Sydney is a city for everybody; it has it all: the sights, the bars, and of course, the beaches. It’s a must visit in any case, if it’s simply to enjoy the views over Sydney Cove, or to hit the city on a Saturday night and see where you end up. Either way, like with any city there are places you just cannot miss!
The Rocks:
The city centre may not be huge, but it has a lot to offer. The Rocks, by Argyle St and George St, are an easy maze of pubs, bars and hotels that’s definitely worth an explore. The Australian Hotel is definitely a great visit. In particular it has the service which says “we care”. Friendly and knowledgeable, like any good Aussies, they’ll insist you try their local drafts, especially the Aussie craft beers. Don’t forget to try the Duck Pizza! Various events are also staged in locations throughout the area and it’s really worth checking out what there is to experience.
(www.therocks.com)
Darling Harbour:
A good night out can never happen without at least visiting here! It has the clubs, pubs and restaurants that make it a perfect hub, especially for tourists. Loud music and lots of lights is what to expect during the night, most certainly a Saturday. During the day it’s a different story. Fancy a chilled lunch? Or a stroll through the convention centre to check out all the expos? Every Friday and Saturday there are also the 9.30pm fireworks. Check it out!
(www.darlingharbour.com)
Crown Street:
This is arguably the King’s Road of Sydney, so it’s the place to be. Toko cocktail bar gets a high recommendation from all who've been and its about fine dining and quality service here.There aren't any reservations but it's worth the wait with one of their cocktails to sip on. Gnome café and Trinity's pub are also essential visits for a chill-out and a drink. If you’re into your brunch then give Bill’s a try, it can arguably boast the best in town!
The Opera Bar:
Everybody who’s anybody will be here. It’s the perfect place if you just want a quiet beer to enjoy the views over harbour bridge, or a number of drinks with mates to have a celebration. It's right by the water and underneath the Opera House and is all about location, location, location.
(www.operabar.com.au)
Orbit Bar:
One of the coolest places I’ve had a cocktail in a long time! 47 floors up and the seating area has a 360 view over the city, and the bar revolves! It opens at 5pm but the views are best seen at night anyway. Their cocktail range is standard, but quality excellent. In addition to the usual cocktails they have their seasonal specialities that just aren’t worth missing out on.
(www.obardining.com.au)
Oxford Art Factory:
Into your photos, your fashion, your gigs? This must-visit venue has it all, but with only a 500-person capacity... it is small. Depending on what’s currently on, get a taste of the arty side to the city. You may not have heard of some of the bands but that should definitely not put you off exploring new musical horizons.
(www.oxfordartfactory.com)
Beaches:
Bondi Beach is the most famous and notorious, if only for Australia’s real-life response to ‘Baywatch’, ‘Bondi Beach Rescue’. It’s very touristy and busy but it’s hard to admit it’s not still fun. Perfect for a swim, a sunbathe or if you’re daring, hire a surfboard! But careful, the water is colder than it looks, even on the hottest days. If you want a more Aussie beach, take a stroll down to Tamarama and Bronte beaches. It’s not far and you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon a barbie or two.
Wildlife:
Being Australian, and still so close to wildlife, Sydney has the best of both worlds – the city and the outback. If you’re limited to the city for transport, then Taronga Zoo is where you want to go but be warned, it is busy and can get costly. But it might be worth the ferry trip from Circular Quay to get there, with views from the water you’ll never forget. If you have a car then maybe Featherdale Wildlife Park is more up your street. It may be a bit of a drive out of the main city, but have you ever cuddled a Koala or petted a Kangaroo? Because that is the place to do it!
(http://taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo) (http://www.featherdale.com.au)
Osh Mackenzie
The Rocks:
The city centre may not be huge, but it has a lot to offer. The Rocks, by Argyle St and George St, are an easy maze of pubs, bars and hotels that’s definitely worth an explore. The Australian Hotel is definitely a great visit. In particular it has the service which says “we care”. Friendly and knowledgeable, like any good Aussies, they’ll insist you try their local drafts, especially the Aussie craft beers. Don’t forget to try the Duck Pizza! Various events are also staged in locations throughout the area and it’s really worth checking out what there is to experience.
(www.therocks.com)
Darling Harbour:
A good night out can never happen without at least visiting here! It has the clubs, pubs and restaurants that make it a perfect hub, especially for tourists. Loud music and lots of lights is what to expect during the night, most certainly a Saturday. During the day it’s a different story. Fancy a chilled lunch? Or a stroll through the convention centre to check out all the expos? Every Friday and Saturday there are also the 9.30pm fireworks. Check it out!
(www.darlingharbour.com)
Crown Street:
This is arguably the King’s Road of Sydney, so it’s the place to be. Toko cocktail bar gets a high recommendation from all who've been and its about fine dining and quality service here.There aren't any reservations but it's worth the wait with one of their cocktails to sip on. Gnome café and Trinity's pub are also essential visits for a chill-out and a drink. If you’re into your brunch then give Bill’s a try, it can arguably boast the best in town!
The Opera Bar:
Everybody who’s anybody will be here. It’s the perfect place if you just want a quiet beer to enjoy the views over harbour bridge, or a number of drinks with mates to have a celebration. It's right by the water and underneath the Opera House and is all about location, location, location.
(www.operabar.com.au)
Orbit Bar:
One of the coolest places I’ve had a cocktail in a long time! 47 floors up and the seating area has a 360 view over the city, and the bar revolves! It opens at 5pm but the views are best seen at night anyway. Their cocktail range is standard, but quality excellent. In addition to the usual cocktails they have their seasonal specialities that just aren’t worth missing out on.
(www.obardining.com.au)
Oxford Art Factory:
Into your photos, your fashion, your gigs? This must-visit venue has it all, but with only a 500-person capacity... it is small. Depending on what’s currently on, get a taste of the arty side to the city. You may not have heard of some of the bands but that should definitely not put you off exploring new musical horizons.
(www.oxfordartfactory.com)
Beaches:
Bondi Beach is the most famous and notorious, if only for Australia’s real-life response to ‘Baywatch’, ‘Bondi Beach Rescue’. It’s very touristy and busy but it’s hard to admit it’s not still fun. Perfect for a swim, a sunbathe or if you’re daring, hire a surfboard! But careful, the water is colder than it looks, even on the hottest days. If you want a more Aussie beach, take a stroll down to Tamarama and Bronte beaches. It’s not far and you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon a barbie or two.
Wildlife:
Being Australian, and still so close to wildlife, Sydney has the best of both worlds – the city and the outback. If you’re limited to the city for transport, then Taronga Zoo is where you want to go but be warned, it is busy and can get costly. But it might be worth the ferry trip from Circular Quay to get there, with views from the water you’ll never forget. If you have a car then maybe Featherdale Wildlife Park is more up your street. It may be a bit of a drive out of the main city, but have you ever cuddled a Koala or petted a Kangaroo? Because that is the place to do it!
(http://taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo) (http://www.featherdale.com.au)
Osh Mackenzie