Patrons of Sydney's State Theatre are not just met with live music, theatre and dance performances, and comedy shows. As a heritage-listed theatre, the venue also boasts an amalgam of architectural styles - from Gothic to art-deco.
Second fiddle to Bondi, but still one of the city's premier beaches. Coogee is a great option for those looking for an easily accessible beach. It's a beautiful spot to swim and relax, with a multitude of bars and restaurants nearby.
Ibero-American cuisine in a leafy, aesthetic setting. Menu highlights include slow-cooked lamb shoulder alongside classics like empanada and tacos. If the sun is shining, try and grab a table on The Butler's alfresco patio.
Located in the heart of the city, Surry Hills is a hip and colorful neighborhood on the rise. Expect to find quirky art galleries, fresh eateries, trendy bars, and of course, a bevy of Australian coffee shops.
Izakaya Fujiyama serves fine-dining quality Japanese food in a friendly, casual atmosphere - and at more affordable prices. Also, be sure to take advantage of the bar's great selection of Japanese whiskey and sake.
White Rabbit Gallery offers an impressive collection of contemporary Chinese art. Browse the institution's current exhibits, then refresh in the resident tea house. Admission is free.
Wollemi is a large national park located north of Sydney and west of Newcastle. The park supports a wealth of flora and fauna. Visitors can partake in hiking, camping, canoeing, kayak tours, and explore its resident glow worm tunnel.
This northern Syndey suburb boasts serene public parks, a great selection of Asian restaurants, and a large university campus. Though 13 kilometers from the CBD, there are still plenty of things to do and see.
Escape the city for a hike in the bush; this trail conveniently starts just near the Hornsby train station, and leads through different landscapes. The looped walk is four kilometers long and takes about two and a half hours.
Five-star hotel located, as its name suggests, at Woolloomooloo Wharf. Expect contemporary interiors throughout, and upscale amenities - a resto-bar, a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, and a gym. Rooms can be upgraded to premier suites.
This wine-centric resto-bar forges the perfect atmosphere for a cosy date or dinner with friends. Choose between the a la carte menu or a set menu, both of which feature Italian eats. The accompanying wine menu spans some 30 pages.
The Rocks is a neighborhood located in view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Known for its laneways, there is plenty to enjoy here - from markets, to an array of great restaurants and historic pubs.
Earmarked by many for its stellar line-up of breakfast-lunch baked goods. Grab a sausage roll, meat pie, croissant, or go for one of everything to avoid missing out. Don't let the line be intimidating - it's worth it.
Lively Italian restaurant in Potts Point. Order from the wall-sized blackboard menu - from pastas and risotto, to seafood and steaks. Also of note: Fratelli Paradiso's wine selection features imported bottles direct from Italy.
Be it lunch, brunch, or breakfast, Kepos Street Kitchen offers hearty food with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern twists. Enjoy the likes of spanakopita, or baked eggs with shakshuka. Relax inside or out - they have blankets if needed.
For a casual, but delicious lunch stop at Lucky Pickle. They specialize in creative sandwiches with Asian influences - the chicken katsu, in both sandwich or rice bowl form, is a customer favourite. Grab a coffee here as well.
Founded by a pair of award-winning baristas, Artificer is in the business of artisanal coffee. The café prides itself on roasting and brewing high-quality beans. Expect espresso-based drinks and filter coffee brews - the basics done well.
QT Bondi offers simple, contemporary rooms just a five-minute walk from Bondi Beach. To complete the dream beach vacation, the hotel rents surfboards and bikes to guests. Make use of the room service after a long day.
For a quick breakfast, or snack to-go, stop by Organic Bread Bar - they have cafes in both Darlinghurst and Paddington. Choose from a delicious range of pastries, bread, and even daily-baked pretzels. Why not grab a coffee too.
Stop by Black Star Pastry to grab some of their baked goods - the cakes can be described, as things often are nowadays, as Instagram-worthy. Plenty of flavors to try, but the watermelon and strawberry slice remains their best seller.
Sydney's CBD is arguably a mandatory stop for all visitors - though many will set foot here without even trying. Headlined by the Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden, and features an abundance of restaurants, outlets, and galleries.
The Central Coast, located between Sydney and Newcastle, is a hotspot for both tourists and locals. The area boasts a bevy of beaches, surf locations, and diverse towns - reason enough for Sydney natives to pay frequent visits.
Visitors don't need to be art experts to enjoy their time at this prestigious contemporary art museum. The museum's goal is to make art as accessible as possible. Enjoy a range of exhibits from both Australian and international artists.
Heritage building, and storied home of the Bangarra Dance Company - a group of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders. Through its performances, the company endeavors to promote awareness, and bring understanding, of its cultures.
The slightly calmer, but consistent, waves at Freshwater Beach make it ideal for children and beginner surfers. Depending on the weather, more experienced surfers may not find the waves they are looking for here.
Ambush gallery has a goal to engage and educate new audiences throughout the world; and with many projects to show, they seem to be on their way to making a dent in this goal. Modern art lovers should stop by to see the latest exhibitions.
Fine dining at one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Bennelong seeks to celebrate its location as well as the food and wine of Australia. Grab a pre-dinner cocktail and soak up the atmosphere. Then, dine on gourmet plates.
Kanangra-Boyd National Park sits 180 kilometers west of Sydney, adjacent with the Blue Mountains. There are some great hiking and biking trails to explore, along with campsites for those who want to be fully immersed in nature.
This bar specializes in agave spirits - alongside an impressive margarita, Cantina OK! boasts a line-up of other specialty tequila cocktails. Be aware, the bar is small, and most of the customers stand at the bar.
Wollongong is a smaller city on the coast, south of Sydney. There are some great beaches for surfing and swimming, along with great hiking trails through picturesque scenery. Easily accessible by train journey or roadtrip.
Venroy specializes in casual clothing and swimwear for both men and women. Pieces are largely minimalistic, with earth tones and natural fibers being central to their design ethos.
The Balmain neighborhood has evolved beyond its humble roots. The area is now home to hip eateries, artisan bakeries, organic markets, and wealthy residents.
The Murray Rose Pool is a harborside tidal enclosure in the Double Bay area of Sydney. It's a great spot for both exercising and relaxing - there is plenty of room to swim, and a kiosk with a shaded seating area.
Former home of Brett Whiteley, and now a museum dedicated to his avant-garde artwork. Visitors can wander the downstairs exhibit hall - which features largely unfinished works - and the upstairs living space.
Single O have long been one of Sydney's top coffee roasters, supplying local restaurants and cafés. Visit their hub in Surrey Hills to sample the goods. Key note: stop by hungry as well - the accompanying food menu is worth tasting.
Foremost an Italian restaurant, but has also made a name for itself by way of an extensive European wine collection. Expect small portions of unpretentious food, and book ahead - the venue has a habit of being busy.
Redfern is a inner-city suburb neighboring Sydney's CBD. The area is synonymous with Aboriginal history; having been a place for activism during the 60s and 70s, and the setting for the 2004 Redfern riots. There is a lot to be seen here.
This fine-dining restaurant focuses on quality steak and seafood in a grandiose setting. Their most famous dish is a dry-aged wagu steak cooked over a wood-fire grill. Emphasis is placed on precision and quality - be it lunch or dinner.
A Sydney-based steakhouse of Argentinian influence. As is tradition in South America, Porteño's chefs serve dishes from both firepits and barbecues. Plus there is an extensive wine list, with bottles from Argentina, Italy, and Australia.
A Bondi landmark for over 100 years. The Icebergs Club pairs open-air swimming pools and sauna facilities with a casual bistro and licensed bars. The venue's lap pool sits near-flush with the ocean. Visit to swim, or dine.
Firedoor's kitchen uses no gas or electricity for its cooking; instead, they rely on coal-fired ovens, grills, and a central wood-fired hearth. The restaurant currently offers a five-course, daily changing menu that showcases aged meats.
Not easy to reach but worth the trip. Renting a boat or kayak is the only way to discover this beach, making the journey part of the fun. Not a congested spot, and remains undeveloped.
Spice I Am serves up Thai food in a small, yet smart, dining room. Order from the restaurant's large menu and expect well prepared food to arrive promptly. Prices can be a bit on the high end for those used to hole-in-the-wall eateries.
The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace is a vintage movie house north of Sydney Harbour. Visit to enjoy cult classics, indie films, blockbusters, live organ concerts, and theme nights - all in a restored, 1930s art deco setting.
About a three hour train from Sydney is the city of Newcastle - a great destination for beaches, scenic walking trails, eateries, and bars. Also, be sure to check out The Bogey Hole, an ocean pool carved from rock by convicts.
A gateway to Australia's outback, Alice Springs garners foot-traffic from those exploring the Red Centre's landscapes - from desert ranges, to the somewhat nearby Uluru. Though a small town, Alice Springs is lively and culturally dense.
Vampt Vintage Design is a paradise for lovers of mid-century modern. This shop is filled with restored vintage finds alongside decorative objects sourced from Scandinavia, Europe, and Australia.
Darling Harbour is an extensive city complex dedicated to leisure and tourism. Attractions and activities exist in abundance - from museums, the Sydney Aquarium, restaurants, a casino, and more. It's beautiful when illuminated at night.
Royal National Park is located just south of Sydney and comprises both coastal and inland landscapes. The park's hiking trails are headlined by its popular coastal track. Can be accessed by train direct from Sydney.
