SYDNEY GUIDE 2010 The best places to eat, sleep and play in Sydney With more than 50 million reviews and opinions, TripAdvisor makes travel planning a snap for the 50 million travelers visiting our site each month. Think before you print. And if you do print, print double-sided. INTRODUCTION TripAdvisor, the most trusted source for where to eat, sleep and play in thousands of destinations around the world, has collected the best insider tips from its 50 million monthly visitors to produce a unique series of travel guides. In addition to the best hotels, restaurants and attractions for every type of traveler, you’ll get great advice about what to pack, how to get around and where to find the best views. Be sure to check out the guides at www.tripadvisor.com. Inside You’ll find reviews for more than 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. PACKING TIPS 1. Cover up—You’ll need maximumstrength sunscreen as well as a sun hat and shades with UV protection. “The sun is very strong in Australia; the UV rays can be extreme.”—TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia 2. Leave it behind—If you’re thinking about bringing food from home, forget about it. Apparently, it’s against Australian law to enter the country with most food. “Do not attempt to bring any food with you into Australia.” —TripAdvisor Local Expert for Sydney 3. Keep the bugs at bay—“Bring insect repellent, especially for dining alfresco at dusk.”—TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia SYDNEY Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet—built 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, it’s hard to beat. Migrants—mostly from Europe and Asia—have been flocking to the city since the British first started shipping in convicts over 200 years ago. This amazingly cosmopolitan mix has given it a cultural vibrancy and a culinary diversity that visitors and Sydneysiders alike adore. Once you’ve wandered Sydney’s streets soaking up the lively atmosphere, admiring the sights and dining at its many world-class restaurants, there’s still plenty left to do—theaters, museums, cinemas, bars, adventure climbs… When should you do all this? Well, there’s a season for everyone. Summer is perfect for the beach, while autumn and winter are pleasant for bush walks and indoor activities. And remember, the seasons in Australia are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere. So Sydney’s summer and fall run from November through March. Just one more of the city’s alluring attributes! So, the choice is yours. Sydney awaits. tripadvisor.com 2 Top VIEWS SYDNEY’S 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, Bradley’s 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, 02 9976 1430 Spit Bridge, Spit Bridge Road, Middle Harbour, 02 9977 1088 Where to “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. Macquarie’s Chair provides some really great views of the Harbour, Bridge and Opera House.”—TripAdvisor Member, Kent, U.K. Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Mrs Macquaries Road, Royal Botanic Gardens, 02 9231 8111 PLAY TOP 10 Attractions 1. Sydney Harbour 2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Road, 02 9231 8111 3. Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb, 5 Cumberland St., 02 8274 7777 4. Sydney Ferries, Circular Quay, 02 9246 8300 5. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, 02 9250 7777 6. The Rocks, 02 9240 8500 7. Darling Harbour, 02 9240 8500 8. Coogee Beach, Arden Street, 02 9665 0468 9. Manly Beach, Steyne St., 02 9976 1430 10. Watson’s Bay FAMILIES “If it’s Australian fauna you’ve come to see, you won’t 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, Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman, 02 9969 2777 “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 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 won’t find a better place to take photos.”— TripAdvisor Member, Reading, U.K. Sydney Wildlife World, Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour, 02 9333 9288 Fort Denison Island, Sydney Harbour, 02 9247 5033 The Chinese Garden of Friendship is “a breathtaking oasis in Darling Harbour. Grab a picnic lunch on the way and eat by the lake. It’s hard to believe that you’re in the middle of a bustling city.”—TripAdvisor Member, Belfast, Northern Ireland Take a romantic break for two to Bradley’s 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. ROMANCE Royal Botanic Gardens is a must see for all visitors to Sydney. “A stroll through parts of the gardens is well worth it…It’s 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. Macquarie’s Rd., 02 9231 8111 Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour, 02 9281 6863 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 Bradley’s Head, Ashton Park, Mosman, 02 9247 5033 3 Where to PLAY BUDGET It costs nothing to wander around fascinating Sydney Fish Market. “There isn’t cheaper or better quality than this anywhere.”—TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia Sydney Fish Market, Bank St., Pyrmont, 02 9004 1100 Manly Beach—”Seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care”…is one of Sydney’s most popular beaches. —TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia Manly Visitor Information Centre, The Forecourt, Manly Wharf, 02 9976 1430 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 Australia’s nautical past.”—TripAdvisor Member, London, England Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray St., Darling Harbour, 02 9298 3777 “...eye-popping, headturning, jaw-dropping” ADVENTURE “The experience with Royal Coast Walks was nothing short of awesome! From start to finish, there was eye-popping, headturning, 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 Challenge your fear of heights with the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb. “Climbing the bridge is not hard—even young children can do it. The experience is something you cannot forget!”—TripAdvisor Member, Rome, Italy There’s “no better way to experience Sydney’s 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 BridgeClimb, 5 Cumberland St., 02 8274 7777 Bonza Bike Tour, 30 Harrington St., The Rocks, 02 9247 8800 “...something you cannot forget!” EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL The Sydney Opera House is “the Eiffel Tower of Sydney. There’s 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 The Sydney Jewish Museum is “one of the friendliest museums I’ve 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 Opera House, Bennelong Point, 02 9250 7777 Sydney Jewish Museum, 148 Darlinghurst Road, 02 9360 7999 Bondi Beach, Bondi Road 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. It’s almost like being there! 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. “Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s 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. “If you wish to see typical day-to-day life in Sydney, pop by the cute little beach at Sirius Cove. You’ll 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 Take one of the many harbor cruises, “which is a great way to get a different perspective on some of Sydney’s sights.”— TripAdvisor Member, Vancouver, British Columbia Captain Cook Cruises, No. 6 Jetty, Circular Quay, 02 9206 1111 Sirius Cove Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 4 What’s the TOUR How to Get Around Public transportation—“When we visit Sydney, we use the public transport. Traffic and parking are pretty horrendous.”—TripAdvisor Member, Fremantle, Australia Harbor views—If you’ve got budget on the mind, “see the harbor from one of the inexpensive commuter ferries.”—TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia City Rail, http://www.cityrail.info Cheaper travel—Buy yourself a TravelPass, a seven-day pass that gives unlimited travel on buses, trains and ferries for the city’s four centermost zones. TravelPass, http://www.cityrail.info/tickets/commuter/travelpass WHERE to eat Want more information on Sydney? TripAdvisor.com offers free weekly e-mail updates filled with new deals, reviews and articles for Sydney or any other 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 “I don’t often opt for pancakes for breakfast, but at Pancakes on the Rocks, it’s 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 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.” ROMANCE Many travelers rave about opulent Galileo at the Observatory Hotel. “Service, wine and food—the best we had in Australia.” —TripAdvisor Member, Guntersblum, Germany Galileo, The Observatory Hotel, 89-113 Kent St., 02 9256 2215 “Not only does Café 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. Café Sydney, 31 Alfred St., Circular Quay, 02 9251 8683 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 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, 1 Marine Parade, Shelly Beach, 02 9977 4122 5 WHERE to eat BUDGET “There’s an absolutely fantastic Vietnamese restaurant called the Old Thanh Huong. It’s super-cheap, and the food is fabulous. I’ve 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 Harry’s Cafe de Wheels is a Sydney “institution,” according to many TripAdvisor members. “Best meat pies in Sydney. Don’t let the fact it’s a caravan put you off! Ask anyone about its credentials.”—TripAdvisor Member, Leeds, England Harry’s Cafe de Wheels, Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo, 02 9357 3074 “Raw Bar has the best Japanese Food in Bondi! Everything’s always fresh and nothing’s better than edamames and asahi for an entree.”—TripAdvisor Member, Sao Paulo, Brazil Raw Bar, Shop 1, 136 Warners Ave., 02 9365 7200 HIDDEN GEMS “I can’t 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 “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 meltin-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, Australia’s largest Christmas event. The festivities include a variety of food vendors, a children’s carnival and some of the continent’s brightest stars performing all the classic Christmas carols. (December 17) 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) Carols in the Domain, The Domain - Royal Botanic Gardens, 03 9676 2355, http://www.carolsinthedomain.com 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) 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) Flickerfest International Short Film Festival, Bondi Beach Pavillion, 02 9365 6888, http://www.flickerfest.com.au Cole Classic, Starts at Shelly Beach and finishes at Manly Beach, http://www.coleclassic.com The Sydney Festival is one of the world’s 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) 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 Festival, Various venues, 02 8248 6500, http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 Sydney Mardi Gras, Various venues, 02 9568 8600, http://www.mardigras.org.au 6 Where to STAY FAMILIES Quay Grand Suites is a great spot for firsttime 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, 61 Macquarie St., 02 9256 4000 “...the most stunning location for a hotel.” “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 price—that saved my neck from carrying her around!”—TripAdvisor Member, Adelaide, Australia Meriton Serviced Apartments World Tower, 95 Liverpool St., 02 8263 7500 “The location of the Marriott Sydney Harbour is hard to beat. It’s just two blocks from Circular Quay and walking distance to the Rocks and the Opera House, plus it’s 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 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 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, lights—all through the phone. Very nice to change the mood of the room from the bed.”— TripAdvisor Member, Madrid, Spain “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, 8 Challis Ave., Potts Point, 02 9356 2199 Establishment Hotel, 5 Bridge Lane, 02 9240 3100 “Change the mood of the room from the bed.” 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, 59 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross, 02 9360 5900 “Don’t miss the Altamont! It’s a charming 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 “Wake up in style” at Wake Up!, a hostel 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 it’s mainly aimed at back packers, I’d have no problems bringing a family there to stay.”— TripAdvisor Member, Limerick, Ireland Wake Up!, 509 Pitt St., 02 9288 7888 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, 176 Cumberland St., 02 9250 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, 7 Hickson Road, 02 9241 1234 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 “If you want to be in an elegant hotel near the Opera, the Botanic Garden and the Rocks, don’t hesitate” to stay at Sir Stamford at Circular Quay. “Nice lobby with beautiful antiques and carpets—like an English club.”— TripAdvisor Member, Paris, France Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, 93 Macquarie St., 02 9252 4600 7 Where to STAY HIDDEN GEMS “After a terrible few nights elsewhere, I entered the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel with some trepidation, only to find Sydney’s 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 “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 Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, 19 Kent Street, The Rocks, 02 9251 4044 About “If you like a home away from home feeling, definitely go and stay with Declan and Peter at Ardmore House. You won’t be disappointed. Nothing was a problem for them—we 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 24 hours. TRIPADVISOR TripAdvisor is the largest travel community in the world with 50 million monthly visitors and featuring more than 50 million reviews and opinions of 675,000 hotels and attractions. TripAdvisor.com is the most trusted source for travel recommendations about where to go, where to stay and how to play for 93,000 destinations around the world. TripAdvisor.com also provides easy access to the major online travel sites to make booking your next vacation, your best vacation, easier than ever. Edited/compiled by Vivienne Crow, Michelle Schwartz and Kris Horton This brochure and its contents are copyright © 2011, TripAdvisor, Inc., all rights reserved. TRIPADVISOR, the owl logo and all other marks displayed herein are registered and/or common law trademarks of TripAdvisor and/or third parties. Representations made in this brochure are current as of its publication date. This brochure contains reviews, comments, photographs and other content regarding destinations, accommodations, airlines and other travel products and services submitted by users of tripadvisor.com. Reviews and ratings represent the opinions of such users. TripAdvisor does not sponsor or endorse any user content and therefore is not liable for any statements, representations or other information contained in such user content. Further, reference to any products, services, processes or other information of any third party does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation of or affiliation with, such third party by TripAdvisor. Such third parties are owned and operated by independent retailers or service providers, and TripAdvisor cannot ensure that you will be satisfied with their products, services, business practices or provided information. TripAdvisor recommends that you pursue any and all investigation you feel necessary or appropriate before transacting with any third party. Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 8
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