Sydney City Accommodation
» Stayz Sydney City Accommodation
| Description | Sleeps | $ | Type | Nights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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City Apartment #83Sydney City
Luxury 2 bedroom apartment with balcony and views in Sydney City Centre, walk to all attractions. |
4 | $210 - $230 nightly |
Apartment 0 m to Sydney City |
5-59 |
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The Horizon SydneyDarlinghurst
Honeymoon in luxury. Private & quiet. Fully luxury, big views! All linens, bedding & everything else |
4 | $155 nightly |
Apartment 150 m to Kings Cross, CBD, |
5-59 |
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Ikon 5 Star Executive Apartment an Icon in cosmopolitan Potts PointPotts Point, easy walk to Sydney CBD,
Superb 1 bedroom apartment, great view, fabulous facilities, restaurants, cafes, delis and shops. |
2 | $198 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to Sydney CBD |
7-59 |
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An Oasis in the Inner CitySurry Hills
An oasis in the centre of the city. A wonderful house in a fantastic position. Cafes Galleries Park |
6 | $179 - $220 nightly |
Cottage/ House 1 km to Fox Studios, Oxford |
7-59 |
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HenleySydney
FIT ALL THE FAMILY 3 BEDROOM HOUSE WITH BEDS AND BUNKS TO SLEEP 12. ONLY 10 MINUTES FROM CITY CENTRE |
12 | $285 - $498 nightly |
Cottage/ House 5 km to 10 min to city, 20 |
2-59 |
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Harbour LodgeSydney CBD
Idyllic location close to the Harbour pool, spa, sauna, |
5 | $185 - $195 nightly |
Apartment 100 m to Sydney Harbour |
5-59 |
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City Park Views 2 bedroomsSydney Goulburn Street
Special: **SPECIAL** Aug/Sep $175 per night or $1150 per week 4 people Book this week only Enjoy all sydney has to offer in this large 2 bedroom apartment. fully self contained. |
6 | $193 - $250 nightly |
Apartment 0 m to in CBD and only 20 |
3-42 |
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Executive one bedroom apartment ELANRushcutters Bay
Furnished apartment. Elan. Rushcutters Bay. Darlinghurst. Close to city and harbour |
2 | $100 nightly |
Apartment 2 km to Eastern suberbs |
59-59 |
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Luxury 2 Bedroom City Apartment355 Kent Street, Sydney City South,
Near new luxury accommodation, 1 minute to Darling Harbour, in center of city! |
4 | $235 - $389 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to Darling harbour, |
3-59 |
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Hyde Park Plaza Studio ApartmentsSydney
Special: **special $110 per night** minimum 3 nights AUGUST only $700 per week minimum 1 months stay 2 people Experience sydney in our new fully furnished studio apartments, right in the centre of Sydney. |
2 | $121 - $195 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to CBD |
4-59 |
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Harbour GardensDowling Street City
-Large fully self contained Studio Apartment. Centrally located only 100 metres from the sparkling waters of Syney Harbour. adjacent to the Botanical gardens only minutes to the Opera House, |
5 | $171 - $185 nightly |
Apartment 100 m to Sydney Harbour |
5-59 |
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City View 1br Luxury ApartmentSydney CBD, Darling harbour
Modern harbour side accommodation, right at Darling Harbour, city view luxury 65sqm apartment |
2 | $151 - $295 nightly |
Apartment 0 m to Darling Harbour, |
3-59 |
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Meta - City Centre by StarckSydney
Special: $1350 per week. All inclusive price Ideal city location to enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. Walk through hyde Park to the shops |
4 | $193 - $285 nightly |
Apartment 100 m to Hyde Park and in CBD |
3-59 |
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Above Sydney Stay 3BR PYRMONT ST PenthouseDarling Harbour
Luxurious 3 bedroom sub penthouse executive apartments beautifully furnished & fully equipped nestled around Sydney Darling Harbour. |
6 | $420 - $560 nightly |
Apartment 50 m to Darling Harbour |
3-59 |
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North Sydney UnitNorth Sydney
Luxury executive style 1 bedroom furn apartment. Foxtel, Stereo, Pool, Gym, Balcony, Views, more |
2 | $150 nightly |
Apartment 1 km to Sydney Harbour |
14-59 |
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Harbour Waters Sydney CBD
-Bright sunny spacious studio apartment. fully furnished and presented, great location. |
5 | $171 - $185 nightly |
Apartment 100 m to Harbour,City Centre |
5-59 |
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Darling Harbour 3BR+Study PenthouseDarling Harbour
Luxurious 4 ½ Star executive apartments beautifully furnished & fully equipped nestled around Sydney Darling Harbour Views. Separate study with sofa beds for extra sleeps. This Penthouse apartment |
6 | $420 - $560 nightly |
Apartment 50 m to CBD,Darling Harbour, |
3-59 |
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Burwood Olympic Park StaysBurwood,20 min train to city
7km to Olympic Park.Sleeps 1-9.FREE parking,FREE local & national calls,FREE internet,opposite shops |
9 | $136 - $320 nightly |
Apartment 6 km to Olympic Park, |
2-59 |
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"Portside"Sydney City
Located in the trendy waterfront area of Sydney,adjacent to the Botanical Gardens, |
4 | $185 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to Sydney City |
5-59 |
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PARKRIDGEDARLINGHURST
Sydney apartment with views, parking available, inhouse catering & gift hamper available, |
6 | $130 - $500 nightly |
Apartment 50 m to HYDE PARK SYDNEY |
1-59 |
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Darling Harbour 2BR Split LevelDarling Harbour
Luxurious 4 ½ Star executive apartments beautifully furnished & fully equipped nestled around Sydney Darling Harbour. This apartment has 2BR plus a study area with 2 bathrooms. Large combined living |
4 | $280 - $380 nightly |
Apartment 50 m to Darling Harbour, CBD |
3-59 |
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Apartment Deluxe at World SquareSydney
Apartment Deluxe at World Square Stay the luxury, Pay the less |
3 | $95 - $154 nightly |
Apartment 100 m to Darling Harbour |
3-59 |
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KanangraMaroubra/Maroubra Beach
Our spacious 3 bedroom executive apartment offers a quality lifestyle & fabulous panoramic views |
6 | $257 - $450 nightly |
Apartment 2 km to Beach, park, 6kms to |
2-59 |
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Lacey On CooperSurry Hills
Great place to relax in private |
4 | $180 - $220 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to Surry Hills |
4-59 |
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Garden View ApartmentDarlinghurst
Inner City Art Deco Apartment |
2 | $120 - $180 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to City/Harbour |
7-59 |
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Superb Harbour Views City ApartmentEast Sydney
Spacious 2 bedroom executive apartment, extended living on a spacious balcony, great views |
- | - | Apartment 1 km to Sydney city and |
- |
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Beautiful house great viewsRozelle/Balmain
Special: This newly renovated house is available from 14 Aug until 10 Sept at a discounted price of $1050pw. It has a beautiful very private rear terrace & BBQ all great views. |
6 | $171 nightly |
Cottage/ House 3 km to Harbour |
14-42 |
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Wonderful Harbour views - House on a hillRozelle
House on a hill, wonderful extensive Harbour views Great area Close to the ferry and bus terminals. |
- | - | Cottage/ House 2 km to Balmain village and |
- |
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Luxury Penthouse Style 170m2 3BR ApartmentSydney
Sydney Luxury Accomodation, Sydney CBD Furnished Service Apartments, Sydney Holiday Apartments |
7 | $225 - $399 nightly |
Apartment 100 m to Darling Harbour |
3-59 |
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Harbour LodgeSydney central
-Large fully self contained one bedroom apartment, Kitchen, Bathroom, sleep up to 5 persons. |
5 | $195 nightly |
Apartment 150 m to Harbour,Opera House |
5-59 |
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City Lights TerraceUltimo
Experience a cosy fully renovated 1800's workers cottage. 10 minute stroll to Darling Harbour. |
6 | $171 - $220 nightly |
Cottage/ House 1 km to City & Darling |
3-59 |
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Sydney City ApartmentSydney
Sydney at its best. 1 bedroom apartment FF All amenities and security parking includeded. |
- | - | Apartment 0 km to Rushcutters Bay |
- |
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Macquarie St. Super city apartmentSydney
Superb prestige apartment 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms CBD Walk to office, shops, Transport Rail or bus |
- | - | Apartment 0 km to Business and |
- |
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Apartment Deluxe Sydney CentralSydney
Luxury 2 Bedroom Apartment with breath taking views of Darling Harbour, City and Cockle Bay waters. |
6 | $170 - $303 nightly |
Apartment 100 m to Darling Harbour |
3-59 |
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Sydney City + Park ApartmentSydney
City life at its best Superb 2 bed apart Harbour views Here 4 business? Bring the family. |
4 | $143 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to Sydney Harbour |
7-59 |
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Above Sydney Stay - 3BR MURRAY STDarling Harbour
Luxurious 3 bedroom sub penthouse executive apartments beautifully furnished & fully equipped nestled around Sydney Darling Harbour. |
6 | $420 - $560 nightly |
Apartment 50 m to Darling Harbour, |
3-59 |
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Bondi Beachside Bliss ONEBondi Beach
Luxury Apartment in quiet complex next to beach, queen size bed, Foxtel, DVDs and home entertainamne |
4 | $157 - $400 nightly |
Apartment 50 m to Bondi Beach |
7-59 |
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Superb Harbour views 3 bedroom houseBalmain
Balmain 3 bedroom house Close up veiws of the Harbour Bridge & Opera House 200m to ferry terminal |
6 | $229 nightly |
Cottage/ House 0 km to Sydney Harbour |
7-59 |
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Darling Harbour CottageUltimo, Sydney
Secluded position, right near Darling Harbour stylish 2 bedroom cottage on park, walk city. |
- | - | Cottage/ House 100 m to Darling Harbour |
- |
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Bondi Beachside Bliss TWOBondi Beach
Bondi Beach Modern Luxury Apartment A perfect honeymoon destination with everything you would need |
4 | $143 - $357 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to Bondi Beach |
3-59 |
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Executive Elan one bedroom apartmentElan, 1 Kings Cross Road, Rushcutters
One Bed Apartment ELAN 5 min walk Rushcutters Bay, also to Oxford St. 4 min to St Vincents Hospital |
2 | $100 nightly |
Apartment 2 km to City and Harbour |
59-59 |
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Glenferrie Lodgesydney
Glenferrie Lodge provides superb, 3 star, budget accommodation on Sydney Harbour in Kirribilli. |
120 | $40 - $70 nightly |
Hotel 5 km to Sydney Opera House |
1-59 |
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Cool Coogee 2 bedroom apartmentCoogee
Coogee superb ocean view 2 bedroom apartment. Surfing, boating, sun & sand avail. from January 27th |
- | - | Apartment 1 km to Coogee Beach |
- |
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ABSOLUTE DARLING HARBOURDARLING HARBOUR
ABSOLUTE WATER HARBOURFRONT AT DARLING HARBOUR - LUXE 2 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM APT WITH PARKING ! |
4 | $309 - $483 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to DARLING HARBOUR |
2-59 |
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Premier Sydney Viewsydney
Luxury WATERFRONT Accomodation Modern apartment with STUNNING Sydney Harbour Views |
4 | $320 - $2,000 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to Sydney Harbour |
3-59 |
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City Life ExperienceSurry Hills
Smart City Pad with one bedroom A sofa bed in the lounge enables it to sleep a family of four. |
4 | $100 nightly |
Apartment 0 km to Sydney City |
7-59 |
Reviews of Sydney City
Rating: 4 out of 5
Dom - January 2007
Bustling metropolis that never shuts down. Always something to do, whether it be cruising the harbour, having lunch at the funky cafes or just relaxing on the world famous Bondi beach. Sydney is a hive of action.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Felicity - February 2006
Sydney is a fantastic spot for shopping - and also has some gorgeous scenery and landmark sites to gaze at.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Kylie - December 2006
We stayed in a lovely hotel near the Chinese Gardens near Darling Harbour. It was a reasonable walk to Darling Harbour but it was worth it - so many things to see & do & places to eat, it was great. And not once did we feel unsafe, even once it got dark as people seemed very friendly & there was a visible police presence which just deters trouble. Highly recommend Darling Harbour/Chinese Gardens area for a romantic weekend or family day out.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Luke - December 2006
i like sydney the shopping is great and it as every thing you would want and is easy to use the public transport. there are a lot of things to do for familys like taronga zoo,sydney aquarium,sydney wildlife world, sydney tower, oceanworld, museums,imax, paddys markets and many more
its a great places to vist.
its a great places to vist.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Andrew - March 2007
Sydney is really the most amazing place to visit. Its natural beauty is truly breathtaking. The Beaches are arguably the best I have ever seen. For those who like the more cultural bits Sydney truly has it all.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Rebecca - February 2007
Sydney is a city with lots going on, from relaxed beaches to the hustle and bustle of city life. Everyone can find something to see and do in Sydney. My personal favourites are Taronga Zoo, the Sydney Aquarium, the IMAX and sipping a cuppa overlooking the beach.
For me, I think that Syndey is too big - the roads are congested, there are people everywhere and it is never quiet.
Overall, Sydney fits into the category of nice to visit, would not want to live there!
For me, I think that Syndey is too big - the roads are congested, there are people everywhere and it is never quiet.
Overall, Sydney fits into the category of nice to visit, would not want to live there!
Rating: 4 out of 5
JodieAnne - December 2006
Great place to visit but wouldn\'t want to live here.
Plenty to do and see both within the city and surrounds.
Beaches, shopping, Opera House, sightseeing, zoos, historic walks, harbour cruises, restaurants, pubs, clubs and events.
The pollution is horrid and visitors often suffer allergies as a result, and in this I\'m not alone.
But for a weekend or a week Sydney is a great place to visit before you head to a truly beautiful part of the world, Queensland!
Oh and if you catch the ferry to Manly, make sure you stop at Max Brenner\'s Chocolate Shop on the Manly Wharf... A MUST SEE AND TASTE!
Plenty to do and see both within the city and surrounds.
Beaches, shopping, Opera House, sightseeing, zoos, historic walks, harbour cruises, restaurants, pubs, clubs and events.
The pollution is horrid and visitors often suffer allergies as a result, and in this I\'m not alone.
But for a weekend or a week Sydney is a great place to visit before you head to a truly beautiful part of the world, Queensland!
Oh and if you catch the ferry to Manly, make sure you stop at Max Brenner\'s Chocolate Shop on the Manly Wharf... A MUST SEE AND TASTE!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Zika - December 2006
Sydney is my home and where I grew up. There is so much to see and do in Sydney that most people don\'t even realise. Go for a pub crawl in the city, have breakfast at The Rocks, have lunch at the Lowenbrauer, then a beer at The Australian. Spend your time walking around the Opera House, Botanical Gardens and have coffee and cake at Woolloomooloo and maybe a drink at the W hotel. Now walk along to Harry\'s Cafe de Wheels. Come back in to the city and catch a fairy to Manly - the city really looks impressive at night. This is just one of many ways you could spend a day in Sydney...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Nick - December 2006
My home town and I am very proud - if you want it, you can find it in Sydney especially restaurants, bars and cafes and some great beaches
Rating: 5 out of 5
Karina - December 2006
I absolutely love Sydney. It is the type of city that can entertain all types of people. You have the night life with all the bars and clubs and you get some of the most beautiful beaches in the world
Rating: 3 out of 5
JodieAnne - December 2006
Great place to visit but I wouldn\'t want to live there. The pollution is disgusting as are the thousands of smokers. Great touristy spots to see, and any trip to Oz should include a trip to Sydney if only to climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge, see the Opera House, go on a Luna Park ferris wheel, up Centrepoint tower and take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly for a Max Brenner Hot Chocolate!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Jo - September 2000
Sydney is fabulous, but not as good as Melbourne. Although everyone has their opinion. You need to have lived in both to really make a judgement. One major difference -- there is too much traffic in Sydney -- ahhh
Rating: 5 out of 5
Melissa - September 2006
So much to see and do. Great tourist destination, heaps of shopping, history and food. Take a ride on the monorail, ferry to Manly and visit the art gallery and Darling Harbour.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Katie - November 2006
Sydney is a great city and being voted the best city in the world,I am not alone in my thinking. As a visitor there is so much to do, do bridgeclimb expensive but a great experience, go to a great restaurant, walk in the parks go up oxford st, see it all. shop and eat it all too!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Sandra - November 2006
The Parking at the Hotel was a little troublesome as was the location of hotel falling on a oneway street.Check-in was slow but this was a busy day .Probably should of had more staff on . The room was the usual standard four walls and bathroom had nice products but a little too small. Checkout was not explained clearly resulting in a long walk to find the pay station and having to pay extra money through lack of knowledge.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Allison - June 2004
Australia\'s GREY city! Concrete all round & not easy to traverse!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Melissa - December 2006
What\'s not to like about Sydney. So much to do in the daytime and more to do in the Nighttime. The Harbour Bridge Climb is a must for anyone who visits Sydney and also visiting Darling Harbour for the shopping or food is an excellent experience. You can have either a really cheap day out or an expensive one depending on your taste. It has one of the best Casino\'s in the world if you like to go for a flutter and the weather is great about 95% of the time. Too much to do and not enough space to write it all down. There is no other city like Sydney in the world.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Heidi - October 2006
Love visiting this city. Weather is fantastic, so much to walk around and see, great day trips - very entertaining place. Love the beaches and the night life! Having travelled the world, I definitely rate Sydney as the having the most beautiful harbour in the world.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Stephen - December 2006
Best little city in the world, having come from NX would not live anywhere else.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Cam - December 2006
Having lived here for most of my life (other than 3 year checking out all the other cities) Sydney has everything to offer. From sport, culture, art, nature, the list goes on. Golf courses with the best views, pubs that rock all night and shopping for everyone. Head out to some of the areas where other cultures have settled to experience a different side.
I love this place!
I love this place!
Rating: 3 out of 5
trevor - March 2004
A very fast moving city with lots of people pretending they are richer than they really are. Go south to melbourne for a better, cheaper city with nicer people
Rating: 5 out of 5
lancelot - December 2006
Sydney is my town therefore I am a bit biased. However try the Rivercat ferry to Parramatta which gives you a persepective that even the locals don\'t know.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Sandra - May 2006
Sydney is an amazing city for travellers, so much to see in such short proximity. The major landmarks like harbour bridge, opera house the botanical gardens (with all its bats) and the shopping (wow ladies must do). I found the Queen Victoria Building right in the centre an awe to look at with it high ceilings and old features and my favourite Darling Harbour - it is a place in itself. Right in the centre of the city, with lots of greens to relax including the chinese gardens, and lots to do like the convention centre, sega world, the kids playground, the cruises, the restaurants, the aquarium and again the shopping. Sydney is a must see. These are just a few of the things to see.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Marilyn - November 2006
Huge, bustling, exciting.
People rushing,
rushing,
rushing.
A ferry ride on the Harbour
was an experience to remember.
Sun glinting off the water
then we passed right under
what’s affectionately known as the big coat-hanger.
A park spilled green grass right down the hill to the water.
Sailboats enjoying the wind.
Ahh, Sydney, her praises I sing.
People rushing,
rushing,
rushing.
A ferry ride on the Harbour
was an experience to remember.
Sun glinting off the water
then we passed right under
what’s affectionately known as the big coat-hanger.
A park spilled green grass right down the hill to the water.
Sailboats enjoying the wind.
Ahh, Sydney, her praises I sing.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Shirley - September 2006
The habour is maybe the best in the world and walking the Rocks or sitting at the Opera House looking over to Luna Park is magic. Outside of the city, Sydney is a mangle of unfathomable, unnegotiable roads. If you are sane, you won\'t drive here or like me you will be still paying off toll fees from roads that loomed out of nowhere and traffic fines for parking in places where the signage was ambigious. Expect no mercy from your letters of appeal.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Karmen - November 1982
I came here many years ago and visited overseas destinations - there\'s nothing like coming home to Sydney. It\'s obvious attractions aside, there are lots of places still to explore even if one spends their whole life here.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Tali - October 2004
Three days is hardly enough time to do Sydney.
I doubt three months would suffice for the city that has everything, from
clubs and pubs to markets, malls and museums, not to mention the beaches and
bays.
However, three days over Labour Weekend was all I had to shop till I
dropped, go walkabout, sample a snippet of culture vulturing and experience
the famous Sydney nightlife.
My adventure began with a rude awakening at 4am on Saturday, interrupted
from my precious slumber by a scantily clad man chicken-dancing to the
sounds of Faithless’ God is a DJ, played at alarming decibels.
The unorthodox wake-up call did the trick: we made it to Wellington Airport
in record time, only to discover my vego meal had been messed up.
Once on Aussie soil three hours later, I was in for an even bigger treat.
“Is this your only passport?” An unsmiling customs and immigration official
repeated, waving my battered British passport.
I blinked at him in sleep-starved confusion.
Turned out the travel company had got my date of birth wrong on my visitor’s
visa so it didn’t tally up with the one on my passport.
Luckily, those nice Sydneysiders saw the funny side and we were unleashed
onto the unsuspecting public, armed with a map, backpack and about to be
maxed-out credit cards.
Catching a double-decker train to the Town Hall, we made it to the central
city in a matter of minutes.
Wandering across Hyde Park on a Saturday morning, I was instantly struck by
two things. Not only was the great ball of fire beaming down on us in
generous doses, the centre was a ghost town.
Sydney – or as the locals say, “Seeed-neee” – was recovering from the night
before.
The only sign of life was the Innc Hotel on Pitt Street, pumping out
nosebleed techno for the hardcore massive at 9am.
Dumping our bags at our hotel, we caught the monorail to Darling Harbour,
renowned for its wharfs, gardens, markets, sculptures and restaurants.
The 2000 Olympics had rushed the entire city into dramatic development and
nowhere was this more apparent than Darling Harbour, with its flashy hotels
and eateries.
Catching a tram to Glebe, we admired the suburb’s quirky mix of colourful
characters, art deco buildings and massive markets, selling everything from
bongs to bongo drums.
Glebe is where Wellington’s Cuba Street meets Thorndon, an eccentric and
eclectic mix of bohemia and gentrification.
I found Sydneysiders the friendliest city-dwellers I have ever come across
(although watch out for the crazy inner-city driving), delighted to show off
their stunning metropolis to the world.
Then again, with 340 days of glorious sunshine, wouldn’t you be?
Adding “maaaate” to the end of each sentence also helped to ensure an
enthusiastic response.
As I sipped a soda in the midday heat, I pondered on the sheer magnitude of
the city’s prime attractions. Everything in Sydney is giant-sized. The
malls, the streets, the markets, the parks. Even their standard Coke cans
are 14 per cent bigger, offering a generous gulp of 375 millilitres.
One thing that wasn’t so large, unfortunately, was our shoebox hotel room.
In travel agent lingo, “boutique” translated into small – and we soon
discovered what “lively” meant.
All the more excuse to treat our blistered feet to a further workout,
walking along Pyrmont Bridge by the Maritime Museum, where the half century
old Onslow Oberon class submarine is now permanently parked.
George Street provided an endless sprawl of shops and arcades, with
window-shopping almost as much fun as the real thing, especially at the
ultra lavish QVB (Queen Victoria Building), complete with its regal displays
and salubrious stores.
Finding a place to eat in Darling Harbour on a busy Saturday night proved to
be a major mission, with many venues requiring prior booking.
The harbourside district was bustling with partygoers and fashionistas, off
for a night of clubbing and pubbing in one of the city’s trendiest
districts, which boasted long-running Cockle Bay nightclub Home and many
upmarket watering holes.
Saturday’s sunshine morphed into a soggy Sunday, compete with thunderstorms
and torrential rain – the perfect excuse to check out the indoor Paddy’s
Markets, a mass of knock-off imports, bargains and bric-a-brac.
Upstairs was Market City, housing over 34 factory outlets and 120 stores,
not to mention some pushy bargain-hunters.
“Where are you’s from?” One stallholder enquired.
When we replied we lived near Wellington, the blank look on his face said it
all.
“It’s the capital of a small country in the Pacific called New Zealand,” I
couldn’t help but quip.
“You might’ve heard of it?”
Several hours later, we were suffering from a curious concoction of retail
therapy and shopper’s remorse, juggling a mountain of bags and brollies as
we battled through crowded Chinatown in a storm.
The city that never sleeps apparently drops dead on a Sunday afternoon and
finding a bite to eat in a place that wasn’t “Mackers” around Circular Quay
proved impossible.
Instead, we flagged down a cab, giving our bewildered driver an unusual
assignment.
“Over the bridge and find us a feed!”
Oohing and ahhing at picture postcard views of the lit up Harbour Bridge and
Opera House, we were soon delivered to a Thai restaurant in North Sydney,
supplying copious amounts of delectable delights.
Labour Day fined up considerably, so after stumbling across the largest
street art exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, “Outside the Square”, we
headed back to Circular Quay and caught the ferry to Manly Beach.
The 30-minute trip to Sydney’s top surfing spot took in stunning cityscapes,
with high-rises soon replaced by seaside mansions and sailboats.
Being a regular business day in Aus, the popular hangout was almost
deserted.
The beach itself was a scene straight out of Neighbours (or the more
geographically-correct Home & Away).
As we stepped onto the golden sand, we watched a gaggle of nippers, clad in
red and yellow lifesaving uniforms, jogging across the shore.
Soaking up sunrays, we took a cruel pleasure in knowing it was 13 Celsius
and raining back home.
Yet all too soon, it was time for a reality check.
Reluctantly shaking the sand from our shoes, we headed back to the airport,
a tad more tanned and tired and certainly carrying more baggage than we did
on arrival.
The verdict on Sydney?
Hell yeah.
Just a few final words of advice.
Booze can only be bought from bottle shops, not supermarkets.
Don’t drink the coffee, eat before you get to the airport and pack comfy
shoes.
I doubt three months would suffice for the city that has everything, from
clubs and pubs to markets, malls and museums, not to mention the beaches and
bays.
However, three days over Labour Weekend was all I had to shop till I
dropped, go walkabout, sample a snippet of culture vulturing and experience
the famous Sydney nightlife.
My adventure began with a rude awakening at 4am on Saturday, interrupted
from my precious slumber by a scantily clad man chicken-dancing to the
sounds of Faithless’ God is a DJ, played at alarming decibels.
The unorthodox wake-up call did the trick: we made it to Wellington Airport
in record time, only to discover my vego meal had been messed up.
Once on Aussie soil three hours later, I was in for an even bigger treat.
“Is this your only passport?” An unsmiling customs and immigration official
repeated, waving my battered British passport.
I blinked at him in sleep-starved confusion.
Turned out the travel company had got my date of birth wrong on my visitor’s
visa so it didn’t tally up with the one on my passport.
Luckily, those nice Sydneysiders saw the funny side and we were unleashed
onto the unsuspecting public, armed with a map, backpack and about to be
maxed-out credit cards.
Catching a double-decker train to the Town Hall, we made it to the central
city in a matter of minutes.
Wandering across Hyde Park on a Saturday morning, I was instantly struck by
two things. Not only was the great ball of fire beaming down on us in
generous doses, the centre was a ghost town.
Sydney – or as the locals say, “Seeed-neee” – was recovering from the night
before.
The only sign of life was the Innc Hotel on Pitt Street, pumping out
nosebleed techno for the hardcore massive at 9am.
Dumping our bags at our hotel, we caught the monorail to Darling Harbour,
renowned for its wharfs, gardens, markets, sculptures and restaurants.
The 2000 Olympics had rushed the entire city into dramatic development and
nowhere was this more apparent than Darling Harbour, with its flashy hotels
and eateries.
Catching a tram to Glebe, we admired the suburb’s quirky mix of colourful
characters, art deco buildings and massive markets, selling everything from
bongs to bongo drums.
Glebe is where Wellington’s Cuba Street meets Thorndon, an eccentric and
eclectic mix of bohemia and gentrification.
I found Sydneysiders the friendliest city-dwellers I have ever come across
(although watch out for the crazy inner-city driving), delighted to show off
their stunning metropolis to the world.
Then again, with 340 days of glorious sunshine, wouldn’t you be?
Adding “maaaate” to the end of each sentence also helped to ensure an
enthusiastic response.
As I sipped a soda in the midday heat, I pondered on the sheer magnitude of
the city’s prime attractions. Everything in Sydney is giant-sized. The
malls, the streets, the markets, the parks. Even their standard Coke cans
are 14 per cent bigger, offering a generous gulp of 375 millilitres.
One thing that wasn’t so large, unfortunately, was our shoebox hotel room.
In travel agent lingo, “boutique” translated into small – and we soon
discovered what “lively” meant.
All the more excuse to treat our blistered feet to a further workout,
walking along Pyrmont Bridge by the Maritime Museum, where the half century
old Onslow Oberon class submarine is now permanently parked.
George Street provided an endless sprawl of shops and arcades, with
window-shopping almost as much fun as the real thing, especially at the
ultra lavish QVB (Queen Victoria Building), complete with its regal displays
and salubrious stores.
Finding a place to eat in Darling Harbour on a busy Saturday night proved to
be a major mission, with many venues requiring prior booking.
The harbourside district was bustling with partygoers and fashionistas, off
for a night of clubbing and pubbing in one of the city’s trendiest
districts, which boasted long-running Cockle Bay nightclub Home and many
upmarket watering holes.
Saturday’s sunshine morphed into a soggy Sunday, compete with thunderstorms
and torrential rain – the perfect excuse to check out the indoor Paddy’s
Markets, a mass of knock-off imports, bargains and bric-a-brac.
Upstairs was Market City, housing over 34 factory outlets and 120 stores,
not to mention some pushy bargain-hunters.
“Where are you’s from?” One stallholder enquired.
When we replied we lived near Wellington, the blank look on his face said it
all.
“It’s the capital of a small country in the Pacific called New Zealand,” I
couldn’t help but quip.
“You might’ve heard of it?”
Several hours later, we were suffering from a curious concoction of retail
therapy and shopper’s remorse, juggling a mountain of bags and brollies as
we battled through crowded Chinatown in a storm.
The city that never sleeps apparently drops dead on a Sunday afternoon and
finding a bite to eat in a place that wasn’t “Mackers” around Circular Quay
proved impossible.
Instead, we flagged down a cab, giving our bewildered driver an unusual
assignment.
“Over the bridge and find us a feed!”
Oohing and ahhing at picture postcard views of the lit up Harbour Bridge and
Opera House, we were soon delivered to a Thai restaurant in North Sydney,
supplying copious amounts of delectable delights.
Labour Day fined up considerably, so after stumbling across the largest
street art exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, “Outside the Square”, we
headed back to Circular Quay and caught the ferry to Manly Beach.
The 30-minute trip to Sydney’s top surfing spot took in stunning cityscapes,
with high-rises soon replaced by seaside mansions and sailboats.
Being a regular business day in Aus, the popular hangout was almost
deserted.
The beach itself was a scene straight out of Neighbours (or the more
geographically-correct Home & Away).
As we stepped onto the golden sand, we watched a gaggle of nippers, clad in
red and yellow lifesaving uniforms, jogging across the shore.
Soaking up sunrays, we took a cruel pleasure in knowing it was 13 Celsius
and raining back home.
Yet all too soon, it was time for a reality check.
Reluctantly shaking the sand from our shoes, we headed back to the airport,
a tad more tanned and tired and certainly carrying more baggage than we did
on arrival.
The verdict on Sydney?
Hell yeah.
Just a few final words of advice.
Booze can only be bought from bottle shops, not supermarkets.
Don’t drink the coffee, eat before you get to the airport and pack comfy
shoes.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Alicia - December 2006
Absolutely love the harbour - everyone gets to have a piece of it. There are lots of places where one can have the perfect view, you just have to know where to find it.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Trudie - December 2003
I absolutely love Sydney. The harbour is equally beautiful at night and on a gorgeous sunny day. There is so much to do in Sydney. Great sightseeing of either the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge or relaxing on a ferry crossing the harbour, Great shopping and food. The beautiful seaside suburbs of Sydney are great to visit.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Alan - November 2006
Gotta love your home town. Locals often forget all that there is to do and see in Sydney. Some of the best restaurants, bars, and live events are located here. Whether you\'re a visitor or a resident, you must see all that you can to truly appreciate the harbour city.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Jenia - January 2005
Sydney is a BEAUTIFUL city. Harbor Bridge, the Opera. One of the best ways to explore Sydney is catching a ferry and going from Sydney Harbor along the Parramatta River to Parramatta. There is a lot to see… Sydney Harbor is one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. Especially during the night…
Rating: 5 out of 5
Liz - November 2006
If you meet someone who was actually born in Sydney, it\'s rare. It has it all and attracts all types, spend at least a week and go off track too. Do a food tour, it\'s world class; walk around from Taronga Zoo to Balmoral then have brunch by the beach, can\'t beat it. Manly beach beats Bondi (especially Bacino coffee bar!) except when it comes to Gelato. Paddington markets and street shopping is a good day out. Mainly, its just a beautiful city!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Peter - April 2005
If Australia is the lucky country then Sydney is the lucky city. Situated on the world\'s most beautiful harbour, Sydney has so much going for it after countless visits I haven\'t touched the surface yet. But the day to night transformation sipping fine Aussie reds on Cirqular Quay with the unique Opera House to your right and the spectacular Harbour Bridge in front of you is hard to beat. So is the view from the top of the bridge after a heart stopping climb, the AMP Tower view, and the vantage points from countless rocky alcoves. The ferry trips to outlying areas are great - get a pass for the day for buses and ferries and go for it. The guided tour of the Olympic Stadium is also worthwhile, as is the Sydney Cricket Ground / Aussie Stadium tour for cricket, rugby, and league fans. Possibly the best walking city anywhere so make sure you do as many of the formal paths as you can fit in - you will love them.
Rating: 4 out of 5
DAWN - April 2004
Sydney is all about the harbour - it\'s gorgeous and the Rocks area is steeped in history and well worth a visit. The Opera House is an icon. I think the Rocks Market is not as good as it used to be - a lot of junk being sold. Taking a ferry ride across to Manly is a must do - actually any ferry ride is great. The restaurant scene was disappointing and the area around Darling Harbour seemed to shut up very early at night. We were finding it difficult to get a coffee at 10.30pm! The traffic is chaotic. A good place for a holiday but wouldn\'t want to live there
Rating: 5 out of 5
HEATHER - August 2006
A CITY WHOSE BIGGEST TOURIST ATTRACTION IS CLIMBING A BRIDGE AND RISKING AND HANGING ON FOR YOUR LIFE. THE SYDNEY BRIDGE CLIMB IS A MUST AND GIVES NOT ONLY AN AMAZING HARBOUR VIEW, BUT ONE OF THE BEST CITY VIEWS IN THE WORLD.
Rating: 4 out of 5
James - July 2006
When sydney has good weather, Melbourne has bad weather. so the majority of time, the weather is great in Sydney. Kings Wharf and Woollomooloo Wharf are cool places for dinner and/or drinks.













































