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb. Climbing
the bridge is not hardeven young children
can do it. The experience is something
you cannot forget!TripAdvisor Member,
Rome, Italy
BridgeClimb, 5Cumberland St.,
0282747777
...something you
cannot forget!
The Sydney Jewish Museum is one of
the friendliest museums Ive ever visited.
The staff, all volunteers, took great pride
in the museum and Jewish culture and
were always eager to explain. It was a very
informative experience.TripAdvisor
Member, Sydney
Sydney Jewish Museum, 148 Darlinghurst
Road, 02 9360 7999
If you wish to see typical day-to-day life
in Sydney, pop by the cute little beach
at Sirius Cove. Youll see dozens of
local residents out wandering the beach
with their kids and dogs. The beach is
surrounded on both sides by walking
trails.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney
Sirius Cove
With galleries that are free as well as
fee-based boat tours on historical vessels,
the Maritime Museum is an excellent
day out. Visitors get to tour battleships
and submarines and see lots of stuff from
Australias nautical past.TripAdvisor
Member, London, England
Australian National Maritime Museum, 2
Murray St., Darling Harbour, 02 9298 3777
Theres no better way to experience
Sydneys charm and beauty than taking
Bonza Bike Tours. We took a route
into the western portions of Sydney. Very
hilly but very scenic. A+ all around.
TripAdvisor Member, Ontario
Bonza Bike Tour, 30 Harrington St., The
Rocks, 02 9247 8800
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, its
very exciting to imagine who or what might
be on the Quarantine Station Ghost
Tour with you. The history was fascinating,
and I was really able to imagine what it
might have been like to be quarantined
there.TripAdvisor Member, St. Louis, Mo.
Quarantine Station Ghost Tour, North
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!
Take one of the many harbor cruises,
which is a great way to get a different
perspective on some of Sydneys sights.
TripAdvisor Member, Vancouver, British
Columbia
Captain Cook Cruises, No. 6 Jetty, Circular
Quay, 02 9206 1111
4
 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
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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
best! Delicate and very tasty. There are
instructions on the table on the best way to
enjoy them. You can even watch the staff
make the dumplings by hand, which will
keep both kids and adults entertained.
TripAdvisor Member, Sydney
Din Tai Fung, World Square Shopping
Centre, 644 George St., 02 9264 6010
ROMANCE
Many travelers rave about opulent Galileo
at the Observatory Hotel. Service, wine
and foodthe best we had in Australia.
TripAdvisor Member, Guntersblum,
Germany
Galileo, The Observatory Hotel, 89-113Kent
St., 0292562215
I dont often opt for pancakes for breakfast,
but at Pancakes on the Rocks, its almost
mandatory. There are so many interesting
combinations to try. I chose the Aussie
Sunrise: two pancakes, fried egg, delicious
pile of bacon, and grilled banana and
pineapple. The fresh squeezed juices and
smoothies are also something special.
TripAdvisor Member, Washington, D.C.
Pancakes on the Rocks, 4 Hickson Road,
02 9247 6371
Not only does Caf Sydney have fantastic
views of the harbor, but the food was
delicious and the service impeccable. We
went on a Sunday afternoon, when they had a
classical quartet playing and we sat outside.
TripAdvisor Member, Atlanta, Ga.
Caf Sydney, 31 Alfred St., Circular Quay,
02 9251 8683
Chat Thai offers wonderful flavors,
authentic and prompt service. It was fun to
watch some of the kitchen work in the front
of the restaurant. TripAdvisor Member,
Minneapolis, Minn.
Chat Thai, 20 Campbell St., Haymarket,
02 9211 1808
Take in stunning views whilst
enjoying modern Australian
seafood cuisine.
Le Kiosk is beautifully positioned
overlooking Shelley and Manly Beach in
a historic sandstone cottage. Dine inside
or under the huge Morton Bay Fig tree
and take in stunning views whilst enjoying
modern Australian seafood cuisine.
TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia
Le Kiosk, 1Marine Parade, Shelly Beach,
0299774122

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 WHERE
to
eat

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

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

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

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

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 STAY
Where
to
FAMILIES
Quay Grand Suites is a great spot for first-
time visitors to Sydney. It features spectacular
views and is a good choice for families with
children. Stayed for four nights here and it
is the most stunning location for a hotel
very accommodating with the kids, too.
TripAdvisor Member, Dunedin, New Zealand
Quay Grand Suites, 61Macquarie St.,
0292564000 Meriton Serviced Apartments World Tower,
...the most stunning
location for a hotel.
ROMANCE
BLUE Sydney is a great place for a couples
weekend. The hotel is built on the old
Docks storehouses, and integrates some
of the old features in its design. It has a
pleasant ambience and trendy atmosphere
without being pretentious.TripAdvisor
Member, Canberra, Australia
BLUE Sydney, 6 Cowper Wharf Road,
12 9331 9000
BUDGET
The warm welcome at Hotel 59, when I got
there totally jet-lagged, made me immediately
feel at home. The hotel rooms are very clean
and cozy, and the shower is very nice, too. The
wonderful breakfast was a good start to the
day.TripAdvisor Member, Switzerland
Hotel 59, 59Bayswater Road, Kings Cross,
0293605900
LUXURY
Shangri La Hotel is another top luxury
hotel in Sydney. The rooms were very
comfortable the beds divine and the service
outstanding at every turn.TripAdvisor
Member, Auckland, Australia
Shangri La Hotel, 176Cumberland St.,
0292506000
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 8776333716
We were trying to find a city location that
was accessible to local transport and also
offered nice views. Meriton had it all. The
staff were excellent. They secured a stroller
for our young one in less than three hours
and at a good pricethat saved my neck
from carrying her around!TripAdvisor
Member, Adelaide, Australia
95 Liverpool St., 02 8263 7500
Establishment Hotel was a highlight of
our round-the-world honeymoon. The
room was big, with very nice modern and
minimalistic decor, a comfy bed, great
stereo. And a domotic system to control
temperature, do not disturb sign, lightsall
through the phone. Very nice to change
the mood of the room from the bed.
TripAdvisor Member, Madrid, Spain
Establishment Hotel, 5Bridge Lane,
0292403100
Change the mood of the
room from the bed.
Dont miss the Altamont! Its a charming Wake up in style at Wake Up!, a hostel
place to stay. Our modern room was
lovely, and the pure bath design was an
eye-catcher. You will find a lot of tasteful
and interesting stores for shopping, as well
as excellent eateries and bars around.
TripAdvisor Member, Cologne, Germany
Altamont Hotel, 207 Darlinghurst Road, 02
9360 6000
Scoring high on the TripAdvisor Popularity
Index for luxury, the Park Hyatt Hotel
offers big rooms, pleasant contemporary
atmosphere, a magnificent location
and particularly remarkable service.
TripAdvisor Member, Switzerland
Park Hyatt Sydney, 7Hickson Road,
0292411234
The location of the Marriott Sydney
Harbour is hard to beat. Its just two blocks
from Circular Quay and walking distance to
the Rocks and the Opera House, plus its
close to transportation to anywhere else.
The ferries to the zoo or Darling Harbour
are just minutes away.TripAdvisor
Member, Manila, Philippines
Marriott Sydney Harbour, 30 Pitt St.,
02 9259 7000
Simply fabulous Simpsons of Potts Point
was the accommodation highlight of our Oz
trip. Staff went out of their way to give us
assistance. The house is beautiful. Rooms
are well-appointed, with elegant furnishings
and nice touches.TripAdvisor Member,
Tokyo, Japan
Simpsons of Potts Point, 8Challis Ave.,
Potts Point, 0293562199
with private rooms available. Where to
begin! This has got to be the best place to
stay in Sydney. The rooms are spacious,
well-lit and well-decorated. Although its
mainly aimed at back packers, Id have no
problems bringing a family there to stay.
TripAdvisor Member, Limerick, Ireland
Wake Up!, 509Pitt St., 0292887888
If you want to be in an elegant hotel near the
Opera, the Botanic Garden and the Rocks,
dont hesitate to stay at Sir Stamford at
Circular Quay. Nice lobby with beautiful
antiques and carpetslike an English club.
TripAdvisor Member, Paris, France
Sir Stamford at Circular Quay,
93Macquarie St., 0292524600
7
 STAY
Where
to

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

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