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The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Photograph: Jem Cresswell/Destination NSW

A first timer’s guide to Sydney

Heading to Sydney for the first time or the first time in a while? Get to know this beautiful city with this handy guide

Written by
Time Out editors
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Even for hardened Melburnians, it’s hard to argue that Sydney isn’t beautiful. The Harbour City shows off with a plethora of local beaches, gorgeous inner-city parks and those two stand-out icons: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you’ve never been before, or if it’s been a while since you visited Sydney, there are a few great ways to acquaint yourself with the city – and many of them include getting locals to show you ‘round. 

Scroll down to read our first timer’s guide to exploring Sydney. If you’re a seasoned Sydney traveller try this excellent art-filled weekend itinerary or these 50 things you must do in Sydney at least once in your life.

For even more inspo on the Harbour City, check out sydney.com.

Sydney travel guide

Do
Photograph: Supplied

Do

Getting to know Sydney by pushbike might be a sweaty affair, with it’s well worth the workout. Bonza Bike Tours takes you on a 17km ride around the city, with lots of stops around Barangaroo Park, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park and all the way towards the Sydney Opera House. The pace is pretty easy going even for kids and older folks, and the true-blue Aussie guides liven up local history with some (hilarious) fun facts. We hopped on the Sydney Highlights Tour, but there are others to choose from (including ones with beer pitstops). 

What you’ll soon come to realise, after spending time in Sydney, is that boats are one hot ticket item here. If you don't own one, or know a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend with one, we’d suggest hiring something like My Sydney Boat. This personalised boat hire service offers Mediterranean style cruising on Sydney Harbour meaning the team can curate the perfect harbour experience based on what you’re after, whether that be pure sightseeing, beach hopping or even whale watching. The stylish boat can seat up to ten guests (which is great if you want to split the cost) and includes a sun lounge, swim platform, dining table and even an ensuite bedroom and toilet. 

If you’re ready to work those muscles you can also head out on a personalised kayak tour of the harbour with Sydney Kayak. There’s just something about seeing the city from this perspective, slowly winding your way from the kick-off point in Lavender Bay, under the enormous harbour and weaving past (at a safe distance) ferries and other boats. As part of this guided tour, you’ll paddle your way over towards Neutral Bay for lunch at a cute, seaside café, before paddling back to your launch point, all at your own leisurely pace (and receiving great commentary about the city and the sites you’ll pass along the way). Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Eat and Drink
Photograph: Anna Kucera

Eat and Drink

Only a short walk from the CBD is the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens and the hidden Botanic House restaurant. Luke Nguyen has designed a delightful tasting menu that when we visited included sashimi kingfish, seared Hokkaido scallops, salt and pepper squid, roast duck salad, a chilli satay chicken with crispy skin and a cream caramel pudding and Vietnamese coffee-infused tres leches cake. Grab a bottle of wine and enjoy the beautiful setting amongst the trees and the ibises.

Keen for a drink? Head underground toward crowd-favourite whisky specialist the Doss House. Take a spin through the maze of stone walls and you might spot a couple sinking into a Chesterfield or a velvet booth, one sipping a Sazerac made with Rittenhouse Rye, the other nursing a Dusky Scotchman, where ten-year-old Laphroaig and Branca Menta are complemented by a lick of honey and a dash of salt. The Doss House also had the honour of winning the People’s Choice Award at the 2020 Time Out Bar Awards. Why? We reckon it’s about being approachable and niche all at once.

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Stay
Photograph:Supplied

Stay

Positioned neatly in the historic Sydney Rocks, Harbour Rocks Hotel is a boutique accommodation option set in a prime location. The building itself is steeped in history – it was built in 1887 and was once the original Sydney Hospital. Nowadays, the hotel will certainly keep you in good stead with sleek, comfortable rooms and ample extras including ground floor Creperie Suzette, the greenery-filled multi-purpose space upstairs and Middle Eastern restaurant Tayim.

More weekend getaway ideas

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