A Quick Guide to Sydney

Getting Around
SYD Airport to City – the best way is by train. It’s Quickest and cheapest way. Trains are frequent and loads of room. It takes about 15 minutes into the city – check which stop – if you get off at central station then the light railway is easy to jump on for stations to get closer to your hotel. Or if staying at circular quay or the Rocks then stay on the train as they stop there.
Public Transport - is super cheap, and you can tap on and off with your debit card. It’s the sustainable way to travel.
Where to Stay
The Rocks/Circular Quay – is the most vibrant area- luxury hotels located here understandable with the Opera House and harbour bridge close by.
Surry Hills – up and coming with some lovely restaurants more boutique places to stay.
Manly – this is my favourite; you jump off the train and onto a ferry and within 20 minutes you in the lovely seaside town with its art Deco buildings and amazing restaurants and beaches. Haymarket – near Central station – this is where you will find cheaper accommodation, it’s a good location for ease of getting to and from the airport and jumping on the light railway. China town and theatres in this location too so loads to do and cheap eats.
Darling Harbour ** I would currently avoid darling Harbour hotels as of 2023- 2024 major redevelopment taking place** one side of the harbour all the restaurants have been taken away and the mall so very limited and is noisy ***
Things to do
1 Harbour Bridge Climb – this is MY Number One – brilliant and pre book. Can not recommend this enough! Its not really climbing although there are a couple of short ladders but its mainly steps up and steps back down, so you don’t have to be uber fit at all.
2 Ferry to Manly – if you choose not to stay here then its my number 2 go to for a day trip – lovely town with nice beaches and a cute little cove called Shelly beach, it‘s clear water here and pretty. Some amazing restaurants serving delicious fresh fish.
3 Centrepoint Tower – if you don’t fancy climbing the bridge then take the lift for views of the city and harbour.
4 Queen Victoria Building (QVB) – stunning arcade built for Queen Victoria and with 4 floors of luxury shops and cute cafes offering delicious cakes and coffees. Nice place to spend an afternoon and find some unique gifts.
5 The Rocks Market – every Saturday and Sunday – this is well worth making sure you are in town for. So many beautiful artisan stalls and street food and there are also some First nations stalls selling local artwork and demonstrating weaving.
6 Sydney Opera House – if you can prebook a show – I saw a ballet and it was sensational. Obviously, the building is stunning, and you will take hundreds of photos!
7 Australian Restaurants- if you love food then find a restaurant that offers native Australian Ingredients. foods. The one I tried and loved was NOMAD – sensational!
Other fun things
Harbour Tour with dinner, Luna Park, the Aquarium, Bondi beach and the walk along the headland to Bronte Beach.
Further afield
If you have more time to explore further afield then two trips that really are worth doing are
1 The Blue Mountains – stunning scenery and great walks and a very steep funicular.
2 Hunter Valley – wineries – I need say no more!
I personally prefer to overnight in both of the above places as it gives you much more time to explore on your own. You can go by train to the Blue Mountains, but the easiest way is to hire a car. Driving is easy in New South Wales. There are some amazing luxury properties I can recommend in the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley – you would not be disappointed.