It's fast, it's flash, it's full of cash. Sydney is not shy about its obvious assets and everyone who lives here thinks they have found paradise. The beaches are gorgeous, the weather is incredible (bar the occasional monsoonal downpour) and getting the ferry to work (if you can) is a life-changing luxury. Sydney Taxis are poor - you'll spend a lot of time directing drivers who don't know where they're going. And the traffic can be horrendous.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
It's fast, it's flash, it's full of cash. Sydney is not shy about its obvious assets and everyone who lives here thinks they have found paradise. |
| 02 |
Manicures and pedicures are de rigeur - it's open-toe season all year round. But always remember to carry an umbrella. |
| 03 |
Sydneysiders don't catch the monorail; it's just for tourists. |
| 04 |
The ocean baths around the harbour are legendary. Mid-winter swims at Icebergs in Bondi can be bracing, or try the Dawn Fraser Pool in Balmain, recently restored to its former Victorian glory. |
| 05 |
Buses are not as frequent as you'd expect. Plan your journey on 131500.info as the schedules at bus stops are unfathomable unless you're a local. |
| 06 |
If it's raining, cabs are scarce. They can also be an endangered species on a Saturday night. Book well ahead of time with silverservice.com.au. |
| 07 |
Sydney airport is close to the city and easily accessible by train. Or it's a $20 (€15) journey by cab. |
| 08 |
Sailing on a private boat on the harbour at twilight in summer is a must. Put the word out that you're keen and some nice Australian will probably offer you a spot on their yacht for a beer or three. |
| 09 |
The nicest pubs in town are in the backstreets of Paddington - wander around aimlessly and you'll stumble upon a gem. |
| 10 |
A glass of beer in Sydney is called a schooner. A common bar call is "A schooner of New, thanks", which is a tall glass of a very cold Tooheys New Ale. |
02
Hotels
Independent and easy
The Hughenden
14 Queen Street, Woollahra
+ 61 2 9363 4863
hughendenhotel.com.au
Dependable chain
Sheraton on the Park Sydney
161 Elizabeth Street
+ 61 2 9286 6000
sheraton.com/
ontheparksydney
Premium
Park Hyatt Sydney
7 Hickson Road, The Rocks
+ 61 2 9241 1234
sydney.park.hyatt.com
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
Bondi Trat
34 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
+ 61 2 9365 4303
bonditrattoria.com.au
Business breakfast
Bambini Trust Café
185 Elizabeth Street
+ 61 2 9283 7098
bambinitrust.com.au
Mid-morning coffee
Lindt Café
Level 1, 53 Martin Place
+ 61 2 8257 1600
Working lunch with colleagues
Mad Cow at the Ivy
330 George Street
+ 61 2 9240 3000
merivale.com
Need-to-impress-clients lunch
The Kitchen Table at Aria
1 Macquarie Street, East Circular Quay
+ 61 2 9252 2555
ariarestaurant.com
Lunch on your own
Sosumi Sushi
GPO Building, 1 Martin Place
+ 61 2 9231 2962
gposydney.com
Afternoon tea/drink
Gunners' Barracks
End of Suakin Drive, (off Middle Head Road, Mosman), Georges Heights
+ 61 2 8962 5900
Dinner on your own
North Bondi Italian Food
118-120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi
+ 61 2 9300 4400
idrb.com
Dinner with colleagues
One Alfred Street
1 Alfred Street
+ 61 2 9241 4636
Private dinner
The Bathers' Pavilion
4 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach
+ 61 2 9969 5050
Big dinner with partner clients
Icebergs
1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach
+ 61 2 9365 9000
idrb.com
Drink after dinner
Bambini Trust Wine Room
185 Elizabeth Street
+ 61 2 9283 7098
bambinitrust.com.au
Late drinks
The Lawn at The Ivy
330 George Street
+ 61 2 9240 3000
Late bite
The Bentley Bar
320 Crown Street, Surry Hills
+ 61 2 9332 2344
thebentley.com.au
On the tiles
Will & Toby's Supper Club
134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
+ 61 2 9331 3467
willandtobys.com.au
04
Reading
Books
Published Art Bookshop
23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills
+ 61 2 9280 2839
publishedart.com.au
Thank yous
Just William Chocolates
4 William Street, Paddington
+ 61 2 9331 5468
justwilliam.com.au
Something you can't getanywhere else
Aussie fashion from Ginger & Smart
27 William Street, Paddington
+ 61 2 9380 9966
gingerandsmart.com
Next season's fashion at Bondi Markets
Sundays, Bondi Beach Public School
Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Lost luggage - where to buy shirts, socks and underwear
David Jones
65-77 Market Street
+ 61 2 9266 5544
davidjones.com.au
Something for the kids
Aussie confectionery is deliciously tacky - Caramello Koalas andFreddo Frogs will go down a treat.
Something for someone you love
Beautifully packaged gourmet treats from Simon Johnson
55 Queen Street, Woollahra
+ 61 2 9328 6888
Something for yourself
Beauty products by Aesop
72a Oxford Street, Paddington
+ 61 2 9358 3382
aesop.net.au
07
Two hour tour
| 01 |
Sculpture By The Sea exhibition, on Cottesloe Beach (5-24 March 2009) |
02 |
Museum of Contemporary Art,
140 George Street, The Rocks
+ 61 2 9245 2400
mca.com.au |
03 |
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Pylon Lookout
+ 61 2 9240 1100
pylonlookout.com.au
(AU$10/€6) |
08
Limousine/car
Advance Sydney Limousines
+ 61 2 4648 0173
advancesydneylimousines.com
09
Transport
Buy a pass
A weekly red TravelPass allows unlimited inner city train, bus and ferry travel for AU$33/€20.
131500.com.au
10
Fitness
Good gym
Living Well Health Club
Hilton Hotel, 255 Pitt Street
+ 61 2 9273 8800
livingwell.com.au