Surry HIlls/Darlinghurst

Description:

The Chinese Garden, also known as the Garden of Friendship, was given to the people of Sydney, as a Bicentennial Gift from their Chinese Sister city of, Guangdong. Built in 1987, it is a place of perfect serenity; an oasis of willows, bamboo, ponds and brooks, ideal as an instant city escape. There is also a teahouse serving refreshments, including green tea and snacks.

Our Local Expert Says:

A clean and fashionable place, great for business visitors who want to do something with their evening - close to the clubs, bars, restaurants and cinemas of Sydney's thriving cultural heart.

Description:

Cosmopolitan cities need chic, architect-designed, cutting edge hotels. Said properties should offer iconic status, glamour and opulence in equal measure. Exclusivity need never be requested, but discretely assumed.
The Kirketon, after starting life in 1999 as a cool, stark, minimalist boutique hotel, was acquired by 8Hotels in 2003 and underwent its latest incarnation. The result is a warmer, more sophisticated property that evokes the luxurious feel reminiscent of grand European hotels, but with a nod to 21st century tastes and technology.
The 40 rooms are divided into four styles: Standard, Premium, Executive and Superior; each a step up in bed size, floor space, facilities, price and finishes.
Outside on the Darlinghurst streets, you're spoilt for culinary, bar and nightlife choices. But if you're finding it hard to leave the luxury of the Kirketon behind, you can always slip out back to the in-house, award winning Eau de Vie bar; it's class with a capital C.

Description:

If Sydney had an artist who best captured the spirit and light of the city, and in particular, the moods and hues of the harbor, it would be Brett Whiteley. His abstract expressionist come surrealist style seemed to reflect the artist's manic and often drug addled life. (He died of a heroin overdose on the South Coast in 1992.)
Several overseas scholarships allowed Whiteley to travel and study around the world during the 60s and 70s, before settling back in Sydney, where his unique style won him two Archibald Prizes (for portraiture) and numerous other accolades and commissions.
After his death (aged 53), family and friends sought to convert his inner city studio into a museum of sorts, a type of homage to the tortured artist, which includes unfinished paintings, sculptures, art equipment; even the graffiti Whiteley collected has been retained.
The result is a rare insight into the working world (and mind) of a truly original creative. At various times, a series of changing exhibitions borrowed from private collections and galleries are on display.

Description:

Ray Hughes' personality, as well as his eclectic knowledge and expertise, dominate here. The space occupies the ground floor of a former warehouse and is divided into a main viewing area flooded with natural light, and adjacent rooms for the display of print portfolios, ceramics and smaller solo shows. The gallery represents artists like Peter Cooley, Joe Furlonger, Keith Looby, Lewis Miller, Tom Risley, William Robinson and Gareth Samson, many of whom regularly take out major prizes. It also exhibits contemporary works from Africa, Oceania and mainland China.

Description:

Aside from the beautifully kept gardens, Hyde Park provides a tranquil haven to the thousands of daily urban commuters amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday Sydney. Not only a sanctuary to the overworked, it is a fitting home to the famous 1934 Art Deco Anzac War Memorial, and the Archibald Fountain--a magnificent bronze and granite fountain commemorating the French and Australian alliance in World War I. Hyde Park looks particularly attractive at night when thousands of tiny fairy lights twinkle amidst the boughs of the ancient trees, which line the walkways.

Description:

Opened in 1922, this museum has two permanent exhibitions; The Holocaust - perhaps not suitable for young children - and Culture & Continuity, Australian Jewish history from 1788 to today. There are interactive displays, sculptures and a hand-written Torah.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're looking for a very Sydney experience, this is it:an outdoor, salt-water pool in a beautiful location, right in the middle of town.

Description:

A salt water pool in the Botanical Gardens, a stone's throw from the Art Gallery of NSW, the 'Boy Charlton', as the locals know it, is something a bit special. Come here for a swim before breakfast at the poolside cafe.

Excellent.

Description:

Best known to most Australians as the drug and red light capital of Australia, the "Cross" is a sleazy collection of strip clubs, adult bookshops, and tacky nightclubs. Over the years many attempts have been made to transform the area into something a little more "respectable": small trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops have sprung up on the fringes, but the area still attracts a different type of visitor. Potts Point is perhaps the most desirable location, at the lower end of the Cross. It is here you will find the glamorous townhouses, hotels, bars, and restaurants.

Description:

This historic Australian pub is tucked away in the colourful Woolloomooloo streets between the hectic Kings Cross and the bustling CBD. The building maintains its historic atmosphere even containing some sections originally laid by the settlers, however it still lends to a contemporary interior and upbeat vibe. The Old Fitzroy offers an excellent nights entertainment and food with live performances from some of Australia's up and coming actors and playwrights. Open for both lunch and dinner, you can expect the usual pub food and beers on offer here as well as a warm and friendly atmosphere.

129 Dowling Street, tel. 61 2 9356 3848

Trent van der Jagt, Sydney Local Expert

Description:

Tucked in-between terraces and flats in a converted leather factory, the Belvoir Street Theater has long presented a range of intelligent works, both classical and contemporary. The performances often star well-known Australian actors, playing in either "Company B", upstairs, or "B Sharp", downstairs, presenting more fringe-style theater. There is a fun foyer bar for before, during or after performance drinks. The Belvoir Theater is a favorite with the hip and groovy crowd.

Our Local Expert Says:

The true home of Sydney indie music, run by the erstewhile Paul McCarthy. Pretty much every rock band in Sydney got their first break here, and there continues to be live music 7 nights a week, most of it very good. Very highly recommended.

Description:

Known to locals as "The Hoey", this relaxed hotel offers varying types of live bands which are generally good quality, original acts. The service, atmosphere and bands are inoffensive. Come to play pool, listen to a good band or have a quick drink. The decor is as close to a big comfortable lounge room as you can get, remembering you are in a bar. Looking for a casual drink or want the hang out whilst listening to a quality band, this place is for you.

Our Local Expert Says:

King's Cross' own Hari Krishna cinema. You can just eat dinner, which is a servicable Hari Krishna spread, or do the meal and movie deal. The cinema, which shows artier mainstream flicks a couple of months after the bigger cinemas show them, is cute. You lie yourself down on cushions. Great for cuddles in the dark.

Description:

This is the ultimate vegetarian meal deal. For a very reasonable amount you can dine and then watch the latest in cinema releases in a comfortable cushioned theater. For years, this casual, well-fed establishment has been packing in locals and tourists in the know, for the endless, freshly prepared, vegetarian buffet and following movie. It is not licensed, has a small eating terrace and is a great place to unwind. There is also a movie room that offers cushioned seating to cinebuffs. So kick your shoes off, stretch out and enjoy the movie.

Description:

If all the tanned and fabulous bodies of Bondi beach are making you feel sick… don't come here. This is the place to come in Sydney if you want to gawp at outrageously beautiful models on the arms of their toy boys. The menu is Mediterranean, and the views are spectacular, with the restaurant housed in a building that looks out over Bondi Beach and across the Pacific Ocean. Come and enjoy the view over Sydney's most iconic beach and learn a little history and the Bondi Icebergs while your at it. Although slightly on the expensive side, the expertly made Mediterranean dishes coupled with the gorgeous ocean setting make this a worthwhile visit.

1 Notts Avenue, tel. 61 2 9365 9000

Trent van der Jagt, Sydney Local Expert

Description:

Tucked away on a side street in Sydney's famous Bondi Beach this food store is a treasure known mostly to Bondi Beach locals. Selling a huge range of fresh organic fruits and vegetables to local beachgoers, aside from the fresh produce, they stock a small boutique range of organic products such as yogurt, noodles, breads and cakes. Their fresh juices are the best in Bondi and their takeaway selection is just as hearty. A fun place with a bohemian edge, which is a welcome relief from the glitz and trash that can sometimes seem overwhelming on Campbell Parade, along the waterfront.

Our Local Expert Says:

A clean and fashionable place, great for business visitors who want to do something with their evening - close to the clubs, bars, restaurants and cinemas of Sydney's thriving cultural heart.

Description:

Cosmopolitan cities need chic, architect-designed, cutting edge hotels. Said properties should offer iconic status, glamour and opulence in equal measure. Exclusivity need never be requested, but discretely assumed.
The Kirketon, after starting life in 1999 as a cool, stark, minimalist boutique hotel, was acquired by 8Hotels in 2003 and underwent its latest incarnation. The result is a warmer, more sophisticated property that evokes the luxurious feel reminiscent of grand European hotels, but with a nod to 21st century tastes and technology.
The 40 rooms are divided into four styles: Standard, Premium, Executive and Superior; each a step up in bed size, floor space, facilities, price and finishes.
Outside on the Darlinghurst streets, you're spoilt for culinary, bar and nightlife choices. But if you're finding it hard to leave the luxury of the Kirketon behind, you can always slip out back to the in-house, award winning Eau de Vie bar; it's class with a capital C.

Description:

This tiny beach is nestled between Bondi and Bronte and is patronized almost exclusively by Sydney's beautiful people. While the surf can be dangerous and prone to rips, Tamarama is a haven for serious sunbathing as well as celebrity watching. The beachfront cafe has a well-deserved reputation and the park behind the beach offers picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Three inspectors patrol the beach daily between October and May (9am-7pm) and volunteer lifesavers are also on duty at the weekend and public holidays (Summer only). Very limited car parking.

Our Local Expert Says:

This walk is really beautiful - a must see. You can walk as far as Coogee, along the cliffs and through Waverly cemetery, which has to be the best-situated cemetery in the world. Very highly recommended.

Description:

If one activity epitomizes Sydney, this could be it. A 4-mile walk on the wild side that literally traverses the rocky cliffs, golden beaches, pristine bays and grassy knolls between two iconic beaches. Doesn't cost a cent; just a few hours of free time. And it's not strenuous; more gently undulating than roller-coaster terrain, but highly exposed in windy weather because you're on the edge of the continent for much of the way.
Start at Bondi, behind the Icebergs Club, head south and keep the Pacific Ocean on your left. Joggers and all manner of humanity pass this way. After rounding MacKenzie's Point and Bay, the path rises towards Tamarama Beach. Look out for signs of ancient Aboriginal occupation, including rock carvings depicting migrating whales. Bronte Beach then beckons, with its 1880s ocean baths (Sundays and public holidays were originally reserved for men back then, but times have changed). Many café options along the way can turn the walk into a full day out.
After slicing through a sandstone cutting beyond Bronte, cross the Calga Reserve and tread carefully through Waverley Cemetery, where many notable literary luminaries were laid to rest.
Clovelly comes next. The very... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

This is Australia's most famous beach. Massive amounts of sand, and in Summer, thousands of people. Watch yourself in the waves if you're not used to ocean swimming, because they can be dangerous.

Description:

A visit to Bondi should be on every visitor to Sydney's itinerary. It's Austraila's most famous beach, and for a reason. Bondi is a massive quarter moon of sand, wedged between two rocky headlands, endlessly pounded by huge ocean waves, its sand draped with sun-lotion slick bodies in various states of undress, kids running around on the sand, the old guys in their speedos (trans: Australian for male swimming briefs).

When you're tired on the beach, then head in for the hippy cafes, cool kids, boho locals and tourists tourists tourists of the colourful and so, so Sydney streets immediately behind the beach.

Description:

This is a much-awaited annual summer event. Contemporary sculptures created by Australia's popular sculptors, as well as leading artists from around 15 countries are exhibited on the seashore. This, one of the largest outdoor events of the country, attracts a huge crowd of around 400,000 visitors each year. So come by to check out these astonishingly creative original pieces of art. For further information, check the website.