Sydney Australia is the capital city of the south-eastern state of situated on Port Jackson, more commonly known as "Sydney Harbour". With a population of just over 4.25 million, Sydney—the "Harbour City"—remains the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia.
The city has a reputation worldwide as one the most beautiful of cities, brimming with historical associations and globally influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, cuisine and design. The city is also home to many unique architectual styles, including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of the most iconic structures on the planet.
Sydney is a dynamic centre for Australian economic activity and one of the most important cities for finance in the Asia-Pacific region. It was also the host of the 2000 Olympic Games, which successfully raised the city's global profile.
Though comprised of a large, sometimes sprawling population, Sydney nonetheless retains many large public spaces and lush green parklands—the city is literally surrounded by national parks, which extend even into the suburbs and the shores of the Harbour.
Sydney sprawls extensively around its Harbour in Port Jackson, up the Parramatta River to the west, along the adjacent coastlines (both north and south) and across the surrounding Cumberland Plain to the Blue Mountains. The city and its suburbs (many of which are cities in their own right) form a vast metropolitan area.
Owing to the city's size and variety, the districts of Sydney remain notoriously difficult to categorise.
Central Sydney
the Central Business District (CBD) of Sydney Australia, the historical centre of government, retail, finance, culture and entertainment
Sydney Australia is at the very heart of the much larger Sydney Metropolitan area, consisting of the Sydney Central Business District (CBD) and immediately surrounding areas of harbour frontage and parkland.
Stretching roughly between Circular Quay and Central Railway Station (north to south), and between the Domain and Darling Harbour (east to west), the area defies precise definition: if Sydneysiders say they are "going into town", "downtown" or "into the City", this is generally what they mean.... Travellers will have no difficulty recognising the area: it is that part of the city that has the most skyscrapers!
Understand
Sydney City is primarily commercial in nature (hence the Manhattan-like skyline of skyscrapers and towers), although it is presently attracting an increasing number of prestigious high-density residential buildings.
The City represents the earliest site of European settlement in Australia (from January 1788), and is home - naturally enough - to many of Sydney's landmarks and sites of interest.
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Get in
The easiest way to find available trains, buses or ferry is using the Transport Information Line. Pricing is also available from the Transport Info Line - people using public transport for a week or longer should consider a TravelPass, allowing unlimited use of buses, trains and ferrys in given zones.
The Transport Information Line is accessible by telephone on 131500, within Australia only.
By train
The City lies at the hub of the Sydney Cityrail train service with almost all routes passing through at least some of the city stations. These are collectively known as the City Circle, lie mainly underground (the extent of Sydney Australia "subway") and run in both directions.
The city stations (running clockwise) are Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, St James and Museum. Each of these stations, and the first three in particular (also part of the North Shore line), are regularly serviced by trains. Most of the city is no more than ten or fifteen minutes' walk from a train station.
Another city station, Martin Place exists mid-town on the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line, running out through the Eastern Suburbs to Bondi Junction - it links directly with Town Hall and Central stations on the City Circle.
By bus
Many routes on Sydney Buses from parts of the wider city link with the Sydney CBD at a variety of termini. These are often located close to the rail stations and can be found at Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall and Central Station. A number of routes on private buses terminate in at least one or more of these terminals.
By ferry
The most pleasant way to arrive in Sydney City is by ferry . All Sydney Ferry routes (from 41 wharves around the harbour suburbs) go through Circular Quay, at the northern end of the CBD. From the Quay you can walk to the Opera House or the Botanic Gardens. At the Quay you can also connect with City Circle trains or city buses.
By monorail
A one way monorail loop links the southern half of the CBD with the adjoining area of Darling Harbour. Stations are at the World Square, City Centre and Galeries Victoria retail complexes. The last of these is opposite Town Hall station, with an underground passage linking the two. One ride will cost $4.50 per person with no discount for children.
By car
The city is accessible to private vehicles; however, it can be quite congested and parking will cost upwards of $30 per day.
Most of the attractions below are within a 2km radius, and most people will find it a comfortable walk between them.
Landmarks
Circular Quay foreshore, home to many buskers, the ferry terminal, the Opera House, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Circular Quay, ph: 02 9250 7111 (information) or 02 9250 7777 (ticket bookings), (email mailto:infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com)
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The Sydney Opera House in the north east of the city is one of Sydney's most beautiful and unusual buildings; its sail shaped structure is world famous. The Opera House is also host to most of Sydney's major classical music and opera events.
The Strand Arcade is a fine example of Victorian Architecture, and is one of the few remaining Victorian shopping arcades in the world. For the past 20 years or so it has been a major shopping destination, well known for the large number of Australian designers it showcases. Many well recognised Australian labels in fashion and jewellery are based here, such as Alannah Hill, Zimmerman, and Victoria Buckley Jewellery.
Sydney Tower, Towering above the city of Sydney since 1981, when it became the tallest structure in the city, the Sydney Tower (often called the "Centrepoint Tower") reaches a total height of 305 m - great views are available from the 250 m high viewing level.
The tower is Australia's tallest free-standing structure and the second highest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere (after the Sky Tower in Auckland).
St Mary's Cathedral, St Mary's Road, across the road from Hyde Park's eastern edge, ph: 9220 0400, (fax: +61 (02) 9223 5208), the Catholic Sydney diocese's cathedral, built in 1868.
the Queen Victoria Building ("the QVB"), George Street (north of Town Hall and Town Hall station), The site of a market place since 1810, the QVB, its current Romanesque facade was completed in 1896 and was extensively restored in the late 1980s as a prestigious shopping centre
Buy
The Central Business District of Sydney is the retail centre of the city, having the largest range of shops and outlets in a variety of settings. Sydney's shopping is frequently concentrated within large city malls and arcades (heavily interconnected mid-town through a number of underground walkways), though there are also a number of recognised shopping "strips" around town.
Pitt Street Mall, :
* Westfield, Specialty stores, Myer and large food food halls across both sides of the mall
* Imperial Arcade, ?: , Specialty stores
* Skygarden, ?: , Speciality Stores
* Strand Arcade, ?: , The last of the Victorian arcades to be completed in Sydney, home to a number of shopping levels featuring design, fashion, antiques and jewellery (the arcade conveniently links George Street with the Pitt Street Mall)
the Queen Victoria Building ("the QVB"), George Street north of Town Hall and Town Hall station, The site of a market place since 1810, its current Romanesque facade was completed in 1896 and was extensively restored in the late 1980s as a prestigious shopping centre.
the Galeries Victoria, 500 George Street (opposite the QVB). Includes many fashion stores, and also Books Kinokuniya (level 2), with a broad range of English, Chinese and Japanese books.
David Jones, 86-108 Castlereagh Street, tel 02 9266 5544, (fax 02 9267 7326), The city stores of this illustrious department store are on Elizabeth Street (main store, women's wear) and Market Street (men's wear). In operation since 1838, David Jones is not only Australia's oldest department store, but also the oldest department store anywhere in the world still trading under its original name!
Castlereagh Street. Home to a large concentration of fashion houses and big names: DKNY, Cartier, Ferragamo, Gucci, Bvlgari, Stefano Canturi and Chanel
EatChinatown in the south of the city has large number of Asian restaurants.
Budget
All through the Sydney CBD there are food halls where the city workers flock to get lunch. Try the one under Myer in Pitt St Mall, or under the Gateway or AMP building at Circular Quay, or under Australia Square (the tall but round building) at Wynyard. A tasty lunch at these food halls will cost between $5 and $10.
BBQ King, 18 Goulburn St, Haymarket. phone 02 9267 2586 or 02 9267 2433. BBQ King is Haymarket's most famous Chinese restaurant, famed in particular (unsurpisingly) for the barbecued duck. Long waits on weekends.
Pho Xic Lo, 215a Thomas St, Haymarket. phone 02 9280 1678. Serves tasty, fresh Vietnamese dishes with a minimum of fuss. The summer rolls and spring rolls entrees are particularly nice!
Cafe Eos, 515 Kent St. phone 02 9264 0019. Cafe Eos is a friendly little cafe catering mainly to lunching office workers. It is small and not crowded: a good alternative to the crowded food courts for a unrushed lunch.
Mid-range
Marigold Restaurant, Levels 4 and 5, 683-689 George Street, Haymarket, phone 02 9281 3388. (fax: 02 9281 5051, email: mailto:info@marigold.com.au), The Marigold is a very good and very popular yum cha place: be prepared to wait a long time for seating.
Summit Restaurant, Level 47, Australia Square, 264 George St. ph: 9247 9777, (fax 9251 2539), This revolving restaurant has excellent views of the city from the harbour to south Sydney and rotates every two hours.
Splurge
Tetsuya's, 529 Kent Street, ?: +61-2-9267-2900 (fax: +61-2-9262-7099), 13. Tetsuya's, which serves fusion Japanese and French style food, is one of Sydney's most famous and highly regarded restaurants, generally named in the top three year after year.
You should be able to get a weeknight booking (excluding Fridays) a week or two in advance, for weekends you may need to book a month or more in advance. Set menu for $140, wine list from $50 upwards
Drink
Bars
Bridge Bar, Level 10, Opera Quays 2 East Circular Quay, tel 02 9252 6800. Awarded the title of Australia's Cocktail Bar of the Year, by bartender magazine, the Bridge Bar is a tranquil and elegant venue suspended between the tenth floors of two of Sydney's most desirable apartment blocks at East Circular Quay.
Fantastic views over Sydney Cove and Circular Quay to the Opera House and the Bridge - a real treat at sunset. Fantastic cocktail list (189 varieties), friendly staff, viby lounge music and good bar food.
Orbit Bar, Level 47, Australia Square, 264 George Street. 5PM-12midnight. Spectaular views over Sydney from this revolving bar at the top of the 1970s iconic Australia Square office tower, a stylish makeover of the old Summit Restaurant. Sip on designer cocktails in a non-smoking environment while the entire level revolves slowly over 90 minutes. Floor to ceiling windows means that you can gaze from your Kubrick-2001-inspired seating and decor to the city below. Consistently highly reviewed. Cocktails average $15 a glass.
Pubs
3 Wise Monkeys Pub, 555 George Street, ph: (02) 9283 5855, The 3 Wise Monkeys is a very popular pub only a block south of Town Hall station. It has live music seven nights a week.
James Squire Brewhouse, King St Wharf, 22 The Promenade, ph: (02) 8270 7999. A new pub on King Street Wharf, the James Squire Brewhouse is a spacious bar with James Squire on tap.
The Australian Heritage Hotel, 100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, ph: 02 9247 2229, [40]. The Australian boasts a prodigious range of Australian beers, and very good gourmet pizzas (ranging from vegetarian to crocodile). Parties can reserve the parlour and the balcony.
Nightclubs
Soup Plus, 1 Margaret Street, ph: 02 9299 7728, [41]. Soup Plus is Australia's longest running jazz venue. Entry is $5 Monday to Thursday nights, $8 Monday to Thursday nights for big bands and special presentations, and $30 Friday and Saturday nights. The weekend charge includes a two course meal.
The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, ph: 02 9251 2797, [42]. The Basement is a music club specialising in jazz, a restaurant and a pub. Open 12pm - 3pm for lunch and 7:30pm until late on weekdays; and 7:00pm until late on Saturday and Sunday nights. General admissions tickets (standing only) range between $20 and $40 depending on the night and the performer.
Century Theatre, 624 George Street, ph 02 9550 3666 (box office), [43]. Until recently known as the Metro Theatre, the Century Theatre is a major medium-sized music venue.
Gig guides
The Drum Media[44] is a free, weekly music publication. You can find a copy at most music stores around the city and the inner suburbs.
Metro is the Sydney Morning Herald's entertainment lift-out, published every Friday.
Sleep
Accommodation can be booked up to a few weeks in advance for a good selection of hotels using Wotif. Rates are often cheaper, as they are "last minute" and payment in full is made when booking (Visa, Mastercard, etc). When arriving, you check-in as if you booked with the hotel directly.
Budget
Sydney Central YHA 11 Rawson Place, +61 2 9281 9111 (fax +61 2 9281 9199, email sydcentral@yhansw.org.au) [45]. This YHA backpacker's hostel is right across the road from Central railway station. Beds in a dorm room are $28-33 per night, private rooms $82 or $94 with ensuite.
Cambridge Sydney Hotel 212 Riley Street, +61 2 9212 1111 (fax 02 9215 5111, email reservations@cambridgeinn.com.au) [46]. Economy hotel in Surry Hills with easy access to Oxford Street and the Sydney CBD. Rooms cost approx $110 - $190 per night.
Maze Backpackers 417 Pitt St, 1800 813 522 [47]. Beds in a dormitory room from $19 per night, single room $45, double $60.
Sydney Central on Wentworth, 75 Wentworth Ave Sydney NSW 2000 Australia, ?: +61 (0)2 9212 1005, 14.
Sydney Central on Wentworth is situated close to all city attractions, amenities, shopping and transport. Situated in a landmark heritage building, the hotel includes 24-hour reception, coin-operated laundry, guest kitchen, free guest internet kiosk, and subsidised payment for parking in the nearby Wilson Car Park in Goulburn Street. Best rates on official website start at AU$38
Mid-range
Menzies Sydney Hotel 14 Carrington Street, +61 2 9299 1000 (fax +61 2 9290 3819) [48].. Good value inner city hotel overlooking Wynyard Park. An easy stroll to Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay ferries and The Rocks tourist precinct. Rooms cost approx $175-$300 a night.
Mercure Sydney Hotel 818-820 George Street, +61 2 9217 6666, (fax +61 2 9217 6888) 4 star Sydney hotel with 517 rooms, adjacent to Central Station. Sydney's shopping and retail centre and major attractions. Accommodation rates range between $149-$300 per night.
Rydges Capitol Square Hotel Cnr George & Campbell Streets, 1300 857 922. [50]. Incorporated within the Capitol Theatre complex. , the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Central Station and Chinatown. Rooms from $78-$120.
Splurge
Intercontinental Sydney 117 Macquarie Street, +61 2 9253 9000 (fax 02 9240 Close to Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Sheraton on the Park 161 Elizabeth Street, + 61 2 9286 6000 (fax 02 9286 6686, The Sheraton on the Park is one of the nicest 5 star hotels in Sydney. It is located at the Hyde Park (ask for a Park view room) and the staff are really friendly. Rooms with one king sized bed: approximately $260 - $300 per night
Marriott Hotel, 36 College Street, +61 2 9361 8400 . Sydney Marriott is a luxurious hotel, filled with everything that can be expected from a hotel of its kind. The hotel includes renowned cuisine, various bars, 2 pools among many other features. The hotel also enjoys one of the best locations in Sydney. Approx $265-$405 per night.
The Westin, No.1 Martin Place, +61 2 8223 1111 Approx $325-$435.
Four Seasons Hotel 199 George Street +61 2 9238 0000 The hotel is home to superstar couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes when they travel to Sydney.
Sheraton on the Park 161 Elizabeth Street +61 2 9286 6000 Located directly opposite Hyde Park.
Jamison Sydney, 11 Jamison Street 1300 857 922 . Jamison Sydney is located in the north of the CBD, close to The Rocks, Circular Quay, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Rooms from $200-$250.
Stay Safe
Sydney City is a busy location with high pedestrian activity, busy traffic, short blocks and frequent crossings In addition Sydneysiders are chronic jaywalkers in the city, and the shortest break in the traffic will see swarms of people crossing the street. Even though it is a high pedestrian area cars legally travel at 50km/h and exceeding the speed limit is common.
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