A guide to Sydney and beyond

There is a lot to do in a country this size. This is merely a short list of resources to get your started.

Events

The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras will finish with the parade the Saturday before the wedding, so be prepared for chaos! It’s actually a great party, we recommend it.

The Melbourne Grand Prix is on the same day as the wedding, so you won’t be able to see the race itself, but you can check out qualifying if you’re interested. Otherwise, if you are planning to visit Melbourne around this time, be aware flights and accomodation might need to be booked well in advance.

Sydney personal favorites

  • Circular Quay or anything on the harbour—sailing, ferries, north & south head, and just looking at it.
  • Bridge Climb (Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge)
  • Check out The Rocks, one of the earliest settlements in Sydney.
  • Explore the inner harbour by kayak—paddle to the beach and/or get a glimpse of Sydney water-front living.
  • Harry’s Cafe de Wheels (excellent Aussie meat pies, try one with “mash” and peas). Check out some reviews.
  • Have a drink at the Horizons Bar, on the top floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, with magnificent views of Sydney.
  • Inner city beaches: Balmoral, Manly, & Bondi
  • Neighborhoods: Paddington/Surrey Hills/Darlinghurst (will be crazy over Mardi Gras), Milsons Point, Potts Point, Balmain
  • Do the Spit Bridge to Manly walk. Here is a map and some pictures.
  • Take a day trip to the Northern beaches, Blue Mountains, or Hunter Valley (wine country).
  • Visit the Taronga Zoo for koalas, kangaroos and lots of poisonous snakes and spiders.
  • Go on a seaplane tour around Sydney from one of these operators, Seaplane Safaris, Sydney Harbour Seaplanes, or Sydney by Seaplane

Some favorites beyond Sydney

  • Take a short flight to the Whitsundays Islands (on the Great Barrier Reef) for spectacular snorkeling and diving, plus stunning beaches.
  • For beaches (where apparently one can go four-wheel driving) or camping in the rainforest, check out Fraser Island
  • For theme parks, surfing and a sunny city, go to the Gold Coast.
  • You’ve seen the Lord of the Rings, now see the spectacular scenary for yourself. Visit New Zealand, a three hour flight from Sydney.

Online guides

Books

Resources