The Darling
Five-star opulence at The Star casino
City Guide
Sydney
In Sydney, everything feels amplified. The light is brighter, the sun is warmer and the rain falls harder. The trees are bigger, the birds more colourful and the beaches more dazzling. While Sydney is great at first impressions, its nuances are numerous and its appeal runs deep, with world-renowned dining, a dynamic cultural scene, fascinating social history and much more to be uncovered.
Australia’s oldest city – which grew haphazardly out of a historic neighbourhood known as “The Rocks” on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people – has many layers that range from the glossy to the gritty. A city composed of village-like suburbs – each with its own distinct personality – these layers are best peeled back one at a time.
When to go:
Mild autumns (March to May) and warm springs (September to November) provide ample opportunities for getting out and about; hot and humid summers spell prime beach weather; and cooler months bring the warmth of Vivid Sydney, the world-renowned festival of light, music and ideas.
How to get around:
Sydney’s public transport network is well serviced by train, light rail, bus and ferry (the latter in particular is a great way to explore Sydney Harbour at low cost). Its individual suburbs are easily navigable by foot.
Where To Stay In Sydney
Harbour Rocks Hotel
Modern luxuries in a historic precinct, nestled in a converted warehouse
The Albert Mosman
A Victorian, beachfront property for stunning interiors and rooftop hangs
Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
A unique escape to the zoo surrounded by bush and native critters
Establishment Hotel
A boutique stay in a heritage building steps from the harbour
Where To Eat In Sydney
Bessie’s and Alma’s
Bar bites and cocktails transition to hearty wood-fired eats in Surry Hills
A.P Bread & Wine
Bakes by day and small plates by night in buzzy Darlinghurst
Clam Bar
New York-inspired eats with an Antipodean twist in Sydney’s CBD
Café Paci
Modern bistro and wine bar in trendy Newtown
Restaurant Hubert
Classic French cuisine in a jazzy CBD spot
Where To Drink In Sydney
The Duke of Clarence
Nostalgic English pub in the CBD inspired by 18th-century London
Vermuteria
Spanish aperitivo bar in nightlife hotspot Kings Cross
Famelia
A Newtown bar that champions female winemakers
Bar Herbs
Customisable Martinis and other Golden Age cocktails in the city centre
Apollonia
Inspired by Sicilian escapism and Italian cinema in the heart of the CBD
What To Do In Sydney
Bronte Baths
A picturesque spot for saltwater swims and stunning sunrises
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
A CBD heritage museum dedicated to convict and migrant history
Dangar Island
A lush, car-free island in the Hawkesbury River
Paddington Reservoir Gardens
A stunning oasis in a complex inspired by Roman baths and hanging gardens
Badu Mangroves
Picnic within the largest riverside wetlands along the Parramatta River
Where To Shop In Sydney
Glebe Markets
A local weekend market for indie brands, second-hand finds and live music
Bondi Wash
Eco-friendly home and beauty brand focused on Australian botanicals
Sarah & Sebastian
Luxury jewellery brand offering sculptural pieces across multiple outlets
Goulds Book Arcade
Family-run institution in Newtown filled with second-hand gems and rare paperbacks
Kakawa Chocolates
Willy Wonka, eat your heart out!