Experience Sydney's natural beauty and culture around Sydney Harbour and the historic Rocks. Explore famous coastal beaches such as Bondi, Bronte, Coogee and Palm Beach. Bushwalk through Sydney Harbour National Park, dine at world-class restaurants, visit the Blue Mountains. Join Sydney's vibrant events - from Mardi Gras to the New Years Eve Fireworks.
The lively inner Sydney neighbourhoods that are located around the city centre are packed with plenty of things to see and do and Darlinghurst, Stroll through markets and galleries, find that hidden treasure in a second-hand shop or spend a lazy afternoon in an outdoor cafe enjoying the scent of frangipanis in the air. Dining in Darlinghurst offers a diverse array of styles and flavours to choose from. Discover lazy breakfast venues, sip afternoon cocktails or have wine and nibbles in a tapas bar. Head to stylish restaurants and enjoy anything from late-night gourmet pizza to zesty Thai or classic French cuisine.
To the east are Paddington, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, each with its own style. Stroll through Paddington's famous markets, or peruse the latest exhibitions in its galleries. Catch a performance at Surry Hills' Belvoir St Theatre or visit Object Australian Centre for Design and Craft, which supports young designers. Darlinghurst is abuzz with cafes, restaurants and bars.
During the day, take your time exploring the fashionable designer boutiques on Oxford Street, William Street and the Intersection. By night, the street comes alive with nightclubs, pubs and late-night bars.
Glebe, Newtown, Balmain and Leichhardt make up Sydney's inner west. Second-hand shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, bookshops and design shops line the main streets of each neighbourhood – Glebe Point Road, King Street, Darling Street and Norton Street, respectively.
The popular Glebe Markets take place every Saturday and offer everything from organic produce to vintage fashion and artworks. Visit bohemian King Street Newtown for great food, vintage fashion and bookshops. In Balmain, enjoy food,markets and architecture dating back to the early 1800s. Head to Leichhardt for all things Italian, including fresh pasta, coffee and homemade gelato.
With an industrial, working-class history, Redfern and Waterloo are now home to eclectic galleries, a slow-food scene, great restaurants and cool festivals.
Getting around inner Sydney is easy with regular public transport by bus, train and light rail services.
East Sydney offers some of the most famous beaches – like the iconic Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach. Enjoy them year-round by walking along a coastal trail or take in the view over a cocktail and dinner at one of the many outstanding restaurants in the area. Great shopping and other natural attractions ensure Sydney’s East has some for everything.
Located between the city and the coast, Sydney’s eastern suburbs are home to some of the area’s best- known attractions, including Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, Watsons Bay, South Head and Nielsen Park.
Bondi Beach has a style all of its own. On Sundays, head to the famous Bondi Markets and browse handicrafts, designer fashions, vintage goods and more. The promenade at the back of the beach is a favourite walking track and Campbell Parade is a popular grazing ground for Sydney’s cafe society. Perched on the southern tip of Australia’s most famous beach is one of Sydney’s most spectacular drinking and dining spots, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar. For delicious ice cream join the queue at Gelato Messina and marvel at the day’s special board. As night approaches, slip into something glamorous and watch the sunset from the comfort of a waterside bar. For something a bit more casual, try the Bucket List for a laid-back vibe beside the ocean.
If you love seafood, a visit Watsons Bay – Australia’s oldest fishing village – is a must. Enjoy the Sydney Harbour views and indulge in a seafood feast at the iconic Doyle’s on the Beach restaurant or, for something more low-key, try Doyle’s on the Wharf.
The six-kilometre Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a highlight. Enjoy the fresh sea air and views of white sand beaches. At Coogee, there are fabulous shopping opportunities, or dine in one of the many restaurants and cafes. Taking in a film at the heritage-listed Ritz Theatre in nearby Randwick is a splendid way to relax after a day of walking.
A short trip from the beaches are Paddington, Bondi Junction and Double Bay, offering some of Sydney’s best shopping, with a mix of high-street boutiques and stylish malls.
In Moore Park you'll find Centennial Parklands, just 10 minutes from the city centre, you can go horseriding, cycling or hiking through the 360-hectare green space.