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'.
Marque Hotel, Sydney is ideally located in the heart of Sydney, directly opposite Central Railway Station and adjacent to Darling Harbour and Chinatown. Best location and value for money in 3 star category.
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!
Overlooking beautiful Manly beach, just 15mins by Jetcat from the city. Surrounded by al fresco restaurants and trendy cafes, Sebel of Manly is an intimate boutique hotel with a relaxed resort atmosphere.
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.
Right in the heart of the city within walking distance of Circular Quay and the historic Rocks area. Excellent location and price.
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.
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.
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.
Stunning views from every room with floor to ceiling windows. Superb location at the junction of the Rocks and Circular Quay. Absolute luxury.
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. Skywalk is the newest attraction which takes visitors onto a glass bottom viewing platform 260 metres above the city (twice as high as the Harbour Bridge).
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.