Explore Sydney - An Exclusive Guide

A perfect day in... Sydney, Australia

It might not be the capital (that would be Canberra), but Sydney is the shining star of Australian cities, a beautiful mix of cutting-edge culture, vibrant nightlife, fascinating history and jaw-dropping seaside location.

What to see in Sydney

Start at Sydney Harbour, home to Australia’s most iconic landmark, the Sydney Opera House. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, its soaring bone-white curves were built to resemble billowing sails. Stroll around the outside, book in for a concert or show, or head to the Opera Bar for incredible views onto Sydney Harbour Bridge. Just across the harbor is the bridge itself, known locally as the Coathanger, and the largest steel arch bridge in the world. You can walk or bike across, or even climb up its heights on a guided tour.

Wander from here to the Museum of Contemporary Art, a showcase for international and Australian artists, with a strong focus on works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. This area is known as The Rocks, the first place in Sydney to be populated by European settlers when the convict ships arrived in 1788, and today a pretty colonial area of cobbled streets, cafés, shops and galleries.

Also worth a visit is the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden, a lush 30-hectare oasis that stretches along the eastern side of the harbor. Admire the botanical collection or just laze on the lawns watching the world go by. The Art Gallery of New South Wales, meanwhile, is a hub of blockbuster exhibitions, with a permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century European and Australian art, plus a fascinating contemporary Indigenous gallery.

What to do in Sydney

You can’t “do” Sydney without hitting one of its eastern-suburb beaches, justly famous as some of the most beautiful in the world. While Manly Beach has a fun holiday vibe and is perfect for families, Bondi is Sydney’s most famous beach, a vast sweep of golden sand washed by sparkling blue rollers where surfers congregate at all hours of the day. Have a dip in the famous Bondi Icebergs pool, brave the waves on a sea swim, explore the busy restaurants and bars, sunbathe amongst the beautiful people, or take a surf lesson. On Saturdays, there’s a very popular farmers’ market.

For front-row views of the best of the coast, take the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a 3.7-mile hike that snakes along the cliffs passing Tamarama and Bronte beaches. From October to November each year, the route is lined with Sculpture by the Sea, the world’s biggest outdoor sculpture exhibition. You might even spot humpback whales from the shore during the winter months.

What to eat in Sydney

This is a city that takes its food seriously, and is proud of its reputation as a global culinary capital. Thanks to its abundance of fresh ingredients – courtesy of the sea and the surrounding regions – local and seasonal food is king, whether you’re dining in one of Sydney’s top restaurants or ordering from a street food vendor. Add to that the exceptional wines from the region, and you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The city center is the city’s hip heartland, while the western suburbs are where you’ll discover Sydney’s vast range of cultures, from Greek and Lebanese, to Chinese and Vietnamese. And Sydney is of course known for its excellent barista-made coffee, so you’ll be sure of a sharp pick-me-up wherever you go. For a fun foodie experience, try a tasting tour of Chinatown.

The views are often as important as the food in Sydney. Try Sydney’s super-fresh oysters at Bennelong Bar in the Opera House, perfect with a drink before a concert, or head to Café Sydney for its sprawling terrace and delicious seafood. Be sure to book several months in advance for Quay, one of the city’s best-loved restaurants with spectacular harbor views matched only by the fine cuisine.

For more information, go to www.sydney.com