Sydney

Accommodation

The Geography of Sydney: As with any international city, location is a major determining factor on price. Most visitors to Sydney want to be near our beautiful Harbour, the focal point of which is Circular Quay. The Quay is flanked by the Opera House on one side and the Rocks on the other and hotels within reasonable walking distance usually come at a premium. However, we do have some very good value for money city centre recommendations within easy reach of Circular Quay. Sydney also has the Darling Harbour area which has fantastic restaurants for al fresco wining and dining and is only a short monorail ride from the Circular Quay area. I have categorised my recommendations as either 'city centre' (meaning on the Circular Quay side) or 'Darling Harbour'.

3 Star Hotel Style - City Centre: Travelodge
Situated in Sydney's CBD, close to Hyde Park, Oxford Street and within walking distance of restaurants, theatres and shopping. Best location and value for money in 3 star category.

3.5 Star Apartment Style - City Centre: Rendezvous Stafford Hotel Sydney
Right in the heart of the historic Rocks. The apartments have kept their original facade with modern self catering furnishings. Great value in an excellent location.

4 Star Hotel Style - Beachside: Swiss Grand Hotel Bondi Beach
The Swiss Grand offers an ideal location overlooking famous Bondi Beach and just 15 minutes from Sydney's CBD. All rooms are suites and contain a bedroom, separate lounge, bathroom and private balcony for you to take in the fresh sea air!

4 Star Hotel Style - Beachside: Radisson Kestrel Hotel
Overlooking beautiful Manly beach, just 15mins by Jetcat from the city. Surrounded by al fresco restaurants and trendy cafes, Radisson is an intimate boutique hotel with a relaxed resort atmosphere.

4 Star Apartment Style - City Centre: The Oaks Maestri Towers
Situated right in the heart of the city, The Maestri Towers combine the facilities and service of a modern luxury hotel with the privacy and spaciousness of a fully self contained apartment.

4 Star Hotel Style - City/The Rocks: Old Sydney Holiday Inn
Right in the heart of the historic Rocks within easy walking distance of the Opera House and Circular Quay. Water view rooms look out over beautiful Sydney Harbour.

5 Star Apartment Style - City Centre: Quay West Suites
Conveniently located in one of Sydney's prime locations, only steps away from the CBD and historic Rocks area. The deluxe all suite apartments combine the flexibility of fully self-contained luxurious suites with the amenities of a 5 star hotel. The spectacular harbour views are amongst the best available in Sydney and some rooms have balconies to sit out and enjoy the vista.

5 Star Apartment Style - Circular Quay: Quay Grand Suites
Situated on the Eastern Shore of Circular Quay with stunning views of the city, Harbour Bridge and The Royal Botanic Gardens. Boasting the finest luxury all suite accommodation combined with some of the most spectacular harbour views in the world .

5 Star Hotel Style - City/The Rocks: The Shangri-la Hotel
Stunning views from every room with floor to ceiling windows. Superb location at the junction of the Rocks and Circular Quay. Absolute luxury.

Travellers Choice - Our clients give us regular feedback and these are the hotels we consistently receive positive comments about:

2.5 - 3 Star Hotel Style - City Centre: The Park Regis Hotel
Best priced economy hotel within walking distance of Sydney's attractions. Perfect for the budget traveller.

3 Star Hotel Style - City Centre: Country Comfort Sydney Central
Great value for money in the heart of the CBD. Situated opposite Central Railway so all attractions are easy to access.

3.5 Star Hotel Style - City Centre: Corus Hotel
Right in the heart of the city centre and only a 10min walk to the historic Rocks and Circular Quay. One of the best locations in Sydney for this price and Courtyard Terrace rooms have the added bonus of a balcony.

4 Star Apartment Style - Darling Harbour: The Oaks Goldsbrough
Situated 5mins walk from the shops and restaurants of Darling Harbour. The Goldsbrough Apartments combine the facilities and services of a hotel with the spaciousness of a fully self contained apartment. Some one bedroom and all two bedroom apartments have views of Darling Harbour.

4 Star Hotel Style- Beachside: Manly Pacific Sydney
Overlooking stunning Manly Beach, 15mins Jetcat ride from the city. All rooms have balconies with either a Manly or Ocean View. 'Best rate of the day' policy applies so contact us for a quote.

4 Star Hotel Style- City/Harbourside: Sebel Pier One
Fantastic location right under the Harbour Bridge with wonderful views of Sydney Harbour. Excellent standard of service and facilities with a great price.

5 Star Hotel Style: The Observatory Hotel
The Observatory has won almost every prestigious domestic and international award and offers guests the highest standards in accommodation, cuisine and personal service. A member of the prestigious Orient Express Group, Leading Hotels of the World and Select Hotels and Resorts International.

Must See and Do

Harbour Days Luxury Yacht Cruise This is an absolute 'must do' for visitors looking for a different Harbour Cruise experience. Join an exclusive group (maximum of 8 guests) aboard a luxury yacht whilst enjoying gourmet cuisine and fine Australian wines and beer. The skipper has expert knowledge of Australia's history and due to the small personalised nature of the group, can answer individual questions and offer local tips for your stay in Sydney. The vessel is state of the art with a well stocked galley, indoor and outdoor showers, and bathroom facilities. Sailing is a favourite Australian pastime and this exclusive tour allows discerning clients to experience it in comfort and style whilst everything is done for you - no deckhand participation on this trip. All you need to decide is whether to have the chardonnay or cabernet with your prawns!

Magistic Cruises This Premium Luncheon cruise offers the best dining experience on Sydney Harbour. Choose from the seafood buffet or a seafood platter. Fresh oysters, prawns and crab are just some of the local delicacies you will enjoy whilst taking in the sights of Sydney.

Oz Jet Boating If you are ready for some awesome fun jump aboard Australia's most powerful tourist jet boat for an amazing adventure. See the sights of Sydney Harbour while experiencing the thrills, and the awesome manoeuvres of Oz Jet Boating.

BridgeClimb - After nearly 70 years you can finally experience one of Sydney's greatest icons by walking to the top! BridgeClimb have been granted permission to conduct organised walking tours to the summit and as you can imagine the 360 degree views from the top are undoubtedly the most breathtaking in Sydney.

Blue Mountains 4WD Safari - Mount 'n' Beach Safaris- offer a full day soft adventure 4WD tour which take you off the well beaten tourist track. You will have the opportunity to see Kangaroos in the wild and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a natural bush setting. If you have little more time then an overnight tour that combines the luxury of Lilianfels with Mount 'n' Beach Safaris 2 day tour is a more relaxed way of enjoying this beautiful area.

Port Stephens Dolphins - Mount 'n' Beach Safaris takes you on an adventure to Port Stephens where you will 4WD over the sand dunes and dine on fresh seafood for lunch while cruising the bay spotting dolphins.

Hunter Valley Luxury Tour - Australian Wild Escapes offer a small, luxury group tour. This 5 star eco tour operator takes you to locations away from the normal tourist track where you will enjoy gourmet food and fine wine.

Blue Mountains Luxury Tour - Australian Wild Escapes will show you the famous Blue Mountains in style as well as discovering places that you would never known had existed. For a more relaxed pace they also offer an overnight tour staying at the luxurious Lilianfels.

Jenolan Caves - AAT Kings operate a full day tour to the famous limestone caves. This is a great tour for families and kids especially enjoy the experience.

Scenic Helicopter Flight - Aviation Tourism Australia offer a range of flights to give you a birdseye view of beautiful Sydney and its surrounds.

City Sights, Northern Beaches & Harbour Cruise:
Australian Pacific Tours offer several different coach tours taking in the Northern Beaches or Bondi Beach and the city sights. Joining a tour gives you the advantage of learning about the history and culture whilst taking in the sights. These tours give a great overview of Sydney its surrounds for clients who have limited time.

Other attractions
and places of
interest around
Sydney

Taronga Park Zoo - these animals have the best views in Sydney! Situated on the opposite side of the Harbour to the Opera House, the best way to get there is by ferry from Circular Quay. Night tours are now a regular event and an excellent way to see normally nocturnal animals. The seal show is one of my favourites as you learn about the natural behaviour while enjoying their cheeky antics. A popular time of the day is between 1100hrs - 1500hrs as photo opportunities with the koalas are available.

Sydney Tower - impossible to miss, situated in the heart of the city with a revolving restaurant and cafe. 360° views out as far as the Blue Mountains (97kms) on a clear day.

Sydney Aquarium - get a close up look at some of our beautiful species including some of our notorious nasties from a safe distance. The Aquarium has a focus on species found in and around Sydney as well as Tropical North Queensland, giving you an idea of what our famous Great Barrier Reef is all about.

Australian National Maritime Museum - right next to the Darling Harbour Complex and housing all sorts of maritime and naval memorabilia. One of our most celebrated yachting victories is also remembered with the display of 'Australia 11' our winner of the 1983 America's Cup Race. Other historical displays include a remnant of the Endeavour, captained by James Cook during his navigation of Australia's east coast in 1770 as well a naval destroyer and a Russian submarine which are moored in the harbour just outside (both open to the public).

Rocks Markets - if you are in Sydney over a weekend this is worth a wander through. A collection of upmarket street stalls selling everything from art to handmade chocolates. There is usually some sort of street theatre happening which adds to the atmosphere while you enjoy a cappuccino or cold beer in one of the outdoor cafes.

Botanic Gardens - Situated just behind the Opera House this a great place to enjoy a walk or picnic lunch with some beautiful views. There are over 400 varieties of plants as well as a Herbarium and Tropical Plant Centre.

Opera House - The best way to see the interior is on a guided tour. These operate frequently throughout the day between 0830hrs - 1700hrs. After the tour enjoy a cup of something at one of the cafes or a magnificent meal at the award winning Guillaume at Bennelong Restaurant. The Opera House has regular theatre productions and these can be combined with a tour and pre-performance meal at one of the restaurants. Bookings are best made well in advance as performances book out quickly.

Take the ferry to Manly or Watson's Bay for lunch. Manly has numerous great restaurants and Watson's Bay has the renowned seafood restaurant, Doyle's.

Bondi Beach - travel by rail or bus and wander around the surf shops and outdoor cafes. Choose from the many restaurants or simple fish and chips on the beach.

See Sydney & Beyond Card - gives you unlimited admission into a wide variety of Sydney and Blue Mountains most popular tourist attractions and entertainment activities, all for a single, inclusive price. Most of the attractions listed above are included as well as special dining and shopping offers, cashless admissions and optional public transport ticketing, giving you unbeatable value for money and convenience.

Nearby Regions

• Hunter Valley
• Blue Mountains