THE ESSENTIALS
THE LITTLE
BOOK OF
the city
A collection of Donna’s favourite
Sydney experiences brought
to you by Destination NSW
city east
city surrounds
WHERE TO STAY
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Even though I’ve had many offers to work overseas through
the years, I’ve never been able to bring myself to leave Sydney.
With good reason. Where else can you live so close to the city,
the country and the coast? I never tire of Sydney and of all the
great things it has to offer. And it’s very easy to base a beautiful
magazine here – the beaches and waterways are stunning,
the food inspiration (whether it’s produce, restaurants or chefs)
is world-class and the relaxing down-time you’re able to have in
Sydney’s surrounds is great for a creative mood and a creative
mind. Here are a few of my favourite things to do around town,
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. For a handy list of
contact details for each experience, turn to the directory page.
Nielsen Park
Catalina, Rose Bay
THE ESSENTIALS
Whether on foot, by bus, or by ferry,
I love the many ways to explore
Sydney’s best assets: its sparkling
waterways, its iconic attractions
and casual sunny beaches.
The best way to see the city is from the water and it’s
the city
as simple and inexpensive as catching a ferry from
the centrally located Circular Quay. Before hopping
on a ferry to Manly on the city’s northern beaches,
where you can soak up its casual beach vibe with
a stroll along the esplanade, you should walk along
Circular Quay’s promenade and take in the harbour
If you feel like a challenge, then the exhiliration of
The Bridge Climb, a guided tour climbing over the
Bay in the city’s east. I take my boys there for fish
Sydney Harbour Bridge is for you. The view is second
and chips; it’s a great way to spend the afternoon.
to none as is the sense of achievement when you’ve
Just behind Watsons Bay is a secret city beach called
finished it. If you’re travelling with kids or you love
Camp Cove. From the wharf, you can also catch
animals, a quick ferry or bus to Taronga Zoo is fabulous
a ferry to my favourite Sunday lunch spot, Catalina,
and the animals have one of the best views in Sydney.
city east
atmosphere. I also love catching a ferry to Watsons
at Rose Bay, and take in the water views from its deck.
city surrounds
World-renowned Bondi Beach is a must, as is the walk
WHERE TO STAY
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi
walk with an espresso and a tasty flatbread with
prosciutto and mozzarella from Bondi hole-in-the-wall
La Piadina. After you’ve walked the loop, reward yourself
with a cool drink overlooking the swimmers at Bondi
Icebergs. My other beach tip is to take a bus from
the city to the harbour beach of Nielsen Park, which
is really picturesque and gentle, with no waves, and
Camp Cove, Watsons Bay
great for taking little kids for a paddle and an ice-cream.
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icebergs Image: sally mayman
along the clifftops to neighbouring Bronte. Fuel the
Take in a show at the Sydney
Opera House, follow some of the
city’s history, eat in a world-class
restaurant or enjoy a spot of chic
shopping in the inner city.
Quay, Circular Quay
Strand Arcade,
With the city’s luminous reflection rippling in the
Sydney CBD
harbour, an evening view from the Sydney Opera House
THE ESSENTIALS
is an experience to savour. Even if you don’t see an opera
or a ballet, you can still enjoy a more casual visit with
a ticket to one of the many live music, comedy and
theatre productions or talks. You can grab a bite at the
newly installed Opera Kitchen, where you’ll find fresh
sashimi or excellent gourmet burgers at Charlie & Co.
One of my favourite things to do with overseas visitors
is to take them to the bar right under one of the sails
of the Sydney Opera House at fine dining restaurant
the city
Guillaume at Bennelong for a glass of Champagne, some
elegant bar snacks and a view they’ll simply never forget.
For a culinary experience at the very top of
Sydney’s dining scene, Quay dazzles with highly
imaginative and technically brilliant food with
famous jackfruit and custard apple ‘snow egg’
dessert is worth trying. Another great eat is
Rockpool Bar & Grill, which impresses with
city east
amazing harbour views. Chef Peter Gilmore’s
a stunning art deco space and slick food and
service. To start walking off all that delicious
food, the inner-city shopping arcades are a must.
find luxe international and Australian brands
as well as a chic world-class food court, home
to star chef Justin North’s restaurant, bakery
and cooking school, Becasse. A two-minute
walk away is the Strand Arcade, home to many
city surrounds
At the new Westfield Sydney complex, you’ll
Sydney-based designers. The arcade also houses
I always wish I had more time to indulge in some
of Sydney’s cultural pursuits. My little boys love the
nature-based exhibitions at the Australian Museum
in the city centre, opposite the lovely green expanse
my favourite Italian eatery, Pendolino.
Museum Of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay
WHERE TO STAY
Pendolino, Sydney CBD
of Hyde Park. (The Dinosaur Exhibition is amazing!)
Art fanciers shouldn’t miss a visit to The Art Gallery
of NSW. It’s the biggest in Sydney and not only do
is stunning. If it’s history you’re after, head to the
Museum of Sydney near Circular Quay for a taste
of Australia’s heritage and culture. On the other side
of Circular Quay is the Museum of Contemporary Art,
known for its modern and cutting-edge exhibitions.
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they have great exhibitions, its location in The Domain
From the excellent boutiques to the
cool wine bars and eclectic galleries
of Paddington, Woollahra and surrounds,
the east is my fun neighbourhood.
William Street, Paddington
Under a leafy canopy, Woollahra, is a lovely
place to start your day. Begin with breakfast at
bills, then take a side step from the main road
THE ESSENTIALS
to my general store for great homewares or to
peek at the props used in the magazine. Take
a macaron for the road and wander up Queen
Street for fashion stops like Collette Dinnigan,
plus M.J. Bale for menswear, Quincy for shoes
and bags and Lisa Ho for pretty dresses. When
Queen Street meets Oxford Street, take a right
and head down this diverse shopping strip into
the city
city east
the suburb of Paddington. This is a shopping
mecca for both style gurus and budding
fashionistas. Visit the Paddington Markets
on a Saturday, they’re a long-time favourite
donna hay general
store, Woollahra
where many young Sydney fashion designers
get their big break and sell their wares. Stop
in for a rest and a refreshing glass of riesling
city surrounds
at my favourite wine bar Wine Library,
or nearby 10 William Street for Italian bar
snacks, on another boutique-lined street.
Admire the bespoke shoes at Andrew
McDonald; they’re elegant and beautifully
made. Then head to fashion house Jac + Jack
for a selection of timeless and luxurious knits
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and basics. For a sweet treat, try Just William
for their selection of handmade chocolates.
At the end of William Street is another of my
favourite coffee stops and delis, Alimentari.
Back on Oxford Street, walk a bit further
down the hill and discover great Australian
designers at The Intersection on Glenmore
Road. You’ll find the likes of Scanlan &
Theodore, which makes elegant well-crafted
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womenswear, the edgy designs of Willow,
and the chic cotton basics and T-shirts from
Bassike. I also like the tailoring of young
design duo camilla and marc, Zimmerman’s
breezy and feminine fashion as well as the
luxurious designs of Kirrily Johnston.
Jac + Jack, Paddington
Eau de Vie,
Darlinghurst
For the best bites in the east,
get your caffeine fix at Sonoma
Bakery Café in Paddington
(I have mine with a cheeky
cinnamon scroll on the side).
Another hot tip is The Bunker
in nearby Darlinghurst, where
Finger Wharf,
Woolloomooloo
you can grab a mandarin and
ricotta muffin with your latte.
You’ll find the best gelato in
Fratelli Paradiso,
Potts Point
Sydney at Darlinghurst’s Gelato
Gelato Messina,
Messina, just around the corner.
Darlinghurst
Make sure you try the Hello
Sailor (pink grapefruit and
Aeperol sorbet) if it’s on the
menu, as well as classic pistachio
or salted caramel and white
chocolate. For some of the city’s
best pizza, I like the family
friendly Love Supreme, also in
Paddington, for its fun space and
tasty pizza. For chic cocktails,
visit Darlinghurst’s Eau de Vie.
Try the Hendrick’s Tea Party gin
cocktail served with style in a tea
set or their classic dirty martini,
served on dry ice. My top breakfast
spot is Fratelli Paradiso in the
neighbouring suburb of Potts
Point. It has an innovative menu
– really inspired brekkie choices,
great pastries and good coffee.
Just down the hill you’ll find
Woolloomooloo, famous for
its Finger Wharf overlooking
the harbour and city. There are
a selection of great restaurants
along the wharf. Try China Doll
Sonoma Bakery Café,
Paddington
for modern Asian (their desserts
are a knock-out) or Aki’s for a
modern Sydney take on Indian.
LL Wine & Dine,
Potts Point
on Challis Ave, (close to Fratelli
and has one of the city’s highest
Paradiso), has been popular for
concentrations of bars, cafés,
years, with its chic vibe and tasty
nightclubs and restaurants. It’s
share plates. (They say the
the more sophisticated bigger
cheeseburger is a must.) If you’d
sister to nearby Kings Cross,
like to go on a picnic, or take
Sydney’s boisterous party district.
a good bottle of wine to dinner
Just off the suburb’s main drag,
(or even your hotel room), Bottega
Macleay Street, you’ll find cool
del Vino, along Macleay Street
Asian diner LL Wine & Dine on
is perfect for the job. This quirky
Llankelly Place. They have great
deli and bottle shop sells snacks,
Asian-themed cocktails and
charcuterie and cheeses, as well
snacks. (I love the pork buns, and
as interesting wines. Further up
the fried tofu with black sesame
the street you’ll find Croissant
is amazing.) The new Gastro Park
D’or, where the namesake pastry
on Roslyn Street is winning lots
is light and flaky. All the pastries
of reviews for its creative modern
are delicious and your kids will
cuisine. (Like saddle of roast hare
love the cute little meringue ducks.
city east
cabbage granita – wow!). Lotus,
beautiful art deco architecture
the city
with shaved foie gras and red
the inner east is known for its
THE ESSENTIALS
The suburb of Potts Point in
city surrounds
WHERE TO STAY
DIRECTORY
Lotus, Potts Point
Image: Kasia Werstak
From cool design stores and
restaurants to sleek galleries and
studios, the suburbs immediately
around the city offer a colourful
array of experiences.
2 Danks St Gallery, Waterloo
Bourke Street
Bakery, Surry Hills
THE ESSENTIALS
the city
city east
Spend an afternoon in the artsy village of Surry Hills
and its main drag, Crown Street, which is lined with an
array of design stores, boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
The top end of Crown Street near Oxford Street is
White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale
home to many vintage fashion stores, like the popular
city surrounds
Grandma Takes a Trip, which stocks lots of pretty ’50s
and ’60s-era frocks. Further down is chic homewares
store Chee Soon & Fitzgerald, which specialises in bold
fabrics. Around the corner on Foveaux Street, there’s
a small hub of designer furniture stores such as the
elegant Aero. For beautifully crafted stationery, I always
selection of French paper and cards. A visit to Collector
and features a changing exhibition of his works.
Store nearby will sort out your wardrobe and help you
Fuel your art excursion with a delicious lamb and
fit in with the stylish locals. Stop for a coffee at any of
harissa sausage roll from the Bourke Street Bakery
the local cafés closeby – I like Bird Cow Fish and Four
next door (the best in the country!). When you’ve had
Ate Five. If you want something more substantial, my
a taste of Surry Hills, head toward Central Station and
team swears by the soups at O Organic Café, especially
neighbouring Chippendale where you’ll find the White
the Moroccan lamb soup. If you like vintage as much
Rabbit Gallery, which houses a thought-provoking
as I do, you’ll like the eclectic collection of salvaged
collection of contemporary Chinese art. Just around the
corner is the NG Art Gallery and adjoining Mission
at Davidmetnicole.
Restaurant & Bar where a glass of wine and art make
Once you’re done shopping, it’s time for some gallery
hopping. A visit to the Brett Whiteley Studio off Crown
a fabulous mix. A short bus ride from the city and
Surry Hills is Waterloo one of Sydney’s newest design
Street can’t be missed. Once the home and workspace
and art precincts that houses 10 galleries at the
of the late Australian artist, the studio is scattered with
2 Danks Street complex. Be sure to stop in for coffee or
Whiteley’s unfinished paintings and personal belongings,
brunch at the seasonally-focussed Danks Street Depot.
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antiques and knick knacks on nearby Cleveland Street
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bourke street bakery Image: stephen ward
drop by Paper2 back on Crown Street for a wonderful
There are many great places to
organic fare. They have the best
dine out in Sydney, but there’s
bacon and egg rolls in Sydney.
also plenty of providores and
The eclectic inner-city suburb
markets where you can stock
of Marrickville is another short
up on gourmet pantry staples,
bus ride from Central. At its
or simply indulge in a few
Organic Food and Farmers’
treats. Take a quick train from
Market on Sundays, you’ll find
the city to Redfern to the
great German bread, amazing
historical CarriageWorks
lemon meringue pies and a good
complex on a Saturday
selection of locally-grown
morning and chat with the
vegetables. If you’re shopping in
farmers at the busy Eveleigh
Surry Hills visit Formaggi Ocello
Farmers’ Market. You’ll even
and choose from over 200
catch some of Sydney’s most
cheeses. For a fun excursion,
well-known chefs here selling
catch the train over the Sydney
their wares. Or take the light
Harbour Bridge to North
rail from Central Station to the
Sydney’s Twilight Food Fair,
inner-west suburb of Lilyfield
held every Friday night in
and head to the Orange Grove
summer. It features a colourful
market to fill your basket with
array of international food stalls.
Toko, Surry Hills
THE ESSENTIALS
One of the hottest food postcodes
is the hip inner-city suburb of
Surry Hills. For some of the most
innovative food around, as well
as a cracker wine list, Bentley
Longrain, has been pleasing
Sydney for 10 years with elegant
Bloodwood, Newtown
the city
Restaurant & Bar is worth a visit.
Down the road, cool Thai diner,
cocktails and their caramelised
CarriageWorks, Redfern
pork hock. They’ve recently
opened Shortgrain downstairs,
city east
a casual lunch canteen and bar.
Check out nearby Bodega for the
best tapas in Sydney with a rock
’n’ roll soundtrack. Also head to
Japanese eating house Toko on
Crown Street. I take my kids here
for fun sushi dates.
of Newtown. It’s a mix of student
grunge and hipster cool, as well
as more cafés and restaurants
you can poke a fork at. Stop at
Formaggi Ocello, Surry Hills
city surrounds
A short train ride away from
the city is the inner-west suburb
Campos Coffee for a serious
caffeine break, they have some
Bentley Restaurant & Bar,
of the best baristas and beans in
Surry Hills
town. Wander down King Street
and its array of boutiques and
shops to Black Star Pastry on
and brioche rolls. On the same
street, Oscillate Wildly offers a
great high-end dining experience
where you can bring your own
wine to have with their famous
eight-course degustation. For a
more relaxed atmosphere, try
Bloodwood. Their signature
dessert trifle is not to be missed.
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CarriageWorks Image: P. Upton
Australia Street for amazing pies
WHERE TO STAY
Longrain, Surry Hills
From slick five-star
caption,
establishments
to chic
location
waterside hotels and
exclusive boutique
apartments, Sydney has
plenty of accommodation
to choose from.
Situated on a historic luxury
Jonah’s, Whale Beach
wharf right over Sydney Harbour
Park Hyatt, The Rocks
BLUE Sydney isn’t just fringed by
stellar views, but with top-class
restaurants as well (try Otto for
lunch). Inner-city boutique hotel,
Establishment Hotel, lives in a
complex of high-end bars and
restaurants (est. restaurant is one
of the city’s best) and the rooms
are very chic. Hilton Sydney is
beautifully designed with wellappointed rooms and suites and
also houses the impressive glass
brasserie. Its separate wine bar is
a great place to enjoy casual bar
snacks. Situated next to the grand
is very comfortable (they have
The Westin Sydney, CBD
BLUE Sydney, Woolloomooloo
GPO building, The Westin Sydney,
signature-made beds) and is close
Glass at the Hilton, CBD
to some of the city’s best shopping.
The Park Hyatt, Sydney, located
under the Sydney Harbour Bridge
is due to reopen at the end of
2011 and is looking to set a new
benchmark in luxury hotels.
For an escape to Sydney’s northern
beaches, a stay at Jonah’s and
lunch or dinner at its cliff-top
restaurant is second to none.
If you prefer apartment
accommodation, the luxury
offerings from Contemporary
Hotels are simply stunning.
jonah’s Image: Mark Pokorny
Establishment, CBD
city surrounds
WHERE TO STAY
DIRECTORY
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city east
Marrickville Organic Food and
Farmers’ Market
organicfoodmarkets.com.au
Mission Restaurant and Bar
(02) 9318 0815; missionbar.com.au
M.J. Bale (02) 9327 6602; mjbale.com
Museum of Contemporary Art
(02) 9245 2400; mca.com.au
Museum of Sydney
(02) 9251 5988; hht.net.au
NG Gallery (02) 9318 2992;
ngart.com.au;
O Organic Café (02) 9319 4009;
organicproduce.com.au
Orange Grove Market
organicfoodmarkets.com.au
Oscillate Wildly (02) 9517 4700;
oscillatewildly.com.au
Park Hyatt Sydney
sydney.park.hyatt.com
Paper 2 (02) 9318 1121; paper2.com.au
Pendolino (02) 9231 6117;
pendolino.com.au
Quay (02) 9251 5600; quay.com.au
Quincy Shoes (02) 9363 0559;
quincy.com.au
Rockpool Bar & Grill (02) 8078 1900;
rockpool.com
Scanlan & Theodore (02) 9380 9388;
scanlantheodore.com.au
Sonoma Bakery Café (02) 9331 3601;
sonoma.com.au
Strand Arcade (02) 9232 4199;
strandarcade.com.au
Sydney Ferries 131 500;
sydneyferries.info
Sydney Opera House
+ Opera Kitchen (02) 9250 7111;
sydneyoperahouse.com
Taronga Zoo (02) 9969 2777;
taronga.org.au/tarongo-zoo
The Bunker 0404 407 349
The Westin Sydney (02) 8223 1111
Toko (02) 9357 6100; toko.com.au
Twilight Food Fair (02) 9936 8100
Westfield (Sydney) westfield.com.au
White Rabbit Gallery (02) 8399 2867;
whiterabbitcollection.org
Willow (02) 9358 4477; willowltd.com
Wine Library (02) 9360 5686
the city
Danks Street Depot (02) 9698 2201;
danksstreetdepot.com.au
Davidmetnicole (02) 9698 7416;
davidmetnicole.com
donna hay general store
(02) 9328 6555; donnahay.com
Eau de Vie (02) 9357 2740;
eaudevie.com.au
Establishment Hotel (02) 9240 3100;
merivale.com/establishment/hotel
Eveleigh Farmers’ Market
(02) 9209 4735; eveleighmarket.com.au
Formaggi Ocello (02) 9357 7878;
ocello.com.au
Four Ate Five (02) 9698 6485;
fouratefive.com
Fratelli Paradiso (02) 9357 1744;
fratelliparadiso.com
Gastro Park (02) 8068 1017;
gastropark.com.au
Gelato Messina (02) 8354 1223;
gelatomessina.com.au
Glass Brasserie (02) 9265 6068;
glassbrasserie.com.au
Grandma Takes a Trip (02) 9356 3322;
grandmatakesatrip.com
Guillaume at Bennelong
(02) 9241 1999;
guillaumeatbennelong.com.au
Haighs (02) 9221 6999;
haighschocolates.com.au
Hilton Sydney (02) 9266 2000;
hiltonsydney.com.au
Icebergs (02) 9365 9000; idrb.com
Jac + Jack (02) 9380 6011;
jacandjack.com
Jonah’s (02) 9974 5599; jonahs.com.au
Just William (02) 9331 5468
Kirrily Johnston (02) 9282 9413;
kirrilyjohnston.com
La Piadina (02) 9300 0160
Lisa Ho (02) 9327 6300; lisaho.com
LL Wine & Dine (02) 9356 8393;
llwineanddine.com.au
Longrain (02) 9280 2888;
longrain.com.au
Lotus (02) 9326 9000;
merivale.com/lotus
Love Supreme (02) 9331 1779;
lovesupreme.com.au
THE ESSENTIALS
2 Danks Street 2danksstreet.com.au
10 William Street (02) 9360 3310
Aero (02) 9380 8856;
aerodesigns.com.au
Aki’s (02) 9332 4600;
akisindian.com.au
Alimentari (02) 9358 2142
Andrew McDonald (02) 9358 6793
Bassike (02) 9999 5586; bassike.com
Becasse (02) 9283 3440;
becasse.com.au
Bentley Bar & Restaurant
(02) 9332 2344; thebentley.com.au
bills (02) 9328 7997; bills.com.au
bird cow fish (02) 9380 4090;
birdcowfish.com.au
Black Star Pastry (02) 9557 8656;
blackstarpastry.com.au
Bloodwood (02) 9557 7699;
bloodwoodnewtown.com
Blue Sydney (02) 9331 9000;
tajhotels.com/sydney
Bodega (02) 9212 7766;
bodegatapas.com
Bottega del Vino (02) 9331 8333;
bottegadelvino.com.au
Bourke Street Bakery (02) 9699 1011;
bourkestreetbakery.com.au
Brett Whiteley Studio
(02) 9225 1881; brettwhiteley.org
BridgeClimb
(02) 8274 7777; bridgeclimb.com
Camilla and Marc (02) 9331 1133;
camillaandmarc.com
Campos (02) 9516 3361;
camposcoffee.com
Catalina (02) 9371 0555;
catalinarosebay.com.au
Charlie & Co charlieandco.com.au
Chee Soon & Fitzgerald
cheesoonfitzgerald.com
China Doll (02) 9380 6744;
chinadoll.com.au
Collector Store (02) 9699 7740;
collectorstore.com.au;
Collette Dinnigan (02) 9363 2698;
collettedinnigan.com.au;
Contemporary Hotels
contemporaryhotels.com.au
Croissant D’or (02) 9358 6014
THE LITTLE
BOOK OF
A collection of Donna’s favourite
Sydney experiences brought
to you by Destination NSW